Biology

Explore breakthroughs in biology from Harvard and beyond—discoveries in genetics, ecosystems, health, and the science of life.

Colorful abstract design resembling an octopus with intricate swirls and patterns.

Discoveries: short takes on cutting-edge research

Growing liver implants, mapping the sense of smell, and journalism at risk

by Jonathan Shaw

A blue refrigerator covered with animal pictures, notes, and drawings, surrounded by greenery.

My Pet Rabbit Lost Her Companion. Then She Went Speed Dating.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Two figures stand before a large, colorful pixelated face against a yellow background.

Humans Haven’t Stopped Evolving

Harvard scientists identify hundreds of genes under selective pressure.

by Monique Brouillette

A colorful hummingbird hovering by vibrant flowers.

Discoveries

Short takes on cutting-edge research

by Jonathan Shaw

Four Labrador puppies—two black and two yellow—sitting in green grass.

What Do Puppies Know?

Canine capabilities emerge early and continue into adulthood.

by Schuyler Velasco

A close-up of a beetle on the textured surface of a cycad cone and cycad cones seen in infrared silhouette.

Research in Brief

Cutting-edge discoveries, distilled

by Jonathan Shaw

Purple violet flower with vibrant petals surrounded by green foliage.

Bees and Flowers Are Falling Out of Sync

Scientists are revisiting an old way of thinking about extinction.

by Andrés Muedano

An axolotl with a pale body and pink frilly gills, looking directly at the viewer.

Regenerative Biology’s Baby Steps

What axolotl salamanders could teach us about limb regrowth

by Saima Sidik

A bioengineered virtual human heart overlaid with jellyfish-like structures, symbolizing cardiac designs inspired by jellyfish motion

From Jellyfish to Digital Hearts

How Harvard researchers are helping to build a virtual model of the human heart

by Olivia Farrar

A worm-like creature known as the "velvet worm" rears as if looking at the camera

Creepy Crawlies and Sticky Murder Weapons at Harvard

In the shadows of Singapore’s forests, an ancient predator lies in wait—the velvet worm.

by Olivia Farrar

Harvard's Andrew Knoll stands smiling at the camera, wearing a black shirt

Five Questions with Andrew Knoll

A paleontologist on how to understand Earth’s biggest extinction event

by Olivia Farrar