Muumuu

• Ian Sample, WHO monitoring new coronavirus variant named Mu, The Guardian, September 1, 2021

The Mu variant, also known as B.1.621, was added to the WHO’s watchlist on 30 August after it was detected in 39 countries and found to possess a cluster of mutations that may make it less susceptible to the immune protection many have acquired. [Read more].

Splines

The Florence Experiment, a research project by German artist Carsten Höller and Italian plant neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso, is displayed at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy. Visitors can slide down the structure while their emotional reactions are recorded and compared to those of plants. Photo: Maurizio Degl’Innocenti/EPA.

De gustibus non est disputandum

According to recent scientific studies, not only does it seem great white sharks do not seek out human prey, but there would be even some evidence that they dislike the taste. Photo: Lauren Smith.

Raging Bull

• Ian Sample and agencies, Tyrannosaurus rex was a sensitive lover, new dinosaur discovery suggests, The Guardian, March 30, 2017

Well preserved T rex fossils have revealed new insights into the dinosaurs’ sex lives. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

A Valentine’s Kiss With Teeth

The sharp teeth of the Tiger Moray (Enchelycore anatina). Photo: Natursports/Dreamstime.com/King’s College London.

Born to Live

We tend to think of parasites as harmful, itchy, nasty, creepy crawlies. But these strange, beautiful creatures have many uses – and they need our help. [Read more].

• Mackenzie Kwak, No wildlife charity campaigns to save parasites. But they should, The Guardian, February 9, 2017

The head of a dog tapeworm. The prevailing idea in biology is that parasites are simply harmful. But research is starting to challenge this. Photo: Spike Walker/Wellcome Trust/PA.

Arcovazzi’s Great Ancestors

Thought to have lived 540 million years ago, the discovery of Saccorhytus coronarious fossils sheds light on the early stages of evolution. [Read more].

• Nicola Davis, A huge mouth and no anus – this could be our earliest known ancestor, The Guardian, January 30, 2017

An artist’s reconstruction of Saccorhytus coronarius, based on the original fossil finds. The actual creature was probably no more than a millimetre in size. Illustration: University of Cambridge/PA Wire.