Colossal crystal for Naturalis
A gigantic rock crystal of approximately 1750 kilos can be seen in Naturalis from Saturday. The giant crystallized quartz cluster is on display in the “Earth” room. A cluster of rock crystal measuring 2 by 1 by 1.5 meters and weighing approximately 1750…
Tree frogs exposed
Biology students from Leiden University have discovered two tree frog species in the Dutch coastal dunes that do not occur there naturally. A special DNA technique revealed these potentially harmful tree frogs. Remarkable, but these are not the only exotic…
Every European species a barcode Project Biodiversity Genomics Europe has started
Yesterday, the international project Biodiversity Genomics Europe started. This is an ambitious initiative to bring European DNA-research to new heights. The cutting-edge project is led by Naturalis Biodiversity Center and carried by partners from over 20…
Why plants worldwide became woody Unravelling the evolutionary puzzle
Why do some plants grow into large woody shrubs or colossal trees, while others remain small and never produce wood in their stems? It’s an evolutionary puzzle that already baffled Charles Darwin more than 160 year ago. Now, scientists from the Netherlands…
The genes behind the scenes: New technique revolutionizes venom research and the study of venom variability
An international team of scientists has found an innovative, animal-friendly way of studying venom genes. The technique makes it possible to determine the unique venom production of a wide range of venomous animals.
A future-proof Bulb region Working together on a resilient cultivation system
The world-famous Bulb region is a national pride and of great value to the Dutch economy. But what about the future of the region? Facilitated by Naturalis Biodiversity Center, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers are committed to the project:…
Is there a future for artificial reefs?
Manmade structures such as seawalls, breakwaters, and jetties are increasing in frequency in marine coastal environments. Overtime, these structures are unintentionally recruiting marine life such as corals, resulting in the formation of artificial reefs…
Naturalis and Picturae will digitize thousands of insects
This summer visitors to Naturalis can see something unique in the museum: a giant installation that will photograph tiny insects in detail. The system has been developed by the Dutch company Picturae , which provides solutions to solutions to digitize…
Biodiversity devastation: human-driven decline requires millions of years of recovery
A new study shows that the current rate of biodiversity decline in freshwater ecosystems outcompetes that at the end-Cretaceous extinction that killed the dinosaurs: damage now being done in decades to centuries may take millions of years to undo.
Naturalis proud winner of the European Museum of the Year Award 2021
Naturalis Biodiversity Center has been named European Museum of the Year! The European Museum of the Year Award is the oldest and most prestigious museum award in Europe. On Thursday afternoon, during the online 'Award Ceremony', the joyful news was…
Walk the dinosaur! New biomechanical model shows T. rex in a swinging gait
Researchers from the Netherlands have created a new approach to envision how dinosaurs walked. By modeling a T. rex tail as a suspension bridge, the scientists formed a new idea of the animal’s walking speed. Trix, the tyrannosaur from Naturalis museum in…
Naturalis sends a 3D printed Tyrannosaurus to Japan
Leiden, 12 april 2021. The 3D printed Tyrannosaurus rex that was in the central hall of Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands, is being shipped to Japan. The life-sized replica of Naturalis iconic dinosaur Trix will leave for the Dinosaur Museum…