Researchers discovered that tobacco hawkmoth wings have specialized hair-like structures that can detect specific aromas. The wings contain sensory receptors that can pick out unpleasant amine odours, guiding the moths to their favorite plants for laying eggs.
Researchers found that sperm whales blowing bubbles while asleep release air, making them less buoyant in the process. This helps them stay underwater without popping to the surface like a cork as they sleep.
Research found that krill can clog the baleen of filter-feeding whales, slowing water ejection rates to 0.02m/s. To maintain optimal feeding speeds, whales must prevent krill accumulation on their baleen or keep it suspended in their mouths.
A study published in Journal of Experimental Biology found that strong sunburn causes 47% more DNA damage and lethal consequences in tadpoles. The research suggests that short intense UVB doses can be more lethal than longer weaker doses, increasing the risk of mortality on sunny days.
Research reveals that zebra finch chicks' brain development is altered by heat warning calls in the egg, preparing them for hot conditions after hatching. The changes involve genes involved in blood vessel structure and muscle contraction, potentially protecting the chicks from heat stroke.
Tiny warty birch caterpillars can distinguish between the approaching footsteps of deathly ladybeetles and invading caterpillars. When threatened, they make a lot of noise to scare off the attacker, but when faced with an intruding ladybug larva, they become silent before deciding to evacuate or throw themselves off the leaf.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can learn to associate the smell of DEET with food, making them more likely to bite people who smell of DEET. The study found that when exposed to DEET repeatedly, mosquitoes became desensitized to its repellent properties and began to view it as a potential meal source.
In a study, pilot whales were found to make their calls louder in noisy waters to be heard. The whales' loudest calls are used for finding their pod after deep dives, but these are also the most difficult to hear over background noise from ships.
Researchers found that black grouse can't see dark shades of red and have limited visual contrast, making certain colors ineffective at warning them away from fatal cables. To mitigate this risk, they recommend using large, strongly contrasting markers to provide enough time for the birds to react.
Researchers discovered that hatchling loggerhead turtles feel the Earth’s magnetic map to determine their location on epic migration routes. By zapping them with a strong magnetic pulse, scientists confirmed that these turtles use magnetism to navigate and determine direction.
Researchers tracked eight short-finned pilot whales in Hawaiian waters, finding they dive approximately 39 times a day to consume an average of 4 squid per dive. The team estimated the total annual consumption to be around 88,000 tonnes of squid, which is sufficient for the local population.
Scientists studied Neanderthal DNA to understand how facial features develop and evolve. They found a region of DNA that activates the SOX9 gene, leading to a larger lower jaw in Neanderthals. This discovery sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind face variation and evolution.
Researchers discovered that woodpeckers brace their head, neck, abdomen, and tail muscles to hold their bodies rigid while pounding on wood. The birds synchronize their breathing with each impact, like ace tennis stars grunting noisily to stabilize core muscles.
Researchers studied snake strikes using high-speed cameras, revealing distinct biting styles among viper, elapid and colubrid species. Viper fangs embed quickly, while elapids bite repeatedly, with colubrids sweeping their jaws to deliver maximum venom.
Researchers discovered that bats in full sun bat boxes can warm to temperatures exceeding 50°C while sleeping, leading to dehydration and death. Providing bats with a choice of roosts in the same location, some constructed for stable temperature and others for quick cooling or warming, could help prevent this risk.
Researchers discovered seals can detect size differences of just 17.6mm between vortex rings, helping them identify fish escape directions. This ability may allow seals to outmaneuver fleeing fish.
Scientists have discovered a link between autism spectrum disorders and congenital heart disease, finding that tiny hair-like structures called cilia underlie the shared biology of both conditions. This study offers hope for early diagnosis and intervention, with potential benefits for children with autism.
Researchers found that harbour seals can determine their heading from optic flow fields, even in cloudy or opaque water. The team created a gaming challenge for the seals, using particle simulations to show them which direction they were moving in, and found that they consistently chose the correct direction.
A team of scientists at Stanford University has created an early testing method to identify individuals at risk of taking a life-threatening fall. By analyzing walking patterns and balance issues over time, the researchers can provide clinicians with valuable insights to intervene before falls occur.
Newborn warty birch caterpillars, just 1-2 mm long, establish tiny territories by producing warning vibrations through their leaves. By beating the leaf tip with their thorax and dragging oar-shaped hairs on their rear end, these teeny creatures outmaneuver intruders and secure their narrow escapes.
Biology Open's Fast & Fair peer review pilot has successfully reduced publication delays by recruiting contracted reviewers who are paid per manuscript. The innovative system, launched in July 2024, ensures high-quality reviews within 7 business days, often faster.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have successfully transplanted human retinal sheets into minipigs with damaged macula, resulting in signs of restored vision. The method uses hypoimmunogenic human retinal sheets and has shown promise in treating severe photoreceptor degeneration.
Researchers found that slingshot spiders can listen for approaching insects before releasing their web to catapult forward and capture prey. The spiders use sound-sensitive hairs on their legs to detect the vibrations from the insects' wings, allowing them to deploy their webs in mid-air.
Researchers at Nanjing University confirm link between SLC25A1 protein and congenital heart defects caused by placental problems. The study found that loss of SLC25A1 leads to placental growth issues, which in turn cause heart defects.
Research reveals that crude oil pollution dramatically reduces sea otter fur buoyancy, placing newborn pups at risk due to their larger surface area relative to body mass. After cleaning, the buoyancy of the fur improves but not fully recovers, highlighting the need for thorough detergent rinsing.
Researchers found that turkey vultures flying at higher altitudes are generally flying 1m/s faster than those at lower elevations due to reduced drag. By flying faster, these birds can compensate for the lack of lift caused by thin air, allowing them to remain aloft in challenging conditions.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified a specific cell type in the mouse embryonic brain that responds to an immune response in the mother, altering gene regulation and persisting in juvenile mice. This study provides new insights into how maternal immune responses might influence brain development in embryos, potentially sh...
Researchers discovered that nutrient depletion in mother's diet triggers embryonic diapause, pausing embryo growth until conditions improve. This finding could lead to improved fertility treatments and alternative methods for preserving embryos.
Researchers discovered that exposure to atrazine increases intestinal rotation in reverse direction, disrupting metabolism and cellular processes in frog embryos. This finding suggests a potential link between environmental chemicals and human intestinal malrotation.
Anemonefish use stripe patterns to identify members of their own species and defend against intruders. Young common clownfish can recognize fish with two or three white bars as competitors and bully them to keep their territory.
A study using infrared cameras found that high air and ground temperatures limit numbats' ability to forage in the sun, forcing them to retreat to the shade. Climate change may also make the shade too hot for numbats to survive.
Researchers found that genetic variations in the Eif4enif1 gene lead to premature ovarian insufficiency and reduced egg production. The study suggests that restoring proper mitochondrial behavior could improve fertility in human patients with similar conditions.
Researchers discovered bottlenose dolphins' ability to detect weak electric fields, which helps them search for fish hidden in sediment. This newfound sense also enables dolphins to navigate the globe using magnetic maps by sensing the planet's magnetic field at varying speeds.
Researchers discovered that hummingbirds use two distinct methods to navigate narrow gaps: sideways movement and 'beak-first' flying. By employing these tactics, they can pass through openings as small as half a wingspan wide, showcasing their remarkable agility.
A study found that acute stress has a sudden and dramatic effect on the fertility of male big brown bats during breeding season, with testosterone levels plummeting by ~50% and sperm production reduced. The team also discovered that stressed bats released more of a key hormone that can reduce fertility and ability to reproduce.
Researchers discovered that leaf-cutting ants use the position of their hind legs gripping the leaf edge and head position to guide cutting trajectory. The ants adapt their technique to cut smaller elliptical portions when faced with thick leaves, using a combination of sensory information.
Research by the University of Sussex reveals that white light makes it harder for male common glow-worms to find glowing females, potentially disastrous consequences for global glow-worm populations. Male glow-worms spend more time in the bottom part of the maze without moving towards a female when dazzled by white light.
Researchers discovered that young snapping shrimp's upper claws can accelerate at speeds of up to 580,000m/s², surpassing their parents' abilities and producing powerful cavitation bubbles. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Biology, highlights the impressive mechanical capabilities of these tiny crustaceans.
Scientists have successfully corrected limb length in a mouse model of FZD2-associated autosomal dominant Robinow Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects skeletal growth and development. The treatment involves using a drug that stimulates the signalling pathway, resulting in significantly longer limbs than untreated mice.
Researchers have identified a new class of potent antimalarial compounds that target the parasite's sexual phase, preventing it from infecting mosquitoes and subsequently humans. The compounds inhibit the parasitic protein Pfs16, forming the strongest bond with the drug.
Researchers discovered that baboons employ an efficient strategy to transition from quadrupedal to bipedal walking by 'crouching' their hindlimbs and 'sprinting' them forward under their torso. This process enables the animals to maintain a natural gait while standing upright, requiring minimal energy expenditure.
Researchers have discovered that two mouse genes, inherited from ancient viral infections, help defend the brain against new bacterial and viral infections. The genes, Rtl5/6, are carried by all mammals and were preserved in the genome for over 120 million years.
A study by Lauren Stanton and colleagues found that less bold raccoons learned faster than bolder ones. In a cognitive test, the calmer animals successfully navigated a cubicle to obtain rewards, outperforming their more aggressive counterparts.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw ants use a combination of head tendon and exoskeleton energy storage to drive perfectly circular mandible rotations. This mechanism allows the ants to repeatedly strike victims without damaging themselves.
A new gene therapy for sickle cell disease was tested in mice but proved ineffective due to the complex genetic make-up of the Berkeley mice. The study suggests that researchers should carefully consider the genetics of the mice used to test human diseases.
Researchers found that hummingbirds experience a 37% drop in metabolic rate and become torpid for longer periods at high elevations, making it unlikely they can relocate to higher altitudes. The birds' physiological response suggests lower oxygen availability and low air pressure may be difficult challenges to overcome.
Research suggests that ecotourists' sugar-fed wildlife interactions are causing northern Bahamian rock iguanas to develop high blood sugar levels. The study found that iguanas on islands frequently visited by tourists had higher glucose peaks and difficulty regulating their blood sugar.
Researchers discovered that boa constrictors adjust which section of the rib cage they use to inhale depending on whether they are resting, throttling an animal or digesting. The sinuous reptiles use different sections of the rib cage to breathe when their ribs are constricted.
Scientists discovered that animals likely evolved asymmetric gaits 472 million years ago, with evidence of crutching and bounding in ancient fish and crocodiles. The study suggests that many modern species have lost this ability due to evolution or size constraints.
Researchers discovered that robber flies employ a combination of two strategies to navigate cluttered environments and capture prey. They use an obstacle avoidance strategy to swerve around obstructions, which is then followed by a resumption of the conventional interception path once the fly has passed the obstacle.