A new study confirms that 150 million-year-old Jurassic ecosystems were characterized by lush plant life and animal richness, similar to modern ecosystems. By analyzing fossil soils from various regions, researchers found high levels of CO2 from vegetation, indicating a wetter environment with abundant plant growth.
A study by Michigan State University found captive hyenas excel at solving novel problems, suggesting limitations in applying captive animal results to the wild. The researchers, led by Sarah Benson-Amram, discovered that captive hyenas were more willing to tackle challenges and explored solutions.
Researchers have published the first genomic report on limpet, leech and worm species, shedding light on lophotrochozoans' evolutionary history and functional gene groups. The study's findings suggest that these ancient animals played crucial roles in marine ecosystems.
The genomes of leeches, limpets and marine worms have revealed a deep connection between these diverse organisms, with similarities to humans and other animals. The analysis has also highlighted notable differences in immune systems and developmental processes.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dinosaurs have a greater number of larger species compared to all other back-boned animals. The researchers analyzed the femur bone length and weight of 329 dinosaur species, suggesting that young dinosaurs occupied a different ecological niche than their parents.
A MSU team is working to collar Baird's tapirs in Nicaragua to monitor their movements and determine how they can co-exist with local farmers. The research aims to find a balance between the animals' survival and crop protection.
Researchers found that captive mink in confined spaces showed increased interest in stimuli and spent more time seeking stimulation when given little to do. The study aimed to assess animal boredom scientifically and has implications for understanding its causes and effects across species.
Researchers at PLOS ONE found that caged mink consume fewer food treats when exposed to stimulating environments, such as water for wading. The study also showed that these animals sleep more soundly, contradicting the common notion of boredom leading to increased wakefulness.
Scientists have discovered a new method for identifying genes in animals, which could increase genetic information by 70-80%. This technique allows for direct observation of genes and proteins, enabling more efficient study of animal diseases and viruses.
A national research effort is underway to monitor antibiotic resistance in Australian livestock and companion animals. The study aims to provide a clearer picture of the state of Australian livestock and inform mitigation strategies.
Researchers found that animals can adjust their sniffs to target specific odors in complex blends. The study showed that rats learned to detect highly absorbent odors more quickly than less absorbent ones, highlighting the importance of physical properties and sniffing techniques in olfaction.
A recent study using computer modelling shed light on the origin of sight in animals, including humans. The researchers found that the ability to detect light developed over a span of 11 million years from a 'blind' opsin ancestor.
A new study suggests that bacteria cue choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, to form colonies. The discovery implies that bacteria may have helped kick off multicellular life, a development that eventually led to all animals, including humans.
Meat from wild animals like antelope and rodents is increasingly important in African diets due to scarcity of traditional livestock. Researchers highlight the nutritional value of bushmeat, providing protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
A new study of marine fossils reveals that ocean animals with small geographic ranges are more likely to go extinct, even when populations are large. The research found that habitat breadth played a secondary role in extinction risk, and population size had little effect.
Researchers emphasize that connectivity is complex and requires understanding animal behavior, genetics, adaptation, and habitat. Managing wildlife sanctuaries involves trade-offs and adapting to climate change, which can cause unpredictable species movements.
The NIH-sponsored workshop recommends that preclinical animal studies be reported with more detail, including randomization and data handling, to improve replicability and interpretation. This aims to funnel promising therapies to patients more efficiently.
A collection of fossil animals discovered off the coast of Florida suggests that present-day deep-sea fauna may have evolved earlier than previously thought. The fossils show striking similarities to modern equivalents, indicating that ancestors of these animals lived in deep waters for much longer than believed.
A new study suggests that elephant skin hair plays a role in heat dissipation, allowing them to maintain a constant body temperature in hot regions. Researchers found that sparse skin hair increases heat loss from the skin, benefiting large terrestrial mammals like elephants.
The HPV Chemicals Challenge Program initially had the potential to use 3.5 million animals but ultimately reduced the number to 127,000 through PETA's involvement and implementation of animal-saving measures. The program's data collection process was found to be lengthy, disorganized, and inefficient.
A fossilized graptolite has provided evidence that early organisms developed specialized roles and cooperated to construct their homes, much like modern builders. The ancient animals displayed complex structures, including slender branches and hourglasses, indicating an elaborate division of labor.
A new study finds that zinc transporters are dysregulated in old animals, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Experts recommend adequate dietary intake of zinc for the elderly, particularly through supplements or seafood/meat-rich foods.
A new classification of eukaryotic life forms clarifies the current state of protist diversity, recognizing two new super groups: Amorphea and SAR. These groups reveal ancient relationships between protists, animals, and plants, highlighting a vast unknown diversity in soil and deep sea environments.
Researchers discovered that deep-sea crabs can detect shorter wavelengths of light, including ultraviolet and blue light, allowing them to identify toxic corals and distinguish between edible plankton. This sensitivity may enable the crabs to color-code their food using UV vision.
A new study examines the impact of natural gradients in food and temperature on deep-sea species across the globe. The results suggest that temperature has a bigger impact on individual-level parameters like metabolism and growth rate, while food is more important for higher-level parameters like abundance and species diversity.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that antimicrobial growth promoters in swine alter intestinal bacteria composition, leading to accelerated growth and development. The findings suggest a possible alternative to antibiotics in animal production without compromising animal health.
A study published in The Veterinary Journal found that horse branding is unreliable for identification due to poor legibility and tissue damage. Researchers examined brand marks on over 250 horses and found that only a small percentage could be clearly read.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found a type of 'selfish' mitochondrial DNA in animals that is hurting the organism and affecting its chance to survive. The discovery bears similarities to damage done to human cells as they age and may provide an important new tool to study human aging.
A new study published in Military Medicine reveals that 22 of 28 NATO nations do not use animal laboratories for military medical training. Officials prefer non-animal methods, such as lifelike human simulators, due to legal prohibitions and the superiority of simulation technology.
A study published in Veterinary Record compares the athletic abilities of humans and animals, finding that greyhounds, cheetahs, pronghorn antelope, and other species outrun and outmuscle top athletes. Human adaptations for endurance are impressive, but animals excel in speed, strength, and power.
Research reveals that voltage-gated sodium channels evolved independently twice in basal and higher animals, suggesting the evolution of complex nervous systems was a convergent process. This finding highlights the importance of ion selectivity for fast and accurate neuronal signaling.
The new FMD vaccine is a molecular vaccine that does not use live FMD virus, allowing for differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the economic impact of FMD outbreaks in the US, with potential cost savings estimated to exceed $50 billion.
Researchers have discovered that ancient sea creatures like sponges and jellyfish possess the building blocks of striated muscles found in higher animals. Gene duplication is believed to be responsible for the emergence of muscle myosin, a crucial protein structure, which evolved independently in these organisms.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers developed a more effective Rift Valley fever vaccine by removing the NSs gene and introducing a dominant negative PKR, improving immune response in large animals and health workers. The new vaccine strain offers enhanced differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.
Researchers found cheetahs' longer strides and faster stride frequencies allow them to reach high speeds, while greyhounds maintain a constant stride rate. The study suggests wild cheetahs may be able to outstrip their captive cousins due to biomechanical differences.
Off-label antibiotic use in farm animals poses a significant risk of promoting antibiotic resistance in humans. Canada should phase out antibiotics used for non-medical purposes in livestock and support producers who improve animal living conditions.
A major new study found that small marine snails have a profound impact on the marine ecosystem, removing almost 70% of plant material from the sea floor. The research, led by Associate Professor Alistair Poore, reveals that snails are a key driver of herbivory in marine habitats.
A study by Johns Hopkins University and The National Aquarium found that captive dolphins have lower levels of mercury in their systems compared to wild dolphins. This difference was attributed to the diet of the captive animals, which consisted mainly of small fish from North Atlantic waters with lower mercury pollution levels.
A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.
A study of monitor lizards found that midsize lizards are the fastest, suggesting that larger size can create biomechanical constraints. The researchers discovered that above a certain size, lizards change their running style, making them slower.
Researchers have devised a new method for producing genetically modified animals using haploid embryonic stem cells, which may enable genetic modification of animals that can't be modified by today's means. The technique could also potentially be used in assisted human reproduction for those affected by genetic disease.
A team of scientists proposes that early four-legged creatures used dermal bones to neutralize acid buildup from breathing carbon dioxide on land. The bones, featuring complex ridges and furrows, may have helped these ancient animals buy more time on land by storing antacids.
Research suggests that CD36 protein, involved in cellular inflammation, increases harmful effects of LDL cholesterol. Mice infected with gum disease bacteria showed increased fatty plaque accumulation, while those with deleted CD36 gene remained plaque-free.
A new study links the end-Ordovician mass extinction to nutrient-driven anoxia in the global ocean. The research overthrows century-old knowledge on why marine animals faced their first major challenges, highlighting the tight coupling between life evolution and oxygen dynamics.
A recent study found that human noise has indirect effects on plants, benefiting some species like scarlet gilia while harming others like piñon pine. The study's findings suggest that noise can alter pollination patterns and affect seed production, with consequences that may last for decades.
The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory has developed an online deep-sea animal photo-guide with over 1,500 images, making it easier for scientists and the public to identify and appreciate marine life. The guide is organized by major taxa and includes tags indicating depth levels.
A study reveals that manmade noise has indirect effects on plants, with some species benefiting and others being harmed. Noise levels can influence the number of pollinator visits, pollen transfer, and seed production in certain plant species, highlighting the ripple effects of human activity on the natural world.
A team of scientists from Oregon State University has documented for the first time that animals can consume Archaea, a type of single-celled microorganism. This finding adds a wrinkle to scientific understanding of greenhouse gas cycles and opens up new avenues of research into the roles of Archaea in ecosystems.
A study by Virginia Tech wildlife researcher Kathleen Alexander found that Botswana buffalo carry the brucellosis pathogen, which can be transmitted to humans through bush meat consumption. The disease can cause chronic fevers and joint pain in humans, and domestic livestock may need to be destroyed.
Researchers discovered that Hydra's stinging cells are linked to primitive light-responsive cells via a nervous system, enabling the animals to react to light. This finding reveals how Hydra can hunt during the day despite lacking eyes, and hints at a common ancestor with humans.
PETA has developed a free resource to facilitate the use of QSARs under the EU REACH Program, helping companies replace animal tests with computational modeling. The guide lists publicly available online resources and selected contact points for support on QSAR use.
Researchers found that hibernating woodchucks have a higher resistance to cardiac arrhythmias due to their unique calcium handling properties. This insight may suggest new strategies for protecting non-hibernating animals from fatal cardiac arrhythmias induced by hypothermic stresses and myocardial ischemia.
A recent study found a steady decline in illustrations of natural environments and wild animals in award-winning children's picture books. The researchers examined nearly 8,100 images from nearly 300 Caldecott Medal winners and found that built environments dominated the scene, with natural environments and wild animals virtually absent.
Neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux suggests that studying animal survival instincts can provide insights into human emotions. By analyzing brain functions used for survival, researchers may gain new understandings of both humans' and animals' emotional responses.
A study found that a deadly staph 'superbug' has jumped from humans to food animals, becoming resistant to antibiotics due to routine use in farm animal production. The bacteria, MRSA CC398, thrives in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
A recent study led by TGen found that a strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) originated in humans before spreading to food animals and becoming resistant to antibiotics. The study used whole genome sequencing to trace the history of MRSA CC398, a strain often referred to as 'pig-MRSA'.
A study published in Psychological Review found that people with the best 'memory foraging' strategies are better at recalling items. Participants were asked to name as many animals as they could in three minutes and were compared to a classic model of optimal foraging, the marginal value theorem.
A new study suggests that climate models may grossly underestimate future extinctions by neglecting species competition and movement. Animals with small geographic ranges and specific habitat needs are likely to go extinct, while those with wider tolerances will thrive.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a genetic mechanism underlying the evolution of fibromelanosis in black chickens. The study highlights the role of genomic rearrangements in driving rapid evolution in domestic animals.
A complex genomic rearrangement causes a massive expansion of pigment cells in chickens, resulting in black skin and organs. Genetic studies in domestic animals have shed light on the process of evolution, with genomic rearrangements playing a significant role.