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In past research, apes consistently failed on tasks designed to assess their understanding of others’ false beliefs. They did’t seem to know when someone has an idea about the world that conflicts with reality. But in a new study involving 40 bonobos, chimpanzees and orangutans the apes were able to anticipate that an actor would behave in accordance with a false belief.

Just like taxonomists have debated over which physical characteristics warrant a new species designation, they’re conflicted over how much genetic variation you need to prove differentiation.

In 1953 scientists investigating Piltdown Man, an alleged "missing link" between modern humans and apes, concluded that it was a fake. But their investigation couldn't answer the question: Who had done it, and why? Many suspects have been proposed, but we now finally know the culprit in this long-standing mystery.

The first cells may have been anaerobic, heat tolerant, and hydrogen-fed.

Scientists have figured out how microbes can suck energy from rocks. Such life-forms might be more widespread than anyone anticipated.

Elizabeth Warren on Trump and Republicans' Attempt to Bludgeon the Judiciary Into Submission. Bernie Cranks Up the Heat in DC. John Oliver: Debt Buyers. Bernie on Talk With Obama and Where Next. Hobbit Histories: The Origins of Homo Floresiensis.

Jaw and teeth discovered in Indonesia after search team had almost given up hope shed new light on how quickly one branch of humans evolved.

We can only guess as to why a group of Neanderthals built a series of large stalagmite structures in a French cave 175,000 years ago – but the fact they did provides a rare glimpse into our extinct cousin’s potential for social organisation in a challenging environment.