Carl Zimmer

This Cell Feeds, Grows and Reproduces. And It’s Manmade.

From chemical building blocks, scientists have created synthetic cells that have most of the hallmarks of life.

The Evolution of Eyes Began With One

Even Charles Darwin was puzzled by the evolution of the vertebrate eye. New research suggests that it traces back to a cyclopean invertebrate with a single eye atop the head.

Deep in This Lake, a Contagious Cancer Is Spreading

Transmissible tumors have been reported in a handful of animal species, but never before among fish. Is it possible in humans?

The Girl Who Turned to Bone

Unexpected discoveries in the quest to cure an extraordinary skeletal condition show how medically relevant rare diseases can be.