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animals

composite metals animals pic

Life

Hacking nature's coolest inventions to create the perfect metal

From bamboo stalks to mantis shrimp clubs to teeth, nature marries strength and toughness with spectacular effect. Copying its secrets could usher in a new age of metals

Features

lions fighting

Life

The 7 non-human mammals where females rule the roost

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Female flies evolved serrated genitals that get in the way during sex

Life

Female flies evolved serrated genitals that get in the way during sex

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The Borneo rain forest

Technology

AI eavesdrops on Borneo’s rainforests to check on biodiversity

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Ediacaran fossil

Earth

Earliest known animal was a half-billion-year-old underwater blob

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dance fly

Life

Dance flies attract males with their hairy legs and inflatable sacs

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A basking shark leaps from the water

Life

Peaceful basking sharks can leap just as powerfully as great whites

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A four-wheeled robot that can echolocate

Technology

Watch this bat-inspired robot use sound to navigate and spot plants

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Penguin

Life

Hundreds of ancient mummified penguins found in Antarctic graveyard

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Monkey in mirror

Mind

We’re not unique – lots of species can recognise themselves

We should be open to the idea that human intelligence isn't as special as we like to think it is

Leader

Life

Butcherbird uses vicious whiplash technique to kill its prey

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Life

Naked mole rats may become good parents by eating their queen’s faeces

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Life

Colourful clownfish carry an unusual health warning for predators

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Life

The largest of Madagascar's endemic lemurs needs a helping hand

Regulars

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