A new DNA study by University of Gothenburg researchers has uncovered over 120 previously unknown bryozoan species in Swedish waters, including a completely new species. The findings shed light on the evolution and relationships of these nearly invisible animals, which are found in marine and freshwater environments.
Scientists from the University of Oxford developed a new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance by increasing the biological cost of resistant bacteria. The approach aims to reduce the competitiveness of drug-resistant strains and prolong the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
A study published in Nature warns that Earth is on the brink of a mass extinction like those that have occurred five times during the past 540 million years. The study finds cause for hope and alarm, with critically endangered mammals facing an even greater risk of extinction within three generations.
Researchers estimate that if currently threatened species go extinct, the sixth mass extinction could arrive within 3 to 22 centuries. However, they also believe it's not too late to save critically endangered mammals and other species through conservation efforts.
A 40-million-year-old extinct mite species reveals a reversal of traditional sex roles, where females have partial or complete control over mating. This finding provides insight into the evolutionary advantages gained by females in controlling aspects of copulation.
Researchers are using radar technology to monitor and study airborne organisms, requiring collaboration between disciplines like ecology, computer science, and engineering. This advancement offers insights into animal migration patterns, invasive species, and ecosystem sustainability.
Research on grizzly bears reveals a complex series of changes in their hearts as they hibernate, including the adaptation of a protein called myosin heavy chain. The left atrium produces more alpha protein, resulting in a weaker beat, to prevent damage from pushing against the stiffened ventricle.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University are studying the neurological functioning of cockroaches to design more efficient robots with compact builds. The insects' stable tripod gate movement and ability to adapt to terrain inspire robotics engineers to create faster and more robust robots for future space exploration.
The partnership will bring new benefits to members, including an online-only relaunch of the Wildlife Society Bulletin. Wiley-Blackwell's diverse publication portfolio and global reach make them a natural fit for publishing The Journal of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Monographs.
A recent study found that red deer on the Isle of Rum are rutting earlier in the year, with their calving seasons now up to two weeks earlier than 30 years ago. This change is attributed to warmer spring and summer temperatures, providing rare evidence of climate change's impact on large mammals.
Research by Jennifer Schmidt and Lennart Olsson reveals that the gene FOXN3 influences the development of cranial cartilages and muscles in frogs, contributing to their evolutionary success. The study found that tadpoles without intact FOXN3 genes develop more slowly and experience deformations and loss of functions.
Studies on juvenile trout reveal distinct personality traits, with some exhibiting aggression and others hiding from new objects. Shy trout surprisingly outperform bold individuals in growth rate when released into the wild.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a groundbreaking discovery that mechanical stress is instrumental in several key phenomena in neuronal development. The team used insect cells, including those from the desert locust, to build an in vitro nervous system and observe how neurons form a network.
Two methods for culturing and imaging Caenorhabditis elegans embryos are described, enabling researchers to visualize dynamic form and function of molecules, cells, tissues, and whole embryos. Meanwhile, a method for isolating and culturing early mouse embryos is also presented, allowing time-lapse imaging of cell movements.
Large predator species like tigers and polar bears are more vulnerable to environmental changes than smaller species due to their high energetic costs. They require more energy to find food, making them more susceptible to population declines.
Researchers found that Fat Sand Rats exhibit symptoms of depression when exposed to short light hours, similar to those experienced by humans with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The rats responded well to common SAD therapies, including bright light exposure and medications, suggesting a viable animal model for studying affective disorders.
The mangrove killifish uses its skin to maintain ion balance, exchanging ions through the skin cells called ionocytes. The fish can also adapt to varying salinity levels, with skin ionocytes getting bigger in response to saltwater and returning to normal size when returned to water.
Researchers found that polar bears can thrive even if they raid geese nests, thanks to a mismatch in timing that allows geese to lay eggs earlier than bears arrive on shore. This means the geese population is unlikely to go extinct despite bear predation.
Researchers found that plugged females mated just as often and were more attractive than unplugged ones. Plugging improved female fitness by increasing egg production, suggesting a male's act may be beneficial to its partner. The study reveals new insights into the reproductive behavior of nematode worms.
The study reveals how Dracula orchids masquerade as mushrooms to lure flies, while goblin spiders, small and secretive, are redefined in their taxonomy. New species discoveries provide insights into pollination and conservation efforts.
A vast amber deposit from western India has revealed a new light on the history of the sub-continent, challenging the assumption that India was an isolated island-continent. The discovery indicates that tropical forests are older than previously thought and have close evolutionary relationships with fossils from other continents.
Researchers will study coastal algal bloom risk and nutrient sources, create models to forecast HABs and develop action plans to reduce them. The project aims to restore the physical, chemical and biological integrity of near-shore waters globally.
A study by Prof. David Eilam and his team found that group members display the same level of anxiety when exposed to a common threat, regardless of individual differences. This result has implications for helping clinicians better treat victims of trauma or terror, such as in the case of the 9/11 attacks.
Australian scientists have developed a measure to assess embryo health and likelihood of successful pregnancy in IVF treatment. The research found that embryos with higher glucose uptake are healthier and more likely to result in successful pregnancies, with women's embryos consuming more glucose than men's.
Research reveals that warmer temperatures in the tropics have a significant impact on life, even with small temperature increases. The study analyzed nearly 500 million temperature readings and found that metabolic rates increase faster in warmer temperatures, leading to greater effects in tropical regions.
Horseshoe crabs, considered living fossils, face population decline due to climate-driven habitat destruction and overharvesting. Their genetic variation reveals sensitivity to natural climate change, posing a significant threat to their survival.
A new global analysis reveals nearly 80% of the world's human population lives in areas where river waters are highly threatened, posing a major threat to human water security and biodiversity. Rivers worldwide face similar stresses from agricultural intensification, industrial development, and other factors.
A WCS study found that higher temperatures and rainfall in Argentina result in more parasitic fly larvae, leading to increased mortality and impaired growth for chicks. The researchers also found a positive correlation between climate variables and parasite loads on nestlings.
A study published by a CU-led team reveals that three genes in jawless vertebrates may have been key to the development of jaws in higher vertebrates. The findings suggest that creating a jaw in a jawless ancestor was a relatively simple matter of altering when and where these few genes are used.
Researchers discovered that barred patterns on birds' feathers play a crucial role in sexual signaling, particularly on the front of males during face-to-face interactions. The study, published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology, provides insight into bird communication and evolution.
New Caledonian crows use tools to extract wood-boring longhorn beetle larvae from burrows, providing a nutritious food source. The crows' tool use is energy-efficient and profitable, suggesting that unusual foraging opportunities have selected for their sophisticated behavior.
University of Oklahoma researchers have developed a new method for understanding brain function in humans, leveraging advances in genetic techniques to manipulate small subsets of brain cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for studies of human neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
A new study found that ants play a crucial role in protecting tree cover in East African savannas from elephants. The researchers discovered that swarming groups of ants can repel elephants, preventing extensive damage to trees.
Researchers have developed an improved tool for translating lizard body lengths to weights, enabling the evaluation of species health and ecosystem condition. The method, based on empirical evidence, can predict weights of lizards in a reliable and standardized manner.
The new podcast series aims to raise awareness about the importance of ocean environments and the threats they face. The shows will explore various topics, including climate change, tracking sharks, whaling, and overfishing.
Young salmon and trout seek refuge in shallow waters due to competition from older fish, which can be mitigated by preserving such habitats. The study suggests that restoring shallow parts of watercourses with low-velocity flow is essential for the survival of young fish.
A genetic analysis of 24 spiny frog species reveals their evolutionary history, which correlates with the rise of the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. The study supports a minority theory of the India-Asia collision, suggesting that Southeast Asia was pushed aside towards the Pacific Ocean.
A new study reveals that consistent year-round temperatures in the tropics, rather than higher temperatures or more sunlight, are key to its stunning biodiversity. The research suggests that the world is likely less diverse today than it was tens of millions of years ago, when the entire Earth had consistent year-round temperatures.
A new teaching model using real data and relevant videos engages high school students in conservation biology research, improving understanding of ecological concepts. Students develop a better grasp of normal ecological processes and how human actions affect the natural world.
A Tel Aviv University biologist challenges the idea that islands have unique evolutionary patterns, citing research that shows no extraordinary effects of isolation. He found that evolutionary processes on islands are not different from those on mainland ecosystems, contradicting popular myths about island-bred creatures.
Researchers found that breeding males were more aggressive towards neighboring males than strangers, potentially to protect paternity. The study suggests the 'Nasty Neighbor' phenomenon helps limit territorial costs.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that there were approximately 451 million clinical cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria worldwide in 2007. The majority of this burden was attributed to India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar. These findings highlight the need for improved diagnosis and surveillance ...
The Gulf oil spill is threatening to worsen and expand the oxygen-depleted region known as the 'dead zone', a phenomenon caused by urban runoff and nitrogen-based fertilizers. Researchers are analyzing water samples to understand the impact of oil on oxygen levels, which could have devastating effects on marine life.
Researchers at University of California - Berkeley have identified four distinct species of the secretive Hemidactylus fasciatus gecko in West African rain forests. The discovery was made using new DNA analysis techniques that distinguish different species even when they appear similar.
Researchers found that bumblebee populations with similar colors in the same environment did not have higher loss rates to predators. Instead, birds likely avoid all animals resembling a bumblebee to avoid the sting.
Four new gorgonea species have been discovered in the Antarctic region, including Tauroprimnoa austasensis and Digitogorgia kuekenthali. The study found distinct characteristics among these species, such as differences in scale pattern and ramification of colonies.
Scientists need to be more proactive and effective in communicating their research findings to various audiences, including resource users, communities, and the general public. A comprehensive approach to communication used in the establishment of marine reserves can be applied to other areas of science and natural resource management.
A recent study suggests that current malaria interventions could have a more dramatic positive effect on reducing the spread of malaria than negative effects caused by climate change. The research found that disease control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and modern antimalarial drugs can potentially counteract the effect...
The discovery of three new Philippine monitor lizard species and a new subspecies sheds light on the immense biodiversity of these giant reptiles in the region. The study highlights the importance of museum collections and the need for continued research to recognize and name all species, emphasizing the global taxonomy crisis.
A new antifouling substance, medetomidine, has been shown to cause paler fish by affecting their skin cells containing dark pigment. The research also found that the substance can impair a fish's ability to break down environmental toxins and affect its liver function.
Engineered proteins mimic titin, a key muscle protein, to create a tough yet extensible scaffold for muscle regeneration. The biodegradable biomaterial could aid in the healing process by allowing new tissue to grow across injuries.
UBC researchers have developed a new biomaterial that closely mimics the elasticity of muscle, showcasing high resilience at low strain and toughness at high strain. The material's mechanical properties can be fine-tuned to develop biomaterials with diverse useful properties.
Researchers discovered a rare species of solitary bee that lines its underground nests with petals from various flowers. This unique behavior provides essential nutrients for the larvae's growth and protects them from the harsh winter conditions.
Researchers from UBC have developed a mathematical model that unravels the generation of biological diversity within and between species. The model suggests that multiple traits acting in concert can generate diversity even with weak interactions, mirroring the complexity of reality.
Researchers have discovered a new species of bacterium, Endoxenoturbella lovénii, found only in the Gullmarsfjord north of Gothenburg. The bacterium is an endosymbiotic prokaryote living in the gut of a unique marine worm called Xenoturbella.
Researchers have identified a cluster of small RNA that correlates with pluripotency in induced-pluripotent stem cells, enabling the distinction of more viable cell lines. This discovery is expected to improve the production of full pluripotent iPS cells and their application in disease therapy.
Scientists from Oregon State University are trying to address a looming crisis caused by the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean Sea. The invasive species is eating its way through entire ecosystems, reducing small fish populations by up to 79 percent and disrupting delicate ecological balances.
Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of leech, Tyrannobdella rex, which has ferociously large teeth and feeds on aquatic mammals, including their noses and mouths for weeks at a time. The discovery has led to revising the group of leeches that feed from body orifices of mammals.
Researchers have developed a new web-based application called Supramap that maps genetic mutations of pathogens onto the globe. The tool uses geographic information to track the spread of diseases across time and space, predicting hotspots of disease reemergence.
A team of scientists, including IUCN and Conservation International experts, proposes expanding the IUCN Red List to include up to 160,000 species, enabling a better understanding of extinction rates and environmental health. The estimated cost is $60 million, with current efforts costing around $4 million per year.