Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals, which could provide critical information for early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks. This undertaking would cost approximately $6.3 billion, but limiting discovery to 85% of total viral diversity could bring the cost down to $1.4 billion.
New research suggests that terror birds were likely herbivores, based on the analysis of calcium isotope composition in their fossilized bones. The study found that the terror bird's diet was similar to that of herbivorous mammals and dinosaurs, indicating a non-carnivorous diet.
Researchers discover REVs originated in mammals and spread to birds through medical intervention, revealing an unusual evolutionary history. The study suggests REVs were introduced into poultry and subsequently into avian cell culture systems, impacting wild birds and domestic poultry.
Researchers discovered a 165-million-year-old fossilized skeleton of the ancient mammal Megaconus mammaliaformis in Northeast China. The animal had striking cusps on its teeth for crushing hard plant material and powerful jaws for eating tough plants.
The discovery of Megaconus mammaliaformis sheds light on the evolution of modern mammals, revealing a 165-million-year-old proto-mammal with hair and fur. The fossil, found in Inner Mongolia, China, provides evidence that key biological functions related to skin and integument evolved before the rise of modern mammals.
Researchers discovered baby owls spend large amounts of time in REM sleep, similar to human infants, and this changes as they age. The team also found a link between the expression of a melanism-related gene and sleep patterns, suggesting that brain development may influence adult traits.
Researchers found that social monogamy in male mammals arose from ancestral species with solitary females, where males formed pairs to guard their mates. This approach explains the spatial distribution of females and provides insight into the evolution of paternal care.
Researchers found a genetic process among rodents that challenges assumptions about sex determination and the pace of evolution. A novel protein domain added to the Sry gene acts as a genetic capacitor, providing protection against mutations but also allowing for rapid evolutionary change.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that dinosaurs required more muscular power to prey on other animals and dominate over mammals than previously thought. The study challenges the long-held notion that dinosaurs were cold-blooded, like reptiles.
A team of researchers from Imperial College London has developed a map of a typical bird brain, showing how different regions are connected to process information. They discovered that areas important for high-level cognition, such as long-term memory and problem-solving, have similar wiring patterns to those in human brains.
A recent study has identified 1,274 genes in the Y chromosome of cattle, a significant increase compared to other primates. This discovery may help biologists better understand how cattle and other mammals evolved and improve fertility in the dairy and beef industry.
A Stanford-led study reveals that mammals can manipulate sex ratios of their offspring to produce extra grandchildren. Females and grandmothers strategically choose sons over daughters to increase reproductive success.
Researchers evaluated past H7 subtype influenza viruses among mammals and birds, comparing them to other avian influenza viruses. While none have caused a human pandemic since 1918, some adapted to infect horses, raising concerns about potential adaptation to humans.
Researchers discovered that fruitbats can store energy in their triceps tendons, enabling a power boost during take-off and flight. This unique ability allows bats to control joint movement with precision.
A team of scientists at Scripps Research Institute identified a family of tiny RNA molecules that work as powerful regulators of the immune response in mammals. These RNA molecules enable the differentiation of T cells into follicular helper T cells, which assist B cells in producing antibodies.
The study found that human population density is a significant threat to extinction, with a 3.3% increase in threatened mammals and birds over the next decade. Conservation efforts should consider human population density to mitigate biodiversity loss.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool identified a distinctive molecular signature in myoglobin that allows diving mammals to store oxygen. This adaptation enables elite divers like sperm whales to hold their breath for over an hour, while land mammals can only hold theirs for a few minutes.
Scientists detected H1N1 virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off California coast, indicating potential for transmission to humans. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting workers handling marine mammals and preventing disease transmission between species.
The study identifies key regions for conservation efforts, highlighting Southeast Asia, southern Africa, and Central America as top priorities. Conservationists must allocate limited resources effectively to protect the world's most unique and threatened species.
A new study reveals significant differences between rats' and bats' brain rhythms in navigation, questioning the use of rodent research as a basis for understanding spatial navigation in all mammals. The findings highlight the need to study a broader range of animals to gain a clearer picture of brain processes.
Research reveals many marine mammal populations are increasing, with some recovering to near carrying capacity. The MMPA's strong protections against commercial and accidental killing have contributed to these recoveries.
Research on sugar gliders and grey short-tailed opossums reveals a distinct pattern of handedness based on gender. Unlike other mammals, quadruped marsupials show reversed sex-related handedness, with males being right-handed and females left-handed, particularly for more complex tasks.
A new study led by the University of Washington found that certain South American mammals evolved long, strong teeth in response to the gritty dust and volcanic ash they encountered while feeding in an ancient tropical forest. The discovery contradicts the 140-year-old assumption about the evolution of specialized teeth.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers investigated how whales got their teeth by analyzing the fossil record and embryonic development process. They found that whales evolved simpler teeth around 30 million years ago, which are shaped by proteins BMP4 and FGF8 during development.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified two opposing behaviors triggered by salt concentrations in mammals, allowing them to avoid high-salt diets. The discovery may lead to the development of taste modulators to control appetite and reduce the effects of excessive sodium intake.
A new study reconstructs the common ancestor of placental mammals using 'phylophenomics,' revealing they did not diversify into present-day lineages until after the K-Pg extinction event. The study combines genomic and phenomic data, visualizing a small, insect-eating animal as their common ancestor.
Researchers from Carnegie Museum of Natural History joined an international collaboration to create the most complete picture yet of placental mammals' evolution. The study combined molecular and morphological data on over 83 species, revealing new insights into their ancestry and shedding light on extinct species.
A University of Toronto Scarborough researcher helped create a family tree of placental mammals, placing humans in the tree of life. The study used genetic and physical traits to conclude that placental mammals diversified much later than previously thought, with all major groups alive today originating after the dinosaurs' extinction.
A team of scientists, led by University of Florida researchers, has generated the most comprehensive tree of life on placental mammals, which includes humans. The study reveals that these mammals diversified after the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
A study by Kenneth Catania at Vanderbilt University has found that common moles rely on stereo sniffing to detect odor gradients, a skill previously thought to be limited to visual and auditory perception. This discovery opens new avenues for research into the capabilities of other mammals that heavily rely on their sense of smell.
The discovery of a new fossil in Tunisia reveals that African sea cow ancestors lived in freshwater environments, predating those found in Jamaica. This finding provides crucial insights into the evolutionary origins of these marine mammals.
A new fossil discovery in southern California challenges earlier claims of a 'killer walrus' existing. The ancient creature was found to have a diet rich in fish, contrary to initial estimates that it preyed on marine mammals.
Future climate changes are predicted to benefit most mammals in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions today, except for some specialists like the Arctic fox and lemming. Human activities will hinder these species from adapting, reducing their distribution instead.
Scientists have identified a rare form of active 'jumping genes' in mammals, specifically in bats. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying evolution and developing tools for gene therapy.
Researchers have provided definitive evidence that NMDAR receptors are crucial for pruning synapses in newborn mammals' brains. This discovery sheds new light on the neural basis of autism and schizophrenia. The study used a mouse model with brain cells lacking or containing NMDARs to demonstrate the receptor's direct role in synaptic ...
Whitehead Institute researchers identify Rag GTPases as key mechanistic regulators of autophagy, a process to break down internal energy sources. Rag GTPase's continuous activity leads to permanent activation of mTORC1, resulting in nutritional crisis and death in newborn mammals.
A study published by the Zoological Society of London predicts that mammals will face a bleak future due to climate change, with 1/3 species at risk from cyclones and droughts. The research identifies primates as particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
High-altitude mice utilize carbohydrates for energy due to low oxygen levels, a strategy that could be relevant to humans and other high-altitude mammals. This evolutionary adaptation allows them to efficiently use energy in oxygen-poor environments.
Darlene Ketten, a biologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for her work on the biophysics of hearing in mammals. She is also developing ultra-high resolution imaging techniques to diagnose hearing impairments.
Researchers have discovered that putrescine water can increase the viability of egg cells in women over 30 by inhibiting chromosomal defects. The compound, naturally produced in mammals during ovulation, has been shown to reduce defective eggs by over 50% in older mice.
Scientists discovered a species of South American bush cricket has hearing that rivals human hearing, using an entirely different machinery. The insect's auditory system performs all three stages of mammalian hearing and converts air-borne sounds into liquid-borne vibrations.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identify a unique rat model of bladder regeneration, which may help understand regenerative processes in mammals. The study found that cells in the bladder lining proliferate and transition into stem cells to repair damaged bladders.
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.
Researchers show that newborn mice learn to suckle their mother's milk through a learned response built on learning her unique combination of smells. The study, published in Current Biology, finds that a pheromone is not involved in initiating suckling in mice.
Researchers found cells similar to mammalian neocortex in bird brains, contradicting long-held assumptions about their anatomy. The study opens up new animal models for studying the neocortex and its evolution.
A study by CNIO researchers finds that the rate of telomere shortening determines longevity in mammals. Individuals with slower telomere shortening tend to live longer, suggesting a new approach to predicting life expectancy.
Scientists have identified the genetic building blocks behind the human heart's subtle control system, which shares similarities with birds and reptiles. The study reveals that a spongy inner tissue in fetal hearts stretches out to form a fine network of conductive tissue in adult animals.
A new study shows that crows react to threats in a human-like way, with brain regions activated similarly to those in mammals. The research used a novel approach to study bird behavior, involving awake crows wearing masks, and has implications for reducing stress in captive animals.
A second specimen of Ernanodon antelios sheds new light on the mysterious ancient mammal, revealing it was highly specialized for digging. The fossil skeleton provides key information about its habits, lifestyle, and affinities, resolving long-standing controversies in the scientific community.
A U of S-led team discovered a protein in semen that prompts ovulation by acting on the female brain, found to be the same molecule as nerve growth factor regulating nerve cell growth and survival.
Researchers from University of Zurich detect presence of os interparietale in over 300 species using micro-CT imaging, resolving previous assumptions about its existence and evolutionary history. The discovery sheds new light on human anatomy and refutes earlier theories.
A University of Notre Dame researcher has made significant discoveries about the evolution of jaws in mammals. The study found that animals consuming harder, tougher foods tend to have a lesser degree of jaw fusion, while those eating softer, smaller foods do not.
A novel avian influenza virus has infected and killed harbor seals in New England, with the majority being infants under 6 months old. The research, published in mBio, reveals that the virus descended from an avian strain circulating in North American waterfowl since 2002.
A new strain of influenza virus found in harbor seals has adaptations to living in mammals and may pose a threat to human health. The virus's ability to target a receptor found in the human respiratory tract raises concerns about its potential to cause severe disease.
A new genetic study suggests that ovaries can form new eggs throughout adulthood, increasing the number of oocytes with age. This finding contradicts the long-held assumption that females are born with a fixed number of eggs and supports postnatal oocyte renewal in mammals.
Researchers discovered a protein that promotes the adoption of bipolar glial shape in zebrafish, encouraging nerve regeneration and potentially offering a new therapeutic target. The findings suggest an alternative approach to scar tissue formation, which is a major barrier to spinal cord repair in mammals.
A new study in Nature finds that the presence of lines of arrested growth (LAG) in dinosaur bones does not indicate ectothermy. Instead, LAGs provide insight into how animals adjust their metabolism in response to seasonal changes.
The tuatara's unique chewing technique, using its lower jaw to slice food apart, raises doubts about the link between chewing and high metabolism in mammals. This specialized mechanism allows the tuatara to eat a wide range of prey, including beetles, spiders, and small lizards.
A new study finds that nearly 9% of the Western Hemisphere's mammals may be unable to keep pace with climate change. Climate change projections suggest that many species will experience severe range contractions due to slow dispersal rates.
A team of scientists has discovered a new family of six genes that regulate mitochondrial transport in neurons, which is crucial for brain activity and viability. The proteins are highly expressed in the nervous system and may be involved in neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.