Topic: Public Library of Science

Chimp acts like jerk, gets praised by scientists

A chimpanzee at Furuvik Zoo in Sweden has been lauded for his 'innovation' and 'sophisticated cognitive skills,' after behaving like a complete schmuck.  

Zombie ant fungus, meet the anti-zombie-ant fungus

A new study has found that a zombifying ant fungus can be kept at bay by another pathogen.

Study finds way more emperor penguins than previously thought

New satellite data reveals that emperor penguins are far more abundant in Antarctica than previously estimated. 

Study: Psychic ability doesn't hold up (+video)

A new study supports skeptics of psychic abilities. Researchers failed to find evidence to support claims that extrasensory perception is real.

Possible new human species unearthed in China

Scientists in China have found what may be a new species of human. Fossils show a group of people with similarities to and differences from modern humans.

Hawk-eyed scientists spot world's smallest chameleon

A chameleon that could rest on the head of a match has been discovered by scientists on a island off Madagascar. The scientists also announced the discovery of three more species of tiny chameleons.

Newly discovered frog is smallest known vertebrate

The tropical forest of Papua New Guinea is home to the smallest animal with a backbone, a frog dubbed Paedophryne amanuensis.

Zombie bees: Fly parasite causes zombie-like stupor

The researchers also discovered fly pupae near dead bees at the bottom of their laboratory hive, suggesting that A. borealis can multiply within a hive and potentially infect a pregnant queen bee.

Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur reportedly bigger than first thought

The Tyrannosaurus rex, according to researchers, may have tipped the scales at a heavier weight than was first believed.

Fishing ban brings species back to Mexico park. But can it rebuild a fishery?

A study finds that a fishing ban at a Mexican marine park – with critical help from local residents – has successfully restored the fish population. Whether it's enough to restore the industry is not clear.

Zombie ants: How a fungus takes control of carpenter ants

Zombie ants: Identified from samples collected at two sites in Brazil's tropical rain forest, each of the four fungus species specializes in controlling a different species of carpenter ant, creating Zombie ants.

Huge pterosaurs may have pole-vaulted to get off the ground

Giraffe-sized pterosaurs could have pole-vaulted with their arms to launch themselves into the sky, scientists say.

New York City ants find a home in street medians

New York City ants have been discovered in street medians. Researchers found a variety of ant species and the ability to create nests in concrete.

New energy: climate change and sustainability shape a new era

A new energy revolution – similar to shifts from wood to coal to oil – is inevitable as climate change and oil scarcity drive a global search for sustainability in power production. But even the promise of renewable energy holds drawbacks.

Was Tyrannosaurus rex a cannibal?

Gouges on the bones of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils suggest that the prehistoric giant may have made a habit of snacking on members of its own species.

Honey bees collapse caused by combination of virus and fungus, study reports

Honey bees are being done in by a pair of pathogens – a virus and a fungus – a new study has found.

The peculiar dinosaurs of Laramidia: weird horns and more

The discovery of two new dinosaur species in the American West – which, 76 million years ago, was part of a continent called Laramidia – has scientists thinking about odd horns and why certain species didn't appear to spread out across all Laramidia.

Kosmoceratops richardsoni: New dinosaur adorned with bony bells and whistles

Kosmoceratops richardsoni had a horn over its nose, one atop each eye, one at the tip of each cheekbone, and 10 across the rear margin of its bony frill.

Moses' parting of the Red Sea: Is there a physical explanation?

A new paper suggests that an area near the Red Sea area could have had favorable characteristics for 'wind setdown' some 3,000 years ago.

Ten-foot-tall prehistoric 'terror bird' had a fearsome bite

Andalgalornis, a prehistoric, flightless, carnivorous bird that lived in South America, subdued its prey using a repeated attack-and-retreat strategy, landing well-targeted, hatchet-like jabs with its massive beak.

As Climate Change debate wages on, scientists turn to Hollywood for help

Politicians and the public question global climate change evidence, so scientists look to Hollywood and websites for a new voice. Lights, camera, science!

National parks not always refuges for Kenyan wildlife

Ecosystems respond well to restoration

A new analysis contradicts the popular notion that ecosystems take centuries or even millenniums to recover.

Green Stuff: Eco-news and discoveries

Scientists reveal the effect of fishing on cod size and question turning crops into fuel.

Violin’s secrets come out of the woodwork