New animal species evolved in an instant

This article in "New Scientist" is quite interesting. It talks about a new species of fruit flies that appears to have developed by cross-breeding. I think mechanisms like this and other processes we do not fully understand may account for many of the twists and turns in the evolution of life.

Martian Oasis?

Oasis in the Desert?

ESA has just released this picture which shows some anomalous colors on the surface of a Martian crater. It will be interesting to see what explanations are offered for this. The green and blue colors certainly look like an oasis in the red Martian desert, but it is too early to say anything for sure about what the colors might mean.