Episode description

The evolution of ‘warm bloodedness’ allowed mammals to live in a more diverse range of habitats, but working out when this occurred has been difficult. To try and pin down a date, researchers have studied the fossilised remains of ancient mammals' inner ears, which suggest that this key evolutionary leap appeared around 230 million years ago.

Research Article: Araujo et al.

News and Views: Evolution of thermoregulation as told by ear

A new surgical glue that’s both strong and easy to remove, and southern fin whales return to Antarctica after being hunted to near extinction.

Research Highlight: This adhesive bandage sticks strongly — even to hairy skin

Research Highlight: A feeding frenzy of 150 whales marks a species’ comeback

Hydrogen dependent CO2 reductase is an enzyme that can convert CO2 from the air into formic acid that can be used as fuel. It also does this extremely efficiently, but nobody has been quite sure how. Now researchers have an idea based on a detailed structural analysis.

Research Article: Dietrich et al.

We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, the findings of some big biodiversity reports, and how woodpeckers don’t end up with headaches from their pecking.

Nature News: More than dollars: mega-review finds 50 ways to value nature

Nature News: Major wildlife report struggles to tally humanity’s exploitation of species

Science: Contrary to popular belief, woodpeckers don’t protect their brains when headbanging trees

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