Jasna Hodžić
Dr. Jasna Hodžić holds a Ph.D. in ecology and is a writer based out of the western United States. Prior to pursuing a doctorate, she worked as an accomplished and award-winning photojournalist. An expert in environmental ecology and science writing, she is particularly interested in science communication that bridges the knowledge gap between scientists and the public. You can find more of her writing and photography at www.jasnahodzic.blog.
The marbled crayfish has been cloning itself for 30 years. Can it teach us about cancer?
All marbled crayfish descended from a single clone discovered in Heidelberg, Germany in 1995.
Yes, size does matter: Solving the mystery of giraffe neck evolution
It's not about leaves in tall trees.
Like birds and mammals, most dinosaurs were warm-blooded
The long-standing debate over whether dinosaurs were more like birds or lizards is drawing to a close.
Does your dog know when your cat is angry?
We already know animals feel emotions, and that they can understand humans' emotions. But can they understand each other's emotions?
Found: Largest known Native American cave art, hidden in plain sight
A recent advance in 3D imaging techniques helped spark the biggest ever discovery of North American cave art.
How climate shaped 2 million years of human evolution
The simulation gave researchers some of the first concrete data linking climate change to human evolution and speciation.
Your personality is linked to risk of dementia and cognitive decline
A study involving nearly 2,000 people found links between personality traits and the likelihood of moving toward or away from dementia.
The inner life of a lobster: Do invertebrates have emotions?
There is strong evidence that invertebrates are sentient beings.
Nature’s “zombies”: the disturbing science of neuroparasitology
An emerging field studies parasites that take over the nervous system of a host.
Hope for Bigfoot hunters: Hundreds of unknown mammal species may be hidden in plain sight
There may be thousands of undiscovered mammal species in the world. Most are small, like bats and rodents, but there could be primates, too. A lifeline for Bigfoot enthusiasts?
Homo sapiens is #9. Who were the eight other human species?
There were at least eight other human species, some of whom existed for far longer than we have. Who were they?
Biological Big Bang: How we solved Darwin’s dilemma
Scientists across a range of disciplines have helped solve Darwin's dilemma.
Chimpanzees understand the difference between malice and inability
Chimpanzees are able to consider the context of social interactions and can accept unfavorable outcomes — sometimes.
Cold water giants: Megalodon may have adapted its size to water temperature
The way that the ancient Megalodon adapted to water temperature has important implications for modern marine creatures.
Joro spider is a unique exception to a major threat
Can a non-native species be a friend instead of a foe?
Balkanatolia: Discovery of ancient continent resolves long-standing biological paradox
An ancient continent called Balkanatolia rose and fell in the area in and around what is now the eastern Mediterranean.
The invasion of Antarctica: Non-native species threaten the world’s last wilderness
With around 5,000 summertime residents, increased tourism, and a warming planet, it is becoming difficult to protect Antarctica from invasion.
Biosignatures: Phony fossils complicate the hunt for life on Mars
Purely physical and chemical processes can deceive us into thinking that life is present, when it actually is not.
Debunked: controversial fossil linking lizards to first snakes
Missing link? More like the weakest link.
Mistletoe and other parasitic plants are ecosystem engineers
Parasites aren’t limited to just worms and ticks. Even some plants like to feed off others — and they perhaps could help fight invasive species.
How a single protein can switch an ant from worker to queen
Social conflicts can leave molecular marks on animals, according to recent research on the ant species Harpegnathos saltator.
Sixth mass extinction: 23 more species declared extinct
The list includes eleven species of birds, eight species of freshwater mussels, two fish, a bat, and a plant from the mint family.