Scientists have discovered that bacteria can act as an aphrodisiac for choanoflagellates, one-celled marine organisms notable for being the closest living relative of all animals. The discovery reveals how these eukaryotes regulate their life history in response to bacterial cues.
Scientists found caterpillars have only 50,000 times fewer microbes than human guts, suggesting most are ingested from surroundings. Caterpillars can grow and develop without microbes, challenging the idea of a universal microbiome among animals
Animals use color in diverse ways, including for reproduction and predator-prey interactions, with species-specific purposes in mind. Mantis shrimp have four times as many colour receptors as humans, allowing them to perceive ultraviolet light.
Researchers used a deep-diving robot to study deep scattering layers, finding that they contain discrete groups or 'schools' of squids, fishes, and crustaceans. These groups have distinct boundaries and are formed by similar-sized animals, with smaller animals staying closer together.
Researchers linked mechanical properties of titin to animal size, revealing that larger animals had less stable proteins. By comparing ancestral protein sequences with fossil records, they estimated the weight of ancient mammals, birds, and tetrapods, finding them to be relatively small.
Researchers discovered that humans have a superior capacity to deal with sequential information, making it easier to distinguish between stimuli sequences. This ability is crucial for language, mathematics, and strategic games, and may have evolved during human prehistory, supporting the later development of these traits.
Researchers found that tourists often mistake wild monkeys' aggressive facial expressions for friendly or neutral ones, leading to increased risk of injury and disease transmission. The study suggests educating tourists through videos or guided visits with expert guides could improve both animal welfare and tourist experience.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that a recently developed molecular clock method called RelTime failed to relax the clock, sparking debate on the age of animals. The team's findings suggest that animals are unlikely to be older than approximately 850 million years, in agreement with previous studies.
A new study reveals that red sea rabbitfish brought live marine animals with them when they invaded the mediterranean, expanding biodiversity and threatening native ecosystems. The research highlights the role of fish in spreading invasive species through 'ichthyochory,' a previously unknown mechanism.
A UCR study reveals that the Ediacaran-era fossil animal Dickinsonia developed in a highly regulated way using a similar genetic toolkit to today's animals. The research helps place Dickinsonia in the early evolution of animal life, showcasing its complex growth and development.
A new study by Vetmeduni Vienna found that shearing alpacas in a standing position produces the least amount of stress for the animals. The research team used clinical parameters and saliva/faeces cortisol levels to measure stress, finding that restraint without shearing had no significant impact on these values.
Researchers found that low-dose cannabis can reverse cognitive decline in older mice by increasing nerve cell connections and reversing molecular signatures. This breakthrough opens the door to potential human clinical trials for treating age-related dementia.
Scientists at Temple University have developed a gene editing strategy that can excise HIV DNA from the genomes of living animals, eliminating further infection. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was successfully tested in three animal models, including one with latent HIV-1 infection.
A study from the University of Arizona found that reminding people of their mortality increases their willingness to kill animals. The researchers used terror management theory, which suggests that humans use self-esteem as a buffer against fear of death. When participants received a self-esteem boost, the effect of the death prime was...
Researchers found that bryozoans quickly dissolved in warmer waters exposed to acidity, changing their chemical composition to build higher levels of magnesium in their skeletons. This predisposes these animals to dissolve in ocean acidification, which is becoming more common due to climate change.
Rice University scientists created nano-SPEARs to study synaptic behavior and degenerative diseases without harming small animals. The technique allows for high-throughput data gathering, making it possible to test multiple animals per hour.
A new study by MBARI researchers Séverine Martini and Steve Haddock found that three quarters of deep-sea animals in Monterey Bay waters can produce bioluminescence. The study revealed a surprising similarity in the proportion of glowing to non-glowing animals at different depths, with various groups of animals responsible for light pr...
Stanford researchers discovered that accumulating monounsaturated fatty acids can extend the life span of roundworms. The finding suggests that this type of fat may be beneficial for life span, contrary to previous studies on caloric restriction which often show thinner animals to live longer.
Researchers aim to learn how to provide healthier aquatic environments for animals and plants by studying viruses in controlled aquariums. The study will explore unique relationships between fish, animals, and plants with microbes.
Researchers discovered blood-sucking flies can act as 'flying syringes' to detect emerging infectious diseases in wild animals. The method analyzes the origin of the blood and species of malaria parasites present, with potential implications for controlling global outbreaks.
Researchers at NIMBioS developed a more sensitive test for detecting paratuberculosis in cattle, shedding light on the early stages of the disease. The new macrophage-based assay produces reliable diagnoses and could be a game-changer for controlling the spread of the disease.
Native animals are declining on Melville Island due to reduced habitat and increased cat populations. Rangers are using fire management techniques to create more habitat for native wildlife by burning vegetation in the early season.
A new study reveals that stuffed animal sleepovers at libraries significantly increase children's interest in picture books and encourage them to read with their stuffed animals. The program's effectiveness in developing prosocial behavior is also demonstrated.
A new study investigated the potential role of North American animals as hosts for Zika virus. Researchers tested common animal species, including goats, pigeons, raccoons, and ducks, for infectious virus presence and antibodies. The findings suggest that these animals may serve as an unseen reservoir for Zika virus in urban environments.
Researchers at Wayne State University have developed a novel diagnostic tool to identify tinnitus in animals, providing a significant breakthrough in understanding the underlying mechanisms of this condition. The new method, which uses a conditioned licking suppression behavioral test, enables researchers to assess tinnitus onset, seve...
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that brumation, the winter dormancy of cold-blooded animals, does not affect memory retention in salamanders. Researchers trained salamanders to navigate a maze and tested their ability to recall the path after a period of brumation.
A new framework called SEARCH encourages scientists to share experimental animal resources, reducing the need for new animals in research. The framework aims to foster collaboration and promote reduction, replacement, and refinement of animal use in biomedical research.
An international expert workshop has outlined a strategy for reducing and replacing animal use in acute systemic toxicity testing. The report, published in Toxicology In Vitro, presents recommendations including gathering high-quality reference data and global harmonization.
Researchers at Stanford University studied a rare marine worm species, discovering that its larvae undergo a prolonged phase with little more than a head. This indicates that many animals in the ocean likely share this trunk-less stage, shedding light on animal development and evolution.
Researchers have developed an associative learning model that explains how animals create effective behaviors, such as self-control and tool use. The model suggests that genetic regulation of learning influences species-specific behavior and intelligence.
A Northwestern University research team developed a mathematical model that predicts the evolution of two distinct subspecies in ornamented animals, one with flashy ornaments for attracting mates and one with subdued ornaments. The study found evidence from nature agrees with the model, showing many species split into these subgroups.
A new approach to analyzing animal teeth reveals dietary patterns of extinct species, providing insights into past environments. The technique's precision will help researchers predict how animals adapt to environmental changes, informing conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered a new lagerpetid and saurischian dinosaur together, providing insights into the evolution of dinosaurs. The findings suggest that dinosaurs and their precursors coexisted during the earliest stages of dinosaurs' rise, contradicting previous theories.
A Nagoya University research team used a new image processing tool to confirm that humans have evolved specifically to detect snakes. Humans were able to identify snakes in much blurrier images than other harmless animals, suggesting heightened visual awareness of snakes.
A new study has found that features in animal teeth can detect unfavourable weather conditions, such as long dry periods or heavy rains. This method, known as reverse engineering, allows researchers to infer annual rainfall and average temperatures from fossil records, providing valuable information about past environmental conditions.
Researchers studied a single-celled amoeba called Capsaspora owczarzaki and found it uses the same protein-regulating tools as multicellular animals to control cell differentiation over time. This suggests that the single-celled ancestor of all animals likely possessed these systems and was more complex than previously thought.
Researchers documented the killing of millions of animals in Brazil's Amazon Basin for their hides following the collapse of the Rubber Boom. Despite this, most land-based species appear to have survived the carnage, while aquatic species were more severely impacted.
A new report highlights the need for better data recording on seized live wild animals, as only one in three CITES countries provide data. The study found that two out of three countries did not report any live wildlife seizures, despite poaching and the estimated $8-10 billion global wildlife trafficking industry.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that coastal-dwelling marine wildlife are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously thought. The research found that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines are at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastics.
Researchers in Northwestern China report ongoing transmission of rabies, highlighting challenges in reservoir animals such as dogs and wild foxes. The study emphasizes the need for oral vaccines for these animals, citing limited evidence on vaccination dosing and scheduling.
When sick, animals alter behavior to reduce social contact and minimize disease transmission, a key finding of the study. By removing themselves from groups, sick animals may protect healthy relatives from infection.
Researchers found that head partitions reduced agonistic interactions and increased the use of feeding places among high-ranking animals. This led to a more relaxed feeding environment, improved sense of well-being, and increased nutritional status among goats.
A USGS study reveals that video surveillance is the most effective method for detecting animals flying around solar power towers. Most observations involve insects, with only a handful of birds and bats seen near the towers.
A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science ranks the suitability of mammals as pets, with Agile Wallaby, Sika Deer, Tamar Wallaby, Llama, and Asian Palm Civet making the top five list. The research developed a methodology to assess mammal suitability for domestic ownership, considering behavioral needs and welfare risks.
Researchers studied African mudskipper fish and a robot modeled on the animal to understand how early terrestrial animals moved 360 million years ago. The study suggests that tails may have played a key role in propelling these early land animals forward, especially on sloping granular surfaces.
Researchers found that seven of ten populations selected high-quality forage in early stages of growth, while others favored leading or trailing edges. This study provides insights into how animals track plant growth and will aid in understanding impacts of climate change on big game habitats.
A veterinarian is conducting clinical trials to treat cancers in dogs, cats, and other companion animals. The research has the potential to provide important information for human cancer patients, with canine cancers being genetically similar to those in humans.
Researchers found that deer tend to flee away from observers, with a strong preference for escaping north- or southwards. This behavior is thought to be due to the deer's magnetosensitivity, allowing them to coordinate their escape plans and maintain group cohesion.
A study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that birds can differentiate between whole and broken songs using spatial and intensity cues. The research used zebra finches and budgerigars, demonstrating that stream segregation is not a uniquely human ability
Researchers found that dromedaries' genetic diversity is linked to their use as transportation animals. The animals' high genetic diversity was maintained due to regular gene flow from different populations.
Tropical forests store vast amounts of carbon through photosynthesis, but the impact of large animals on seed dispersal affects this process. A study found that tree species dependent on large animals for seed dispersal have higher carbon storage potential than those with smaller seeds.
A novel theory of animal evolution suggests that a biochemical oscillator named Life's Timekeeper controls cell maintenance and repair, determining cell longevity. This mechanism is believed to have driven the extension of cell longevity in animals, leading to the development of complex organisms.
Tropical forests depend on animals for seed dispersal to store carbon, but this role differs across regions. Large animal losses lead to fewer large trees and increased carbon loss in some forests.
Researchers used whole-brain imaging to study larval zebrafish behavior in plain surroundings. They found alternating left and right turn states in the brain, leading to spontaneous chaining of turns that deviate from random walks.
Researchers successfully revived and reproduced microscopic tardigrades that had been frozen for over 30 years. The animals demonstrated the ability to recover from long-term cryptobiosis and reproduce, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying their remarkable survival capabilities.
A new paper proposes a revised framework to understand how temperature affects the activity of cold-blooded animals, revealing that behaviors like eating and mating are extremely sensitive to thermal changes. The research suggests that this complexity is often overlooked in previous studies.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a cell type in the brain's frontal lobes that is integral to attention. Parvalbumin-expressing neurons were found to reflect animals' level of attention, with high activity associated with attentive states and low activity with inattentive states.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures reduce desert woodrats' ability to eat their normal diet of toxic creosote bushes. This could lead to animals changing their diets, relocating to cooler habitats or going extinct in local areas.
Researchers identified an ancient protein mutation that enabled the evolution of a protein necessary for multicellularity in animals. The study, published in eLife, describes a molecular mechanism involved in the origin of complex life and establishes a paradigm for research in evolutionary cell biology.
Studies have shown that oxygen levels in the deep ocean were at least 4% of modern concentrations 1.4 billion years ago, indicating that animals could exist and evolve with this amount of oxygen. Despite this, animals did not appear on Earth until about 600 million years ago.