A gene study has identified the genetic differences that distinguish sheep from other animals, including humans, cattle, and pigs. The findings could aid in developing DNA testing to improve livestock breeding programs.
A study by Dr. Y. Kirk Lin and his team found that tree frog calls emitted from drains had greater intensity and duration than natural habitats. This unique adaptation allows the frogs to boost their mating chances in urban environments.
A group of over 100 biologists argue that collecting plant and animal specimens is essential for scientific research and conservation. They claim that alternative methods such as photography and DNA analysis cannot reliably identify or describe species. The authors emphasize the importance of preserved specimens in understanding evolut...
A new study by University of Otago researchers has discovered that the modern New Zealand sea lion is a relative newcomer to the mainland, replacing an extinct prehistoric species. The team found evidence of a previously unknown lineage that dominated South Island shores until around 600 years ago.
Vanessa Alejandro, a UH geology student and founder of Warriors of the Wild, has been awarded the first-ever Udall Scholarship from the University of Houston. The scholarship recognizes her leadership potential, academic achievement, and commitment to pursuing a career in environmental conservation.
Researchers have identified a new order of marine creatures among sea anemones, revealing a giant species that is actually an imposter. The study, published in PLOS ONE, presents the first tree of life for sea anemones and reshapes scientists' understanding of these poorly understood animals.
A new study found that paper wasps with variable facial patterns have more acute vision relative to size than those without, suggesting that social communication drove the evolution of larger compound eyes. This discovery extends the idea that feedback from the environment can drive changes in sensory capabilities.
A newly discovered 305-million-year-old fossil fills in the evolutionary tree for primitive harvestmen, providing evidence that they once had two pairs of eyes. This rare find allows scientists to study the anatomy of ancient arachnids in unprecedented detail.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have created a novel method for controlling serotonin receptors using light, which could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders. By utilizing optogenetic tools, the scientists were able to modulate mouse emotional behavior and reduce anxiety-like behaviors.
A new family tree of hummingbirds reveals a rapid diversification rate, with over 140 new species emerging in the Andes and more than 338 recognized species worldwide. The study shows that hummingbirds continue to evolve and generate new species today, driven by coevolution with plants.
Researchers created 3D X-ray movies of a blowfly's flight muscles, showcasing their complex movements and control. The study provides new insights into how flies manage to perform aerobatic maneuvers with precision, opening up possibilities for innovation in micro air vehicles.
Researchers found goats can learn complicated tasks in under 12 trials and retain memories for at least 10 months, revealing excellent long-term memory. The study challenges common misconceptions about goat intelligence, suggesting they can adapt to harsh environments through complex cognition.
Scientists successfully reassemble two halves of a giant sea turtle bone, one dating back to the Cretaceous Period and the other from the 19th century. The discovery reveals that some exposed fossils can survive longer than previously thought, with calculated estimates suggesting the turtle's size was around 10 feet long.
A field study and computer simulations show that forest corridors increase seed dispersal and alter wind dynamics. The research found that corridors accelerate the wind and provide conditions for long-distance seed dispersal.
Dr. Gavin Svenson has discovered 19 new species of bark mantises in Central and South America, revealing a previously unknown diversity of these insects. The newly described species exhibit remarkable camouflage abilities, including mimicry of bark, moss, and lichen to avoid detection.
Researchers have developed a system to produce structural color through microcapsules filled with disordered particles, allowing for the creation of paints and electronic displays that never fade. This technology has the potential to replace toxic synthetic dyes and create ageless colors.
The Frank R. Lillie Research Innovation Awards will fund two years of research for $125,000 per award, supporting novel collaborative projects at the Marine Biological Laboratory that aim to transform our understanding of fundamental biological processes and human health.
A new study published in PeerJ reveals that bold baboons are more likely to learn and demonstrate new skills to others, while shy individuals watch but do not participate. Personality differences play a significant role in social learning among animals, challenging previous assumptions about animal cognition.
Researchers documented dramatic differences in swimming ability between domesticated and wild trout, calling into question the effectiveness of hatcheries in conserving native populations. The study found that domesticated trout tend to grow faster but are slower sprinters than their wild relatives.
Prey animals adopt garish colors to live long and prosper, even if they aren't poisonous. The evolutionary benefit of mimicry works, with predators reacting to the impersonations and avoiding eating the imposters. This study used evolving populations of digital organisms in a virtual world called Avida.
Research reveals that female lizards' bright orange patches on their underbellies signal peak fertility to males, attracting them with showy behavior. Males also exhibit aggressive behavior towards pregnant females, which can be deterred by the females' display of bright orange color.
Researchers created 'habitat corridors' in South Carolina to test how wind moves seeds. They found that corridors increase seed movement and promote plant diversity when aligned with prevailing winds. The study has implications for conservation efforts in Midwestern ecosystems.
Researchers found that collecting and bleeding horseshoe crabs for biomedical purposes causes short-term changes in their behavior and physiology. The study suggests delaying the blood harvest or improving transportation conditions could help the animals recover and breed again, potentially mitigating population declines.
Peru's Manu National Park has been recorded with 287 species of reptiles and amphibians, surpassing the previous record in Yasuní National Park. The park's high species diversity is attributed to its large area and steep topographic variation, despite being only 0.01 percent of the planet's land area.
Research reveals stick insects have developed a way to generate massive friction when walking upright through a hierarchy of grip with the slightest pressure, allowing them to grip but not stick. The insect's hairy friction pads employ three main tricks to increase contact area under pressure, creating a scale or hierarchy of grip.
A recent study by Mainz biologists has identified novel genes that determine the division of labor in ants, showing how gene expression differs between castes. The research found that queens express more known genes related to solitary insects, while workers have unique, modified or novel genes.
Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner on group walks to measure social behavior and determine personalities. Dogs that consistently took the lead were more responsive to training, older, and more aggressive than those that followed.
Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner during group walks to determine social rankings and personality traits. Consistently leading the pack was linked to trainability, controllability, aggression, and dominance.
A new study has found that fungi regulate diversity in rainforests by making dominant species victims of their own success. Fungi spread quickly between closely-packed plants of the same species, enabling a wider range of species to flourish.
Researchers at Oxford University found that flies living with their brothers cause less harm to females during courting than those living with unrelated flies. This is because related flies are more relaxed in their mating approach and spend less time harassing females, resulting in fewer fights and reduced fecundity for females.
Researchers found that some polar bears in the western Hudson Bay population are using flexible foraging strategies, such as prey-switching and eating plants and animals. This behavior may help them survive in a rapidly changing environment where sea ice is melting earlier and freezing later.
Researchers found that homing pigeons memorize flight paths better in landscapes with visual complexity like rural areas with hedges. Pigeons struggle to remember routes in very open or dense environments.
Research by Simon Fraser University biologists found that male black widow spiders produce carefully pitched vibrations to signal their presence and desirability to females. The team also discovered that these vibratory signals can help avoid potential attacks from the females, allowing males to successfully court and mate.
Researchers sequenced the locust genome, revealing a large and complex genetic makeup. The study found that repetitive elements made up 60% of the genome and were highly methylated, suggesting a role in phase change and swarm behavior.
A study published in ZooKeys found up to 11 species among populations previously considered two widespread treefrog species. The genetic variation of dozens of Amazonian populations across six countries revealed a large amount of cryptic diversity, with four new species formally described.
The discovery of well-preserved pelves and partial pelvic fin material in Tiktaalik roseae reveals that the evolution of hind legs began as enhanced fins. This challenges the existing theory that large, mobile hind appendages developed after vertebrates transitioned to land.
A new study found that bird species living together are more similar than different, challenging a widely-held theory on species evolution. The research suggests that competition may not be the driving force behind species differences, instead promoting the evolution of similar traits.
A new study published in Conservation Biology found that a deadly fungus is the primary cause of rapid frog population declines in the Andes mountains. The fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, has led to the decline or extinction of 200 frog species worldwide.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that bats rely on vision for navigation and orientation, while using echolocation to detect small prey in low light conditions. This unique combination of senses gives bats a significant advantage in hunting and surviving in the night.
Scientists at UC Riverside identified a key target for disrupting mosquito host-seeking behavior, which could aid in controlling disease transmission. They discovered compounds that can block the mosquito's CO2 and skin-odorant receptors, reducing attractiveness and creating an affordable alternative to traditional CO2-based mosquito t...
A new study refutes the theory that lions are a major predator of cheetah cubs and finds that big cats can coexist in protected areas. Cheetah cub survival rates were found to be higher in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park than previously thought.
Scientists confirm the extinction of Darwin's frogs caused by chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease affecting amphibians. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the remaining species, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Researchers have found that a population of fruit bats covering central Africa is infected with two deadly viruses. The African straw-coloured fruit bat was previously known to be a reservoir for these viruses, and its homogeneity and extensive movement make it easy for the viruses to spread.
Researchers have found that the bioluminescent display of a marine worm produces a long-lasting blue glow through a slimy mucus secreted from its body. The mucus contains riboflavin, vitamin B2, which is acquired by the worm through its diet or symbiotic bacteria.
A recent study describes 286 new species of wasps within the tribe Heterospilini from Costa Rica, with an estimated additional 50-100 species to be added. The findings highlight the country's astonishing biodiversity, particularly within the braconid family of parasitoid wasps.
A new London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership will train next generation of environmental scientists, tackling global challenges with £100m investment. Royal Holloway University and partners will collaborate to provide necessary skills and training for academia and industry.
A recent genetic study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Israel's wild boars descended from European pigs brought by the Philistines approximately 3,000 years ago. The research analyzed DNA samples from over 25 modern-day wild boars and found a dominant European genetic signature.
Researchers found that eastern coyotes and coyote × wolf hybrids in central Ontario have killed adult moose, challenging the long-held notion of their inability to tackle such prey. The study also discovered that younger and older adult moose are more vulnerable due to inexperience and deteriorating body condition.
Researchers found that the grasshopper mouse's sodium channel 1.8 has an amino acid substitution that blocks the activation of channel 1.8 and inhibits the pain response to scorpion venom, making them numb to its sting.
Researchers have developed a computational method that analyzes mouse behavior to categorize psychiatric drugs more efficiently. The algorithm, called Pattern Array, identifies complex behaviors in mice on various drugs and classifies them into six classes, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
Research at Tel Aviv University suggests that homosexual behavior in insects and spiders is often a case of mistaken identity. In most cases, males mistake other males for females due to lack of time and energy to inspect their mates' gender. This behavior lacks potential benefits like procreation and can be costly.
A new study on cryptic worms reveals that their ancestors had a highly complex muscular body plan, which is lost in the adult stage. The findings suggest that the common ancestor of aplacophorans and polyplacophorans was similar in complexity, implying that the worm-like groups lost these traits over evolutionary time.
New research reveals that cuckoos employ 'Batesian mimicry' by mimicking local bird of prey species with striped feathers, allowing them to frighten hosts into leaving their nests exposed. A wide range of cuckoo species have adapted different plumage patterns depending on their geographical location.
Researchers uncover a wide variety of malaria parasites in West African bats, including those closely related to rodent-infecting pathogens. The study reveals two bat-infecting parasites that made evolutionary jumps from rodents into bats and then likely back again.
Researchers found that subordinate female meerkats who have recently lost litters or been evicted are more likely to wet-nurse the dominant female's pups. This behavior may provide a survival benefit for the nursed offspring and the mother of the pups, allowing the subordinate female to remain in the group.
In a surprising twist, males prefer novel partners, whereas females tend to mate with their 'brothers-in-law', suggesting smell plays an important role. This unique preference could have implications for our understanding of mating behaviors in other species.
The round goby's rapid colonization of the upper Danube has led to a decline in native fish species such as barbel and European chub. The species' adaptability and dominance of food webs have resulted in a 'novel ecosystem,' with previously unknown combinations of species.
Researchers found that Audubon's warblers share mitochondrial DNA with myrtle warblers, a different species that migrates annually. The study suggests that the songbird may have co-opted the myrtle's mitochondria to better power its travels.
Four new species of 'legless lizards' have been discovered in California, including the silver-bellied A. alexanderae and purple-bellied A. grinnelli, with the first species added to the state's list from one to five. The discoveries highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity and the need for further surveys.
A study found that shy male birds are more likely to join flocks of birds with similar personalities than bold males. Shy birds also have fewer social partners and tend to form more stable relationships.