Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that a key pigmentation gene evolved rapidly in chickens, revealing an unexpected pattern of genetic evolution. This process allowed for the creation of a wide range of feather colors and patterns through the combination of multiple mutations within the same gene.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 24, 2026
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers have discovered that a specific gene pathway is crucial for feather formation, dating back to the origins of proto-feathers in dinosaurs. The study provides insights into how genetic interactions evolved to allow for the emergence of complex structures like feathers.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeNews article·DateMar 20, 2025
Researchers found that inhibiting the sonic hedgehog pathway restricts feather bud outgrowth and branching in chickens. Temporarily modified Shh expression resulted in proto-featherlike structures, highlighting the pathway's importance in feather development.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025
Researchers compared feathers and bodies of flightless birds and their flying relatives, finding that some features change relatively quickly. The study sheds light on evolution of complex traits that lose original function, and could help reveal which fossil birds were flightless.
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
The Yixian Formation fossils in China are preserved due to rapid sedimentation and oxygen-free pockets, rather than volcanic events. The study's findings suggest that multiple periods of intense rainfall led to the burial of deceased creatures, preserving soft tissues.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2024
Researchers used a family tree of 9,409 bird species to explore the spread of color across the globe. They found that iridescence originated outside of the tropics and in most cases arose 415 times across the bird tree of life, suggesting the common ancestor of all modern birds likely had iridescent feathers too.
SourceField Museum·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 26, 2024
Scientists discovered a common trait among flying birds, including the number of primary feathers, to determine their evolutionary history. The finding provides clues about dinosaur flight and may inform debates on its origins.
SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024
Researchers used a robot dinosaur named Robopteryx to test the hypothesis that small dinosaurs flapped their primitive wings to scare prey. The results showed significant positive associations between the use of proto-wings in display behavior and the likelihood of grasshoppers fleeing.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024
New research reveals similarities between dinosaurs and birds in terms of protein composition in their feathers. Analysis of fossil feathers from Sinornithosaurus and Confuciusornis showed beta-proteins, similar to those found in modern bird feathers.
SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers studying ancient bird fossils discovered that molting, the process of shedding and regrowing feathers, was more complex than previously thought. The discovery sheds light on how ancient birds, including those that survived the mass extinction event, developed this crucial survival strategy.
SourceField Museum·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 5, 2023
Researchers have discovered a natural nanostructure in birds that produces iridescent shimmer, finding an evolutionary tweak in feather nanostructure that has more than doubled the range of iridescent colors. This insight could inspire new materials that capture or manipulate light.
SourcePrinceton University·JournaleLife·TypeSurvey·DateDec 21, 2021
The newly discovered dinosaur, Ubirajara jubatus, boasts long fur down its back and stiff ribbons projecting from its shoulders. Its unique features suggest that it may have used these to attract mates or intimidate rivals.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCretaceous Research·DateDec 14, 2020
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The discovery of feather sheaths on the Archaeopteryx fossil provides evidence of a sequential centre-out moulting strategy, used by modern falcons to preserve maximum flight performance. This finding sheds light on the evolution of flight in birds and suggests that this strategy was present at the earliest origins of flight.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCommunications Biology·DateDec 9, 2020
A new study provides substantial evidence that a Jurassic fossil feather belongs to the iconic Archaeopteryx, a bird-like dinosaur. The research found that the feather matches a type of wing feather called a primary covert, identical in size and shape to those on an Archaeopteryx wing.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 30, 2020
Pterosaur experts refuted earlier claims of feathered pterosaurs, suggesting they were bald instead. The finding has huge implications for the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 28, 2020
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.
The publication provides a comprehensive overview of pennaraptoran theropods, covering their fossil record, systematics, anatomy, and early flight studies. Key findings include the identification of key avian traits that originated deep within theropod evolution and the discovery of unique reproductive strategies.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History·DateAug 24, 2020
Researchers discovered microscopic feather features in cassowaries, revealing the mechanism behind their glossy black shine. They also analyzed a 52-million-year-old fossil bird's feathers, finding structural colors that challenge previous assumptions about extinct species.
A new feathered dinosaur species, Dineobellator notohesperus, has been discovered in New Mexico, providing insights into the paleo-biodiversity of the American Southwest. The species, a member of the dromaeosaurid group, had feathers, flexible arms and hands, and a unique tail with a stiffened base.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 26, 2020
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.
A study by USC researchers reveals the common core design of feathers across 21 bird species, with options for specialized performance. The findings hold promise for engineers seeking better ways to build drones and other advanced materials.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell·DateNov 27, 2019
Fossilized dinosaur and bird feathers from Australia provide the first record of feathered polar dinosaurs, showing diversity of proto-feathers for insulation. Microscopic analysis reveals melanosomes indicating possible dark colors for camouflage and heat absorbance in cold climates.
SourceUppsala University·JournalGondwana Research·DateNov 12, 2019
A new species of Jurassic scansoriopterygid dinosaur with associated feathers and membranous tissues has been discovered, providing new insights into the origin of flight in Dinosauria. The well-preserved skeleton of Ambopteryx longibrachium preserves a unique wing structure supported by a rod-like wrist bone.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A 125 million-year-old fossil of a bird hatchling has revealed feathers, confirming it was 'precocial' and 'out of the egg running'. The discovery uses laser imaging technology to uncover previously unknown feathering in the fossil specimen.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2019
Researchers discovered that EDA/EDAR signaling drives the wave of patterning, while FGF20 induces cell aggregation and compresses the epidermis to intensify FGF20 expression. This process shapes the precise hexagonal array of feathers in birds.
A 150-year-old fossil feather has been re-examined using Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence (LSF) technology, resolving the debate over its origin. The study reveals that the feather did not belong to Archaeopteryx but instead came from an unknown feathered dinosaur.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2019
A team of researchers analyzed Anchiornis feathers to understand the evolution of flight in dinosaurs and birds. They found that Anchiornis feathers contained both beta-keratins and alpha-keratins, a combination not seen in modern feathers.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2019
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A new study reveals that Anchiornis, one of the earliest known feathered dinosaurs, had feathers with thicker alpha-keratins instead of beta-keratins, lacking necessary biomechanical properties for flight. However, its molecular composition may signify an intermediate stage in the evolution of avian flight feathers.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2019
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that pterosaurs had at least four types of feathers, including simple filaments and down feathers, which are also found in modern birds and dinosaur groups. The discovery pushes back the origin of feathers by approximately 70 million years.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 2018
Researchers discovered four kinds of pterosaur feathers, similar to those found in birds and dinosaurs. These findings push the origin of feathers back to 250 million years ago, revealing a key moment in life's evolution.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 17, 2018
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.
Researchers studied 97 modern bird species with iridescent plumage, finding diverse melanosomes that produce varying colors. The study predicts fossil birds may have had similar iridescent displays, revealing new insights into dinosaur behavior.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEvolution·DateDec 10, 2018
Scientists have discovered an ancient whale that lacked teeth and baleen, revealing a surprising intermediate step in the evolution of this innovative feeding strategy. The newly described fossil, Maiabalaena nesbittae, lived about 33 million years ago and likely had strong cheeks and a retractable tongue.
A newly discovered extinct bird species, Jinguofortis perplexus, sheds light on early flight development and evolutionary variation. The fossil's unique traits, including a fused shoulder girdle, suggest different flying styles during the Cretaceous period.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new experimental protocol to create synthetic fossils in the lab. This method uses sediment filtration to mimic the conditions of deep burial and has successfully preserved soft tissues, including feathers and leaves, similar to exceptional fossils. The findings offer insights i...
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 25, 2018
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.
Researchers at Field Museum create 'Easy-Bake fossils' by simulating the fossilization process in a lab, allowing for more accurate interpretations of ancient organisms. The method enables scientists to study the preservation of soft tissues and biomolecules, shedding light on evolution and biology.
A newly discovered dinosaur fossil from China contains evidence that a tiny bird-like dinosaur may have used its flashy neck feathers and a bony crest on its snout to attract mates. The discovery provides the earliest evidence of iridescence in dinosaurs, which is similar to that found in hummingbird species today.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2018
The newly discovered species of dinosaur, Caihong juji, had rainbow-colored feathers that shimmered and shifted in the light. Its unique feather structure was matched to modern birds with similarly shaped melanosomes, indicating a prehistoric version of a peacock's iridescent tail.
SourceField Museum·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2018
A University of Bristol-led study has revealed new details about the ancient dinosaur Anchiornis, including its fluffy and primitive feathers. The findings suggest that the animal's feathers would have increased drag when gliding and affected its ability to control temperature and repel water.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeontology·DateNov 28, 2017
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 21, 2017
Researchers confirm Sinosauropteryx had striped tail and 'bandit mask', suggesting it lived in open habitats. The dinosaur's countershaded body revealed its habitat was not dense forest but rather more open terrain.
Researchers have discovered a dinosaur tail complete with its feathers trapped in a piece of amber. The tail, from a juvenile theropod, is surrounded by feathers that preserve 3D and microscopic detail.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 8, 2016
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A team of international scientists has discovered beta-keratin in a 130 million-year-old bird feather fossil, providing evidence that melanosomes are present in these structures. This finding sheds new light on the molecular preservation of tissues in ancient fossils.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2016
Researchers have found evidence of preserved keratin and melanosomes in a 130-million-year-old bird fossil, extending the timeframe for molecular preservation. The discovery supports the identity of ancient microstructures and sheds new light on feather evolution.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2016
Researchers discovered two genes, Pitx1 and Tbx5, responsible for developing feathered feet in pigeons. The study suggests that these genes may have played a role in the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and early birds. The findings provide insight into how skin regions can be controlled to produce scales or feathers.
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.
A recent discovery of an Ornithomimus dinosaur with preserved tail feathers and soft tissue is shedding light on the convergent evolution between dinosaurs and birds. The findings suggest that these dinosaurs used feathered regions to regulate body temperature, similar to modern ostriches.
SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCretaceous Research·DateOct 28, 2015
Scientists utilize advanced molecular techniques to clarify dinosaur color, distinguishing melanosomes from microbial coats. By analyzing keratin and ToF-SIMS results, researchers confirm the presence of melanin in fossilized feathers, shedding light on ancient color patterns.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBioEssays·DateOct 5, 2015
A newly identified species of feathered dinosaur has been found to have complex, quill pen-like feathers and short wings, challenging previous assumptions about the diversity of winged dinosaurs. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into the evolution and biology of these fascinating creatures.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015
A team of scientists has developed a method using commercial-grade laser equipment to find and analyze fossils of dinosaurs, revealing complex details unseen with traditional visual enhancers. The technique causes fossil samples to fluoresce, allowing for the detection of fakes and the identification of new species.
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.
Research reveals that the variety and adaptability of interlocking protein building blocks make up the feather's success. Birds have dozens of smaller variations within each type of brick, represented by the many differing copy numbers in their gene.
SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 11, 2015
New research reconstructs Archaeopteryx feather color as matte black with darker tip, shedding light on fossil preservation. Advanced imaging technologies provide definitive proof of melanosomes in fossil record.
SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateNov 5, 2014
Dinosaurs had highly developed color vision, including the ability to see ultraviolet light, which likely contributed to the evolution of feathers. This discovery sheds new light on the origin of feathers and their role in dinosaur communication and mating.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A new raptorial dinosaur fossil named Changyuraptor yangi has shed light on how larger-bodied dinosaurs took to the air, with exceptionally long feathers playing a crucial role in safe landings. The 125-million-year-old fossil, found in China, confirms that flight preceded the origin of birds and was not limited to small animals.
SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2014
Researchers analyzed the plumage of a newly discovered Archaeopteryx specimen, revealing previously unknown features of its feathers. The findings suggest that feathers evolved for functions other than flight, such as insulation and display, before being co-opted for aerial abilities.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateJul 3, 2014
New research from North Carolina State University suggests that it is not yet possible to tell if microscopic structures in fossilized feathers are melanosomes, which contain pigment, or ancient bacteria. Researchers used various microscopy techniques to examine the structures and compared them to melanosomes found in living birds.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2014
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 found that chimpanzees with similar personality types spent more time together, suggesting a preference for self-like friends. This similarity in gregariousness and boldness may be adaptive, ensuring reliable cooperation between partners.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateOct 9, 2013
A study on feathered dinosaurs, including Microraptor, has provided new insight into the evolution of bird flight. The researchers found that high lift coefficient and aerodynamic efficiency are not the only factors determining gliding efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2013
The study analyzed chemical traces from the first complete Archaeopteryx feather, revealing a patterned plumage. The findings contradict previous assumptions that all feathers were black and provide crucial insights into the evolution of bird feathers.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalJournal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry·DateJun 11, 2013
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.
Researchers at The University of Manchester used X-ray experiments to reveal new insights into the evolution of plumage and preservation of feathers in ancient birds. They found chemical traces of original 'dinobird' and dilute pigments, shedding light on the bird's plumage pattern.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry·DateJun 11, 2013
Researchers found evidence that some feathered dinosaurs, such as oviraptors, used their tail feathers to attract mates and engage in visual exhibitions. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and their similarity to modern birds.
SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica·DateJan 4, 2013
Academics studied earliest theropod dinosaurs and found that feathers initially developed for insulation, evolving into display and camouflage features. This basic wing configuration has remained largely unchanged for 130 million years.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 21, 2012
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
The study reveals that early bird ancestors had more primitive wing designs, with simpler feathers that were different from those of modern birds. The researchers believe that these early wings may have worked effectively for gliding and high-speed flapping flight, but not for low-speed flight or ground takeoff.
A new study on bird-like dinosaurs reveals that feathers were initially developed for insulation before evolving into a more complex wing structure. The research, published in Current Biology, explores the early evolution of bird flight and how it relates to dinosaur forelimbs.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 21, 2012