The Natural History Museum London

Human evolution Denisovans: The enigmatic ancient humans who finally have a face Denisovans were a type of ancient human that for a long time were known only from their DNA and teeth. But recent fossil findings and analysis is now revealing what these people looked like and that they were likely a species called Homo longi. Along with Neanderthals, Denisovans are our closest extinct human relatives.

The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) today released its members’ visitor figures for the year 2025, revealing that whilst the typical attraction in UK saw a 2% increase in visitors, the Museum achieved a 13% increase - and for the first time in history, welcomed over seven million visitors.

Science news More than 100 species set to go extinct in Britain by 2080 By James Ashworth First published 31 March 2026 The UK is one of the most nature depleted nations on Earth – and it’s about to get worse. Climate change and habitat loss will see numerous plants, butterflies and birds lost by the end of the century. Some can be saved, but only with urgent action.

News New species of baby dinosaur named after famous South Korean cartoon By Josh Davis First published 20 March 2026 A ‘quite rare’ fossil find from South Korea is the nation’s first new dinosaur in 15 years. Adding to the rich diversity of extinct animals from this region, it has been called Doolysaurus huhmin due to its resemblance to a character in a well-known children’s cartoon. From pop culture to palaeontology, a new baby dinosaur has been named from Asia.

Science news New species of “living fossil” had jaws unlike anything seen before By James Ashworth First published 4 March 2026 Animals bite, grind and grab with their teeth – but nothing used its mouth quite like Tanyka amnicola. With its uniquely twisted jaw and sideways-facing teeth, the new species was a relic of an earlier and more experimental time in the evolution of life on Earth. Fossils discovered in Brazil show that an ancient group of animals survived for much longer than realised.

Over the last 12 months our scientists have been busy collecting, studying and cataloguing the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth. From the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the lush rainforests of Tanzania, they’ve given official names to an astonishing 262 new species. Among this year’s cohort are new toads and fish, forams and bryozoans, butterflies and bees, and a smattering of ancient sharks.

The origin of fire The piles of flint were non-randomly distributed. They formed patches throughout the site, and the flints were reddened and cracked, a sign that they were intensely heated. Analysis of the sediment further showed that there was repeated burning. What the team had uncovered was a series of ancient campfires, around which these people were making their tools. But the real discovery came when two little pieces of pyrite rock were uncovered in the same areas as the campfires.

We aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors and the widest possible access to our buildings, exhibitions and collections. Last updated 11 March Visitors with access requirements and their accompanying family members and personal carers can skip the queues to enter the Museum. Talk to our staff at the entrance for assistance when you arrive. We offer free companion tickets to paid exhibitions. Find out what’s on.

Science news Dozens of deep-sea species discovered as new crustaceans named By James Ashworth First published 30 March 2026 Lurking in the depths of the ocean are countless species that have never been seen by humans before. As part of a project to name 1,000 of these unknown animals by 2030, 24 new species of deep-sea crustaceans have been discovered. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, one of the least-known environments on Earth is revealing its hidden diversity.

Science news Jurassic amphibian with a projectile tongue named as a new species By Emma Caton First published 26 January 2026 A new species of amphibian that lived 150 million years ago has been discovered in Portugal. The tiny animal was one of the earliest species belonging to a mysterious group of amphibians that lived from the time of the dinosaurs right up until the last Ice Age.