Researchers discovered that pilot whales and Risso's dolphins can recognize the alarming calls of killer whales, leading to evasive actions such as fleeing. The team found unique features in the distressing calls that are not present in other whale species or human screams, suggesting a warning system for potential victims.
A new rabbit model with clinical similarity to human patients has been developed for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) research. The model exhibits signs of muscular dystrophy, including impaired physical activity and muscle loss, making it a promising tool for advancing DMD research and developing novel therapies.
A new study reveals that disrupted insulin signalling in pain sensory neurons is the underlying cause of diabetes-induced pain in fruit flies. Increasing insulin signalling reverses pain hypersensitivity in these model flies, suggesting a potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy patients.
Research shows that exposure to pesticides and herbicides can impair honey bees' sense of taste and ability to learn, affecting hive efficiency and pollination capabilities. Young worker bees are particularly vulnerable, even if they have not left the hive.
Researchers found that Risso's dolphins gather information from previous dives and combine it with present experience to optimize their dives. The dolphins adjust their strategy based on the depth distribution and availability of prey, showcasing advanced planning abilities.
Researchers discovered that cuttlefish can detect low-frequency vibrations from approaching predators, allowing them to avoid capture by swimming in the same direction as the water flow. In a controlled experiment, cuttlefish were found to be aware of the disturbance and changed their skin patterns in response.
Researchers found that emperor penguins from colonies close to the sea-ice edge can dive before laying eggs, suggesting shorter fasts compared to inland birds. They also observed these penguins feeding during pre-nuptial activities.
Researchers found early mitochondrial biogenesis deficits in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia, suggesting a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Early intervention may prove crucial to successful therapy for this rare genetic disorder.
Researchers discover that well-fed mosquitoes use a softer take-off technique to evade detection, utilizing their long legs and high wingbeat frequency. This strategy allows them to minimize tactile detection without compromising on take-off speed.
A recent study published in Journal of Experimental Biology shows that translocated Latvian lesser spotted eagle chicks are capable of returning successfully to Germany, with only small numbers dying during the migration. This breakthrough offers hope for rescuing the declining German population.
Researchers found that even small amounts of oil can significantly increase the energy expenditure of migratory birds during flight. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Biology, reveals that light oiling can dramatically increase the 'flight costs' of migrating birds by 20% and 45%.
A new study suggests that the small molecule LM22A-4 can improve spatial memory and motor skill defects in Rett syndrome mice by enhancing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The treatment also shows promise for improving breathing problems associated with the disease.
Research reveals ground spiders produce exceptionally tough and stretchy silk, but less sticky than other piriform silks, allowing them to ambush prey quickly. The silk's unique properties are adapted to overcome larger prey and arachnids, highlighting the trade-offs in their hunting strategy.
Researchers have developed a new fruit fly model to investigate the link between proline metabolism and aggression in neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found that disrupting a specific protein in the brain can induce increased aggression, highlighting the importance of precise regulation of proline metabolism for normal behavior.
The study reveals that Echinolittorina snails have a unique enzyme structure that enables them to maintain protein stability at high temperatures, allowing them to thrive in hot environments. The researchers found that subtle differences in amino acid sequences between the snail proteins enabled them to remain functional and stable at ...
A study by Christian König and Ayse Yarali found that fruit flies generalize their memories of an electric shock to a range of similar scents, mirroring the behavior of PTSD sufferers. This ability can be beneficial but also detrimental if overgeneralized.
A team of researchers has discovered that parasitic fig wasps use odour sensors to find their host larvae within the fruit. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Biology, found that the wasp's ovipositor can detect carbon dioxide and other gases emitted by developing larvae.
A new special collection in Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) explores the intersection of models and mechanisms to therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. The collection includes articles on induced pluripotent stem cell models, antisense oligonucleotide therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and more.
Researchers at KU Leuven have successfully grown three-dimensional cultures of the endometrium in a laboratory dish, shedding light on the monthly menstrual cycle and its regulation by female hormones. The new technique enables the study of diseases such as endometrial atrophy and cancer, as well as drug discovery and screening.
Research shows that ocean-going spinner dolphin calves do not develop physical characteristics essential for sustaining deep dives as quickly as shallow-diving coastal species. This slow development may lead to mother-calf separations during tuna purse-seine fisheries, posing a significant threat to dolphin populations.
Research by Herberholz and colleagues found that isolated crayfish are less sensitive to the effects of alcohol than gregarious animals. The study suggests that social experience can impact the sensitivity to acute alcohol exposure.
Research suggests that dolphins and whales expend more energy when swimming at high speeds, potentially leading to increased risk of strandings. A study by Terrie Williams found that beaked whales using loud sonar use 30.5% more energy than unstartled animals.
The Special Issue highlights the exciting applications of organoid research in the medical field, including drug screening and modeling human diseases. Organoid technology also offers insight into developmental biology, enabling scientists to study human development in a developing embryo.
A group of researchers discovered a rare deafness-dystonia syndrome, named Siddiqi syndrome, in a family living in remote Pakistan. The condition is characterized by hearing impairment and delayed motor development, and has been linked to a single homozygous nonsense mutation in the FITM2 gene.
Researchers investigated Nepalese porters' load-carrying techniques and found that they do not use energy-conserving mechanisms like African women. Instead, porters move at a slow speed and take frequent breaks to conserve energy.
Researchers discovered that thorny devils can extract significant quantities of water from soggy sand, but not enough from dew. The lizards' skin is covered with microscopic channels that take up water by capillary action, allowing them to drink without licking water.
A study by Christine Cooper, Phil Withers, and Christofer Clemente found that individual echidnas aerate 200m3 of soil annually, playing a crucial role in maintaining Australia's environmental health. The team also discovered that echidna digging activities can mix organic material into the soil, which is essential for ecosystem balance.
Researchers discovered a cocktail of sea anemone proteins that can repair damaged mouse cochlear hair cells in as little as 8 minutes. The study suggests that these proteins could potentially be used to treat patients with acute hearing loss.
Researchers measured the resting metabolic rate of a lactating sea otter mother, revealing a significant increase in energy demands after giving birth. This finding suggests that sea otters may be accumulating fat reserves before milk production to cope with the high costs of rearing their young.
Researchers discovered that water collector bees respond to thirsty nest mates' begging, increasing their water-bearing activity. The team found that the hive stabilized its temperature at 40°C by controlling its water intake.
Researchers discovered that reversing desert ants use an odometer-like mechanism to track distance and orientation while moving in reverse. The ants increase ground contact by using leg combinations and swing faster to maintain stability.
Researchers have discovered a link between cellular stress and multiple types of birth defects, including heart defects. A study led by Professor Sally Dunwoodie found that reduced oxygen levels triggered a stress response in embryonic cells, leading to heart development problems.
Researchers have discovered that swordfish use a large oil gland at the base of their bill to reduce drag and achieve super-fast speeds. This gland produces a surface that is super water-repellent, reducing drag by over 20%.
Researchers discovered that red-eyed treefrog embryos use a unique mechanism to escape deadly snakes, rapidly releasing enzyme-degrading substances from specialized glands on their snouts. This process allows the tiny escapees to wriggle through an aperture created in the egg membrane, ensuring survival.
Scientists discovered that wapitis produce two mechanisms to create their eerie calls: a low-pitched roar matching their size and a high-pitched whistle using nasal cavities. This unusual adaptation allows wapitis to communicate accurately despite their large size.
The team discovered that broadbills produce their distinctive territorial wing song when the 6th and 7th primary wing feathers flutter in the wind. This discovery adds to Darwin's roll-call of birds that produce 'instrumental music' with their feathers.
Researchers found that forager ants with less body fat died first from malnutrition when food was scarce. In contrast, stay-at-home workers could survive in the nest for up to 100 days without food, and even some foragers on a well-balanced thin soup diet survived for over 300 days.
A recent study published in Journal of Experimental Biology found that Paralympic sprinters with left leg prostheses are impaired when running on the inside lanes of curved tracks, resulting in slower times. This could impact their performance and potentially affect gold medal chances.
Researchers discovered that the beetles' unique method of movement involves raising their middle legs to prevent wing interference and then rapidly flapping their wings in a figure-of-eight pattern. The insects' balancing act between surface tension and lift generates telltale ripples on the water's surface.
Researchers discovered that sea snails use the same technique as flying insects to swim, beating their wings in a figure-of-eight pattern to generate lift. The team, led by David Murphy, used high-speed cameras and advanced analysis to visualize fluid movements around the animals.
Researchers have identified a modifier gene for copper toxicosis in Labradors, which could lead to early detection and treatment of Wilson disease. Mutations in ATP7A protect against hepatic copper accumulation, suggesting antagonistic roles with ATP7B.
Researchers used urine-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model hypercholesterolemia and predict patient responses to cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study shows that these models can be used to test the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors, potentially paving the way for personalized treatment.
Researchers discovered that backswimmers can extract oxygen from the surrounding water using their air bubbles, extending dives by up to 20%. The insects adjust the buoyancy of their bubble by replacing nitrogen with gases like helium and sulphur hexafluoride.
Researchers measured kangaroo methane production and found it was no lower than that of horses. Well-fed animals produced less gas due to faster food passage through the gut, not a unique low-production trait.
Researchers found that children's short legs struggle to push off the ground during running due to limited muscle contraction time. This discovery led to a new model explaining kids' clumsy movements, which is supported by calculations of muscle activation and gait parameters.
Researchers at the University of Newcastle have developed a method to generate large and pure populations of human Schwann cells using small molecules, which support nerves and play a crucial role in nerve repair. These cells exhibit characteristics similar to those found in the body and can interact with nerves in vitro.
A team of researchers found that snow leopard haemoglobin is equally as inefficient as the haemoglobins of all other big cats and structurally similar to those of house cats. The study suggests that animals may compensate for poor oxygen capacity by breathing harder, but further research is needed.
A Japanese wasp has been found to control its zombie spider host to build a reinforced cocoon web for pupa development. The spiders were manipulated to remove their sticky spiral, reinforce radial and frame threads, and add decorative fibrous structures.
A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that boa constrictors rapidly shut down the circulation of their victims. The snakes cut off the blood supply to vital organs, causing cardiac arrest and death within seconds. This discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms of snake constriction.
Researchers discovered that chameleons' eyes do not move completely independently, but instead have cross-talk between the eyes, similar to binocular vision. The study showed that chameleons can track objects moving in opposite directions before deciding which object to target.