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Babbler bird falls into climate change trap

Researchers found that chestnut-crowned babbler birds adapt to rising temperatures by breeding earlier, but this reduces successful breeding due to cold temperatures. The study suggests these birds fall into an ecological trap, highlighting the need for further research on adaptable parenting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Creating a ground plan for stonefly evolution

A team of researchers led by the University of Tsukuba examined five different stonefly species' eggs to understand their evolutionary relationships. They found that differences in egg structure, such as hard outer membranes and attachment structures, provided insight into the order's ground plan and evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateDec 15, 2020

Stellar egg hunt with ALMA

Researchers tracked the evolution of stellar eggs in Taurus, discovering internal structures and bipolar gas streams that indicate a star's birth. The team used ALMA's compact array to observe starless cores and found evidence for 'first hydrostatic cores,' short-lived objects formed before a baby star's birth.

A bad egg does good for its mother

Researchers at Northwestern University found that a damaged fertilized egg sends a molecular signal to the mother that protects her from cellular stress and environmental damage. This allows the mother to live longer and produce healthier eggs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 8, 2020

Neutron source enables a look inside dino eggs

Scientists investigate three 67 million year old oviraptorid egg fossils, determining that the embryos were at different developmental stages and likely hatched at different times. The findings suggest a unique nesting biology similar to modern birds, challenging previous assumptions about oviraptorids.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJan 22, 2020

Break point

Researchers found that DEHP disrupts meiosis in worms, leading to defects during egg formation and early embryonic development. The chemical causes excessive DNA breaks and interferes with the system that repairs them, resulting in abnormal chromosomes and reduced embryo viability.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 9, 2020

Deciphering the equations of life

Researchers developed equations to study life's diversity and predict specific traits, including reproduction timing and lifespan. The new theory refines old understandings about life history tradeoffs and has implications for ecosystem models and management decisions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2019

Research explores how grape pests sniff out berries

A new study found that female grape berry moths detect a subset of volatile organic compounds emitted by grapes, as well as nearby plants like gray dogwood and apple trees. The researchers suggest that the moths use these common volatiles to find their target habitat before using other cues to locate specific berries.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateDec 10, 2019