Researchers have found evidence of the 'Bd' fungus among African Clawed Frogs in the US, which has led to the decline or extinction of 200 frog species worldwide. The study suggests that these frogs may be responsible for introducing a devastating disease to amphibians in the US.
A new species of green palm-pitviper was described from a cloud forest reserve in northern Honduras. Genetic analysis revealed that the closest relatives are found over 600 km away in Costa Rica, indicating a relict lineage.
Research predicts that climate change will cause a dramatic decline in common plant and animal species by 2080, with plants, reptiles, and amphibians facing the highest risk. Acting quickly to mitigate climate change could reduce losses by 60%.
Research using GBIF data found nearly two-thirds of plants and half of animals could lose more than half their climate range by 2080. Swift action to limit emissions can reduce losses by 60% and buy additional time for species adaptation.
A decline in snow cover poses a significant threat to many plant and animal species, compromising their survival during harsh winter weather. The subnivium, a seasonal microenvironment beneath the snow, is experiencing drastic changes due to rising temperatures.
Two studies by the University of Pittsburgh researchers found that wood frogs living near agricultural fields are resistant to chlorpyrifos and other insecticides. This increased resistance may be an adaptation to frequent exposure to pesticides, which can harm amphibian populations.
New scientific studies reveal the negative impact of invasive European buckthorn on Midwestern frog populations and altered mammal distributions. The plant's toxic emodin compound disrupts amphibian development, while its presence attracts carnivores like coyotes and raccoons.
A new study reveals that the Mediterranean anuran frog Rana iberica inhabits cave-like habitats, with all life stages observed. The frog's use of artificial subterranean habitats has important implications for its conservation, particularly in light of climate change.
The study reveals that varying genetic information copies affect cell tolerance to cancer medication and antibiotics. This discovery may help explain differences in organism responses to environmental changes and certain medications' side effects on sperm and eggs.
A new study finds that sea level rise will lead to significant habitat loss and threaten the survival of endemic species in Southeast Asian and Pacific islands. The researchers predict that even a one-meter sea level rise could result in the loss of up to 14.7% of all islands in the region.
Two new species of woodlizards were found in the Peruvian jungle, increasing the country's biodiversity. The newly described lizards, Enyalioides azulae and Enyalioides binzayedi, share a similar territory with slight differences in altitude ranges.
An international team led by UCSC biologist Barry Sinervo is investigating how climate change affects plant communities and animal populations globally. The study will evaluate the effects of changing temperatures on local populations of lizards, frogs, fish, and other vertebrates.
A recent study led by George Washington University Assistant Biology Professor Alex Pyron used DNA sequencing technology to discover a new species of blindsnake in Sri Lanka, revealing the island's immense biodiversity. The research also shed light on the evolutionary relationships between snakes and other reptiles globally.
A new study reveals the presence of chytrid fungus in amphibians sampled in Singapore, with the American bullfrog identified as a potential carrier. The study also finds widespread disease among frogs in Vietnam's commercial farms, raising concerns about the spread of infectious diseases through trade.
A new study investigates the connection between amphibian social habits and a fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes Chytridiomycosis. The researchers aim to understand how behavior affects the spread of the disease in California's slender salamander populations.
Scientists successfully use parthenogenic stem cells to develop functional heart muscle and treat pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers find that inhibiting a protein called ROCK attenuates myofibroblast survival and prevents lung scarring.
Researchers at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen used parthenogenic stem cells to create cardiomyocytes and engineered heart muscle with normal properties. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of parthenogenic stem cells for tissue engineering and could lead to new cell replacement therapies.
Researchers aim to mimic reptiles' ability to increase locomotion efficiency and frogs' high propulsion. They investigate drinking strategies of carnivorous animals like cats and dogs to develop bio-inspired systems.
A CU-Boulder study found that ponds with diverse amphibian species have a 78% reduction in parasitic infections, which can cause severe deformities. Greater biodiversity also appears to protect against other diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
A recent study documents more than 100 species of amphibians and reptiles in Luzon's Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The region's unique biodiversity includes 32 endemic amphibian species and 76 native reptile species.
Researchers use high-energy X-rays and new data extraction protocol to study 360 million year old fossils, shedding light on how early vertebrates moved from water onto land. The discovery reveals a new understanding of the backbone's structure and its functional evolution.
Researchers use DNA barcoding to identify frog species and prevent hybridization, increasing chances of conservation success. The technique helps scientists understand genetic diversity in captive populations, contributing to the survival of threatened amphibian species.
The University of Copenhagen's researchers have produced a next-generation map depicting the organization of life on Earth, combining evolutionary and geographical information for over 20,000 species. The new map shows 11 large biogeographic realms and has major conservation significance in light of the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
A 44-member international team is conducting a comprehensive survey of fly species in a tropical cloud forest in eastern Costa Rica. The project aims to identify at least 3,000 new species and contribute to understanding complex ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Scientists have discovered a wealth of new antibiotic substances in the skin of the Russian Brown frog, expanding on previous findings to identify 76 additional compounds with potential medical activity.
A study found that protected areas in Catalonia have a high number of animal deaths on the roads, with amphibians being most susceptible. Researchers suggest building tunnels for amphibians to reduce mortality rates.
Prominent wildlife biologists advocate for a national network to coordinate state, federal, and private initiatives. The proposed network aims to identify at-risk species, coordinate conservation efforts, and share information to address threats like climate change and novel diseases.
A University of Florida study reveals an African spiny mouse's ability to regrow damaged tissues, including ear tissue, through a biological process similar to that used by salamanders. This discovery could lead to new models for skin wound healing and tissue regeneration in humans.
A survey of nearly 2,000 US and Canadian science teachers found that one out of four released live animals into the wild, posing a significant risk to invasive species. The study highlights the need for educators and biological supply house owners to be aware of the potential consequences of releasing non-native species.
A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that paddlefish have a duplicated genome, adding complexity to comparative studies. This discovery may require re-interpreting previous research on the fin-to-limb transition using paddlefish as a proxy for human ancestors.
A study by Penn's Daniel Janzen and colleagues reveals that four-fifths of protected forest areas have experienced declines in health, with half suffering more serious losses. The research highlights the challenges faced by conservation efforts, including human encroachment, logging, and climate change.
Climate change, pollution, and invasive species are driving mortality in amphibians due to infectious disease, leading to extinctions rates 200 times higher than background extinction rates. Understanding these complex forces is crucial for addressing amphibian declines and emerging infections in humans.
Researchers at Polytechnic University of Catalonia developed an algorithm using Japanese tree frogs' calling behavior to solve the graph coloring problem, ensuring efficient color assignment in wireless networks. The new approach enables optimizing WiFi connections and improving energy efficiency.
A three-year $900,000 grant was awarded to Drs. Brian Brown and Art Borkent to inventory all species of flies living in a 100x200 meter area in Costa Rica, estimated to discover at least 3,000 new species. This project aims to better understand the importance of insects in ecosystems and gauge the impact of habitat change.
A Yale graduate student has developed a method for detecting an infectious pathogen driving amphibian extinctions worldwide. By analyzing preserved specimens, she found evidence of the pathogen in six older samples from Connecticut, revealing its early presence in the region.
Biologists at The University of Texas at Austin discovered that humans, fish and frogs share neural circuits responsible for diverse social behaviors. These circuits have existed for over 450 million years, indicating a common genetic framework for the evolution of new behavior.
A University of Colorado study found that increases in parasite diversity lead to a decrease in the infection success rate of virulent parasites, including one that causes malformed limbs and premature death. Higher biodiversity can help protect against certain diseases by acting as a buffer against virulent pathogens.
A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that chlorothalonil kills a wide variety of freshwater organisms, including amphibians and aquatic plants, leading to ecosystem changes. The findings highlight the need to reassess the fungicide's safety and its impact on ecosystems.
A $373,256 grant will be used to re-curate and modernize the West Virginia Biological Survey Museum, which houses over 21,000 specimens. The project aims to preserve the nation's largest museum collection of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles from West Virginia.
The Map of Life project demonstrates a Web-based endeavor to show the distribution of all living plants and animals on the planet. The database contains hundreds of millions of records on species abundance and distribution, enhancing knowledge of biodiversity.
Scientists develop transforming mechanisms inspired by nature to create camouflage effects in soft, stretchy materials. The technology can be used in smart clothing, scaling up to an adaptable skin that stretches and deforms.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that the fungal infection leads to deadly dehydration in wild frogs, causing cardiac arrest and death. The research confirms what researchers have seen in lab experiments, providing a better understanding of how the disease progresses and suggesting potential treatments for infected frogs.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University researchers reveals that a deadly fungal infection causes severe dehydration in wild frogs, disrupting fluid and electrolyte balance. The study provides valuable insights into the disease progression and offers hope for potential treatments.
The study reveals that roads cause significant harm to midwife toad and palmate newt populations in Asturia, Spain. The results suggest that traffic alleviation measures can help protect the newts but are insufficient for the midwife toads.
A new study has found that sublethal concentrations of Roundup can alter the morphology of amphibian tadpoles, causing them to change shape in ways that mimic predator-induced changes. This is the first study to show a pesticide inducing morphological changes in a vertebrate animal.
Researchers found that snakes from different parts of the world have evolved a limited set of genetic mutations to resist deadly neurotoxin TTX, which immobilizes nervous and muscle tissue. This study increases understanding of the genetic basis of adaptation and its limits.
Researchers uncover a previously unknown species of leopard frog in NYC, using DNA analysis to distinguish it from other similar-looking frogs. The species is believed to have had a wider range but went extinct in the city's larger territory.
Scientists discover new leopard frog species in New York City's Staten Island ponds and marshes, identified through DNA analysis. The unusual species has a distinct genetic lineage, separate from other leopard frog species in the region.
A study found that boosting male garter snake estrogen levels causes them to secrete the same pheromones as females, attracting multiple males. The research confirms estrogen's powerful role in biology and has implications for environmental impact.
A fossilized bushcricket from the Jurassic period has revealed a new species' musical call, shedding light on the acoustic environment and potential auditory capacity of other animals. The song was reconstructed using biomechanical principles and is believed to have been used for long-distance communication.
A Duke University-led study finds that 80% of high-endemicity areas in the Andes lack protection, with hundreds of rare species under threat from human activities. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies to protect this unique region.
A new study maps ecosystems in Bolivia and Peru, revealing a concentration of endemic species along the Andes mountains. The research highlights areas with high levels of 'irreplaceability' and finds that many unique species lack national-level protection.
Scientists discovered a new link between mutations in an evolved gene module and syndromic autism, specifically Joubert syndrome. The study found that alterations in cellular primary cilia led to malformation or underdevelopment of the cerebellum and brainstem.
University of Oregon scientist Gregory J. Retallack finds evidence that transitional fossils between fish and amphibians lived in wooded floodplains, not deserts. The new theory suggests limbs and necks evolved to adapt to this habitat, allowing for feeding and navigating obstacles.
A new study has detailed the skin microbes of the endangered Ozark Hellbender giant salamander, which may be contributing to its declining health and population loss. The research provides a baseline for understanding the impact of changing ecosystems on amphibians worldwide.
A picture book portrays the life cycle and challenges of a threatened frog species in Arizona, sparking enthusiasm for conservation among children. The book, written by an ASU microbiologist, aims to educate kids about biology, ecology, and overcoming obstacles, while promoting conservation efforts.
A recent study has found that many US species at risk of extinction are not on the country's official Endangered Species Act (ESA) list. The IUCN Red List, a leading global threatened species list, reveals that up to 95% of certain species groups are missing from the ESA.
A recent study found that a drop in carbon dioxide led to the Antarctic ice sheet's formation, with levels below 600 parts per million triggering cooling and ice sheet initiation. The team pinpointed this threshold in ancient algae samples from deep-sea cores, suggesting carbon dioxide's importance in past and future climate.
Scientists discovered a vast array of anti-bacterial substances, known as peptides, in the skin of odorous frogs. These peptides account for almost one-third of all antimicrobial peptides found worldwide, offering potential clues for developing new antibiotics.
The review found consistent patterns of reproductive dysfunction in animals exposed to atrazine, with effects observed in amphibians, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Atrazine has been shown to disrupt hormone function and sexual development, leading to feminization of male gonads in many species.