Research reveals surprisingly diverse diets of premodern commoners in Osaka, including luxury fish and products from distant regions. Dental calculus proteomics analysis identified 38 dietary proteins from 17 taxa, showing that urban commoners had access to a wide range of foods beyond traditional stable isotope analysis.
Two subspecies of wild boar in Japan, Japanese Wild Boar (JWB) and Ryukyu Wild Boar (RWB), have been found to share a common ancestral population. Genetic analysis reveals they diverged from Eastern Russian/Northern Chinese wild boars around 25,000-10,000 years ago.
A new 3D algorithm detects atmospheric rivers over Antarctica, revealing their role in regulating snowfall variability and influencing sea-level rise. The study found that ARs accounted for 40% of total precipitation at Dome Fuji Station, highlighting their dominant impact on Antarctic climate.
A study analyzing 21 pairs of wild red-crowned cranes found three specific behavioral elements: bill-stab, bow, and arch. The sequence and timing of these elements play a crucial role in pair communication, with males dancing longer than females and females taking the lead in determining dance content.
Adélie penguins use social information to acquire knowledge about food sources, often departing with multiple conspecifics to gather this info. This strategy helps unsuccessful foragers adapt their search strategies and increase their chances of finding food.
A novel fecal proteomics method confirms orangutan mothers breastfeed their offspring continuously until 6.5 years old. This prolonged breastfeeding supports the high survival of orangutan offspring and contributes to their slow reproductive strategy.
A research team used drones to study feral horse units in Portugal, finding that they dynamically adjust their shape and distance to avoid conflict with neighboring groups. Exceptionally, a 'friendly pair' showed high social tolerance, consistently approaching and mixing members.
Researchers found shortfin mako sharks possess unique thermoregulation abilities, allowing them to rapidly warm up before diving into cold water and maintain higher body temperatures. This adaptation enables them to stay longer in prey-rich deep waters, giving them a competitive edge as apex predators.
Penghu 1, discovered on the seabed of the Penghu Channel in Taiwan, is revealed to be a Denisovan mandible dating back to 10,000 years ago. The fossil's molecular identification sheds light on the mysterious distribution and appearance of Denisovans in eastern Asia.
Researchers create detailed atlas of mouse face development, tracing key stages from embryonic to pre-birth. They find early head and nerve patterns common in jawed vertebrates, but with a unique mammalian twist.
Researchers studied wild female Japanese macaques to understand their internal states. The study found that the absence of close proximity with group members during resting periods increases stress levels, while co-feeding with a related female during foraging leads to increased stress due to competition.
Environmental heterogeneity consistently increases pathogen virulence and infectivity. Modest variations in local conditions can lead to up to 40% higher evolved virulence compared to homogeneous metapopulations.
A 30-year study reveals urbanization has decreased genetic diversity and increased genetic distance among Eurasian red squirrels in Japan. Gene flow between urban and rural populations remains through green spaces, but urban areas have become genetically isolated.
Recent studies led by Maria Dainotti used machine learning models to measure the distance of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with high precision. The research improved the accuracy of distance measurements, allowing scientists to better understand how stars evolve and how many GRBs can occur in a given space and time. By combining data from NA...
Phocid seals with multi-cusped postcanine teeth exhibit a unique morphology that correlates with their diet of large amounts of zooplankton. The study quantified tooth morphology in 13 seal species, revealing a strong relationship between jaggedness and zooplankton prey consumption.
Researchers analyzed Japanese wolf and dog genomes, revealing genetic distinctness from gray wolves. Japanese wolves are also linked to the origin of modern dogs in East Asia.