Researchers estimate only 3-4% of recorded fossil locations are documented in published literature, highlighting the need for museums to invest in digital preservation. The EPICC database compiles marine invertebrate fossils from the eastern Pacific, providing a vast resource for scientists.
Scientists from TUM discovered that individual nerve cells create parallel connections to three areas of the brain, establishing feedback loops that reinforce salient stimuli while suppressing others. This automatic attention control mechanism is also shared by humans, revealing insights into perception and consciousness.
The University of Texas at Austin will build the nation's fastest academic supercomputer with a $60 million NSF grant, expected to enable major scientific discoveries in fields like astrophysics and zoology. The system, known as Frontera, will begin operations in 2019 and be twice as powerful as its predecessor.
A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that traffic noise may contribute to aging in Zebra finches, with birds exposed after fledging having shorter telomeres. The researchers suggest that this period is critical for song learning and development, making birds more sensitive to noise.
A new study has proposed the maximum bioaccumulation level of 9 metals that poses no ecological risk to aquatic organisms. The study, conducted in mining areas in Asturias, has established ecological threshold concentrations for 7 metals and two metalloids, which are considered safe levels for conservation.
A study published in BMC Zoology found that ant soldiers have smaller brain sizes than workers despite being larger, as their tasks place less cognitive demand. This suggests that investment in brain development may be reduced for individuals with simpler behaviors.
The journal has published 4103 articles, 45 newly described animal families, and 8977 species, with a focus on open access and collaboration. Recent issues include a study on mid-sized carnivores in urbanized Europe and the discovery of a new shrub frog species in China.
Researchers found that haemosporidians impede migratory performance in infected birds, causing them to arrive later at breeding grounds. Infected individuals have elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an immune response that may divert resources from migration.
Researchers at Oxford University have created a lab-based approach to develop defensive relationships between hosts and bacteria, which can work together to prevent infection. The study found that these relationships can evolve quickly in a matter of weeks, providing a new potential solution to the growing superbug crisis.
A study found that larger reserves and species similarity are key to effective conservation, but not all species receive equal protection. The research highlights the need for targeted attention for certain species in sagebrush country.
Prof Alba-Tercedor collaborated with BUF to create high-resolution microtomography images of tropical longhorn beetle species and darkling beetle Zophobas morio, used in the film's photorealistic models. The results demonstrate microtomography's value for reconstructing tiny animals' microscopic structural details.
Chameleons' bony tubercles on their heads emit blue fluorescent light when exposed to UV, creating distinct patterns that aid in species recognition. This phenomenon was previously unknown and is believed to play a role in mate attraction.
Researchers at TUM investigated environmental factors affecting eDNA analysis, revealing that specific conditions can hinder detection success. Organic substances and algae were found to interfere with molecular analysis.
Researchers studied fast cockroach locomotion to develop more energy-efficient robot movement. At high speeds, cockroaches adapt their gait by reducing leg coordination, allowing for stable movement on slippery surfaces. This discovery could help robots achieve better endurance and cross-country mobility.
Research found that red-bellied lemurs with strong social bonds have similar gut microbiomes, which may contribute to their immunity. The study suggests that sharing a similar microbiome within a social group can have a positive health impact and potentially prevent infections.
Peregrine falcons use proportional navigation guidance similar to guided missiles, which could be applied to small drones. This method relies on line-of-sight information and doesn't require target speed or distance data. The research may also provide insights into pursuit behaviors of other predatory species.
A study by University of Oxford researchers found that puffin colonies traveling great distances during winter often face difficulty breeding due to environmental factors like competition and habitat quality. The study provides new insights into seabird migration behaviors, highlighting the costs associated with long-distance travel.
Researchers from Princeton University and Uppsala University report a new species of bird developed on Daphne Major island after interbreeding between two distinct species. The study reveals that the emergence of this new species occurred in just two generations, highlighting a critical step in speciation through hybridization.
Researchers found that shark skin's dermal denticles develop from neural crest cells, just like teeth, supporting the theory that these primitive scales were carried into jawed vertebrates to form teeth. This discovery suggests a deep evolutionary relationship between ancient fish scales and vertebrate teeth.
Researchers have developed a method to flag up potentially illegal wildlife trade by analyzing the growth rates of certain species. A study published in Biological Conservation has found that understanding these growth rates can help identify when an item is not yet legally available for sale, allowing authorities to act earlier.
Biologists have found that cichlid fish with a distinct preference for one side of their bodies exhibit corresponding asymmetry in brain structure and gene expression. The study reveals a functional relationship between brain shape and behavioral laterality, suggesting an evolutionary link to handedness in humans.
The Aspidistra elatior flower attracts insects by pretending to be a mushroom, with fungus gnats being the primary pollinators in its native habitat. This discovery clarifies that like most plants, A. elatior is mainly pollinated by flying insects.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that brown rats originally migrated from southern East Asia about 3,600 years ago, spreading rapidly across the globe. The research team identified several genes involved in the immune response that have adaptively evolved under natural selection in wild rats.
A new study shows that chimpanzees can work together without external cues to complete a number sequencing task, demonstrating advanced coordination skills. Young chimpanzees showed higher accuracy and speed in taking turns, while mothers were faster individually, highlighting asymmetry in information transmission.
Scientists from Moscow State University have discovered the evolutionary pathways of groups of invertebrates with specific tentacular apparatus - the lophophore. The study reveals that lophophorates are the closest relatives, with a common ancestral morphology.
A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology suggests that aliens could have evolved in a similar way to humans, with natural selection playing a key role. The research uses evolutionary theory to predict the biological make-up and behavior of complex alien life forms.
Researchers found that young bats pick up specific vocalizations from their colony members, developing a unique dialect. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of language skills and raises questions about how bats adapt to new colonies.
A study found that captive bears fed a diet high in saturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats did not develop insulin resistance or other diseases. However, mild inflammation and heart strain were observed, raising concerns about the long-term health of bears in the wild that feed on human refuse.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to insert UCP1 gene in pigs, reducing fat deposition and increasing lean meat production. The findings have potential implications for animal welfare and production efficiency in the pork industry.
The UMass Amherst TickReport service is expanding its public health mission with a recent NIH grant and collaboration with L2 Diagnostics to study Borrelia miyamotoi, a tick-transmitted bacterium causing infection and disease in the US, Europe, and Asia. Researchers will conduct human testing on people who submitted B. miyamotoi-positi...
Researchers found that herbivores, such as limpets, play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem diversity and resilience. By controlling temperatures and promoting biodiversity, these species can mitigate the effects of climate change on intertidal ecosystems.
A new study reveals that commercial fishing is a major cause of New Zealand sea lion decline, contrary to government assumptions. The research found that sea-lion exclusion devices have not effectively reduced bycatch, and instead may be hiding deaths or causing injury.
A Spanish research team found that urban house sparrows suffer from more stress due to toxic effects of air pollution and unhealthy diets compared to their country counterparts. This could have health implications for people living in cities.
Researchers used flat worms to study the role of migrating stem cells in cancer. They found that regulatory genes controlling cell migration are also essential for planarian stem cells, providing a promising model for understanding human cancers.
Research shows fish modify behaviors to avoid parasites, with behaviorally-modified individuals displaying increased surface activities and reduced swimming. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing parasite infections in aquaculture.
Researchers describe elegantly simple solution to complex problem of how tissues branch and grow, revealing self-organising process that generates space-filling networks. This discovery has huge implications for basic biology, offering new insights into cancer development and potential applications.
Scientists identified Painted Rocksnail as a distinct species despite mistaken identity for over 100 years. New study confirms its restricted range and implications for conservation efforts are significant.
Researchers found that South Africa's oil-collecting Rediviva bee species have evolved long front legs to reach oil in snapdragons' twin spurs. The length of these spurs varies among species, and bees coat their legs with velvety hairs to soak up the oil.
A new study reveals a clear relationship between the frontal bones and forebrain as well as parietal bones and midbrain in dinosaurs and birds. The research used CT scanning techniques to analyze embryos of lizards, alligators, and birds, confirming the link found in reptiles.
Researchers at STRI and JLU discovered a new species of porcelain crab, Pachycheles tuerkayi, found only along the coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. The new species has hairy claws and can be distinguished from another similar species, P. serratus, through its unique characteristics.
Researchers found that birds use olfaction to navigate over long distances, outperforming previous theories about the role of Earth's magnetic field. The study tracked Scopoli's shearwaters and showed that anosmic birds followed a different orientation pattern during their return journeys.
Scientists warn of alarming gaps in basic knowledge of deep sea life as human activities intensify. Despite this, recent technological advancements enable the collection of genetic information about populations, shedding light on their interconnectedness.
The discovery of two new beetle genera and four new species from the Australopacific Region highlights the diversity of saprinine hister beetles. The newly described insects feature interesting morphologies and ecologies, with some species dependent on ants or termites for survival.
Researchers used a portable DNA sequencer to track the movement of the Zika virus, understanding its evolution and predicting future outbreaks. The study analyzed 254 whole genomes of the pathogen, revealing that Zika circulated silently in all regions of the Americas at least a year before the first confirmed cases.
Researchers used Next-Generation Sequencing to identify a new viral lineage distantly related to herpesviruses in fish genomes. The discovery could lead to the identification of viruses in other species, potentially preventing outbreaks before they happen.
A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.
A new study proposes that cultural activities, such as language use, affect our ability to collect data, make connections, and infer behavior. The research reveals that the brain's limited working memory can be beneficial in some cognitive tasks, unlike our closest relatives, chimpanzees.
The project aims to understand the evolution of frog eyes using genomic, morphological, physiological, and spectrophotometric data. Researchers will study how differences in habitat affect eye development and function in frogs, providing insight into vision evolution across life history transitions.
Researchers found that Pennsylvania snowshoe hares have shorter, less-dense winter coats than their northern counterparts, producing lower coat temperatures. They also exhibit altered movement rates and resting-spot selection in response to variable winter temperatures. These adaptations may enable the hares to survive warming winters.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that shotgun sequencing, a favored method for measuring microbial biodiversity, is not as accurate as once thought. Amplicon sequencing, on the other hand, revealed more than twice the number of phyla and 27% more families in water samples from Brazil's major river floodplain systems.
A new study from NUI Galway has identified vinegar and heat as the best treatment for lion's mane jellyfish stings. The findings, published in Toxins, recommend rinsing with vinegar or a commercial product to remove tentacles and then immersing in hot water for 40 minutes.
Researchers have discovered three new tiny frog species in Peru's Pui Pui Protected Forest, expanding the total number of new species found to five. The newly discovered frogs are part of the diverse genus Pristimantis and exhibit unique reproductive adaptations.
A recent study suggests that climate change is impacting the survival rates of African wild dog pups, with warmer temperatures leading to fewer pups being raised. The research found that high temperatures caused packs to spend less time hunting and resulted in higher pup mortality rates.
Researchers have discovered how Rice Stripe Virus (RSV) reproduces in small brown planthoppers, a key step in controlling the spread of devastating crop diseases. By studying interactions between proteins and compounds, they found that RSV activates the JNK signaling pathway to promote replication.
Researchers tracked 106 bacterial symbioses in animal, plant, and fungi species, finding that vertically transmitted bacteria are better for hosts. Removing these bacteria can have a significant negative impact on the host, while horizontally transmitted bacteria have less impact.
Researchers used RFID technology to track badger movements, finding that individuals often visit multiple locations outside their social groups. This challenges the long-held assumption of territoriality and anti-social behavior in badgers.
Researchers found that half of ships passing through Israel's Mediterranean coast carry damaging ascidians, which can harm marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Dr. Noa Shenkar recommends regular maintenance to prevent ascidian infestations and emphasizes the importance of monitoring marine vessels for early detection.
A new study reveals that most frog species descended from just three lineages that survived the mass extinction event, with rapid radiation occurring due to available environmental niches. The loss of dinosaurs led to the rise of trees and flowering plants, which in turn favored the evolution of frogs.
A study reveals that birds' flight ability influences egg shape, with more asymmetric and elliptical eggs found in better fliers. The researchers propose that the stretchy egg membrane is responsible for generating diversity in egg shapes.
Research suggests uterine fluid informs the fetus of its mother's world, affecting embryonic development and long-term health. Studies have shown that maternal environmental exposures can leave epigenetic tags on fetal DNA.