Low-growing moss drew carbon from the air, created topsoil for the first vascular plants, and in 40 million years or so increased oxygen in the atmosphere to levels that endure today. Photograph: Gareth Phillips/Gareth Phillips for the GuardianLow-growing moss drew carbon from the air, created topsoil for the first vascular plants, and in 40 million years or so increased oxygen in the atmosphere to levels that endure today. Photograph: Gareth Phillips/Gareth Phillips for the GuardianEvolution This article is more than 7 years oldAll hail the humble moss, bringer of oxygen and life to EarthThis article is more than 7 years oldA reconstruction using geological evidence, fossils and ancient spores has revealed the crucial role of moss in creating the conditions for life as we know it

Costume designs for the 1910 Ballet Russes’ production of Rimsky‑Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Photograph: Heritage Image Partnership Ltd/AlamyCostume designs for the 1910 Ballet Russes’ production of Rimsky‑Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Photograph: Heritage Image Partnership Ltd/AlamyBook of the dayFictionReviewShaherazade is a rebel with an ever-evolving cause in this novelisation of the classic tales Every creative artist knows what it is to work under a deadline, and the harshest deadline of all is presented by one’s own mortality.

DatablogAbortionAnalysisHow much do abortions cost across Australia? – explainerAnna LivseyIn some areas women can pay as much as $800 for a first trimester termination. Guardian Australia looks at how prohibitive expenses interact with legal restrictions to limit access Campaigns for easier access to abortion in Australia have largely focused on changes to the law but in a speech last week the Labor deputy leader, Tanya Plibersek, highlighted another crucial factor: cost.

One of Angamuco’s ‘neighbourhoods’, revealed using light detection and ranging scanning. Photograph: C FisherOne of Angamuco’s ‘neighbourhoods’, revealed using light detection and ranging scanning. Photograph: C FisherArchaeology This article is more than 5 years oldLaser scanning reveals 'lost' ancient Mexican city 'had as many buildings as Manhattan'This article is more than 5 years oldGroundbreaking lidar scanning reveals the true scale of Angamuco, built by the Purépecha from about 900AD Archaeology might evoke thoughts of intrepid explorers and painstaking digging, but in fact researchers say it is a high-tech laser mapping technique that is rewriting the textbooks at an unprecedented rate.

Metropolitan police This article is more than 1 month oldMet police to give pro-Palestine protesters leaflets about potential offencesThis article is more than 1 month oldLeaflets warn against using racist abuse and promoting terrorism during rally in London against Israel-Hamas war Israel-Hamas war – live updates Metropolitan police officers are to hand out leaflets to demonstrators to provide “absolute clarity” on what will be deemed an offence, as more than 100,000 people are expected to join a pro-Palestine march on Saturday.