The Xenopus laevis genome shows that hybridization between two extinct species led to a doubling of genes and the emergence of tetraploidy. Researchers found nearly a thousand non-functional genes, revealing insights into ancient genome duplication events in vertebrates.
The African clawed frog X. laevis genome contains nearly double the number of chromosomes as its related species, a result of whole genome duplication and polyploidy. The study reveals that the genome is comprised of two distinct sets of chromosomes from two extinct ancestors.
A recent expedition to Mindanao, Philippines, revealed 126 species of amphibians and reptiles, including 40 frogs, making up 36% of known Philippine species. The research team used genetic and morphological analysis, international collaboration, and rigorous fieldwork to uncover the island's biodiversity hotspot.
A team of researchers has identified northeast Mindanao as a major hotspot for biodiversity in amphibians and reptiles. The region is home to 126 species, including frogs, lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.
Researchers have identified a critical survival mechanism that allows animals to quickly respond to and escape from noxious thermal landscapes. The study found that thermosensory neurons in the brain are responsible for sensing the rate of temperature change, with a fast response triggered by rapid increases in temperature.
A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that snake venom protein profiles vary depending on age, gender, and diet. The researchers discovered significant differences in venom gland proteins between infant and adult snakes, as well as between males and females.
A newly described species of extinct reptile from the Triassic period in Texas had a strikingly dome-shaped head, similar to that of dinosaurs. The study found internal partitions or zones in the skull, which were similar to those of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs.
Researchers found that 360-million-year-old Acanthostega fossils were immature individuals, indicating a possible aquatic juvenile stage. The study also revealed differences in limb ossification and size variation between individuals, suggesting potential adaptations for life on land.
Scientists have found fossil evidence of cannibalism among 300-million-year-old Orthacanthus sharks. The ancient predators used coastal swamps as nurseries for their babies before turning on them when resources became scarce.
A new study found that many species face significantly longer wait times than initially thought, ranging from 6 months to 38 years. This delay can lead to extinction and reduced global biodiversity, contradicting the policies of the US Endangered Species Act.
Stowaway frogs being stopped by border security reduces the risk of introduction of new diseases by up to 50%. Biosecurity measures are crucial in preventing the spread of emerging diseases that have devastated native frog populations worldwide.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology identified fgf20a and fgf3/10a as major fibroblast growth factor ligands involved in fin regeneration. Fgf signalling acts directly on fin ray mesenchyme to form a blastema, promoting cell proliferation and tissue recovery.
A study of 100 species found that over 90% were affected by the forest edge effect, with the majority declining in abundance. The negative impact extended far into the forest interior, making conservation efforts crucial to protect biodiversity.
A recent study by Hiroshima University scientists found Japanese tadpoles can live and grow in natural hot springs with water temperatures up to 46.1°C. This unique adaptation may allow the species to thrive on small volcanic islands with limited fresh water sources.
A 24-year study of Fowler's Toads has created a model to predict the impact of climate change on animal behavior. The model uses weather records to forecast when toads will emerge from hibernation, revealing that warming temperatures are causing this shift to occur earlier.
Two studies suggest that frogs' ability to withstand high temperatures can help them survive disease outbreaks, such as the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Climate change may outpace deforestation as a habitat threat in tropics, and species with high thermal tolerance are less susceptible to infection.
A review paper published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery suggests targeting non-muscle cells in the heart responsible for cardiac scarring could lead to new treatments for heart disease. Scientists aim to utilize natural reparative processes of fibroblasts to modify scar tissue properties.
Scientists have described a new mating position in the Bombay night frog, where males straddle over females' backs to release sperm without physical contact. This behavior is unique among anuran amphibians and has significant implications for understanding reproductive strategies.
A team of researchers has pinpointed the genetics behind a select group of garter snakes' ability to eat poisonous newts, revealing an evolutionary 'building blocks' pattern. The study found that resistant muscle evolved after resistant nerves, with the ancestors of garter snakes gaining toxin-resistant nerves almost 40 million years ago.
Researchers found that Lake Michigan painted and snapping turtles carry all eight metals, with concentrations correlating with soil assessments in the wetlands. The turtles' long lifespan and position in the food chain make them useful indicators of wetland pollution, potentially posing a health risk to humans who consume them.
A new rain frog species, Pristimantis pluvialis, has been described from Amazonian Peru and the Amazonian foothills of the Andes. The discovery highlights the need for continued study of tropical regions to uncover new species.
A new study reveals that hydropower dams across the world are causing continued species extinctions on island habitats, with some communities losing up to 87% of their species. The research highlights the need for stronger environmental regulations and assessments to mitigate the impact of large-scale dam construction.
Amphibians are experiencing severe declines worldwide, with a study confirming that threats differ among regions. Local conservation efforts are key to reversing losses, as global efforts have been unsuccessful.
A deadly fungus has been found to be threatening African frog species, with at least five species declining due to chytrid and habitat destruction. Climate change may also be exacerbating the issue.
Scientists have discovered REM and slow-wave sleep in bearded dragons, a finding that suggests brain sleep dates back at least to the evolution of amniotes. The study's authors believe that this common origin is more plausible than convergent evolution, given the early branching out of reptiles.
Researchers from Oregon State University found that coal-tar based sealcoats contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be toxic to humans and wildlife. Asphalt-based sealcoats, on the other hand, were found to be significantly less toxic.
Researchers found that old-growth forests can reduce maximum spring and summer air temperatures by as much as 2.5 degrees Celsius compared to plantation forests. This cooling effect is due to the dense canopy and complex understory vegetation of old-growth forests, which create microclimates for temperature-sensitive species.
Researchers warn that copper contamination and climate change may hasten the extinction of two amphibian species due to increased copper toxicity and reproductive failure. The study found that even low levels of copper can be lethal to amphibians, highlighting the need for industries to reduce copper use.
A recent study found that six commonly used insecticides kill amphibian parasites, potentially decreasing the number of parasites an amphibian must defend against. The study also showed population-specific differences in pesticide resistance, highlighting the importance of considering multiple populations when assessing toxicity.
Researchers found that larval newts use stem/progenitor cells for muscle regeneration, while metamorphosed newts recruit skeletal muscle fiber cells. The study also revealed that skin, bone, muscle, and nerve tissues can regenerate faithfully in both stages of development.
The Indian Purple frog's unique development allows it to cling to underwater rocks as a tadpole and then dig underground as an adult. This adaptation enables the species to survive in ancient streams.
Researchers from NJIT identified a species of blind cavefish in Thailand with tetrapod-like pelvic girdle, enabling it to walk and climb waterfalls. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of walking on land and convergent morphological features.
A research team has discovered new populations of the endangered banana frog in Southwest Ethiopia, expanding its geographical range. The study, published in ZooKeys, suggests that the frogs are more tolerant to forest degradation than expected, increasing conservation efforts.
Researchers found ichnites of temnospondyls, seymouriamorphs, captorhinids, and synapsids in the Manyanet Valley, providing insights into ancient tetrapod diversity. The study suggests climate changes influenced faunal distribution during the Permian Period.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has imposed a ban on importing 201 species of salamanders to prevent the spread of deadly fungal disease Bsal. Researchers will discuss lessons learned from controlling another closely related fungus, Bd, which has decimated frog populations worldwide.
Researchers found reptiles and amphibians to be a crucial high-value food source for whooping cranes, particularly during spring nesting season. This adaptability suggests the birds have an increased chance for survival in human-modified environments.
The USGS report highlights the need for cooperative research and management efforts to develop effective disease-management strategies before Bsal arrives in the US. Early detection of Bsal is crucial to quickly implement management responses, reducing its spread.
A new study suggests that climate change may reduce the range of the deadly chytrid fungus in Africa's Albertine Rift, potentially saving some amphibian populations. Microscopic examination revealed that most infected frogs appeared to be in good health, indicating regional resistance to the disease.
Researchers have discovered six new African frog species and added back one previously lost, increasing the known number of clawed frog species from 22 to 29. The discovery highlights striking new characteristics and sheds light on evolution through DNA analysis.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that habitat characteristics explain differences in immune defense traits of frogs between populations. Microbiome differences and altered natural peptide secretions may alter the amphibian's immune defense capabilities. The study suggests that land use changes can influence animal t...
A new fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), poses a significant threat to North America's amphibian populations. The authors propose concrete steps to prevent or reduce the risk of Bsal entry into the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that larger protected areas with irregular shapes tend to host more species. Habitat fragmentation, however, can reduce species diversity in these areas.
Researchers from the University of Southampton developed a new type of drug that activates stem cells in bones, causing them to divide and produce more bone cells. This approach may lead to faster and more effective bone healing, particularly for people undergoing hip replacement surgery.
Researchers successfully eliminated a lethal chytrid fungus in a wild amphibian population using antifungal treatment and environmental disinfection. The breakthrough study, published in Biology Letters, marks the first time a fatal fungal infection has been eradicated from a wild population.
Researchers have identified Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola as the definitive cause of snake fungal disease (SFD) in eastern US snakes. The fungus causes skin lesions and can lead to mortality rates of up to 100% in some species, threatening extinction.
Researchers unveil two archaic aquatic carnivorous amphibian species from northeastern Brazil, shedding light on animal dispersal during the Permian period. The discoveries reveal a previously unknown geographic gap in knowledge about ancient life.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have discovered an enzyme that enables some fish and amphibians to supercharge their vision to detect red and infrared light, aiding navigation in murky waters. This discovery could lead to advances in biomedical research, particularly optogenetics, where light is used to control brain activity.
Researchers found that salamander-like regenerative capacities exist in fossil tetrapods from the Carboniferous and Permian periods. This suggests that high regeneration was a primitive state for all four-legged vertebrates, potentially lost in evolution.
A team of scientists has unearthed a 2-foot-long, 76-million-year-old fossil of an extinct turtle species with a unique pig-like snout, providing valuable insights into the evolution of turtles. The discovery sheds light on the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on ancient ecosystems.
A University of Tennessee study found that Caucasian parsley frogs rely on insect-rich bat guano for food in limestone caves. The research highlights the critical role bats play in maintaining cave ecosystems and underscores the need to protect small bat colonies.
A study by University of Liverpool scientists found that amphibians using toxins for defense are at higher risk of extinction, contradicting a long-held evolutionary hypothesis. This discovery challenges our understanding of the relationship between defense mechanisms and species diversification.
Researchers used high-performance computing methods to map climate change threats to birds, mammals, and amphibians across the Western Hemisphere. They found that tropical species will likely be vulnerable to climate change by 2100 due to narrow climatic ranges.
Researchers used fossil data to analyze stability of ecological communities before and during the Permian-Triassic Extinction. The study found that locally stable webs increased while diversity richness declined. Stability was attributed to functional organization within species groups, not biodiversity loss.
Researchers found that designing wings with flexibility near the front and rigidity at the back maximizes thrust and performance. This approach generates 36% more thrust than constant flexibility throughout the wing.
A new study found that deforestation in Borneo's forests leads to a decline in frog species richness, with only 20% of primary forest species remaining in young oil palm plantations. The study highlights the need for rigorously enforcing riparian buffer zones to mitigate the impact of industrial monocultures on amphibian populations.
A new study by Duke University finds that China's giant panda conservation measures also protect 70% of forest bird, mammal, and amphibian species found in mainland China. The research identifies high-priority areas for conservation to protect endangered native species.
A study by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine researchers reveals that evolution can be highly predictable in terms of developing toxin resistance. Convergent evolution of two amino acid changes in a specific gene leads to the development of toxin resistance in various animals, including insects, reptiles, and mammals.
Climate change is causing significant habitat loss for Pacific Northwest amphibians, including the Cascades frog, which may become extinct by 2080. The study forecasts that more than half of intermediate wetlands will convert to fast-drying ephemeral wetlands, threatening these unique species.
A new study by biologists from Case Western Reserve University suggests exposure to road salt increases the size of wood frogs, but also shortens their lives. Wood frog tadpoles exposed to road salt grew larger and turned into larger frogs at metamorphosis than those raised without being subjected to the contaminant.
A newly identified and highly infectious tadpole disease has been discovered in diverse frog populations across the globe. The study reveals a previously unidentified microbial group that infects tadpole livers, contributing to the decline of amphibian populations.