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Science

Bacteria in the ovaries of ostracods may steer their reproduction

11/12/2025

Researchers have discovered bacteria in the egg cells of ostracods that are passed on from mother to offspring – a clear sign of endosymbiosis. The bacterium in question is Cardinium, which lives deep inside the animals’ reproductive organs.

Science

10 years of EMBRC Belgium: Driving force for innovation in marine research

10/12/2025

On December 9th, the tenth anniversary of the Belgian branch of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre was celebrated. Over the past decade, the initiative has significantly strengthened access to high-quality research infrastructure, expertise, and international collaborations.

Science

The domestic cat only arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago via North Africa

28/11/2025

An international genetic study, published in the renowned journal Science, shows that the domestic cat only appears in Europe about 2,000 years ago – and that it most likely reached the continent via North Africa.

Science

Cannibals targeted Neanderthal women and children

26/11/2025

Neanderthal bones from the Goyet caves (Namur Province) show traces of cannibalism. A 2016 study had already demonstrated this, but it now appears that all the victims were women and children. Moreover, they did not come from the Goyet region but were brought there and then consumed.

Science

A tribute to Congolese ancestors preserved in the Institute's collections

25/11/2025

On 24 November 2025, the Institute of Natural Sciences hosted, behind closed doors and by personal invitation, a ceremony paying tribute to Congolese individuals whose human remains are preserved in scientific collections in Belgium.

Science

Mating injuries as clues to recognize female dinosaurs

04/11/2025

Paleontologists have discovered a striking pattern of fractures in the tail vertebrae of duck-billed dinosaurs, which may have occurred during mating. “The weight of the male could have crushed the female’s back.”

Science

Fossil giant sea snail reveals what European summers may look like in the distant future

28/10/2025

A Belgian-Dutch study shows that 45 million years ago, Western Europe experienced a warm and humid climate with monsoon-like conditions, under the influence of high CO₂ concentrations.

Museum

One of the eight treasures of the Heritage Challenge 2025!

21/10/2025

Our project? The restoration of 21 paintings by Alphonse Mora (1891–1977), artist and shell collector, who immortalized underwater life and marine biodiversity in oil paint. Vote for us!

Science

A 400-million-year-old placoderm reveals how the first dentitions were structured

17/09/2025

A placoderm species from Canada that lived some 400 million years ago offers us a glimpse into the very earliest beginnings of tooth evolution: dental plates attached to the palate with small teeth that grew in all directions.

Science

In memoriam: former director Daniel Cahen (1943–2025)

16/09/2025

Daniel Cahen, former director of the institute, passed away on September 11, 2025, at the age of 82. He left a lasting mark on the archaeology and museology of our country.