Subscribe now
Chimp evolution was shaped by sex with their bonobo relatives

Chimp evolution was shaped by sex with their bonobo relatives

24 May 2018

Some chimpanzee populations gained useful DNA from interbreeding with bonobos, and one may even have become more gentle and “bonobo-like” in its brain structure and behaviour


Horses remember if you smiled or frowned when they last saw you

Horses remember if you smiled or frowned when they last saw you

26 April 2018

Horses can remember the expressions on people’s faces and use them to make judgements about whether people are nice or unpleasant


Dog brain scans show if they are looking at a happy or sad face

Dog brain scans show if they are looking at a happy or sad face

29 March 2018

Dogs can recognise different human facial expressions, like happy or sad, and now a simple brain scan can reveal which expression a dog is looking at


Heavy metal poisoning may be changing birds’ personalities

Heavy metal poisoning may be changing birds’ personalities

22 March 2018

Great tits exposed to toxic metals like cadmium and lead alter their behaviour, becoming less exploratory and more cautious, suggesting their personalities have been reshaped


Birds 'dream sing' by moving their vocal muscles in their sleep

Birds 'dream sing' by moving their vocal muscles in their sleep

9 February 2018

Zebra finches sing during the day, and at night while they sleep their vocal organs act out the motions of singing, a bit like a sleepwalking person


Why do female monkeys spend so long looking at rugged males?

Why do female monkeys spend so long looking at rugged males?

4 December 2017

Female monkeys spend more time staring at males that have highly masculine facial features, but we don’t know if they fancy them or fear them


Huge dose of brain chemical dopamine may have made us smart

Huge dose of brain chemical dopamine may have made us smart

23 November 2017

Two “thinking” regions of human brains are much richer in a neurotransmitter called dopamine than the equivalent brain regions in apes and monkeys


Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop