Zeroing in on the origins of Earth’s “single most important evolutionary innovation”
A new study shows oxygenic photosynthesis likely evolved between 3.4 and 2.9 billion years ago.
Q&A: Holly Jackson on building a cosmic family tree
Undergraduate in electrical engineering and computer science contributes to startling new astronomy research.
Study sheds light on the evolution of the earliest dinosaurs
Geological evidence suggests the known dinosaur groups diverged early on, supporting the traditional dinosaur family tree.
Playing a new tune
Meet Professor David Rand, a one-time punk rock guitarist who now digs into psychology, cooperation, and politics.
The growth of an organism rides on a pattern of waves
Study shows ripples across a newly fertilized egg are similar to other systems, from ocean and atmospheric circulations to quantum fluids.
How long will a volcanic island live?
Plate tectonics and mantle plumes set the lifespan of volcanic islands like Hawaii and the Galapagos.
A new way to regulate gene expression
Biologists uncover an evolutionary trick to control gene expression that reverses the flow of genetic information from RNA splicing back to transcription.
How biomarkers can record and reconstruct climate trends
Scientists reveal the genes and proteins controlling the chemical structures underpinning paleoclimate proxies.
Investigating the rise of oxygenic photosynthesis
EAPS scientists find an alternative explanation for mineral evidence thought to signal the presence of oxygen prior to the Great Oxidation Event.
Continuing a legacy of Antarctic exploration
The Summons Lab compares lipids from Antarctic microbial communities to century-old samples.
Comparing primate vocalizations
Study shows Old World monkeys combine items in speech — but only two and never more, unlike humans.
From streams to teams
Graduate student Maya Stokes, a geomorphology expert and ultimate frisbee coach, shows her passion for teaching in the field and on the field.
Study furthers radically new view of gene control
Along the genome, proteins form liquid-like droplets that appear to boost the expression of particular genes.
Using recent gene flow to define microbe populations
New method identifies ecologically and medically relevant bacteria groups.
Professor Emeritus Samuel Bowring, pioneering geologist and expert in geochronology, dies at 65
A professor and mentor for more than 20 years at MIT, Bowring redefined our understanding of some of the most significant events in Earth history.