Scientists studying one of our most elusive (and cute) nocturnal marsupials, the greater bilby, say they aren’t only unique in their long-nosed looks – their genetics are also unusual. University of Sydney Professor Carolyn Hogg says bilbies have “the biggest genome of any marsupial”, making them both “weird and cool” – which sounds about right… Genomes are a complete set of DNA blueprints found in an organism’s cells – in this case, showing how bilbies have grown and evolved. That’s important because they’re endangered thanks to feral predators and have disappeared from 80% of the areas they once occupied. Hogg says the research is helping “maximise their genetic diversity”. It’s enough to make you sing… Speaking of, our endangered regent honeyeaters were in danger of forgetting their unique songs as their numbers also dwindled – but researchers say they’re rediscovering their voices…