Scientists have deciphered the meaning behind mysterious faces on South Pacific artifacts, revealing that they may represent sea turtles. The research, published in the Cambridge Archaeological Journal, suggests that these ceramic portraits and wooden bowls display ideas about human origins and the divine.
Dunkleosteus terrelli, a 400-million-year-old fish, had the strongest bite of any fish with a force of 1,100 pounds, rivaling that of large alligators and Tyrannosaurus rex. Its unique bladed dentition focused the bite force into a small area, while its ability to open its mouth quickly created a strong suction force.
A 250M year-old mass extinction event led to a profound ecological shift in the world's oceans. Simple marine ecosystems were largely displaced by complex ones, reflecting a rise in mobile organisms with higher metabolism. This change has continued ever since, with current human activities potentially reversing this trend.
Researchers found that Mexican immigrants in the Chicagoland area possess a wealth of artistic and networking assets contributing to economic activity and community cohesion. Their participation in cultural activities stimulates economic growth, particularly in the music industry and service sector.
The discovery of Bubalus cebuensis, a new species of dwarf water buffalo, provides insights into island dwarfing and the evolutionary development of ancient mammals. The species is believed to have evolved from a large-sized continental ancestor to dwarf size in the oceanic Philippines.
A groundbreaking study by Field Museum scientists reveals that wild lion manes develop according to local climate regimes and are influenced by age. Contrary to popular assumptions, most lions in regions like Tsavo do acquire respectable manes, and the best-maned lions are typically older.
The bones of the 'Hobbit' were found to be inconsistent with evolutionary theory. Microcephaly, or small brain size, is now considered a plausible explanation for the discovery.
A comprehensive theory explains Madagascar's high levels of plant and animal endemism, relating it to watershed configurations and recent climatic shifts. The research provides a clear framework for testing evolutionary relationships and understanding the island's unique biodiversity.
A team of international scientists has discovered a new African monkey genus, Rungwecebus kipunji, through collaborative research. The species, found in Tanzania's high-altitude forests, exhibits distinct physical characteristics and is closely related to baboons, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its vulnerable...
A study of zoo lions across the US found that cold temperatures contribute significantly to mane length and density, with up to half of the variation attributed to temperature. The research suggests that lion manes may not be as genetically determined as previously thought.
Researchers discovered an ancient brewery with a 1,800-liter capacity at Cerro Baúl, a sacred mountain in southern Peru. The brewery was abandoned and partially burned to the ground 1,000 years ago, along with a final batch of chicha, a fermented alcoholic drink central to the Wari culture.
The discovery of Buitreraptor gonzalezorum, a 90-million-year-old dinosaur, reveals that dromaeosaurs originated during the Jurassic period, challenging previous estimates. The fossil's bird-like features and unique characteristics provide evidence of a global distribution and evolutionary routes for these carnivorous theropods.
German and Malagasy primatologists have discovered two new lemur species, Mirza zaza and Microcebus lehilahytsara, highlighting biodiversity patterns among humans' closest relatives. The discoveries shed light on human origins and evolution, with lemurs being crucial to understanding ancient primate lineages.
Scientists discovered that massive underground coalfields, burned during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, triggered a period of intense global warming and mass extinction. The new research sheds light on the consequences of current carbon-based fuel consumption.
The Field Museum is preserving the audio descriptions of its prized Pacific collection, recorded on sonobands in the 1950s and 60s. The project involves converting the recordings to a digital format, which has proven challenging due to the deterioration of the sonoband medium over time.
Research using mitochondrial DNA identified two distinct populations in Algeria and Morocco as founders of the Gibraltar macaque population. The study found that the Gibraltar macaques retained a surprisingly high level of genetic variability despite long-term isolation.
Archaeologists have confirmed the existence of a complex society in South America dating back over 5,000 years. The inland culture, based on agriculture, featured monumental architecture and sophisticated social hierarchies.
A new method of paleoelevation has been developed by Jennifer McElwain at the Field Museum, allowing scientists to estimate land elevation over geological eras. The method uses stomata on leaves to determine past carbon dioxide levels and elevation, providing a more accurate understanding of climate evolution and plant animal migration.
The Field Museum is reuniting scattered Kish collections from ancient Iraq using a $100,000 grant. The project aims to catalog and reconcile over 100,000 artifacts, making it possible for the first time to fully understand the site's historical significance.
A new Chinese fossil discovery sheds light on the evolution of protorosaurs and their long-necked marine reptiles. The Dinocephalosaurus species' 25 cervical vertebrae neck may have enabled a unique suction-based feeding method, allowing it to capture prey more effectively in water.
Scientists charted T. rex life history for the first time, revealing a giant size due to an extraordinary growth spurt from 14 to 18 years of age. This was followed by about 10 years of little or no growth as an adult. The study provides insight into T. rex evolution, biology, biomechanics and population dynamics.
A study by Bruce Patterson found that lion attacks increase during wet seasons when traditional prey disperses, making livestock more vulnerable. Implementing a seasonal stocking plan can reduce losses by quartering livestock only during the dry season and taking them to market before the rains.
A new primate fossil find in Asia has sparked debate about the origins of humans, with some scientists arguing that early primates were nocturnal. The fossil, Teilhardina asiatica, is smaller than modern primates and had sharp tooth cusps indicating an insect-eating diet.
A 1,500-year-old underground tomb was discovered by Field Museum archaeologists beneath a palace-like residence in El Palmillo, Oaxaca. The tomb, remarkably well-preserved due to its subfloor location, contained three human remains with high-status signs, ceramic vessels, and red paint-covered bones.
Researchers from Field Museum and American Museum of Natural History analyze museum specimens to understand genetic variation of the Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle. They discover more genetic variation across historical range, suggesting human impacts led to fragmentation of populations.
The Field Museum has received a grant to preserve and conserve its extensive collection of Chinese textiles, featuring 1,200 embroidered folk textiles and 1,000 historical costumes. The museum's unique holdings provide valuable insights into traditional Chinese textile decoration techniques and symbolism.
Archaeologists have found a 4,000-year-old gourd fragment bearing an archaic image of the Staff God, the principal deity in South America. The discovery pushes back the origin of organized religion in the Americas by over 1,000 years, indicating that the Andean civilization began practicing religion more than previously thought.
Newly discovered primate fossils in Egypt double the known age of bushbabies and lorises, suggesting they may have originated in Indo-Madagascar instead of Africa. This finding pushes back the divergence times and origins of primates, including human ancestors, to around 90 million years ago.
A new study published in Nature reveals that all of Madagascar's living Carnivora descended from a single species that dispersed from Africa to the island. The findings refute two previously accepted models for mammal colonization and provide further evidence that lemurs also colonized the island in a single event.
The Field Museum's Center for Cultural Understanding and Change has launched an Institute to develop museum-based public interest anthropology. The program aims to facilitate interaction between communities and universities on critical social issues.
Researchers have discovered that insects breathe rapidly in a manner similar to lungs, with tracheal compression and expansion exchanging up to 50% of air every second. This new technique, utilizing synchrotron x-ray beams, opens doors to studying animal functions, biomechanics, and movements.
The Field Museum researchers found that Tsavo lions were not 'aberrant' and did not kill humans due to damaged teeth. Instead, they engaged in a social tradition of man-eating, which was learned through generations and passed on to offspring.
The Field Museum is part of a 15-20 year program to fill in the Tree of Life, using genetic studies, fieldwork and existing information. The project aims to determine evolutionary relationships among bird species and other groups, with applications in disease research, conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Researchers found that the snake uses a novel 'loop and pull' behavior to consume large crabs, overcoming limitations imposed by limb loss and body form changes. The behavior was recorded in a dark room with infrared video cameras and verified through observations of wild snakes consuming oversized prey.
A new statistical approach reveals primates originated 85 million years ago, rather than 65 million, due to gaps in the fossil record. This challenges traditional methods of interpreting fossils and constructing evolutionary trees, including the human lineage.
Researchers found that Tsavo lions live in large groups of females ruled by a single male, with an average of 7.4 adult females per group. The study suggests that the lions' manelessness may be an adaptation to their hot and dry environment.
A newly discovered dinosaur, Liaoceratops yanzigouensis, has provided valuable insights into the evolution of horned dinosaurs. Weighing only about seven pounds, it had rudimentary horns and a frill, unlike its larger cousin Triceratops.
A new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Sinovenator changii, has been discovered in China, revealing that major structural modifications towards birds occurred earlier than previously thought. The fossil is closely related to the oldest known bird, Archaeopteryx, and provides evidence that birds did not evolve from dinosaurs.
The Ecuadorian government has signed a decree to create a globally outstanding protected area in the Andean foothills, led by The Field Museum and the Cofán Survival Fund. This marks the first time federally protected lands have been placed in official custody of indigenous people, with the Cofán residents set to manage the 195-square-...
Natural history museums are critical forces for understanding and conserving the world's biological diversity. They must focus on conservation, make collections accessible, collect and disseminate information faster, engage local communities, and promote science-based advocacy to advance conservation goals.
Dr. Peter Makovicky's discovery sheds new light on the feeding behavior of ornithomimid dinosaurs, revealing a possible adaptation to filter-feed tiny invertebrates and particles from water and sediment. The find is significant as it provides evidence for the unique beak structure found in two well-preserved specimens.
A new web-based taxonomic key enables researchers to identify mammals by answering a series of questions with accompanying images. The key, developed in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam, uses over 170 identified species as a starting point.