Biology & Evolution News

TAU researcher among team that identifies a new family of snakes

A Tel Aviv University (TAU) researcher took part in an extensive international study that identified a new family of snakes, Micrelapidae. According to the study, Micrelaps, small snakes usually with black and yellow rings, diverged from the rest of the evolutionary tree of snakes about 50 million years ago. Only three species, one in the… Read More

TAU research offers explanation for variety of DNA sizes in nature

A new model developed at Tel Aviv University (TAU) offers a possible solution to the scientific question of why neutral sequences, sometimes referred to as “junk DNA,” are not eliminated from the genome of living creatures in nature and continue to exist even millions of years later. The researchers say that junk DNA is often… Read More

TAU study offers solution that could save bats from danger of wind turbine blades

A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the University of Haifa offers an original solution to the biological challenge of wind turbine operation and helps prevent harm caused to flying animals, in particular bats. The researchers’ new development is a unique drone-mounted technology that transmits a combination of ultrasonic signals and lights. This… Read More

Female locust has “superhero” abilities, TAU researchers say

A new Tel Aviv University (TAU) study has found that the female locust’s central nervous system has elastic properties, allowing her to stretch up to two or three times her original length when laying her eggs in the ground, without causing any irreparable damage. “We are not aware of a similar ability in almost any… Read More