A study on coyote attacks in Stanley Park revealed that habituation and food conditioning contribute to aggressive behavior. To coexist with coyotes, people should not feed them, avoid approaching them, and be aware of their presence during certain times and locations.
Scientists have discovered four new species of Sylvan Chameleons in Mozambique's isolated granite mountains, showcasing unique adaptations and emphasizing the importance of conservation. The research highlights that local community involvement can make a significant difference in protecting these vulnerable habitats.
Dr. Hongmei Wang joins Stem Cell Reports as an Associate Editor, bringing expertise in early embryo and placental development. Her laboratory investigates mechanisms governing embryonic and placental development, with potential for improving reproductive health outcomes.
Dr. Phillips's laboratory identifies abnormalities in prefrontal-striatal-limbic circuitry as biomarkers for bipolar disorder before symptoms appear. Her team tracks neural network development from infancy through young adulthood.
Scientists have identified five distinct species of antbirds, including two new species, by integrating AI, vocal analysis, and traditional museum work. The study reveals that populations separated by major Amazonian rivers have evolved into distinct species.
A new study characterizes the sounds produced by flying gurnards, revealing two distinct types of grunt-like sounds that differ in duration, frequency, and rhythm. The researchers also found that juveniles under 10 cm in length produce sounds from an early developmental stage.
A new study reveals that resilient nematodes can persist in the Atacama Desert's hostile soil, with population diversity correlating to water profile and temperature fluctuations. The findings suggest that biodiversity in arid regions may be higher than previously assumed, but also warn of ecosystem damage.
Dinosaur fossils with preserved feathers indicate these species lost the ability to fly, challenging previous theories on flight origins. The study provides a rare glimpse into ancient creatures' functioning, suggesting complex wing evolution in dinosaurs and birds.
Researchers discover that temperature affects immune cell movement and efficiency, with Myosin II playing a key role in regulating cellular thermo-adaptability. The study finds that increased temperature leads to faster immune cell migration and a higher number of cells entering lymphatic vessels.
Researchers found that bats exhibit heightened vigilance when competing with rats for food, displaying cautious behavior in winter but becoming more aggressive in spring. In some cases, bats were observed attacking rats, highlighting the threat posed by these pests.
The winner of the 2025 BMC journals Image Competition is a photograph of two male saigas sparring on the banks of a steppe lake. The image, taken by Andrey Giljov, showcases the unique characteristics of saiga antelopes and their survival strategies.
A new velvet worm species, named Peripatopsis barnardi, has been discovered in the arid Karoo region of South Africa. The species represents a prehistorical lineage dating back to over 500 million years ago and is a rare find in this previously forested area.
A team of palaeontologists from Fundación Dinópolis has discovered a partial stegosaurian skull in Spain, revealing previously unknown aspects of the species' anatomy. The find has led to the proposal of a new evolutionary hypothesis and the definition of a new group called Neostegosauria.
A new study finds that Canada is the slowest country to report genetic information about bird flu, with an average time of 618 days. However, the same researchers note that Canada was able to improve its response to COVID-19, highlighting the need for similar urgency in addressing this public health threat.
Researchers tracked spur-winged lapwings in urban and rural areas, finding that city-dwellers are more mobile, especially during nesting season. The study also reveals seasonal differences in exploration patterns between males and females, highlighting the complex impact of human presence on bird behavior.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrated that bats can navigate great distances in open areas with their eyes closed, using only echolocation. The study found that bats create an acoustic map of their environment, relying on distinct echoes to guide their flight paths.
A new study reveals that Oriental hornets are the only animals capable of consuming high concentrations of alcohol chronically without ill effects. The research found that the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or illness, even after consuming high amounts.
A new species of pāua, Haliotis pirimoana, has been discovered on the Manawatāwhi Three Kings Islands. The discovery sheds light on the region's unique biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts.
A team of biologists has discovered a unique breeding behavior in the Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, laying terrestrial eggs inside tree holes in an upside-down position. The frog also produces complex advertisement calls and engages in aggressive fights for mating rights.
A new study at Tel Aviv University found that geckos experience a sharp increase in metabolic rates when exposed to rocket explosions, leading to energy depletion. The researchers hypothesize that this stress response may apply to many other animals in conflict zones.
A joint work programme between the UNFCCC and CBD is crucial to meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This unified approach can address the interconnected nature and climate crises, driving progress towards a sustainable future.
Researchers tracked free-ranging Egyptian fruit bats and found they possess high cognitive abilities, including episodic memory, mental time travel, and delayed gratification. The study revealed that older bats can estimate time passed since their last visit to a tree and avoid those with stopped bearing fruit.
A recent study found that China's insect species diversity is highest in the Southeast and Southwest regions, as well as the Hengduan Mountains and Hainan Island. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between human population density and insect biodiversity on a regional scale.
Two new tarantula species have been discovered in Ecuador's wilderness, but they are already threatened due to habitat destruction and human activities. The implementation of protected areas is essential to conserve these endangered species and prevent further extinction.
A Victorian collector, Morton Allport, traded human and animal remains from Tasmania for scientific recognition. The research highlights the entwined costs of colonialism with practices of natural history, revealing a 'quid pro quo' arrangement to meet demand for these remains.
The study reveals that the African penguin's geographical range has shrunk significantly over the past 22,000 years due to rising sea levels, leaving only a few small islands as suitable nesting habitats. This decline has been exacerbated by human pressures such as climate change, habitat destruction, and competition for food.
Deep-sea squat lobsters are reclassified after Harvard researchers discovered five new species, showing wider geographic distribution ranges and shallower genetic diversity. The discovery highlights the importance of molecular data in understanding evolutionary history.
Researchers deciphered the ovarian reserve in cynomolgus monkeys using quantitative morphometric study. The study found that the number of primordial follicles decreased with age, with abundant reserves in perinatal periods and sharp decline during adolescence and adulthood.
Paleontologists at Tübingen University's Senckenberg Centre have discovered a previously unknown genus and species of dinosaur, Tuebingosaurus maierfritzorum. The herbivore lived in the Swabian Alb region from 203 to 211 million years ago, displaying similarities with large long-necked sauropods.
A new study found that coral spawning events at deeper depths occur at lower intensities than those in shallow waters. The researchers suggest that deep reefs may more often rely on shallow-reef corals to survive.
A new study reveals that the Hippo signaling pathway is responsible for forming the body axis in Hydra, a process also controlling tissue growth and morphogenesis. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of the body axis in animals.
Scientists have discovered six new species of frog in Mexico's forests, with one being the country's smallest, the 13mm-long Craugastor candelariensis. The newly discovered species are known as 'direct-developing' frogs, emerging from eggs as perfect miniature frogs.
A review of 1,987 conservation reports found that only 8.8% reported total costs, making it difficult to determine cost-effectiveness and make informed decisions on funding allocation. Standardized cost reporting is crucial for efficient decision-making in biodiversity conservation.
Researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of British Columbia discovered that birds switch between stable and unstable gliding to achieve agility. By manipulating their wing shape, modern bird species can modify their stability on demand.
Researchers found that giant pandas' gut microbiota shifts in season, helping them gain weight and store fat. The team used a fecal transplant experiment to show that the metabolic product of Clostridium butyricum can upregulate lipid synthesis and storage.
A new species of frog, Bishop's frog Leiopelma bishopi, has been discovered from fossils in North Canterbury and named in honor of late Professor Phil Bishop. The finding provides significant insights into the evolution of New Zealand's frogs and highlights the impact of climate change on isolated island ecosystems.
Researchers found that males and females have different heat-sensing systems, which may be related to reproduction and offspring care. This difference leads to segregation between the sexes at certain periods during breeding cycles.
A recent study has shown that the deep sea is home to a vast array of unique and highly specific organisms, including protists, foraminifera, and ciliates. The diversity of these organisms was found to be highly specific to individual deep-sea basins, with little overlap between them and coastal regions.
A new study found that female Stenophylla lobivertex praying mantises have an advanced pheromone gland protruding from their bodies, releasing a unique pheromone to attract mates. This adaptation may be crucial for the species' survival, particularly in rare cases with low population density.
Research finds that global awareness of biodiversity is growing, but its value is poorly measured. The Species Awareness Index tracked changes in Wikipedia page views from 2015 to 2020, revealing faster increases for certain species like reptiles and the long-tailed tit.
A study found that nonnative birds in Oahu, Hawaii, dominate seed dispersal networks, with most seeds coming from nonnative plants. This shift has significant implications for the island's ecosystems and biodiversity.
The study provides a comprehensive genomic resource for the world's birds, enabling researchers to explore evolutionary relationships and traits. More than 92% of the world's avian families are represented in the dataset, which will aid in the conservation of threatened species.
The Himalayan wolf has been found to be a genetically distinct species adapted to harsh high-altitude environments, posing key threats from human activities such as livestock herding and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these ecosystems and the wolves' populations.
A new study using bumblebees found that the sweetest nectar is not always the best; too much sugar slows them down. The researchers discovered that bees prefer nectars with lower sugar concentrations, which are easier to drink and vomit back up.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered how aquatic larvae of net-winged midges create super-strong suction organs, enabling them to move around on rocks in turbulent water. This study aims to inspire the development of bio-inspired suction cups with improved industrial applications.
Researchers studied mammal vertebral columns and found discrete steps in complexity, linking increased activity levels to evolution. Complex spines evolved in bursts, influencing breathing, metabolism, and movement, shaping modern mammals' traits.
A study on male spider mating found that they possess nervous tissue and sensory organs in their copulatory organs, contrary to previous beliefs. This discovery suggests that these organs may play a role in the transfer of sperm and assessing female spiders during mating.
A study found that doubling vegetarian options reduced meat-rich purchases by 40-80%. The results suggest tweaking food availability can influence people's decisions for human health and environmental preservation. No rebound effect was detected, meaning opting for a veggie lunch didn't lead to a compensatory meat-heavy dinner.
Evolutionary ecologists use quantum dots to label and track pollen grains, showing that long- and short-tubed flowers place and receive pollen on different parts of a fly's tongue. This reveals a barrier to gene flow, capturing plants in the act of speciation and providing insights into the mechanisms behind this process.
Researchers describe 11 new species of rain frogs in the Ecuadorian Andes, showcasing remarkable genetic and morphological diversity. The discovery highlights pressing conservation issues due to habitat destruction and human activities.
A new strategy for designing light-sensitive proteins has been developed by researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. They combined computer-aided and experimental methods to create a more targeted approach, enabling the manipulation of protein building blocks without impairing function.
Research by Zoological Society of London and University College London reveals that climate change is increasing the spread and severity of a fatal disease in UK common frogs. The disease, caused by Ranavirus, is predicted to become more widespread and frequent if carbon emissions continue at their current rate.
A 330-million-year-old fossil discovered in Scotland reveals a unique dental pattern and deep lower jaw, allowing it to pierce and grind crustaceans. The discovery challenges the understanding of early tetrapods' dental evolution, showing an unprecedented level of adaptation.
A new model predicts substantial reduction of malaria transmitting mosquitoes in West Africa by introducing genetically modified male mosquitoes with a driving-Y chromosome. The approach, which targets the most important species of malaria mosquitoes, has the potential to reduce populations and ultimately eliminate disease transmission.
Scientists have named five new species of tiny frogs found across the island of Madagascar, belonging to the 'narrow-mouthed' frog family. These miniature frogs are remarkable for their extreme miniaturization, with some species reaching lengths as small as 7.7 mm.
A new study reveals that high numbers of tourists can lead to aggressive behavior in free-ranging African elephants. Elephant herds are more likely to move away from multiple vehicles and tourist areas when stressed by human presence.
New research from University of Wyoming scientists found that hungry moose are less likely to change their behavior to avoid wolves as winter progresses. Moose movements increased in early winter following encounters with wolves, but only when wolves were within a specific distance.
A study published in Nature Communications found that separating male and female mice leads to differences in their olfactory sensory receptors. As a result, the mice may perceive odors differently. This research has implications for understanding sex-specific differences in human olfactory function.
Researchers at ZSL's Institute of Zoology have reclassified the world's largest bird as a distinct species, Vorombe titan. The giant elephant birds, thought to be extinct for over 1000 years, had unexpected diversity across three genera and four distinct species.