Scientists have long known that biodiversity has increased over geological time, but corresponding trends for the sheer abundance of living things have never been calculated, until now. The findings add to data suggesting that conserving biodiversity is essential for the health of humans and our planet.

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have shown that the 'pacemaker' controlling yeast cell division lies inside the nucleus rather than outside it, as previously thought. Having the pacemaker in the same compartment as the cell's DNA helps keep the genome stable.

The discovery of an unknown organelle inside our cells could open the door to new treatments for devastating inherited diseases. 

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that smaller islands within the Wallacea biodiversity hotspot are crucial refuges for endangered vertebrates, providing higher-quality habitats and supporting populations. These findings challenge conventional conservation approaches and emphasise the importance of prioritising habitat management on these smaller landmasses.