Research at Ohio State University found that acute stress can significantly boost the immune system's response, with stressed animals showing a two-to-four times higher reaction to chemical or protein antigens. This effect was observed even after several weeks to months of re-exposure without further restraint.
Scientists have successfully grafted primate testes into mice, resulting in the rapid production of fertile sperm. This breakthrough could preserve genetic material from endangered nonhuman primates and offer reproductive options to men rendered infertile by cancer treatments.
Conservation efforts have led to a significant decrease in poaching, reducing turtle egg removal from nearly 100% to approximately 21% on the Pearl Cays. Beach surveys and active protection of females and their eggs are crucial for the survival of this endangered species.
A new study found that listing endangered species may not effectively protect their habitats on private property. Landowners were more likely to improve or destroy habitats based on their values and perception of conservation responsibility.
Climate changes impact North Atlantic right whales by affecting zooplankton abundance, a crucial food source. Warmer conditions in the Gulf of Maine boost copepod populations, leading to improved reproductive success.
The study found that 31 soils are effectively extinct due to agricultural and land use, while six states have more than half of their rare soil series in an endangered state. The researchers argue for preserving rare and unique soils, which support rare plants and animals.
A mathematical model developed by Cornell University engineers quantifies language death and offers strategies to preserve endangered languages. The model attributes the decline of languages to competition for speakers, with higher-status languages like English dominating in multilingual societies.
Florida manatees face a deadly threat when water cools to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to physiological events that weaken their immune systems. The discovery of cold stress syndrome's causes could improve treatment for affected manatees and inform plans to minimize power plant shutdowns' impact.
A recent study by A. A. Hoffmann et al. found that the fruit fly Drosophila birchii lacks genetic variation to adapt to changing thermal conditions, a concern for endangered species. UC Riverside's Derek Roff warns that global warming may exacerbate this issue, threatening the survival of already endangered species.
Researchers from Field Museum and American Museum of Natural History analyze museum specimens to understand genetic variation of the Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle. They discover more genetic variation across historical range, suggesting human impacts led to fragmentation of populations.
A New Mexico State University scientist's study reveals that the cost of maintaining the upstream habitat for the endangered silvery minnow results in a net gain of $68,000 per year for New Mexico agriculture. However, central New Mexico agricultural users and Albuquerque residents would lose $68,000 annually, while southern New Mexico...
A recent study warns of a dramatic decline in western equatorial Africa's great ape populations, with gorillas and chimpanzees facing nearly 60% decline since 1983. The research highlights the urgent need for aggressive investments in Ebola prevention, law enforcement, and protected area management to ensure their survival.
Researchers are turning to gene banking as an alternative to in situ conservation, using cryopreservation technologies to store viable cell lines from over 3,200 individual mammals, birds, and reptiles. This approach will be crucial for conserving endangered species' genetic material for future research and potential reintroduction.
David Bottjer discovered that messier sediments held more advanced animal remains, suggesting churned conditions led to environmental pressure and evolutionary changes. This finding supports the idea that 'sod busters' accelerated the Cambrian explosion of new life forms by forcing earlier animals to adapt to harsh environments.
According to a recent report from Conservation International, 25 primates are now threatened with extinction, with Asia accounting for almost 45% of the world's most endangered primates. Habitat loss and hunting are major factors in the decline of these species, and urgent conservation action is required to prevent extinctions.
The Tumucumaque Mountains National Park, covering 9,562,770 acres, protects pristine forests and endangered species like jaguars, giant anteaters, and harpy eagles. The park ensures the conservation of biodiversity in the Brazilian Amazon.
A study suggests that the global extinction crisis is more severe than previously thought, with over 50% of declining mammal species losing historic ranges. Population extinctions are concentrated in densely populated areas, such as Southeast Asia and Eastern states.
New research adds to evidence that acetaminophen may prevent colon cancer in lab animals. The study found that pretreating animals with acetaminophen significantly protected them against cellular changes indicative of colon cancer. However, more animal research is needed before humans can be studied in clinical trials.
Researchers have developed a method to save endangered freshwater mussels by collecting and depositing parasitic larvae onto suitable fish hosts. This process allows for the mass production of juvenile mussels, which can then be released into the wild to improve water quality.
Researchers have discovered a key cell communication gene in modern choanoflagellates, revealing that the genetic tools needed for multicellular animals were already present in single-celled microbes. This finding supports the idea that genes came before their exploitation by organisms.
Researchers at NIAID have successfully produced a malaria vaccine using transgenic mice that secrete the vaccine protein in their milk. The vaccine has shown promising results, with only one out of five immunized monkeys contracting the disease.
Dr. Greg Bossart, head of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation at HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, led a team to transport four critically endangered Antillean manatees from Mexico to their final destination near Cancun for medical evaluation.
Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a biochemical pathway in animals responsible for detoxification of heavy metals. The discovery establishes a firm basis for determining its ubiquity in other animals and clarifies how animals eliminate, sequester and metabolize heavy metals.
Toxic algal blooms in Monterey Bay have been linked to domoic acid accumulation in anchovies, sardines, and krill, posing a threat to endangered whale species. Monitoring programs are in place to ensure seafood safety, but more research is needed to understand the toxin's effects on wildlife.
A new analysis found that population growth affects coastal ecosystems in a particularly damaging way, threatening endangered species. The study used data from the US Forest Service and climate data to identify areas most at risk.
Scientists have identified a new species of right whale in the North Pacific Ocean, which is genetically distinct from other populations. The discovery was made using DNA analysis of historical specimens and suggests that there may be fewer than 300 individuals remaining in this population.
Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that squirrel monkeys will self-administer intravenous injections of THC, a psychoactive compound in marijuana, in doses comparable to those used by humans. This study suggests that marijuana has similar abuse potential as other addictive substances like cocaine and heroin.
The Fender's blue butterfly requires specific nectar and host plants to complete its reproductive cycle. A new study by University of California, Santa Barbara researcher Cheryl B. Schultz found that the species needs approximately 20 milligrams of wild flower nectar per square meter to support its population.
A partnership between conservation organizations and universities uses remote sensing technology to assess gorilla habitat, track population, and manage National Parks. The project aims to rebuild Rwanda's national university and recover from a devastating war and genocide.
Researchers at Yale University have found that healthy bullfrog tadpoles can distinguish the odors given off by infected animals and keep their distance. This ability may be widespread among animals, enabling them to avoid diseases and reducing the spread of infection.
The USGS has successfully released captive-reared puaiohi birds into the wild, with four chicks having already fledged. This is a significant step towards the species' recovery, with biologists optimistic about re-establishing a self-sustaining population.
UC and CREW biologists use a basic hole-puncher to collect plant samples, then study how to protect them from dehydration and rehydration. They discover that plants secrete a hormone called abscisic acid to protect themselves during dry times.
A comprehensive review of 200 endangered species recovery plans aims to evaluate their effectiveness and inform future improvements. The study, led by University of Washington zoologist Dee Boersma, will analyze factors such as species type, region, and plan revisions to determine the success of these plans.
Purdue University researchers have developed a new way to preserve species by transplanting ovarian tissue from one animal into another, enabling the production of viable eggs in a wide variety of female mammals. The breakthrough could boost breeding programs for endangered species and address fertility problems in humans.
A bioreserve system in the DMZ could foster trust and collaboration between North and South Korea, Dr. Ke Chung Kim suggests. Creating such a system would also provide economic opportunities through ecotourism and resource conservation.
A recent study and court ruling have led to the listing of jaguar as an endangered species in the US. The decision is based on evidence of rare sightings and potential population dispersal from Mexico.
Darrel Snyder's expertise helps state and federal agencies monitor and bolster populations of threatened species by identifying days-old fish. He has confirmed spawning sites for endangered razorback sucker and Colorado squawfish, providing crucial clues for their survival.
A new study highlights the importance of managing multiple species to prevent extinction, according to Dr. Ron Pulliam, director of the National Biological Service. By identifying vulnerable species and human activities threatening them, conservation efforts can be targeted to save species.
The Endangered Species Act's economic impacts are unclear due to inadequate data, according to a University of Wyoming economist. The lack of scientifically-based national estimates of the economic benefits of most listed species limits decision-making.
The Duke Primate Center aims to capture three diademed sifakas for breeding in captivity, addressing the animals' critically endangered status due to habitat destruction and poaching. The expedition, set for October 2-18, will help build a captive breeding stock to replenish wild populations.