Carl Zimmer

The Loom

Science Tattoo Friday: Seadragons, Comb Jellies, and the Tree of Life

Great white shark

Discover more about the shark that inspired Jaws. 

"Great" May Be Gone From the Name, But These 10 White Shark Facts Are Pretty Killer 

hot spring at Yellowstone

Learn more about some of the microbes found in Yellowstone National Park hot springs and how they may hold the secrets to how life evolved on Earth. 

Yellowstone Hot Springs Create Perfect Environment for Ancient Microbes 

Looking southeast at the hydrothermal feature that formed in August 2024 just north of Nymph Lake. Steam is emanating from a vent that is partially full of water to create the frying pan feature nestled in the newly formed vent. A thin grey layer of silica mud covers the vent area. (Image Courtesy of: Jefferson Hungerford, Yellowstone National Park, August 2024/Public Domain) 

2024 Roadside Springs feature closeup

Learn more about the new hydrothermal feature that appeared last summer in Yellowstone National Park, and how, even though it went dormant over the winter, it could appear again this summer. 

Could Yellowstone National Park Visitors See New Thermal Feature Again This Summer? 

An environmental reconstruction of the East Kirkton area, some 346 million years ago, depicts the Westlothiana lizziae resting on a rock.

(Image Credit: Hector Garza)

Westlothiana lizziae

Remains of this key transitional species date to a mysterious "black hole" in the fossil record.

Ancient Scottish Salamander is 14 Million Years Older Than Previously Thought 

3D printed models of a wasp (front), a fly (rear), and a series of intermediate mimics generated by 3D morphing.

(Credit: Dr Tom Reader, University of Nottingham) 

wasp models

Learn how a new study uses 3D printing to better understand some of insect evolution’s greatest illusions.

3D-Printed Insects Help Scientists Unlock the Secrets of Animal Mimicry

(Image Credit: KARITING PICAH/Shutterstock) 

Mount Lewotobi

Discover more about Indonesia's volcanic alert system and the systems used around the world to help keep people as safe as possible. 

Volcanic Alert Systems Helped Keep People Safe During Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Eruption

Science Tattoo Friday: Seadragons, Comb Jellies, and the Tree of Life

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