Topic: Evolution

How did humans evolve to walk upright? Fossil discovery complicates the picture. (+video)

Foot bones unearthed recently in Ethiopia belonged to a contemporary of 'Lucy,' the 3.2-million-year-old early human discovered in 1974. But these bones seem to belong to a different species, one thought to have split its time between walking upright and climbing trees. 

New human species discovered? How China fossils could redefine 'human'

Scientists have recently dated and described fossils from what may be a new species of hominid, the Red Deer Cave people. The discovery could shed new light on emergence of humankind in East Asia. 

Gorillas are more like humans than we knew, study says

New research has shown that humans are more like gorillas than scientists previously understood. 15 percent of human DNA is more similar to gorillas than to chimps.

Scientists create race of supersoldier ants

This discovery of oversized versions of soldier ants, whose job is to defend the nest, led researchers to create their own supersoldier ants in the lab with the help of a hormone.

Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on energy and the environment

Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. Take a look at where each of them stands.

Fossils show shrimp-like superpredator's eyes had 32,000 lenses

Scientists unearthed 515-million-year-old fossil remains of a pair of Anomalocaris eyes. The superpredator's eyes had 32,000 lenses – all the better to stalk their prey.

Why you should care about Gregor Mendel

Today's Google Doodle reminds us that without the meticulous work of Gregor Mendel, evolutionary biology would make no sense.

Teaching creationism: Louisiana law that skirts US ban survives challenge

The Louisiana law allows teaching contrary to evolution on the grounds it promotes critical thinking, a proposition ridiculed by scientists. Similar legislation is being debated in other states.

12 books Seth Godin thinks you should read

Nonprofit group TED asks some of the world's most fascinating thinkers to share both ideas and reading lists. Here's a list of the 12 books recommended by entrepreneur and marketing guru Seth Godin.

Walking cactus discovered in China

Walking cactus: Scientists have discovered what researchers are calling the missing link in China. The strange-looking walking cactus is thought to be the link between worm-like creatures and arthropods like spiders.

Creationists have gotten clever, but there's still no debate over evolution

Creationists and intelligent design proponents have gotten clever. Instead of pushing for creationism to be taught in science classes, they're merely asking that schools fairly present 'the scientific evidence' against evolution. The only problem? There isn't any.

Religion doesn't belong in public schools, but debate over Darwinian evolution does

Students need to learn about Darwinian evolution. But they also deserve to hear countervailing scientific evidence – evidence that is censored in many current textbooks.

Christine O'Donnell: Take our quiz

Intensely religious and uncompromisingly conservative, Christine O'Donnell rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to secure the GOP nomination for Delaware's Senate election. But how much do you really know about her? Take our quiz and find out.

Bestselling books the week of Sept. 30, 2010, according to IndieBound*

Do pets shape human evolution?

Humans have a seemingly unique tendency to form emotional bonds with other species. Does affection for animals confer an evolutionary advantage?

Monkeys hate flying squirrels, report monkey-annoyance experts

Japanese macaques will completely flip out when presented with flying squirrels, a new study in monkey-antagonism has found. The research could pave the way for advanced methods of enraging monkeys.

New study suggests that whales evolved in the blink of an eye

It took only 5 million years - an instant in geologic time - for whales to diversify into the vastly different body types seen today, a new study indicates.

Fossils found in South Africa point to early human ancestors

The fossil, nearly 2 million years old, 'may make a very good candidate' to be a new species of early human. Found in South Africa, it has a unique combination of ape-like and human features.

Does good healthcare increases demand for metrosexual men?

Women in countries with good healthcare systems report a preference for feminine men over manly men.

For Templeton Prize, intelligent design opponent Francisco Ayala

UC Irvine evolutionary biologist Francisco Ayala has won the 2010 Templeton Prize, which honors those who make 'an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension.'

'Going Rogue': Is Sarah Palin a creationist?

In 'Going Rogue,' Sarah Palin says she is a creationist, rejecting Darwin's theory of evolution.