An international team of researchers has confirmed that Brachiosaurus dinosaurs inhabited the US region, including the largest dinosaur foot ever found. The discovery was made in Wyoming and measured over 4 meters high at its hip.
A new study reveals that tropical forest conservation policies are not compensating the world's poorest people, despite good intentions. Researchers found that local communities face significant economic costs and are often arrested for cultivating ancestral land, highlighting the need for proper compensation to be affordable.
A new Spinosaurus fossil from Africa is reported to be the smallest known individual of this giant, sail-backed theropod. The tiny claw phalanx found in Cretaceous-aged sandstones retains the same locomotor adaptations as larger adults.
Five species of giant hammerhead flatworms have been discovered in metropolitan France and French overseas territories, including two species reaching up to 40 cm in length. The discovery raises concerns about the potential threat to native animals and soil ecology due to their predatory nature.
Researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium discovered sea turtles using their flippers to handle prey, a behavior thought to be unlikely in marine tetrapods. This 'exaptation' suggests flippers may have been adapted for novel tasks 70 million years earlier than previously thought.
A new species of turkey-sized herbivorous dinosaur, Diluvicursor pickeringi, has been discovered in 113 million year old rocks in southeastern Australia. The fossilized tail and foot bones provide significant information about the diversity of small, bipedal ornithopods that roamed the Australian-Antarctic rift valley.
The removal of water from the Colorado River has led to a loss of unique ecological species, which are now at risk of extinction. Hybridization between the native species and those in the surrounding estuaries poses a significant threat to their survival.
A comprehensive study published in PeerJ reveals the cheetah's precarious situation in southern Africa, with only 3,577 adult cheetahs estimated to exist. The research identifies two habitats that support a majority of individuals and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic predators.
A study published in PeerJ found that the microbial community on the International Space Station is diverse and closely resembles homes on Earth. The research team compared the bacteria found on the ISS to data from other projects, including the Human Microbiome Project and the Wildlife of Our Homes study.
Researchers mapped 27 types of illegal activities in Brazilian protected areas, with vegetation suppression and hunting being the most common. Human population density and accessibility were key factors influencing these activities, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
A 35-million-year-old salamander fossil from France has yielded a unique glimpse into the life of an ancient creature. Researchers have successfully imaged the internal anatomy of the specimen using advanced x-ray imaging techniques, revealing that it fed on frogs - a rare food source for salamanders.
Researchers found that reducing invasive moose populations indirectly lowers wolf density and stops decline of endangered caribou. This approach shows promise as a long-term solution to stabilize the species, which requires population growth to achieve recovery goals.
Researchers found a high incidence of cervical ribs in woolly rhino fossils, suggesting a vulnerable condition that may have contributed to their decline. The study suggests monitoring modern rhinos' vertebrae could indicate the level of extinction risk, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
A potential Miocene-era breeding site of the extinct baleen whale Parietobalaena yamaokai has been identified in Hiroshima, Japan. The discovery suggests that the northern hemisphere may have supported a breeding ground for this species dating back over 15 million years.
A review of over 170 studies reveals that insect analysis is only useful in a few forensic cases. The method's success relies on species distribution, temporality, behavior, and genetic analysis, which should be applied case-by-case.
A new species of giant crocodile relative, named Razanandrongobe sakalavae, has been discovered in the Middle Jurassic of Madagascar. The fossilized remains of this prehistoric creature reveal massive jaw bones and serrated teeth similar to those of a T. rex, indicating that it was a formidable predator.
A new species of parrot has been identified in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, characterized by its distinctive blue covert feathers and loud, short call. The Blue-winged Amazon parrot is thought to have evolved from the White-fronted parrot around 120,000 years ago.
A new study published in PeerJ introduces modern techniques to understand the landmark site's history, revealing that dinosaur bones were introduced to the deposit after death. The research suggests a combination of drought periods and flood events led to the accumulation of Allosaurus fossils, with environmental factors contributing t...
Corals in peril at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on O'ahu, Hawai'i are facing increased risk due to global climate change, with temperature being the most influential factor in coral bleaching. Researchers have documented high levels of bleaching and mortality, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.
A rare tooth discovery in Mississippi, USA, has revealed that horned dinosaurs, closely related to Triceratops, roamed freely across eastern North America during the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil, dated to around 68-66 million years ago, challenges previous assumptions about the separation of western and eastern continents.
Researchers have discovered three new species of fungus gnats in Indian amber, closely resembling their European fossil relatives. This discovery disproves the concept of a strongly isolated Indian subcontinent, suggesting regular faunal exchange between India and Europe.
A new sauropod species, Galeamopus pabsti, has been described from 150 million-year-old fossils in Wyoming, USA. The discovery expands the already unexpected diversity of 'whiplash dinosaurs', known for their elongated necks and tails.
Researchers have obtained the first images of a calf and underwater video of True's beaked whales, revealing new coloration patterns and helping to identify the species. The study highlights the importance of accurate species identification for conservation efforts.
Scientists from India have discovered seven new frog species in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, with four being miniature-sized and among the smallest known frogs. The discovery highlights the high diversity of Night Frogs in the region, particularly in diminutive forms.
A new species of gecko with massive scales has been identified, having the largest scales of any gecko. The skin of this gecko is specially adapted to tearing, allowing it to escape predators easily and regenerate its scales quickly.
Researchers found that Lybia boxer crabs acquire sea anemones by stealing from each other and splitting them into two identical clones. The study, published in PeerJ, involved over 100 crabs observed in the wild and laboratory experiments.
Researchers have discovered three new species of the enigmatic genus Thorius, which are the smallest tailed tetrapods, with populations declining precipitously over the last 30-35 years. The findings highlight the large number of amphibian species that remain to be discovered and formally described before they are lost.
A comprehensive study of Hawaii's mesophotic coral ecosystems has documented vast areas of 100% coral cover and extensive algal communities at depths of 50-90 meters. The findings reveal unique species not found on shallow reefs, with significant implications for conservation.
The Great Elephant Census reports a substantial decline in African savanna elephant numbers over the last decade, with an estimated population of 352,271 in 18 countries. Poaching is the primary cause of this decline, with large numbers of carcasses found in protected areas indicating that elephants are struggling to survive.
Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur from the Early Jurassic period in Patagonia, Argentina. The 'Allkauren koi' species boasts an intermediate state in brain evolution, shedding light on the origin and adaptation of flying reptiles.
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.
The northern Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf are home to the largest shark biomass reported to date, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, excessive fishing has reduced reef fish abundance, highlighting the need for strong enforcement of the new marine sanctuary.
A comprehensive analysis of leopards' status reveals that the species has lost approximately 75 percent of its historic range, from around 35 million square kilometers to 8.5 million square kilometers. This decline is primarily due to habitat loss and human activities such as farming, livestock grazing, and poaching.
A study measuring underwater noise from ships found that low-frequency noise affects killer whales, while medium-high frequencies also interfere with their communication and echolocation. Reducing ship speed can help mitigate this noise pollution.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers developed a computational approach to assess the aesthetic appeal of coral reefs, finding that objective visual cues are correlated with the health and beauty of reef ecosystems. The study provides a cost-effective tool for monitoring coral reef communities and targets their natural beauty.
A study published in PeerJ found that people can be identified by their airborne bacterial emissions, which are distinct from those of others. The researchers detected individual signatures within 4 hours using high-throughput sequencing and analyzed settled particles.
Researchers found that wild bonobos produce a call type called 'peep' across various emotional states and situations, showing contextual flexibility. This ability has evolutionary roots that predate the emergence of human language, suggesting an early transition from fixed vocal signalling towards functional flexibility.
A new study demonstrates that non-invasive DNA sampling from hair can yield entire genome data, expanding the field of conservation genomics. This technique opens up new avenues for inquiry in adapting to changing environments.
The New Guinea flatworm has been found in Florida, marking a significant threat to the US mainland's ecosystem. The invasive species can spread through human agency and infested plants, posing a risk to native snails and other terrestrial molluscs.
Scientists have uncovered seven new species of highly miniaturized frogs in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, highlighting their vulnerability to extinction due to climate change. The discovery showcases the unique adaptations of these tiny frogs, with many exhibiting bright colors as a warning to potential predators.
A new study uses 3D printed eggs to test how birds identify and reject parasitic eggs with greater precision. Researchers found that robins accepted 100% of blue-green eggs but rejected 79% of cowbird-like eggs, similar to past studies but with less variability and precise reproduction.
A recent survey of Caribbean reefs found that overfishing removes the predators of sponges, resulting in a greater than threefold increase in coral overgrowth by sponges. This is particularly concerning for corals already threatened by warming seawater temperatures and diseases.
A recent study published in PeerJ assessed over 1,100 collegiate distance runners and found that the sex difference in competitiveness persisted among the fastest runners. The researchers used surveys to evaluate each runner's motivation, training volume, and desire to compete at an elite level after college.
Researchers have discovered that the skull of a Daspletosaurus, a large tyrannosaurine dinosaur, suffered numerous injuries during life and also after death. The injuries included bites that healed, as well as those inflicted after death by another tyrannosaur, indicating evidence of combat between two large carnivores.
A new study by palaeontologists from Portugal and the UK provides conclusive evidence that Brontosaurus is distinct from Apatosaurus, overturning over a century of research. The team applied statistical approaches to calculate differences between species and genera, revealing Brontosaurus as a unique genus.
PeerJ Computer Science aims to bring a 21st century publishing platform to computer scientists, with free publication options and CC BY licensing. The new journal will publish articles across all fields of computer science, with the goal of increasing cross-fertilization between fields.
A new study published in PeerJ found an inverse relationship between oxygen concentration and lung cancer incidence, with counties at higher elevations experiencing lower rates. The association was consistent across population subgroups and demographic variables, suggesting that inhaled oxygen may be a human carcinogen.
Researchers discovered contaminating bacterial and viral sequences in animal and plant genomes, highlighting the importance of careful screening. The study found unexpected DNA mixtures, including cow and sheep DNA in a supposedly finished genome, emphasizing the need for rigorous data analysis.
Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method that can detect and characterize the bacteria causing tuberculosis in a matter of days, without the need for time-consuming laboratory culture. The technique, known as metagenomics, uses high-throughput sequencing technologies to analyze DNA extracted from sputum samples.
Researchers used DNA sequencing to rapidly identify and describe three new fungal species found in a local grocery store packet of porcini mushrooms. The study demonstrates the feasibility of accelerating the documentation and description of new Fungi species, highlighting the need for further identification efforts.