Life on Earth evolved from a common universal ancestor. While the first lifeforms were simple, microscopic organisms, more complex creatures soon appeared – eventually giving rise to animals. But exactly how this happened and what the first animals looked like has been a matter of intense debate over the past ten years.

There used to be general agreement that our most distant relatives are sea sponges – simple organisms that lack advanced features such as nerve cells, muscles and a gut. But with an increasing wealth of genetic data that allows scientists to compare the DNA of different animals, this idea has been challenged by those who believe our most distant animal relatives are comb jellies – transparent, globe-shaped sea creatures that are superficially similar to jellyfish and more advanced than sponges.

Now a new study has investigated which explanation is the most likely, taking into account that comb jellies evolved more quickly than many other species, which may make them appear evolutionarily older than they actually are.

As stock markets around the world struggle through the pandemic, Bitcoin has seen a steady rise in its price. But it may be virtually impossible to regulate currencies and financial services that were built to avoid regulation. And did you know it’s good for your mental health to celebrate Christmas, even if you can’t meet up with friends and family?

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