A team of researchers developed a theoretical framework that can reproduce and predict the patterns associated with gastrulation in a chicken embryo. Small changes in cell parameters and behavior can have a dramatic impact on the resulting gastrulation patterns, which are seen in other species such as frogs, fish, and chameleons.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2023
Researchers found that adding protruding rocks to restored streams increases the abundance and diversity of stream insect eggs, but not necessarily their larval stages. This study suggests that stable rock landing areas can enhance aquatic insect populations in restored streams.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to quickly detect the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in shipments and captive settings. The new approach tests environmental DNA for Bsal DNA to assess the pathogen's prevalence, providing a way to make an essentially invisible pathogen visible.
SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 12, 2023
A Hungarian study reveals that pond networks rely on spatial position for species diversity, with central connections hosting higher microorganism and plankton diversity. This research highlights the importance of connectivity in maintaining biodiversity in fragmented ecosystems like bomb crater ponds.
SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalEcography·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2023
A new study from McGill University and international collaborators investigates the role of temperature in determining animal species' current and potential habitats. The research reveals that temperature is less directly limiting for land animals like reptiles, amphibians, and insects than previously thought.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 22, 2023
A large USGS study assesses methylmercury in adult amphibians, finding it to be a toxic compound that bioaccumulates in animals as they feed. The study's results provide new methods and baseline data for assessing mercury risk in endangered species, including those listed under the Endangered Species Act.
SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 30, 2023
Researchers mapped mosquito's tree of life, revealing how the insects chose their hosts and evolved disease transmission. The findings suggest mosquitoes started out feeding on amphibians and later moved to other groups as they flourished.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 18, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers used AI models to analyze animal sounds in reforested areas, finding that vocalizing species communities mirror biodiversity recovery. The study suggests potential applications for monitoring biodiversity and could lead to certifications or credits for environmental projects.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023
Purdue University scientists examine the bio-impact of toxic chemical cocktails in the environment, finding reduced growth in tadpoles exposed to PFAS mixtures. The study highlights the need for research on mixture toxicity in aquatic organisms, as each chemical interacts with others in complex ways.
SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023
A study from North Carolina State University tracked 16 rehabilitated turtles to monitor their long-term survival and health. The researchers found that turtles moved an average of 100 yards between observations, with some individuals traveling much farther than expected.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2023
A new study suggests that protecting large areas of land can help stem biodiversity loss, with vertebrates declining 0.4% per year inside protected areas compared to 1.8% outside. The study highlights the importance of proper governance for the success of protected lands and their role in conserving biodiversity.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2023
A new study by UTA researchers found that vertebrate population declines are five times slower in conservation areas compared to those outside protected lands. Conservation areas help stabilize amphibian and bird populations, while also having a positive impact on reptiles in countries with good governance.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers found that shoreline spiders can move mercury pollution up the food chain to land animals like birds and bats. The study suggests these spiders can serve as a potential link between aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, informing management decisions.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 13, 2023
A team of researchers compared the development of blood vessels in various animals, including mice, quails, and fish, to understand the origins of the human heart. They found that the structure of the human coronary arteries likely evolved from a common amniote ancestor, adapting to life on land.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023
The study established a broad range of reptile cell lines, including those from crocodilians, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and lizards. This breakthrough will help advance reptile conservation and replace the need for live animals in scientific research, leading to improved animal welfare.
SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalMicroorganisms·DateAug 4, 2023
Researchers have found that caecilians, an elusive type of amphibian, transfer microbes from their skin and gut to their young during skin-feeding. This unique method of parental care provides nutrients and helps establish a healthy microbiome in juvenile caecilians.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateJul 24, 2023
Scientists will use AI-powered monitoring stations to track species populations and assess the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes in improving biodiversity. The study aims to demonstrate how different farming systems and practices affect species populations, providing crucial evidence for sustainable land management policies.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 19, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers found that fruit flies prefer larger quantities, but struggle to distinguish between 3 and 4 objects, highlighting the importance of ratio perception. LC11 neurons are essential for comparing quantities in fruit flies.
SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023
Researchers found that the annulated sea snake possesses four intact copies of the opsin gene SWS1, two with ancestral ultraviolet sensitivity and two with evolved sensitivity to longer wavelengths. This suggests that sea snakes have regained color discrimination to distinguish predators, prey, and mates in their marine habitats.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 12, 2023
UK schoolchildren aged 7-11 drew mammals and birds most commonly, with reptiles and amphibians appearing less frequently. The study suggests children's perceptions of local wildlife are skewed towards mammals and birds, hinting at a wider problem of nature disconnect.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2023
A new computer simulation suggests that domestic cats' noses function similarly to parallel coiled gas chromatographs, enabling efficient odor detection. This finding deepens understanding of how the evolution of convoluted channels enabled mammals' enhanced sense of smell.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new study highlights the immense potential of living cell banks in contributing to global conservation priorities. By analyzing genetic samples from the Frozen Zoo, researchers identified opportunities to increase representation of threatened species and provide access to critical genetic diversity.
SourceSpecies360·JournalZoo Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2023
A new study highlights the potential of living cell banks to contribute to global conservation priorities. Cryo-banked samples provide crucial genetic diversity and reintroduction opportunities to increase adaptability and resilience in threatened species.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalZoo Biology·DateJun 20, 2023
Researchers from Nanjing University and University of Bristol found that early reptiles, birds, and mammals may have borne live young, contrary to the long-held assumption that hard-shelled eggs were key to their success. Extended embryo retention was likely a crucial adaptation that allowed these animals to thrive on land.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2023
A new study found that a vaccine against the deadly chytrid fungus in frogs can shift the composition of the microbiome, making frogs more resilient to future exposure. The researchers applied a non-lethal dosage of a metabolic product created by the chytrid fungus to tadpoles and observed a protective shift in the microbiome.
SourcePenn State·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Scientists developed a new diagnostic test for chytridiomycosis, identifying previously undetected strains and detecting pathogens in amphibians worldwide. The test's success verified its affordability as an alternative for widespread surveillance, addressing the urgent need for rapid detection of the disease.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateMay 23, 2023
A new study predicts that climate change will expose species to potentially dangerous temperatures, leading to an abrupt loss of habitat. The research found that up to 30% of species will be at risk of experiencing unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30% of their geographic range in a single decade.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 18, 2023
Research by North Carolina State University found that new species can alter ecosystem processes despite similarities to resident species, but changes occur when they are more dissimilar. This study has implications for predicting the consequences of climate change-induced species introductions.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023
A study found that the coqui frog's calls have changed over a 23-year period due to rising temperatures, with higher-pitched calls at higher elevations. This shift may indicate a mini-migration of frogs up the mountain as temperatures increase, posing a threat to their survival.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers warn that climate change will lead to the loss of habitats for invertebrates in the European Alps, with many species forced to seek refuge in colder areas. The study predicts that by the end of the century, most species will have experienced consistent losses of habitat.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2023
Researchers studying the mudskipper, a fish that spends time on land, found that its blinking behavior serves similar functions as in humans and other tetrapods. The study suggests that blinking may have evolved as part of the suite of traits that allowed early tetrapods to adapt to life on land.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2023
A Penn State-led research team developed a statistical method to predict the effects of climate change on cold-blooded animals. The Physiologically Guided Abundance Model (PGA Model) combines field and laboratory data to forecast species geographical distributions and abundance in response to warming temperatures.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2023
Two new species of poisonous birds have been discovered in New Guinea's rainforest, containing a neurotoxin similar to that found in South American poison dart frogs. Genetic changes in these bird species allow them to tolerate and store the toxin in their feathers, potentially serving as a defensive mechanism.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 31, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers at University of Illinois have recalibrated climate change effects on salamanders, showing a somewhat more hopeful future. The study found that incorporating microclimate data at fine spatial scales reduced predicted habitat loss by 55-80% compared to using free-air temperature data.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·DateMar 31, 2023
A team of researchers from South Africa has discovered exceptional trace fossils that provide insight into the locomotion of ancient giant amphibians. The fossils, found on a rock surface once part of a tidal flat or lagoon, suggest these animals propelled themselves through water with continuous side-to-side tail motions.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023
A study of over 1,400 amphibian species reveals that warning color signaling is likely an intermediate step in the evolution of aposematism. This finding highlights the importance of considering hidden signals in understanding animal antipredator defenses.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2023
Researchers identify egg yolk proteins retained in viviparous sharks and rays, which may provide nutrition to developing embryos. The study suggests that these proteins have evolved a new function in cartilaginous fishes, potentially facilitating the transition from egg-laying to live birth.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2023
A deadly fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has emerged in Africa over the past 165 years, causing a significant decline in amphibian populations. The fungus is lethal for many species but not others, with low prevalence and limited spread initially until 2000.
SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·DateMar 15, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A recent study found that the highly contagious chytridiomycosis fungus has become more prevalent and widespread in Africa since 2000, posing a new threat to amphibian populations. The disease, which can cause skin sloughing, lethargy, weight loss, and cardiac arrest, may be linked to climate change-induced stress.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023
Researchers developed an updated conservation metric, EDGE2, incorporating scientific uncertainty and status of related species. This approach identifies top-priority species for protection, preserving over 700 million years of evolutionary history, and allocates limited funds effectively.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 28, 2023
A new species of stream frog from the Andes of Ecuador was named Hyloscirtus tolkien, created by one of their favorite writer, JRR Tolkien. The researchers found it in the pristine streams of the Río Negro-Sopladora National Park.
A new species of snake, Dipsas aparatiritos, has been described from western Panama, having gone unnoticed for over 40 years. The species is relatively common and has a characteristic bulbous head and brown-and-black patterning.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 6, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
The discovery of Funcusvermis gilmorei, a 220-million-year-old fossil, extends the history of caecilians by 35 million years and fills a gap in their evolutionary history. The fossil shares skeletal features with early frog and salamander fossils, strengthening evidence for a shared origin between caecilians and these groups.
A new study predicts that by 2099, future extreme heatwaves will expose up to 11% of land vertebrates to temperatures beyond their historical levels. However, a low-emissions scenario greatly reduces animals' exposure to heat extremes.
SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2023
A fungus infecting salamanders has evolved to contain multiple copies of jumping genes, which contribute to its increased virulence. The 'copy and paste' mechanism allows the fungus to amplify skin-destruction genes, making it more deadly.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2023
Glassfrogs have a unique adaptation to stay transparent, storing nearly all of their red blood cells in their livers with reflective guanine crystals. This allows them to avoid blood clots and live without the risks associated with aggregation of red blood cells.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that glassfrogs store nearly 90% of their circulating red blood cells in their liver when they want to be transparent. This helps them blend in with their surroundings and avoid predation during the day.
SourceDuke University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
Scientists have solved a decades-long puzzle about why ancient tetrapod fossils in Ireland's Jarrow Assemblage had their internal bone structure altered. The team used CT scans and laser ablation to analyze the chemistry of the bones, finding evidence of superheated fluids that cooked and melted the bones.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPalaeontology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022
Researchers found evidence of fibrolamellar bone in early tetrapod Whatcheeria, suggesting rapid juvenile growth. This contradicts the long-held assumption that slow growth was ancestral for tetrapods, and instead reveals a more complex life history.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 28, 2022
Fossils of Whatcheeria, a six-foot-long lake-dwelling creature, revealed that it grew big by front-loading its growth in its youth. Contrary to the slow-and-steady growth pattern seen in many modern reptiles and amphibians, Whatcheeria's rapid growth as a juvenile provided a competitive advantage as a top predator.
SourceField Museum·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 28, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A team of scientists has estimated the weight of a prehistoric salamander using five living animal analogues and 19 body mass estimation techniques. The study found that the large-bodied Eryops was around 160 kilograms, while the Paracyclotosaurus was roughly 260 kilograms.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPalaeontology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2022
Climate change poses a significant threat to southwestern US reptile and amphibian populations, with limited-dispersal species facing the greatest vulnerability. The study suggests that prioritizing conservation efforts for these species may be crucial to mitigating habitat loss.
SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateNov 9, 2022
Scott Glaberman at George Mason University received a grant to improve the phytohemagglutinin assay for assessing immunity in amphibians. The project aims to determine how pollution affects amphibian vulnerability to disease, benefiting conservation efforts.
A recent study predicts that over half of lesser-known species are in danger of disappearing. The researchers used machine learning to calculate the risk of extinction for thousands of data-deficient species, finding that as many as 85% of amphibians and around half of mammals and reptiles face an uphill battle.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 1, 2022
A 166-million-year-old Scottish fossil, Bellairsia gracilis, provides insights into the early evolution of lizards. The nearly complete skeleton reveals a mix of ancestral and modern features, shedding light on the ancestry of squamates, which include lizards and snakes.
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A study published by the University of Zurich has found that vocal communication in vertebrates has a common and ancient evolutionary origin, dating back to around 407 million years ago. The research used vocal recordings and contextual behavioral information from 53 species across four major clades of land vertebrates.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that more than three times the number of unregulated animal species are being imported into the US compared to regulated species. The trade in these species is putting them under increasing threat.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2022
Researchers studied the bones of an extinct amphibian species and found that its shoulder girdle was densely compact, similar to modern manatees. This adaptation allowed the creature to sink and hunt underwater, while its smaller legs and rounded skull suggest it may have only surfaced occasionally.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 29, 2022
A study from the University of California, Davis found a clear connection between an amphibian die-off and a spike in malaria cases in Costa Rica and Panama. The research suggests that stable ecosystems are crucial for disease prevention and health, and massive ecosystem disruptions can have significant consequences for human well-being.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022
Researchers discovered that tetrapods had more complex connections between skull bones than fish, limiting their evolution for millions of years. This complexity resulted in a single, consolidated skull unit, whereas fish ancestors had multiple distinct sections.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.