Land animals are often smarter than aquatic animals but it is still unclear exactly how their cognition developed. In @NatureComms, @malcommaciver and #UgurcanMugan found that complex landscapes and the ability of land animals to see more in air compared to fish in water may have led to planning circuitry in the brains of land animals.
Continue reading Complex landscapes affect animal cognitive evolution
What is the hardest thing you think scientists need to do in a lab? Organic chemistry may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but multi-step organic syntheses are easily ranked a top challenge, even among experienced chemists. Nevertheless, computer scientists surprised us again with artificial intelligence (AI) which, despite having less chemistry experience than the average high-schooler, could prescribe recipes with success. … Continue reading AI advises chemists on how to make complex molecules
If asked what animal is genetically closest to a hippo, you might point at any number of four legged, land-roving mammals with hooves, such as a pig or a very fat cow, because we have a natural tendency to think that animals that look similar will also be genetically related. In this case, however, the right answer is whales… obviously. An animal’s morphology can hide … Continue reading The literal tree of life is useful, updatable and already needs updates