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How bird eggs get their bling

The study reveals the presence of a weak iridescence in Tinamou eggs, creating superficial colors and color changes depending on angle and light. The researchers' investigation uncovers an ultra-smooth coating as the key to the eggshell's glossy appearance.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalInterface·DateDec 12, 2014

Toxic fruits hold the key to reproductive success

Female Drosophila sechellia flies produce fewer eggs than other fruit flies due to a genetic mutation that inhibits dopamine production, but feeding morinda fruits or chemicals from these fruits increases fertility. Dopamine precursor L-DOPA is present in morinda fruits and compensates for the genetic deficiency.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateDec 9, 2014

Warmer temperatures limit impact of parasites, boost pest populations

Research from North Carolina State University found that warmer urban temperatures limit the impact of parasitoid wasps on scale insect populations, allowing them to thrive and produce more eggs. This phenomenon, known as phenological mismatch, is a result of changing life cycles between species.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 18, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Fruit flies learn from others

Research shows that fruit fly females combine personal preferences with social information when choosing egg-laying sites. While most follow the group's cue, some females ignore social influence and stick to their own preference. This complex decision-making process is influenced by environment, genetics, and social context.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 17, 2014

NUS researchers discover for the first time that a rare bush frog breeds in bamboo

Researchers from NUS observe a new reproductive mode in critically endangered white spotted bush frogs, breeding and laying direct-developing eggs in live bamboo. The discovery sheds light on the unique behavior of these frogs and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 28, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

BOFFFFs (big, old, fat, fertile, female fish) sustain fisheries

Research shows that larger females produce far more eggs than smaller fish, increasing population productivity and stability. Older fish also provide a 'storage effect', allowing them to spawn successfully when conditions are favorable.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 20, 2014

Gothenburg researchers identify molecule that protects women's eggs

A study led by Professor Kui Liu has identified the Greatwall kinase molecule as a key protector of women's eggs against problems during maturation. The molecule is crucial for completing meiotic divisions and preventing infertility issues in up to 15% of women.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 7, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Climate change appears a mixed bag for a common frog

A study found that warmer winters lead to earlier breeding in wood frogs, resulting in fewer eggs and delayed tadpole development. However, more rain and snow appear to increase egg production, potentially counteracting the negative effects of warming.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

Tree frogs speed up their life cycle when becoming lunch

Hansen's tree frog embryos hatch earlier after being preyed upon by katydids, responding to chemical cues. This flexible hatching behavior allows the frog an adaptive advantage, as it gives them time to escape into the next life-stage.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 3, 2014

Hoopoes' eggs show their true colors

Researchers found that hoopoes' eggs change from bluish-grey to greenish-brown when exposed to preen gland secretion, which contains antimicrobial properties. This color change may serve as a signal about the mother bird's breeding quality.

SourceSpringer·DateAug 14, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Boat noise impacts development and survival of sea hares

Researchers found that boat noise stops embryonic development and increases larval mortality in sea hares. This study underscores the impact of anthropogenic noise on vulnerable species, potentially disrupting coral reef ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2014

Deep-sea octopus has longest-known egg-brooding period

A deep-sea octopus has been found to protect and nourish its eggs for an astonishing 53 months, with 160 eggs hatching almost 4.5 years later. This record-breaking brooding period highlights the importance of parental care in producing well-developed offspring in challenging environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

WSU researchers rule out leading hypothesis for miscarriages, birth defects

Researchers have ruled out the 'Production-Line Hypothesis', which suggested that faulty chromosomes are more common in eggs produced later in a woman's reproductive life. The study found no relationship between a woman's age and chromosome crossovers, suggesting other factors may be involved.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 3, 2014

Freeze-storage egg banking for egg donation treatment

A study by Dr Ana Cobo found that cumulative live birth rates increase progressively with the number of vitrified eggs used, reaching a plateau at 97.3% with 40 eggs. Egg banking can provide a large pool of donor eggs without synchronizing cycles, making it a more efficient and safer process.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 1, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Combatting cuckoos

Researchers at Harvard University discovered that many birds targeted by the Common Cuckoo have evolved recognizable egg patterns to distinguish their own eggs from those laid by cuckoo cheats. These signatures provide a strong defense against cuckoo mimicry, helping host birds reject foreign eggs and protect their broods.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2014

First 3-D pterosaur eggs found with their parents

Researchers have found the first three-dimensionally preserved pterosaur eggs in China, providing new insights into the flying reptiles' reproductive strategy, development, and social behavior. The discovery suggests that pterosaurs lived together in gregarious colonies, with males and females having distinct head crest features.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 5, 2014

Fertility: Sacrificing eggs for the greater good

Scientists discovered that the selection process of immature eggs is connected to segments of DNA known as transposable elements. A drug called AZT may enhance the quality and number of eggs by altering jumping gene activity in immature eggs.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 29, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Zinc deficiency before conception disrupts fetal development

Researchers found that female mice deprived of dietary zinc before conception experienced fertility problems and had smaller, less-developed fetuses. Zinc deficiency caused a high incidence of pregnancy loss and delayed or aberrant embryo development.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateMay 29, 2014

Temperature influences gender of offspring

A new study reveals that heat favours the production of male progeny in parasitoid insects, while cold temperatures impair gender selection. The research found an 80% increase in male offspring at high temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 21, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Fear of the cuckoo mafia

Scientists confirm the mafia hypothesis, which suggests that birds cooperate with parasitic birds to avoid retaliation, increasing survival rates of parasites. Host birds must learn and adapt to reject foreign eggs, while parasites use their behavior to extort hosts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2014

New understanding of why chromosome errors are high in women's eggs

A new study from the University of Southampton has found that chromosome errors in women's eggs occur due to a faulty gatekeeper mechanism. The researchers discovered that this 'gatekeeper' allows cells to divide with incorrect chromosomes, leading to conditions like Down Syndrome and early pregnancy loss.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2014

'Breaking bad': Insect pests in the making

A recent study from the University of California, Davis, analyzes the ovipositor and behavior of Drosophila suzukii, a fruit fly known to deposit eggs inside ripening fruit. The research highlights the potential for this pest to spread rapidly across North America.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 17, 2014

Different eggs in adolescent girls and adult women

A recent study published in Human Molecular Genetics describes two distinct types of eggs in the mammalian ovary, contributing to puberty and fertility. The identification of these 'first wave' and 'adult wave' eggs may lead to improved treatments for ovarian diseases like premature ovarian failure.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 26, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Landmark egg production study reveals reduction in environmental impact over past 50 years

A study published in Poultry Science reveals a significant reduction in environmental impact from US egg production, thanks to advancements in feed efficiency, hen housing and manure management. The industry has decreased greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste production, while increasing egg production and hen lifespan.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalPoultry Science·DateJan 24, 2014

Ancient sharks reared young in prehistoric river-delta nursery

Fossil evidence reveals that ancient sharks, such as Bandringa, bred in the open ocean and spent their lives in freshwater swamps and rivers. The discovery of juvenile shark fossils alongside egg cases provides the first fossil evidence for a shark nursery that combines both juvenile and adult remains.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJan 7, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New study may aid rearing of stink bugs for biological control

A new study published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America has found that low temperatures can be used to store eggs of the predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus. This allows for greater flexibility in mass rearing and storage, increasing the availability of insects for release in the field at an early opportunity.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 4, 2014

The colors of nature: 9 beautiful new wasp species from China

A new study revises the cuckoo wasp genus Cleptes in China, discovering nine beautifully colored new species. The study highlights the genus' unique parasitoid habits, where they lay eggs in host nests and consume provisions after eliminating competition.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 13, 2013

Measuring up

Researchers found that tree sparrows can identify parasitic eggs by color and shape, ejecting 81% of non-native objects. The birds' ability to recognize foreign eggs is linked to motivation and nest sanitation, with some species being more careful during incubation.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 2013

New molecular target for malaria control identified

A new study has shown that egg development in malaria mosquitoes depends on a switch activated by a male hormone delivered during sex, which could be a viable strategy for controlling the disease. Blocking this switch may impair the ability of the species to reproduce.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 29, 2013
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Stanford-developed technique induces egg growth in infertile women, and 1 gives birth

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique that induces egg growth in some infertile women, allowing five of them to produce viable eggs for in vitro fertilization. The successful pregnancy and birth represent a breakthrough for women with primary ovarian insufficiency, who often rely on egg donation.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2013

Unscrambling the genetics of the chicken's 'blue' egg

Researchers from the University of Nottingham identified a genetic mutation causing blue eggs in native South American and European breeds. The mutation triggered an accumulation of biliverdin, a green-blue pigment, in the eggshell. This finding could inform future research on agricultural breeding techniques.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 20, 2013
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers shed new light on egg freezing success rates

Researchers from New York Medical College and University of California Davis have developed an individualized patient data meta-analysis to report the probability of live birth after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with frozen eggs. The study shows that egg freezing success rates decline with age, with a sharper drop after age 36.

SourceNew York Medical College·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMay 29, 2013

The underground adventures of the Mediterranean frog Rana iberica

A new study reveals that the Mediterranean anuran frog Rana iberica inhabits cave-like habitats, with all life stages observed. The frog's use of artificial subterranean habitats has important implications for its conservation, particularly in light of climate change.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalSubterranean Biology·DateApr 30, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

World's oldest dinosaur embryo bonebed yields organic remains

A team of scientists from Canada, Taiwan, and Australia excavated over 200 bones from embryonic dinosaurs, providing a rare glimpse into their growth patterns. The fossils, dating back over 100 million years, show evidence of protein structures, suggesting that dinosaurs moved around inside their eggs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 2013

Birds find ways to avoid raising cuckoos' young

A new study suggests that swallows and martins in Europe build their nests close to humans to reduce the risk of cuckoo parasitism. By breeding indoors, these birds can avoid ejecting model cuckoo eggs from their nests, thus reducing the likelihood of cuckoo parasitism.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 8, 2013

Chemical trickery explored to help contain potato pest

Researchers explore naturally occurring egg-hatching factors to control G. pallida, a non-native species causing economic hardship in US potato fields. Using these chemicals to stimulate eggs to hatch when no potato plants are present could be an effective defense against the pest.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateMar 18, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Lost frog DNA revived: Lazarus Project

A team of scientists has successfully revived the DNA of an extinct Australian frog species, Rheobatrachus silus, using somatic cell nuclear transfer. The 'Lazarus Project' aims to bring back the bizarre gastric-brooding frog, which uniquely swallowed its eggs and gave birth through its mouth.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateMar 15, 2013

Study reveals stem cells in a human parasite

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that adult, non-sexual stem cells in S. mansoni can migrate to various parts of its body and replenish tissues. This finding may provide insight into the parasite's extraordinary staying power.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2013

Anti-Muellerian hormone predicts IVF success

A recent study found that women with high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are 2.5 times more likely to have a successful IVF cycle than those with low levels. High AMH levels also signal increased chances of pregnancy and live birth, regardless of the number of eggs retrieved.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

The cell that isn't

Researchers have developed a new technique to study cell division without a cell membrane, allowing them to uncover physical forces and constraints involved in the process. By using this method, they discovered that squeezing the 'cell' into tighter quarters does not lead to smaller spindles, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 18, 2013

Quail really know their camouflage

Researchers discovered that female quail select egg-laying substrates based on the unique characteristics of their own eggs, maximizing disruptive coloration to avoid predation. By matching their egg patterning with surrounding colors, quail reduce the likelihood of their eggs being detected and eaten by predators.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 17, 2013

Baby sharks stay still to avoid being detected by predators

Researchers found that embryonic sharks can detect electric fields emitted by potential predators and respond by reducing respiratory movements. This innate avoidance response allows them to recognize dangers and try to escape, even in vulnerable egg cases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 9, 2013

Plant sniffs out danger to prepare defenses against pesky insect

Researchers at Penn State discovered that plants can detect and respond to insect odors, leading to improved defenses. The tall goldenrod plant's ability to sense the sex attractant emitted by male flies makes it less appealing to female flies, reducing damage and increasing seed quality.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2012
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Gulf of Mexico clean-up makes 2010 spill 52-times more toxic

A new study reveals that mixing oil with dispersants used in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico clean-up increases toxicity up to 52-fold, harming rotifers and potentially marine food webs. The study's findings suggest that natural dispersal may be a less toxic alternative to current methods.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateNov 30, 2012