Nature

Nature

From the tiniest single-celled organisms to the giants that roam the Earth, the animal kingdom is one that fascinates us all. Every day we learn more about the creatures we share the planet with, all 1.5 million-plus of them, and that's just the ones we have discovered so far. Whether we keep them as pets, eat them for food or study them for science, our relationship with animals is complex, but is part of the very nature of what makes us human.

We finally know why men don’t live as long as women, say scientists

Males that spend less energy on sex and more on raising their children tend to live longer
more

This ancient blue-blooded sea creature has saved countless human lives

But now the race is on to save them from extinction
more

Can plants count?

Plants can't count exactly like humans do, but scientists agree that they're capable of some very clever things
more

Is there anything on Earth that could withstand conditions on Mars?

Scientists have conducted a variety of experiments to find out what, if anything, could survive the harsh conditions of Mars
more

The truth about Borneo's 'vampire squirrel' - and its massive tail

Meet the tufted ground squirrel of Borneo, which has been said to gorge on the hearts and livers of deer and chickens
more

Why do dogs love to play with trash?

Just like wild wolves, our pampered pups can enjoy playing in and with the foulest-smelling stuff
more

We may soon know how to stop dogs ageing, and humans could be next

Cutting-edge anti-ageing advances could extend your dog’s lifespan – and help sniff out the secrets to human longevity too
more

Can animals get drunk?

The natural world is one big pub, with alcohol on tap from fermented fruits, sap and nectar. Different animals have different tolerance levels
more

Here’s how to tell if your dog actually loves you, according to science

Your dog is so pleased to see you when you get home. Then again, that’s also when you feed them. So does your dog see you as their best friend or merely a food delivery system?
more

Ocean water could now corrode shark teeth at alarming rate, study suggests

“They’re highly developed weapons built for cutting flesh, not resisting ocean acid"
more

Cats v dogs: Here’s who’s smarter, according to science

In the ultimate pet showdown, we size up the cerebral powers of our favourite furry friends.
more

8 (very very cute) facts about cats, according to science

Curiosity won't kill these cats
more

Why do cats get the zoomies after pooping?

The science behind 'poophoria'.
more

Cats get dementia too. And they might be the key to new human treatments

New research has found that our feline friends develop dementia in a similar way to human Alzheimer’s Disease, opening the door to further research
more

6 simple ways to instantly improve your dog’s life, according to science

What's the way to your dog's heart? A steak? A permanent place on the sofa? On open car window to lean out of during a long drive?
more

Some (very adorable) whales and dolphins were caught forming unlikely friendships

Their interactions are rarely studied, but it turns out whales and dolphins actually get along swimmingly – even if one side’s keener than the other
more

The (completely adorable) ways dogs know exactly how you’re feeling

Ever get the feeling your dog knows what you’re thinking? It might be because they’re picking up on cues you didn’t realise you were transmitting.
more

This ingenious new invention could mean the end of palm oil

This alternative could protect forests and reduce greenhouse gases, from products small suburban breweries
more

Bigger dinosaurs didn’t always have stronger bites, surprising new study finds

You probably still wouldn’t want to come face to face with them, though
more

Female gorillas can overpower males twice their size, study finds

Primate society is less patriarchal than we thought
more

Is the honeybee crisis a hoax after all?

Despite the negative media buzz, our favourite pollinator is doing better than you’d expect
more

These are the dog breeds most at risk of overeating, says study

Science explains why certain doggos are more at risk of becoming loveable loaves
more

This (very cute) footage shows baby turtles being called by their mothers

In the new BBC series Parenthood, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, baby turtles see sunlight for the first time and crawl towards their singing mothers
more

This cat-borne parasite could be causing you to make bad decisions. Here's how

The parasite hijacks our brain chemistry and can lead to both rage and risk-taking
more