Science and nature facts, news and stories

Five species are set to receive greater legal protection under a new extension to the UK’s ivory ban.

New research reveals that Yersinia pestis was widespread across Europe during the Bronze Age, thousands of years before the Black Death.

A new fossil predator has offered an insight into the chaotic final years of the largest extinction of all time over 250 million years ago.

Many regions of the deep sea are currently being explored for the potential to mine them.

Five species are set to receive greater legal protection under a new extension to the UK’s ivory ban.

Primate poo is revealing how pollutants are affecting threatened species in the wild.

Who gets water when there's not enough for everyone? Morgan Heim's image captures the moment of relief as groundwater gushes from a ditch in the parched Klamath Basin.

Over 85% of methane emissions aren't being regulated by governments around the world.

Who gets water when there's not enough for everyone? Morgan Heim's image captures the moment of relief as groundwater gushes from a ditch in the parched Klamath Basin.

Why are elusive spectacled bears roaming Quito's city limits?

Southern right whale numbers have bounced back since the end of whaling, and they got up close and personal with one photojournalist.

The ethereal beauty of the snow leopard and its surroundings resonated with voters. 

Explore our collections and discover some of the many specimens you won't see on a regular visit to the Museum. 

Dinosaurs are the largest land animals to ever live. Titanosaurs were the biggest of them all. Explore how they were able to grow to such a size.

Catch up on season one of our interactive behind-the-scenes live stream.

Every culture in the world has at least one mythical character who, in some way, represents wisdom, knowledge or just plain common sense.

Five species are set to receive greater legal protection under a new extension to the UK’s ivory ban.

New research reveals that Yersinia pestis was widespread across Europe during the Bronze Age, thousands of years before the Black Death.

A new fossil predator has offered an insight into the chaotic final years of the largest extinction of all time over 250 million years ago.

These characterful creatures also have amazing regeneration abilities.

Justin chats about the challenges involved in getting a PhD placement and maintaining a work-life balance.

Many regions of the deep sea are currently being explored for the potential to mine them.

Primate poo is revealing how pollutants are affecting threatened species in the wild.

Who gets water when there's not enough for everyone? Morgan Heim's image captures the moment of relief as groundwater gushes from a ditch in the parched Klamath Basin.

The Museum is as a finalist for the world's largest museum prize.

Mammal evolution has been flipped on its head, according to new research that suggests marsupials are the more evolved mammals.

Over 85% of methane emissions aren't being regulated by governments around the world.

Protathlitis cinctorrensis is the latest to be discovered in Spain, adding to the evidence that spinosaurs first evolved in Europe.

The world is rapidly running out of time to halt rising temperatures.

Most of the declining species are farmland birds.

Urban soundtracks allow us to listen in to wildlife, from calling birds and shouting foxes to chirping insects and quiet worms.

Exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Cambrian period have helped fill a gap in our understanding of the origin and evolution of major animal groups alive today.

An unprecedented look at potato genetics could help to tackle world hunger.

While there are currently only two members of the genus Saurona, many more as-yet-undescribed species are thought to exist.

Scientists have developed an ambitious new tool which monitors the monthly changes in Wikipedia pageviews for thousands of species.

Think you know your birds from your bees? 

A new technique allows researchers to extract the DNA of people who have handled bone artefacts, giving clues about prehistoric cultures.

Digital reconstructions of broken fossils have revealed more about the life of an ancient crocodile-like predator.

Get to know the Arctic's most friendly faced white whales.

Thai PhD student Chawatat investigates the hidden lives of Southeast Asian bumblebees.