Evolution
Insects have more complex immune systems than we thought
University of Melbourne researchers have found that insects and other invertebrates have complex immune systems which can be used to protect their offspring
The fly DNA fighting killer bacteria
The genome of an Australian fly has won an evolutionary “arms race” against a killer bacteria by evolving to co-exist with it, say University of Melbourne.
Why giraffes have spots
A new study led by the University of Melbourne provides the first anatomical proof of why giraffes have spots – and how they relate to plastic surgery.
The Australian grasshopper that’s given up sex
A unique grasshopper that's an all-female species that doesn’t have sex to reproduce gives new insights into evolution, say University of Melbourne experts.
Science can help dogs enjoy their best life
A University of Melbourne expert is part of a new TV series exploring the life of dogs and how science is helping us understand what makes our canine pals happy
Human-driven evolution threatens fish stocks
Warming oceans and overfishing is causing some species of fish to evolve in ways that threaten their sustainability, says a University of Melbourne expert.
Solving the mystery of the four-headed echidna penis
The first highly detailed anatomical study of the short-beaked echidna penis has demonstrated its innovative evolution, say experts from University of Melbourne
Tasmanian tigers start to look like dogs in the pouch
The Tasmanian tiger and wolf evolved similar genetic blueprints, lifestyle strategies and skull shapes, even as puppies finds University of Melbourne-led study.
Secrets of the basket-web spider’s silk
A new study, including the University of Melbourne, reveals the first insights into the evolution and structure of the Australian basket-web spider’s rare silk.
Deciphering ‘cell talk’ to understand our evolution
By understanding how cells communicate, researchers including University of Melbourne hope to gain insights into how multicellular life first came to exist.