The common water flea, Daphnia pulex, has more genes than any other animal known – including humans. It has 30,907.

Alternative DNA

NASA-funded astrobiology research has changed the fundamental knowledge about what comprises all known life on Earth. Researchers conducting tests in the harsh environment of Mono Lake in California have discovered the first known microorganism on Earth able to thrive and reproduce using the toxic chemical arsenic. The microorganism substitutes arsenic for phosphorus in its cell components.

Hide and Seek

Newly Discovered frog in Papua New Guinea – Choerophryne sp. nov. Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) scientist Stephen Richards of Conservation International traced the soft scratching call of this tiny, long nosed frog into a steep muddy gully in New Guinea’s remote Muller Range during a scientific expedition in September 2009. Small enough to sit comfortably on a thumb-nail and hidden from view under a tangle of roots in pouring rain this undescribed frog of the genus Choerophryne nearly eluded the RAP team altogether. Its position given away by one cricket-like call too many, this strange species subsequently turned out to be new to science.

Speak of the devil

Scientists have completed the first draft of the Tasmanian devil genome in an effort to find a way fight the deadly facial tumor disease that has infected 60% of the devil population.

Unexpected source

Judge overturns stem cell research decision. Because of a law suit brought by scientists. Huh?