Researchers uncovered previously unknown features in the limb musculature of the macaroni penguin that help explain its efficient movement on land and underwater. The study found modified key wing muscles and a unique configuration of shoulder muscles giving penguins an 'underwater flying' wing stroke.
A new fossil face from Gona, Ethiopia, has provided insights into the first hominin species to disperse from Africa. The 1.5-million-year-old fossil, called DAN5, shows a mix of typical Homo erectus characters in its braincase but more ancestral features in its face and teeth.
The discovery of Pleurochayah appalachius, a 96-million-year-old fossil turtle, provides the earliest evidence of sidenecked turtles in North America. The find sheds light on ancient reptile migrations and expands our understanding of bothremydid turtle evolution.
Researchers warn of COVID-19's impact on pregnant women and newborns, highlighting the need for infection control measures and vaccine evaluation in clinical trials. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of viral transmission and its effects on maternal health.
A new species of quail-sized fossil bird from 44 million year old sediments in Utah has strong links with other extinct species from Namibia and Uzbekistan. The fossil fills a nearly 15 million-year gap in the galliform lineage in North America, revealing flexibility in the ecology and diet of early paraortygid birds.
A research team has uncovered four new extinct turtle species from the Arlington Archosaur Site in Texas, including a river turtle and the oldest side-necked turtle found in North America. The discovery suggests extensive intercontinental migration of turtles during this time.
The newly discovered Clevosaurus hadroprodon is the oldest known fossil of its kind in Gondwana, dating back to around 237-228 million years ago. Its unique dentition features a mix of primitive and derived teeth, challenging current understanding of sphenodontian evolution.
A recent study published in Cell Host and Microbe found that bacteria in the small intestine play a vital role in fat digestion and absorption. The researchers discovered that high-fat Western diets stimulate the growth of beneficial microbes in the small intestine, which then produce digestive enzymes to break down dietary fat.
A new study by Midwestern University found that physical and occupational therapists are at increased risk of contracting CMV due to lack of knowledge on prevention methods. The study highlights the need for educational initiatives to address the knowledge gap among these healthcare professionals.
Midwestern University researchers found anatomical variations linked with nTOS, revealing a new explanation for its difficulty in diagnosis. Ultrasound diagnostics revealed brachial plexus piercing variations at higher rates in subjects with nTOS symptoms.
Researchers at Midwestern University discovered that the muscles controlling mammalian perineal structures follow a simple ancient pattern, dating back over 360 million years. This finding defines placental mammals as a group and reveals the evolutionary innovation of cloacal separation into distinct structures.
The human appendix has been viewed as a vestigial organ with little known function, but recent research suggests it serves as a secondary immune organ. The appendix has evolved independently in several mammal lineages and is often found in species with higher concentrations of lymphoid tissue.
A unique study by Midwestern University and partners identified genetic markers associated with CWD resistance in elk, enabling the development of more sensitive tests. This breakthrough allows deer and elk farmers to take ownership of CWD management through selective breeding, potentially stopping the disease in its tracks.
A new study confirms Homo floresiensis as a distinct species, contradicting earlier claims of Down syndrome in the 'Hobbit' skeleton LB1. The research analyzed features across the skeleton and found that LB1's brain was smaller than those with Down syndrome, and its skull shape and limb proportions were more archaic.