The brittlestar model provides a realistic approach to studying stem cells in living organisms, shedding light on the recovery of the nervous system after regeneration. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
The carp's extraordinary ability to adapt to low oxygen conditions allows it to thrive in environments where other fish would perish. Researchers have discovered that its blood has a higher affinity for oxygen than any other vertebrate, enabling the fish to maintain physical activity while oxygen supplies are limited.
A new DNA technique, known as plant-fingerprinting, can identify poisonous plants from animal remains by analyzing DNA sequences in the rumen. This method uses plant material extracted from animals within 24 hours of death to create a unique template for amplifying specific DNA sequences.
Researchers have developed a remote-sensing technology that uses the spectral quality of light reflected from plant leaves to detect gas leaks. This technology can also be used to monitor environmental effects and ensure public acceptability and safety in carbon capture and storage schemes.
Researchers discovered that hagfish can regulate their acid-base balance and have a greater capacity for rapid pH compensation than any other fish studied. The hagfish's ability to maintain a stable body temperature and salt concentration in its blood enables it to cope with high levels of CO2.
Researchers develop polymer tape to simulate insect adhesive pads, revealing optimal leg attachment forces on smooth ceilings. The findings inspire wall and ceiling walking machines with micropatterned polymer feet.
Research on Western Sandpipers reveals that birds fatten more rapidly as they move further north, with longer stays at refuelling sites resulting in lower fattening rates. This suggests changes in behaviour or physiology may be responsible for the observed differences.
Researchers found a new mechanism for gene evolution, with antifreeze fish using non-coding DNA to create a functional protein. This discovery challenges conventional thinking on gene origins and may provide insights into the emergence of new functions in living organisms.
A study by Wageningen University found that weight and a saddle induce an overall extension of the horse's back, contributing to soft tissue injuries. The researchers hope to generate guidelines for riding techniques and maximum weight limits to prevent such problems.
A team of scientists has created a simple mathematical model to explain how dogs walk, which could help inform the design of quadruped robots and treatments for hip dysplasia. By comparing computer simulations with real-world observations, they found that dogs' walking patterns can be attributed to a passive stiff-limbed model.
The hare's hind-limb hip-extensor muscles are more exaggerated than the greyhound's, enabling rapid acceleration and direction changes. This muscle difference gives the hare a competitive advantage in races against greyhounds.
Researchers motivated ants with melon-tuna flavored crumbs to navigate a horizontal barrier, allowing them to crawl under without stopping. Ants visually assessed the barrier height using their antennae when it was made invisible.
Ants can use landmarks to find their way home, but also have an internal 'path integrator' that constantly reassesses their position. Researchers found that this system needs regular reset via nest entry and food release to maintain accuracy.
Researchers found that extending a bee's legs generates stabilizing lift forces, reducing rotational instability and enabling faster flight speeds. By mimicking this design in miniature flying machines, search and rescue missions could potentially benefit from increased speed and agility.
Researchers found that salmon can thrive on diets with up to 75% canola oil, meeting essential omega-3 fatty acid needs. This shift reduces contaminant accumulation and increases cost-effectiveness in aquaculture.
Researchers studying cod movements find that temperature changes may not limit adult cod migration patterns. The CODYSSEY project has tagged over 2500 cod, with 17% returning, shedding light on environmental factors affecting cod populations.
Using bird-mounted cameras, researchers can measure key aspects of a bird's flight with unprecedented accuracy. By analyzing the motion data from these onboard systems, scientists hope to gain insights into the intricate mechanics behind a bird's flight, including its control system and body motion.
Researchers have discovered that high carbon levels can inhibit the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a dangerous human pathogen. This finding suggests that increasing local carbon availability could be an effective way to prevent infection.
Research reveals that fish larvae can't maintain a horizontal body position while coasting, leading to increased drag and poor swimming abilities. This conclusion refutes previous theories on poor hatchling swimming, providing new insights into pectoral fin development and swimbladder formation.
The Society for Experimental Biology is developing a new e-journal to showcase top UK undergraduate research. Interested stakeholders are keen to use the system, which aims to address concerns around copyright and incorporate online review procedures.
Researchers developed an artificial shark skin made of elastic silicone, reducing contact surface for barnacles to attach. This technology enables ships to 'self-clean' and reduces fouling by 67%, providing an alternative anti-fouling strategy crucial for the naval industry.
Researchers found that ants use their two claws to interlock with waxy surfaces, enabling them to run efficiently. In contrast, glass rods require the presence of both claws and adhesive pads for ants to maintain traction.
Research by Prado shows that Viagra affects plant pollen tube behavior, blocking re-orientation in response to NO. NO may serve as a safeguard mechanism to prevent dual fertilization in plants.
The mosquito fish's reproductive habits rely on male coercion, which is affected by environmental temperatures. Females select for strong male genes and adapt their behavior to optimal temperatures.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which bean plants can prevent fluid loss when injured, using contractile protein bodies that change shape in response to calcium concentrations. Vetch aphids overcome this blockage by injecting saliva into the plant.
The coelacanth genome provides insights into its evolutionary relationships with other animals, particularly in embryonic development and immunity. The study sheds light on how the species' genes differ from those of other fishes and tetrapods.
Drosophila melanogaster flies respond to dropping black discs with jumping, using both legs and wings to move away from the object. The 'giant fibre pathway' initiates a take-off sequence, involving leg stretching and wing depression.
Researchers discovered that hawkmoth caterpillars infected with non-pathogenic bacteria produce antibacterial peptides that confer resistance against lethal insect pathogens. This finding suggests that field-immunized insects may exhibit different immune responses than laboratory models, challenging the validity of current studies.
Researchers use stable isotopes in epiphytes to measure changes in photosynthesis and water evaporation, providing indicators of climate change. The findings suggest that these plants could be used as bioindicators of climate change in tropical regions.
Scientists are using genomics to create a new type of hemoglobin that can be used in blood transfusions. This innovation has the potential to reduce contamination risks and make blood transfusions safer for people in emerging countries.
Researchers have identified a group of ribonucleases that play a role in self-incompatibility, a mechanism preventing plants from fertilizing each other. This discovery has the potential to enhance breeding strategies for coffee varieties.
Rising temperatures exacerbate cadmium's toxic effects on oysters, reducing their survival chances and increasing metabolic rate. As a result, future research will focus on the thermal tolerance of cold-blooded species affected by cadmium pollution.