Scientists have identified a new mutant plant that stores excessive amounts of starch, allowing it to maintain its size despite reduced sucrose availability. The NEX1 mutant combines high growth rates with large starch reserves, making it an attractive candidate for crops used as silage and human feed.
Austrian researchers found that fresh, young red blood cells can counterbalance the negative effects of jetlag on the cardiovascular system. Blood donations may help reduce the risk of heart disease in shift workers by stimulating the generation of new, healthy erythrocytes.
Researchers discovered scorpion burrows have a warm platform to regulate body temperature before hunting, and a cool chamber to rest during the day. The design is common among all studied species, suggesting it evolved by natural selection to meet physiological needs.
Researchers developed a new technique to observe root growth in 3D and in real time using fluorescence microscopy. This allows them to track cell movements over three days, capturing the formation of new roots.
Researchers developed an elastic polycarbonate material to produce a miniature force plate, enabling forces to be measured in the micro-Newton range. Ants were found to adopt a 'grounded running' strategy, increasing stride length and number of steps to improve stability at higher speeds.
Scientists discovered that locusts prefer food sources with optimal protein/carbohydrate ratios at specific temperatures. The study found that locusts modify their behavior to get the maximum benefit from available nutrients.
Researchers found that African Cichlids demonstrated complex behaviors and recalled previous training experiences after 12-day rest period. They showed a distinct preference for the area associated with food reward, suggesting advanced memory capabilities.
Israeli scientists developed a method to generate single-sex populations of prawns using gene silencing technology. This can boost commercial farm productivity and control invasive species. Non-reproducing prawns could also be used as sustainable bio-control agents against diseases and pests.
High CO2 levels, projected to double by the end of the century, impair fish's ability to recognize school-mates. Fish reared under elevated CO2 conditions showed no preference for familiar or unfamiliar schools.
Researchers have identified two genes that may help prevent muscle wastage in humans: survivin and checkpoint kinase 1. These genes are highly active in burrowing frogs that survive dormancy without suffering significant muscle damage.
Researchers found mangrove rivulus jumps with greater force on land than largemouth bass, utilizing horizontal and vertical movements. The rivulus's 'tail flip' technique allows it to efficiently locate food, avoid predators, and escape poor water conditions.
A study found that chemical dispersants used to treat oil spills can reduce the ability of European sea bass to cope with subsequent environmental challenges. The dispersant alone had no effect on fish performance.
Researchers analyzed terrestrial locomotion in tiger salamanders and mudskipper fish, finding that pectoral fins experience more medial forces than forelimbs. This suggests that early amphibious fish with fins may not have been capable of supporting their weight on land.
Researchers found that bipedal jerboas' unpredictable movement allows them to forage further from their burrows, limiting competition. Bipedal and quadrupedal desert rodents occupy different niches due to differences in locomotion.
Researchers discovered that fruitbats can store energy in their triceps tendons, enabling a power boost during take-off and flight. This unique ability allows bats to control joint movement with precision.
Researchers discovered that Antarctic octopods have genetically and functionally distinct haemocyanin forms that facilitate oxygen release at sub-zero temperatures. This physiological adaptation allows octopods to sustain aerobic life in cold environments.
A study found that copper pollution prevents fish from detecting danger signals emitted by other fish, making them more susceptible to predation. Researchers also discovered that nickel has a lesser effect on the fish's olfactory system.
Researchers found snails increased oxygen consumption 4-5 times during jumping to cope with rising temperatures. The study suggests the snails can maintain this strong increase in oxygen uptake even at high temperatures that would be lethal to fish.
A unique shell design on guillemot eggs allows them to survive exposed cliffs with no nests. The nano-scale cone-like structures act as self-cleaning guardians, preventing eggs from falling and protecting them from salt and guano exposure.
Researchers found that starfish with intact eyes move towards the reef, while those without eyes walk randomly. The study suggests that starfish nervous system can process visual information, pointing to an underestimation of echinoderms' capacity.
Plants with thinner roots show natural variation in cortical cell number, reducing energetic cost of soil exploration and increasing rooting depth. This trait could lead to improved seed production for agriculture, maintaining high yields in drought-prone regions.
Research shows that king penguin chicks' mitochondria adjust to minimize energy cost during fasting in the cold, conserving energy for vital functions. This adaptation enables them to produce heat without depleting their energy stores, increasing their survival chances.
Studies of early development in fishes reveal a single compartment in the hindbrain controlling vocal and pectoral mechanisms, which may explain why humans use hand gestures when speaking. This neural connection could be key to understanding the evolution of language.
Researchers used human parkour athletes to simulate orangutan movements and found that swaying is the most efficient way to cross trees. This finding helps explain why orangutans spend most of their lives in trees despite their large size and low-energy diet.
Research reveals that American water shrews heat their bodies immediately before diving into cold water, increasing foraging efficiency and potentially allowing them to survive longer underwater. This unexpected behavior challenges prevailing dogma on the physiology of divers.
Researchers found that diving birds stay fit and active until their 30s, with high metabolisms and frequent dives producing oxidative stress. These findings provide critical insights for human aging, a topic currently dominated by short-lived animal studies.
A recent study has discovered that potted plants grow significantly larger when placed in bigger pots, with some species reaching up to 40% increase. The researchers found that the plants' roots sense the pot size, allowing them to adjust their growth accordingly.
Tiny Osedax worms have a unique ability to penetrate bone using acid-secreting enzymes, partnering with bacteria for digestion. Researchers discovered this chemical drilling strategy in female worms, which live in gelatinous tubes surrounded by males.
Researchers discovered that lizards swing their tails to rotate their bodies while falling, and replicated this motion in a robot. The study could help engineers design more stable robots for complex environments.
A new study found that caffeine continues to enhance muscle performance in younger muscles but is less effective in older muscles. Researchers suggest that preserving muscle tone through physical activity could be key to maintaining health and functional capacity in the aging population.
A recent study has revealed that Scott's team starved to death due to insufficient calories and inadequate nutrition. The researchers found that the rations provided were too high in protein and low in fat, leading to a calorie deficit that was exacerbated by extreme physical exertion.
Scientists have found that nanoparticles can cause brain injury in fish, leading to the formation of vacuoles and nerve cell death. The results may influence policy regulations on environmental protection and human safety.
Researchers found that July is the best month for kelp harvesting due to its high carbohydrate levels and low metal content. The use of kelp as a biofuel source has potential to provide a storable energy source, mitigating the limitations of other renewables like wind power.
Scientists from the Biomimetics-Innovation-Centre have developed a new anti-fouling surface based on a seed from a species of palm tree. The artificial surface mimics the hairy-like structure of the seeds' surfaces, which constantly move to prevent fouling by marine organisms.
The Mary river turtle faces dual threats from climate change, including reduced swimming ability and a preference for shallower waters. Rising temperatures could lead to population decline due to decreased access to food supply.
Researchers found that pigeons can recognize individual people using facial characteristics, even when wearing different clothing. This ability is likely an adaptation to their long association with humans, enabling them to distinguish between individuals.
Researchers have discovered that tree frogs' self-cleaning feet can be replicated to create re-useable, effective adhesives. By secreting mucus and moving their feet, the frogs clean their sticky pads as they walk.
Researchers have designed a micro air vehicle that can flap, glide, and hover like a bird, combining the benefits of fixed wing MAVs with manoeuvrability. The design was inspired by swifts, which are known for their agility and gliding efficiency.
Young house spiders exhibit perfect angles and regular patterns in their webs, but as they age, their webs deteriorate. The research suggests that degeneration of the central nervous system may be behind this decline, providing a model for understanding aging mechanisms in humans.
Scientists from Harvard University trained pigeons to fly through an artificial forest, gaining insights into their navigation methods that could inform auto-pilot technology design. The birds' ability to assess obstacles and choose straight routes could lead to more efficient and energy-saving navigation systems.
A study found that poor pre-pregnancy diet can lead to reduced birth weights, catch-up growth after weaning, and increased insulin sensitivity in offspring. These effects combined increase the risk of developing type II diabetes and obesity later in life.
The tiny water boatman has been recorded as the loudest animal on Earth, with a sound equivalent to 99.2 decibels. Researchers are now exploring the biological and engineering aspects of this phenomenon to clarify its mechanisms and potential applications.
Zooplankton use adaptations to survive in low-oxygen areas, but climate change may force them into a narrow band of water making them susceptible to predators. Anaerobic glycolysis helps them conserve energy, but also leads to acid build-up that must be disposed of when returning to surface waters.
Scientists found that soccer players with superior skills in specific areas don't necessarily outperform those with average abilities if they can adapt and use different strategies on the pitch.
Researchers have used MRI to produce unprecedented videos of a tarantula's heart beating, revealing a distinct type of contraction known as 'double beating'. This breakthrough uses non-invasive techniques, providing greater insight into internal workings and paving the way for new applications in medicine and biology.
Researchers used keeper surveys to assess orangutan happiness, finding it linked to longer lifespan. The study suggests a complex relationship between happiness and health.
Research shows that cane toads can adapt well to rising temperatures, with their oxygen transport system becoming more efficient as heat rises. The findings contradict previous studies suggesting a decrease in efficiency at high temperatures, and may have implications for other anurans.
At high altitudes, mountain mice use more carbohydrates than fat to fuel exercise, saving oxygen and increasing energy yield. This adaptation allows them to thrive in low-oxygen environments.
Research suggests that ostriches' wing-use and hindlimb function may help reconstruct locomotor techniques in bipedal dinosaurs. The study found that ostriches efficiently channel aerodynamic forces during rapid breaking, turning, and zigzag manoeuvres.
Scientists studied 3-legged dog movement techniques to develop robots that can adjust to injuries. Dogs with fore-limb amputations used 'compensation strategies' to walk and run, while those with hind-limb amputations showed little adjustment. This research aims to improve robot efficiency and usability.