Earth's magnetic field 'near-collapse' boosted evolution, scientists think
The weakened magnetic field may have led to increased oxygen concentrations in our atmosphere and oceans, triggering an explosion of animal evolution.
Scientists recreate possible process behind life on Earth
"This finding helps us better understand the chemical environments of early Earth so we can uncover the origins of life," scientists said.
Scientists discover "key stepping stone" to the origin of life
"This research may also help inform the search for similar chemistry, and the origin of life, elsewhere in our solar system," researchers told Newsweek.
The Image of Evolution as a March of Progress Is Wrong. Here's Why
The march of progress is the idea that evolution always results in increased complexity.
Two Billion Years Ago, up to 99 Percent of Life on Earth Died
Huge changes to the oxygen levels on our planet caused the mega die-off, researchers found.
Oldest Evidence of Animal Life Discovered
Scientists have discovered a steroid compound in ancient rocks and oils produced by sponges.
Key Ingredients for Life May Have Originated in Space
The crucial compounds could have been brought to Earth by comets or asteroids.
Here's What Earth Looked Like 750 Million Years Ago
A 3D map of the planet shows the ancient configurations of the oceans and continents, and how they have changed over time.
These Exoplanets May Have the Right Chemistry for Life
The planets could have similar light and temperature conditions to those that may have existed when life first emerged on Earth.
World's Oldest Biological Colors Discovered
The new findings shed light on the evolution of life on Earth.
Why Has Earth Remained Habitable for so Long?
The Gaia hypothesis proposes that life, through its interactions with the Earth's crust, oceans, and atmosphere, produced a stabilising effect which has enabled it to survive under conditions which would have wiped it out on non-regulating planets.
Hayabusa 2 Probes Cosmic Diamond Asteroid
Scientists hope it will unravel the secrets of the building blocks of life on Earth.
Why Did Life On Earth Grow Larger?
Organisms grew larger to spread their offspring as far as possible, according to a new study.
Humans Make Up 0.01 Percent of Life on Earth
Scientists hope their work highlights the disproportionately dominant role humans play on Earth.
Huge Project Will Sequence DNA of All Complex Life
Cataloguing the genetic data of 1.5 million known species will take 10 years, cost approximately $4.7 billion and require the cooperation of scientists, governments and students from around the world.
Key Alzheimer's Protein May Have Started Life On Earth
The same protein known for destroying the brains of Alzheimer's patients may have been the precursor for life on Earth.
Chemical Recipe for the First Life on Earth
This brings us one step closer to understanding the origins of life.
Newest Evidence On Origins Of Life On Earth
New research into how life on Earth began offers further evidence that extraterrestrial origins may be plausible.
Organisms Dating Back 3.7 Billion Years Found in Swamp
The (likely) oldest form of life on Earth was recently found thriving in Tasmania, giving us a true glimpse of our planet 3.7 billion years ago.
Saturn's Moon Titan Could Harbor Simple Life Forms
Molecules that might drive the production of complex organic compounds were discovered on Titan, potentially shedding light on how life on Earth got started.
Are We Headed for a Sixth Mass Extinction?
Many scientists argue we are in the midst of a mass extinction caused by habitat destruction and climate change.
How to Backup Life on Earth Ahead of the Apocalypse
From space stations to "frozen zoos" storing embryos, eggs, sperm and the DNA of endangered animals—the movement to create our backup ready for humanity version 2.0 has already begun.
Six Ways The Universe Could Kill Us All
Asteroids, solar flares and gamma rays... The universe is not short of ways to end life on Earth.