A new study published in PNAS found that female and male Japanese termites can flip sex roles to form stable same-sex pairs. The researchers discovered that this 'sex role flexibility' allows same-sex pairings to evolve, enabling termites to survive and thrive.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022
A small clam previously known only from fossils has been found living in the tidepools of Naples Point, California. Researchers identified the species as a new find after comparing fossil records and specimens.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 7, 2022
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.
A three-year experiment found that mixotrophs evolved to be less photosynthetic at higher temperatures, potentially increasing CO2 production and contributing to climate change. The study also suggests natural selection has a stronger effect on organisms with less flexible characteristics.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 4, 2022
Researchers measured rhino horns from photographs taken between 1886 and 2018, finding a significant decrease in length across all five species. The decline is believed to be caused by intensive hunting, which has also led to a shift in human perceptions of rhinos from hunting to conservation.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPeople and Nature·DateNov 1, 2022
Scientists have discovered exceptionally well-preserved fossils in China that date back 514 million years, revealing the first animals to build hard and robust skeletons. The fossils show features characteristic of modern jellyfish and cnidarians, including a tubular structure made of calcium phosphate.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 1, 2022
A study found that Eurasian jays with greater self-control can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' and score higher on intelligence tests. The researchers believe that this self-control may have evolved as a result of the birds' need to delay gratification in order to plan for future meals.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A 166-million-year-old Scottish fossil, Bellairsia gracilis, provides insights into the early evolution of lizards. The nearly complete skeleton reveals a mix of ancestral and modern features, shedding light on the ancestry of squamates, which include lizards and snakes.
A new study reveals the Atacama desert's 'blooming desert' phenomenon is characterized by a high level of variability in flower colors and patterns, which are invisible to human eyes. However, pollinators such as bees and wasps perceive this diversity due to their unique color sensitivity.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2022
New research published in Nature suggests that the earliest gills played a crucial role in ion regulation, contradicting traditional views on their evolution. The study found ion-regulating cells in the gills of lampreys, amphioxus, and acorn worms, revealing an early chapter in the evolutionary story of gills.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers identified unique mutations in the omicron spike protein adapted to the mouse receptor, suggesting possible animal origin. The findings also highlight the importance of epidemic surveillance of rodents to stop new COVID-19 variants.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022
Fossils of ostrich-like dinosaurs from Mississippi provide valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of North American ornithomimosaurs. The discovery reveals that these dinosaurs lived side-by-side with multiple species, including giant body sizes weighing over 800kg.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2022
A new species of deep-sea fish has been discovered in the Atacama Trench, belonging to the genus Paraliparis. The small blue snailfish, named Paraliparis selti, is distinct from other hadal snailfishes due to its striking color and large eyes.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalMarine Biodiversity·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2022
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.
The Omicron variant escapes the immune response better than its ancestors, but has also facilitated the transition to a society that can live with COVID-19. The study found that vaccinated individuals develop broader immune responses and experience milder infections.
SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2022
A study reveals that domesticated banana varieties contain traces of three unknown wild ancestors, which were likely hybrids between subspecies and may hold useful traits such as parthenocarpy. The researchers believe these 'mystery ancestors' might still be alive in the wild, particularly in regions including the Gulf of Thailand, Bor...
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2022
Scientists have discovered that mitochondrial DNA can insert itself into human nuclear DNA in every 4,000 births, leading to the development of rare diseases and some cancers. The new inserts can cause cancer and trigger its development in some cases.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new study identifies Scleromochlus taylori as an early relative of pterosaurs, shedding light on the evolution of flying reptiles. The discovery uses CT scans to provide detailed reconstructions of the fossil, confirming its link to lagerpetids and supporting the hypothesis that flying reptiles evolved from small, bipedal ancestors.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022
Researchers have reconstructed the genome of the common ancestor of all mammals, revealing key features such as 19 autosomal chromosomes and 38 sex chromosomes. The study provides insights into the evolutionary stability of gene order and orientation on chromosomes over millions of years.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2022
A 518-million-year-old fossilized worm named Wufengella has shed light on the evolution of three major animal groups: brachiopods, phoronids, and bryozoans. The discovery reveals that these ancient animals shared a common ancestor with segmented worms.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2022
A new analysis suggests that bird-hipped dinosaurs evolved from silesaurs, which were first identified two decades ago. The study reveals a 25-million-year gap in the fossil record, but provides insight into the early evolution of ornithischians.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateSep 22, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
An international team of researchers has used data science to reveal the universal rules shaping cells' power stations. The study found that genes encoding subunits of larger cellular machines are most likely to be retained in organelle DNA.
SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalCell Systems·DateSep 16, 2022
A new study reveals that red-eyed treefrogs use bimodal acoustic calls, combining sound with plant-generated vibrations to convey messages. Female frogs prefer calls with both sound and vibration, while male frogs become more aggressive when feeling the vibrations of rival calls.
SourceGettysburg College·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 14, 2022
A Rutgers-led study finds that biodiversity of the bee population is crucial for maintaining stable pollination services over a growing season and years. The research suggests that different bee species pollinate the same plants at different times and dominate pollinators on specific types of plants in different years.
SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 7, 2022
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.
Researchers found parotoid gland sizes were significantly smaller in urban toads compared to rural populations, while body mass was not different. Urbanization also caused increased sexual dimorphism in leg length.
SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateSep 7, 2022
Research on white-necked jacobin hummingbirds found that about 20% of females retain male-like plumage into adulthood, engaging in deceptive mimicry to avoid aggression and increase access to food sources. These females' strength and body size are similar to those of males.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2022
Researchers have identified eight new species of tiny brown geckos in Madagascar's rainforests, expanding our understanding of their distribution and evolution. The discovery highlights the importance of continued sampling across the region to uncover new species.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalZootaxa·DateSep 1, 2022
Two papers published in Nature Plants unveil the first full-length genomes for homosporous ferns, a group containing 99% of modern fern diversity. The Ceratopteris genome suggests that ferns stole genes from bacteria for anti-herbivory toxins.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 1, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers used high-resolution imaging techniques to identify a new ant species and genus, †Desyopone hereon gen. et sp. nov., from 16-23 million year old Ethiopian amber.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalInsects·DateSep 1, 2022
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022
Researchers have discovered a massive new mosasaur species from Morocco, named Thalassotitan atrox, which filled the apex predator niche. The giant mosasaur had massive jaws and teeth like those of killer whales and hunted other marine reptiles.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCretaceous Research·DateAug 24, 2022
Researchers from Osaka University discovered a new type of protein in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae associated with chloroplast protein import and targeting mechanism. The study found that red algae use distinct mechanisms involving GTP-binding proteins to transport proteins across the inner membrane of chloroplasts.
SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022
Researchers at Hokkaido University propose two novel hypotheses to address the 'two-fold cost of sex' in sexual reproduction. The first hypothesis suggests that meiosis eliminates harmful mutations through a process known as the 'seesaw effect.' The second hypothesis proposes that anisogamy evolved through 'inflated isogamy,' where lar...
SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Ethology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022
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.
Scientists used 3D modeling to reconstruct the body of megalodon and estimate its weight, speed, and energy usage. The model suggests that megalodon was capable of eating prey up to 8m long and had a high energetic demand, likely feeding on whale blubber.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2022
Research team analyzed hundreds of new fossil specimens to clarify the anatomy and evolutionary affinity of Saccorhytus. They found evidence supporting its classification as an ecdysozoan, including a terminal mouth, cuticle integument, and radially arranged circumoral structures common to Cambrian and extant ecdysozoans.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2022
A new study found that ageing desexualizes the Drosophila brain transcriptome, causing both males and females to exhibit reduced gene expression differences. This effect is larger in males than females, indicating a weaker investment in sexual behaviors as they age.
SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 9, 2022
A new study reveals key clues about the form of the most ancestral nervous system and how it first evolved. Researchers found that neurons, possibly the most complicated cell type ever to evolve, share similar structures with comb jellies and other ancient animal lineages.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022
A team of UNLV-led researchers questions the hypothesis that modern humans experienced an evolutionary decrease in brain size during the transition to complex societies. They analyzed a dataset of early human fossil and museum specimens, finding no reduction in brain size over 30,000 years.
SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 5, 2022
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.
A new panda species, Agriarctos nikolovi, has been discovered in Bulgaria, which may have been Europe's last known giant panda. The fossilized teeth, found in the late 1970s, suggest that this ancient panda consumed a largely vegetarian diet, unlike modern pandas.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJul 31, 2022
A new study found evidence that multituberculates, an extinct group of mammals, likely reproduced in a placental-like manner. This discovery questions the long-held idea that marsupials were less advanced than placentals in terms of reproductive strategy.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022
A new study describes Qikiqtania wakei, a close relative of Tiktaalik roseae with features more suited for swimming and life in the water. The fossil includes partial jaws, neck, and scales, as well as a complete pectoral fin with a smooth and curved upper arm.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022
A Harvard researcher has been awarded a $1.1 million grant to study the evolution of aerial breathing in arthropods, exploring how they transitioned from water to land over 100 million years ago. The team aims to understand the role of atmospheric oxygen in facilitating this process and its impact on respiratory structures.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 14, 2022
Hexaploid gibel carp exhibit high genetic diversity and strong environmental adaptation, defying predicted extinction. Comparative genomics reveals expanded meiotic cell cycle-related genes and oocyte-specific histone variants facilitating purging deleterious mutations.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 11, 2022
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.
Scientists have discovered evidence that yunnanozoans are the oldest known stem vertebrates, with cellular cartilages in the pharynx similar to those found in modern vertebrates. The team's findings support the evolutionary placement of yunnanozoans at the very basal part of the vertebrate tree of life.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2022
Researchers found that socially isolated bumblebees exhibited an increase in affiliative behavior, unlike expected aggression. The brain development of isolated bees showed similarities with group-reared bees, suggesting controlled chaos in the absence of social environment.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 6, 2022
Researchers at NIST found that gecko setae are coated in an ultra-thin layer of lipids, which repel water and help maintain grip on wet surfaces. This discovery could lead to the development of biomimetic products, such as gecko boots or gloves for improved traction.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 6, 2022
Scientists from OIST and colleagues reveal that Kamptozoa and Bryozoa belong together, contrary to previous studies. Using high-quality sequencing technology, they found the two phyla split from mollusks and worms earlier than thought, forming a distinct group.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2022
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.
A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleLife·DateJul 1, 2022
Researchers found that giant pandas and their ancestors used a thumb-like structure to grip bamboo, dating back at least six million years. The modern panda's thumb is shorter but has a hook for better grasp and flattened outer surface for weight distribution.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2022
Fossils from Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa reveal nearly four million years of hominin evolution. The new ages of Australopithecus-bearing deposits place the South African hominins as contemporaries of other early species, like Australopithecus afarensis, in east Africa.
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2022
Researchers discovered new viruses infecting Asgard archaea, which may hold clues to the origin of complex life. The viruses share features with both prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses, offering a new perspective on viral eukaryogenesis.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
A Jurassic cephalopod, Vampyronassa rhodanica, was likely an active predatory hunter, featuring robust suckers and sensory appendages. Its exceptional soft-tissue preservation provides new insights into the evolution and palaeoecology of vampyroteuthids.
SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 23, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers analyzed DNA of Demodex folliculorum mites living in human hair follicles, finding unusual body features and behaviors due to their isolated existence. The study suggests these mites may transition from external parasites to internal symbionts as they shed unnecessary genes and cells.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022
A team of scientists has developed a novel computational approach to analyze DNA sequences of thousands of bacteria, revealing previously unknown gene clusters responsible for producing metabolites of interest. The study highlights the potential of these bacterial compounds in treating colon cancer and improving treatment options.
SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSynthetic and Systems Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2022
Research on wild Assamese macaques reveals that their gut bacteria composition changes uniquely with age, despite similar lifestyles. This finding suggests that the process is part of natural aging and not due to lifestyle changes, with potential implications for developing personalized therapies against intestinal diseases.
SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalMicrobiome·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022
A study of ancient DNA from a 100,000-year-old polar bear genome found that extensive hybridization between polar bears and brown bears occurred during the last warm interglacial period. As a result, all living brown bears today have some polar bear ancestry.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 16, 2022
Two fossil skulls of a 12- to 15-million-year-old hyena from China suggest the animal was on its way to becoming an insectivore, like the modern aardwolf. The fossils show characteristics intermediate between those of bone-cracking hyenas and termite-eating aardwolves.
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.
Researchers studied miniature frogs from the genus Brachycephalus and found that their small vestibular system prevents them from maintaining balance. The tiny frogs can jump but struggle to control their trajectory mid-leap.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 15, 2022
A Galapagos giant tortoise species previously believed to be extinct has been confirmed to still exist, thanks to genetic research that sequenced the genome of a single specimen and compared it with living individuals. The study's findings offer hope for the recovery of this species.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022
A new research group led by biologist Dr. Michael Gerth will investigate the interactions between bacteria and insects, with a focus on how bacterial DNA changes when transferred from one species to another. The team aims to identify successful host transfer strategies and understand environmental factors influencing these processes.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·DateJun 8, 2022
A new study finds that polar bears and brown bears have a complicated evolutionary history due to interbreeding. The analysis of modern bear genomes and ancient DNA from a 115,000-year-old tooth reveals gene flow from brown bears into polar bears, challenging previous hypotheses.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2022
Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022
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.