News
Get breaking news from world-leading scientists.
Discover new species and explore pioneering research into life on Earth. Hear our experts' take on science news from around the world.
The headlines
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News
Whales are being drowned out by the sound of shipping
The cacophony in the oceans is preventing whales from making themselves heard.
21 February 2024 -
News
‘Skin’ of ancient reptile was painted on, new research claims
A new study of Tridentinosaurus suggests that preserved skin is just black paint.
16 February 2024 -
News
Coral reefs cover more of Earth’s surface than realised, new estimates reveal
Satellite images have revealed a missing 64,000 square kilometres of coral cover, an area similar to the size of Ireland.
13 February 2024 -
News
Migratory fish, mammals and birds at risk of extinction
The first State of the World’s Migratory Species report found that countries aren’t doing enough to save threatened species.
12 February 2024
Research from our scientists
Behind the scenes, hundreds of Museum scientists study every aspect of life in our galaxy - from far-flung planets to the insects in our gardens. Explore their discoveries.
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Science news
Lack of renewable energy metals could hold up net zero goals
Giving communities a greater say over mining could help to speed up the transition to net zero.
22 February 2024 -
Science news
Snakes’ rapid evolution might be the secret of their success
They might not have legs, but snakes are outpacing their relatives in the race to evolve.
22 February 2024 -
Science news
New species of pirate spiders discovered on South Atlantic island
Named in honour of two dedicated conservationists, the discovery of the spiders could help to protect at-risk forests on St Helena.
15 February 2024 -
Science news
New technique detects distinct fish populations in a single lake through their environmental DNA
A new study has allowed scientists to see how populations of fish differ through their DNA.
7 February 2024 -
Science news
New pterosaur from Skye reveals the hidden diversity of the Middle Jurassic
Discovered in Scotland, Ceoptera evansae has been named as a new species of pterosaur.
6 February 2024 -
Science news
Scientists plan ‘seaweed breakthrough’ to restore threatened species
Seaweeds play a vital role in the modern world, but their existence is under threat.
2 February 2024
Environment news
Nature needs our help. Get updates on the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and more.
Invasive red fire ants found in Europe for the first time
Red imported fire ants are one of the world’s most damaging invasive species.
11 September 2023
Deep sea mining: A necessary industry or too much risk?
Scientists are warning that we simply know too little about the deep sea.
15 August 2023
Dinosaur news
The Museum houses one of the world's most important dinosaur collections. Discover more about how it is supporting research into these prehistoric animals.
In our blog series, Dinosaur diaries, hear from the palaeontology team as they give their take on breaking dinosaur news from around the world.
New species
Thousands of new animals and plants are discovered every year. Hundreds of them are found by scientists at the Museum.
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Dinosaurs
Xu Xing: The palaeontologist who's named the most dinosaurs
Within the world of dinosaurs Xu Xing is a globally important figure.
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Science news
New species of pirate spiders discovered on South Atlantic island
Named in honour of two dedicated conservationists, the discovery of the spiders could help to protect at-risk forests on St Helena.
15 February 2024 -
Science news
Natural History Museum scientists described a record 815 new species in 2023
This year scientists at the Natural History Museum have been busy.
28 December 2023 -
Science news
Moth found in West London is a new species from Australia
Specimens of the hitchhiking insect have been sitting undescribed in the Museum’s collections since 1886.
23 November 2023
Human evolution news
New discoveries about how we became human are being made all the time. Innovative technologies are allowing us to understand the history of humanity in more detail than ever before.
Explore findings from the Museum's Centre for Human Evolution Research.
Space news
Our scientists are working at the forefront of space research, collaborating on missions to Mars and beyond.
From field to Vault, how the largest Winchcombe meteorite was found
The fireball that fell from the sky in February 2021 has been formally classified as the Winchcombe meteorite. The largest piece, which was discovered in a field of sheep poo, is now on display in The Vault gallery.
All news
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Science news
Lack of renewable energy metals could hold up net zero goals
Giving communities a greater say over mining could help to speed up the transition to net zero.
22 February 2024 -
Science news
Snakes’ rapid evolution might be the secret of their success
They might not have legs, but snakes are outpacing their relatives in the race to evolve.
22 February 2024 -
News
Whales are being drowned out by the sound of shipping
The cacophony in the oceans is preventing whales from making themselves heard.
21 February 2024 -
News
‘Skin’ of ancient reptile was painted on, new research claims
A new study of Tridentinosaurus suggests that preserved skin is just black paint.
16 February 2024 -
Science news
New species of pirate spiders discovered on South Atlantic island
Named in honour of two dedicated conservationists, the discovery of the spiders could help to protect at-risk forests on St Helena.
15 February 2024 -
News
Coral reefs cover more of Earth’s surface than realised, new estimates reveal
Satellite images have revealed a missing 64,000 square kilometres of coral cover, an area similar to the size of Ireland.
13 February 2024 -
News
Migratory fish, mammals and birds at risk of extinction
The first State of the World’s Migratory Species report found that countries aren’t doing enough to save threatened species.
12 February 2024 -
Science news
New technique detects distinct fish populations in a single lake through their environmental DNA
A new study has allowed scientists to see how populations of fish differ through their DNA.
7 February 2024 -
News
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 59 People’s Choice winner announced
Nima Sarikhani’s stunning picture of a sleeping polar bear was crowned 2023's People's Choice.
7 February 2024 -
Science news
New pterosaur from Skye reveals the hidden diversity of the Middle Jurassic
Discovered in Scotland, Ceoptera evansae has been named as a new species of pterosaur.
6 February 2024 -
News
Earth has already passed 1.5⁰C of warming, controversial study claims
Has the world already passed a critical level of global warming? A new paper claims so.
5 February 2024 -
Science news
Scientists plan ‘seaweed breakthrough’ to restore threatened species
Seaweeds play a vital role in the modern world, but their existence is under threat.
2 February 2024 -
News
Ban on sandeel fishing to support UK’s struggling seabirds
The fishing of sandeels in the UK’s portion of the North Sea will be banned from April.
1 February 2024 -
News
Oldest evidence of Homo sapiens in northern Europe discovered
The first modern humans to live in northern Europe arrived more than 45,000 years ago.
31 January 2024 -
News
Tiny ants are changing the diet of Kenya’s lions
Invasive ants are reducing tree cover on the savannah, causing lions to hunt buffalo over zebra.
25 January 2024 -
News
World’s first rhino IVF could help save the northern white rhino
Scientists have successfully managed to perform IVF on a rhino for the first time.
24 January 2024 -
News
Underground freshwater levels are declining rapidly around the world
Wells, streams and springs are in danger of going dry as we take water out of the ground faster than it can be replaced.
24 January 2024 -
News
Re-examining Sir Hans Sloane’s collections
The private collections of Sir Hans Sloane formed the basis of the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the British Library.
18 January 2024 -
Science news
Natural History Museum scientists described a record 815 new species in 2023
This year scientists at the Natural History Museum have been busy.
28 December 2023 -
Science news
Early giant whale from Australia changes our understanding of whale evolution
A jawbone fragment overlooked for more than 100 years was once part of a nine-metre-long ancient whale.
20 December 2023 -
Science news
Jawbones reveal how evolution has shaped the face of whales
It’s said that you are what you eat – and that’s certainly true of toothed whales.
19 December 2023 -
Science news
Machine learning could help scientists understand why birds are eating plastic
Seabirds in the Pacific Ocean are eating plastic and feeding it to their chicks.
18 December 2023 -
Science news
Better fossil dating could help to clear up human evolution
Going back to basics could help to unlock the mysteries of our origins.
18 December 2023 -
News
New Royal Mint coins to feature three iconic dinosaurs
The Natural History Museum has teamed up once more with The Royal Mint.
14 December 2023 -
News
Museum scientists published over 700 new pieces of research in 2023
Our scientists have contributed papers on everything from deep sea diversity to marsupial evolution.
14 December 2023 -
Science news
Potential signs of life on Mars might be easier to find than first thought
A school science experiment is answering questions that are out of this world.
12 December 2023 -
News
Ancient plant species revealed to be fossilised baby turtles
A case of mistaken fossil identity has been resolved after 20 years.
11 December 2023 -
News
How do we know which parts of the planet to protect?
Nations around the world have agreed to protect 30% of the land and sea by the year 2030.
8 December 2023 -
News
Young tyrannosaurs may have eaten completely different food to their parents
An extraordinary dinosaur fossil has revealed what young tyrannosaurs were eating over 70 million years ago.
8 December 2023 -
Science news
Fungus named after Beatrix Potter is one of the earliest plant pests
The oldest disease-causing fungus on record has been found in the Natural History Museum’s collection.
5 December 2023 -
News
An upside down deep-sea anglerfish might be hunting for prey
The mystery of the whipnose anglerfish’s extraordinarily long lure might have finally been solved.
1 December 2023 -
Wildlife photography
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 59: People’s Choice shortlist
Discover this year's shortlisted images and don't forget to vote for your favourite.
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Science news
Toxic chemicals in UK whales and dolphins are exceeding safe limits
Almost half of marine mammals around the UK are being poisoned by banned chemicals.
28 November 2023 -
Science news
‘It’s almost like a dream’: Sample of asteroid Bennu arrives at the Natural History Museum
Welcome to the next era of natural history collections.
28 November 2023 -
Science news
Moth found in West London is a new species from Australia
Specimens of the hitchhiking insect have been sitting undescribed in the Museum’s collections since 1886.
23 November 2023 -
Science news
Skull shape can predict how extinct vultures fed on carrion
Variations in the skull shape of vultures have been found to coincide with the preferred method each species uses to feed on a carcass.
21 November 2023 -
News
Antarctica’s ozone hole has been growing since 2004
A new study suggests that levels of ozone have declined by as much as 26% over the south pole.
21 November 2023 -
News
Serotine bats have sex unlike any other mammal
Their style of mating is more similar to birds than any known mammal.
20 November 2023 -
Science news
Unravelling the surprisingly complex history of crocodiles
Crocodiles have a deep and varied evolutionary past.
17 November 2023 -
News
New species of big-thumbed dinosaur discovered in Mongolia
Jaculinykus yaruui is thought to have dug for food using an enormous thumb on each hand.
16 November 2023 -
News
Microplastics are carried in clouds and could be affecting the weather
Microplastics in the atmosphere might encourage the formation of clouds.
15 November 2023 -
Science news
Insect trapped in amber reveals the evolutionary battles of ancient Europe
Katydids have been using ultrasounds for millions of years to try and avoid predators hearing them.
13 November 2023 -
Science news
One fifth of all species in Europe threatened with extinction
The dramatic decline in biodiversity is the result of agricultural change, pollution and habitat loss.
9 November 2023 -
Science news
New toad from Kenyan volcano reveals hidden evolution of African amphibians
The species has only been found once on the side of the inactive volcano.
9 November 2023 -
Science news
400-million-year-old fish fossil reveals how we got our arms
A question that has puzzled scientists for over 150 years may finally have been answered.
1 November 2023 -
Science news
Most Martian meteorites are curiously young in age
Putting Martian meteorites in a nuclear reactor has confirmed their curiously young age.
27 October 2023 -
Science news
Bird beaks reveal the changeable nature of evolution
The Natural History Museum’s collections are helping scientists to get a handle on how evolution works.
25 October 2023 -
News
Climate change reaching unprecedented levels as records tumble
Earth’s climate is entering “uncharted territory” – and we have no idea what’s coming next.
24 October 2023 -
News
Natural History Museum human evolution expert awarded Huxley Medal
Professor Chris Stringer, our longest-serving researcher, is set to be honoured for his contributions to human evolution.
23 October 2023 -
Science news
There is a sex bias in amphibian and reptile natural history collections
More surprising is that the vast majority of herpetology records are unsexed.
20 October 2023 -
Science news
Dog volunteers needed to understand canine motion and domestication
Your dog could have its day as part of a new scientific study.
20 October 2023 -
News
The world’s last untouched wildernesses are at risk of becoming farmland
The last remaining wildernesses on Earth could be swept away to feed humanity’s growing appetite.
19 October 2023 -
News
From staple to superfood: how seaweed fed prehistoric Europeans
Dental plaque may help to reveal what prehistoric humans ate.
17 October 2023 -
Science news
UK seaweeds face an uncertain future in a warming ocean
Seaweeds are vital for the health of our planet, but we are unaware of just how threatened they might be.
13 October 2023 -
Science news
Loss of tropical pollinators puts chocolate and coffee production at risk
The tropical crops may face an uncertain future amid rising temperatures and habitat loss.
12 October 2023 -
News
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 winning images
The image, titled The Golden Horseshoe, has won Laurent Ballesta his second Wildlife Photographer of the Year Grand Title award.
10 October 2023 -
Science news
Digitising UK museum collections could help to boost the global economy
Investing in natural history collections could offer new scientific and economic opportunities.
5 October 2023 -
News
Human voices scare African mammals more than lions
African wildlife is more than twice as likely to flee from the sound of humans than lions.
5 October 2023 -
Science news
Oldest evidence of human cannibalism as a funerary practice
Human bones with cutmarks, breaks and human chewing marks are found across northern Europe.
4 October 2023 -
Science news
Climate change threatens thousands of amphibians with extinction
Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates in the world.
4 October 2023 -
News
Schools in England invited to join new programme to boost nature in education
The National Education Nature Park will create a network of green spaces right across the country.
4 October 2023 -
Science news
Discovery of Moroccan fossil footprints points to unknown dinosaur diversity
Researchers are hot on the trail of Morocco’s missing dinosaurs.
27 September 2023 -
News
Fossilised trilobite gut contents reveal what ancient arthropods were eating
For the first time ever, researchers have found a trilobite’s final meal.
27 September 2023 -
News
One in six species at risk of going extinct in Great Britain
Wildlife in the UK has declined on average by 19% since monitoring began in 1970.
27 September 2023 -
News
Calls for the UK to legally ban keeping whales and dolphins in captivity
Around the world, over 3,600 whales and dolphins are being kept in captivity.
26 September 2023 -
Science news
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission returns to Earth with pristine asteroid samples
OSIRIS-REx returned to Earth with a record-breaking amount of material from an asteroid dating back to the birth of our solar system.
24 September 2023 -
Science news
Identity of Jurassic plesiosaur fossils from Dorset could finally be revealed
Though the Portland plesiosaur made headlines in the 1960s, it has never been formally described.
21 September 2023 -
Science news
Ancient fish reveals how vertebrates put their heads together
New research on the 450-million-year-old Eriptychius suggests it could be a ‘missing link’ in the evolution of the vertebrate skull.
20 September 2023 -
News
Europe’s bumblebees threatened with extinction as their habitats shrink
Rising temperatures and habitat loss could spell an uncertain future for bumblebees in Europe.
13 September 2023 -
News
Invasive red fire ants found in Europe for the first time
Red imported fire ants are one of the world’s most damaging invasive species.
11 September 2023 -
Science news
Ancient bacteria species among the first of its kind to colonise land
A species of bacteria that lived 407 million years ago would have flourished among early land plants.
8 September 2023 -
Science news
Horns in the Natural History Museum's collection confirmed to be from extinct bluebuck antelope
Only four confirmed specimens are known to science.
4 September 2023