Researchers found that an elephant's folded skin plays a crucial role in its flexible and strong trunk, enabling it to grasp fragile vegetation and rip apart tree trunks. The study suggests that wrapping soft robotics with a skin-like structure could give machines protection and strength while maintaining flexibility.
A new species of giant keelback slug, Limax pseudocinereoniger, has been discovered in Montenegro's Tara Canyon by an international team of citizen scientists. The slug, which can grow up to 20 cm in length, was identified through DNA analysis and anatomical differences from a similar species.
Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders, living in redwoods, have developed aerial behaviors to avoid predators, including parachuting and gliding. They are able to maintain control and make horizontal maneuvers, defying expectations of their sluggish nature.
A team of researchers has developed a novel method using infrared imaging to assess glymphatic function, which is crucial for understanding neurological conditions. The technique allows for the measurement of temporal dynamics of glymphatic functions and provides insights into brain fluid exchange and clearance.
Paleontologist Kevin Padian suggests that T. rex's short arms evolved to prevent accidental or intentional amputation during pack feeding, a behavior thought to be common among the species. This hypothesis proposes that the reduced forelimbs provided an adaptive advantage by reducing the risk of injury during intense feeding interactions.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that mammals with larger brains than similar-sized species were more likely to have survived extinction. The researchers investigated brain sizes of 291 living mammal species and 50 extinct species, discovering a significant correlation between brain size and survival.
A research team identified the invasive Asian needle ant species (Brachyponera chinensis) in Europe, expanding its area of distribution. The discovery raises concerns about potential negative effects on native ant communities and ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa developed a spray-on technology using customized nanogold and peptides that can restore heart function and electrical conductivity in damaged hearts. The therapy showed promising results in lab mice, with no off-target organ infiltration by tiny gold particles.
A Japanese squirrel's feeding behavior on poisonous Amanita species has been observed, suggesting a potential mutualistic relationship. The study found that the spores of these fungi may survive being eaten and excreted by squirrels, facilitating their dispersal.
Researchers found that the oral plug, a structure in fin whales, blocks the pharynx and prevents water from entering during lunge feeding. This allows the whale to swallow prey while keeping the respiratory tract protected.
Researchers discovered that lunge-feeding whales have an 'oral plug' in their mouths, which seals off the upper airways during feeding. This mechanism prevents water from entering their lungs and allows them to gulp down large amounts of krill without drowning.
A team of scientists from Germany, Spain, Australia and Japan discovered a new species of branching marine worm, Ramisyllis kingghidorahi, in Japan. The worm has a unique body shape with one head and multiple posterior ends, living inside the internal canals of sea sponges.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from UNIGE and MPIPKS has solved the mystery of how an organ changes its size depending on the size of the animal. They developed a mathematical equation that explains how cells know when to stop growing, using the example of the Paedocypris fish.
A new study published in the journal Anatomical Record reveals that gharial species, native to India, suffer from nasal septal deviation, a condition common among humans. The researchers found that this deviated septum affects the breathing rate and may lead to high shearing stresses along the nasal walls.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that manipulating certain nerve cells may trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells, restoring heart function after heart attacks. The study found that removing specific genes associated with circadian rhythms increased neonatal heart size and cardiomyocyte numbers by up to 10%.
A fossil previously believed to be a four-legged snake is actually a long-bodied marine lizard, according to a new study. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that a 'snake with four legs' exists in the evolutionary chain.
Researchers used CRISPR gene-editing tools to show that a gene controlling bone growth in fish fins plays the same role in forming fingers and toes in four-legged creatures. The study suggests that the last common ancestor between ray- and lobe-finned fish already had the genetic toolkit to shape their appendages.
A new study reveals that tusks originated from ancient mammals before the dinosaurs, with dicynodonts being their closest living relatives. The researchers defined what makes a tusk and found that some dicynodont teeth are indeed tusks, while others have large teeth.
A team of scientists has discovered the oldest modern-looking crab, Cretapsara athanata, preserved in 100-million-year-old amber. The fossil is remarkably complete, including delicate tissues and well-developed gills, revealing an aquatic to semi-aquatic animal that defies explanation for its preservation in tree resin.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of ground sloth, Parocnus dominicanus, from fossils found in the Dominican Republic. The species was smaller than its tree-dwelling cousins and had anatomical differences that may have allowed it to occupy lowland areas.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists studied the elephant trunk's kinematic versatility, revealing a toolkit of 20 basic movements that combine to produce complex behaviors. The researchers identified a mathematical law governing the trunk's velocity, similar to human hand-drawing movements.
Researchers describe two new species of fossil ctenophores from Utah with preserved nervous systems and up to 24 comb rows. These findings suggest that Cambrian ctenophores had more complex nervous systems than living species, with specific nerve tracks along the body and a ring around the mouth.
Rare fossils from the Cambrian period confirm the presence of an ancestral frontal domain in arthropods, which gives rise to crucial neural centers involved in decision-making and memory. The discovery also sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of visual systems in arthropods.
Researchers have discovered three new species of ancient mammals in North America, hinting at rapid evolution following the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The creatures, which include the 'Hobbit'-named Beornus honeyi, differ from earlier known mammals and suggest that mammals diversified more rapidly than previously thought.
Researchers found that lizards with sticky toepads prevail in the arboreal environment, accessing new resources unavailable to padless lizards. This evolutionary advantage enables them to stay in trees and rarely leave, whereas padless species often transition to ground life.
Scientists from University of Melbourne and University of Queensland have explained echidna's reproductive enigma, detailing testes that never descend or scrotum. The short-beaked echidna has a remarkable penis with four heads, which are functional in alternating erections.
A 18.5 million year old vine fossil was identified as a new species, providing evidence of the evolution of climbing plants. The fossil's unique features, including two sizes of water-conducting vessels and lobed cross-sections, are characteristic of lianas in the soapberry family.
Researchers discovered the complex body of Ramisyllis multicaudata spreads extensively in its host sponge's canals. The worm's stolons form a new brain and have their own eyes, allowing them to navigate when detached for fertilization.
Researchers observed shifts in nasal passage orientation in spotted dolphin and fin whale embryos and fetuses, revealing a complex evolution process. The study suggests that the two types of cetaceans may have developed their characteristic blowholes through different developmental processes.
A new study published in JAMA found that taking vitamin D or fish oil supplements does not lower the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The research, led by Christine Albert, confirms previous findings and advises against using these supplements for prevention.
A new study has revealed that alligator hearts are able to maintain a normal rhythm despite extreme temperature changes, unlike mammals which can fibrillate under stress. This unique adaptation comes at the cost of reduced maximum heart rate and increased vulnerability to cardiac arrhythmia.
The study of Tiktaalik roseae reveals an intermediate stage in vertebrate evolution, shifting from suction-based to biting-based feeding strategies. The fossil's anatomy suggests a synergistic feeding strategy combining snapping and suction, potentially leading to the development of four-limbed animals.
A newly discovered bird fossil, Falcatakely, sheds light on the evolution of complex anatomy and provides new perspectives on bird facial structure. The species boasts a unique, scythe-like beak shape and is part of an extinct group known as Enantiornithes.
A large-scale trial involving over 25,000 participants found no significant difference in the development of atrial fibrillation between those taking vitamin D or fish oil supplements and a placebo. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood pressure may lower risk of atrial fibrillation.
A new imaging technique has been developed that allows scientists to study the tiny details of a whole animal heart in 3D. This technique may lead to new insights into congenital heart disease and improve survival rates for people born with heart defects. The study reveals structural differences between healthy and defective heart cell...
Researchers studied angel shark body shapes using modern methods and found that early species had distinct external features, while modern species show reduced variation in shape. The integration of skull parts may limit adaptability, increasing extinction risk.
A study published in Circulation reveals that FoxO1 plays a crucial role in regulating abnormal heart growth, a condition characterized by cardiac hypertrophy. The research suggests that targeting FoxO1 could lead to the development of novel therapies for cardiac hypertrophy.
A study found that fast rates of morphological evolution do not need to coincide with taxonomic diversification in reptiles. The team discovered that accelerated rates of evolution correspond to the origin of unique body plans, but varying rates can result in similar functional adaptations.
The discovery of Mukupirna nambensis, a big-boned marsupial, sheds light on the evolution of wombat burrowing behavior. The fossil, dating back to the late Oligocene period, reveals adaptations indicative of digging behavior but also suggests that early wombats may not have been capable of true burrowing.
A novel treatment combining FGF1 and CHIR99021 significantly reduced the size of dead heart tissue and improved left ventricle function in animal models. The treatment also promoted cell growth, angiogenesis, and prevented apoptosis, offering a potential breakthrough in cardiovascular sciences.
Researchers used optical mapping to observe how hydroxychloroquine causes disturbances in heart rhythms, triggering worrisome arrhythmias and potentially life-threatening conditions. The study's findings suggest that the drug should be restricted in Covid-19 patients due to its potential harm.
Researchers have developed a textile approach to tissue engineering using woven human tissue threads, which can create any shape and display excellent mechanical properties without synthetic materials. This innovative approach has the potential to aid in repairing damaged blood vessels, skin, nerve injuries, and other tissues and organs.
Researchers found that decreasing neuroinflammation in the brain before memory problems and cognitive impairment were apparent may be beneficial. The new findings point to the importance of developing therapies that target very early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
A new species of prehistoric scorpion, Parioscorpio venator, is discovered with characteristics similar to present-day scorpions and horseshoe crabs. The fossils suggest that scorpions may have adapted to life on land earlier than previously thought, possibly using similar pathways as modern horseshoe crabs.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have identified a critical role of lymphatic vessels in heart repair, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating congenital heart defects and cardiac injuries. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of cardiac regeneration, paving the way for potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers identify a specific subset of cardiomyocytes with enhanced regenerative capacity in zebrafish, which differ from other myocardial cells in gene expression profile. This discovery could provide new insights into human heart regeneration and potentially stimulate the repair process.
A new fossil stingray, Lessiniabatis aenigmatica, has been discovered with an exceptional anatomy that differs from living species. The find provides insights into the evolution of these animals and their recovery in marine ecosystems after the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.
Researchers discovered that border zone cells in humans and mice develop a gene program that helps them survive a heart attack. This response is crucial for long-term recovery of the heart, but further research is needed to induce this response in humans.
A study identified genes associated with heart regeneration in neonatal mouse hearts. Genes related to immunity and developmental programs were found to promote regeneration. Enhanced post-MI regeneration was observed in mouse hearts overexpressing the RNA-binding protein IGF2BP3.
A new silicon chip system allows researchers to examine the functional effects of drugs on lab-grown human heart muscle cells. The platform, which includes electrodes to stimulate and measure electrical activity, helps determine how treatments affect heart function and conduction velocity in ischemic conditions.
Researchers aim to decipher the mechanisms that govern the regenerative capacity of large neonatal mammalian hearts and manipulate them to remuscularize the heart after muscle death. The study may lead to novel techniques for pediatric and adult heart disease interventions, addressing the fundamental problem of heart failure.
Researchers analyzed food intake data from over 10,000 middle-aged adults and found a strong link between plant-based diets and lower cardiovascular disease risks. People who ate more plant-based foods had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32% lower risk of dying from any cause.
A new study suggests that measuring both birthweight and length provides a more accurate indication of fetal growth and future cardiovascular risk. A low ponderal index or body mass index at birth is associated with an increased risk of heart problems later in life.
A study in eLife reveals that altered blood flow after heart injury triggers a signalling cascade that promotes cell growth and heart tissue regeneration in zebrafish. The findings provide insights into signalling pathways important for heart regeneration in mammals, including the potential to repair the human heart.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found a close relationship between vortex flow and pressure differences in the ventricles of the heart, which may signal heart dysfunction. The study suggests that these indicators could be used as new markers for cardiovascular dysfunction leading to heart failure.
Researchers at King's College London have made a groundbreaking discovery that genetic therapy can heal heart damage caused by a heart attack. The study used microRNA-199 to stimulate cardiac regeneration in pigs, resulting in almost complete recovery of cardiac function.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital demonstrate a robot that can autonomously navigate inside the body to reach a leaky heart valve. The robotic catheter uses AI and image processing to build a mental map of the cardiac anatomy, allowing it to find its way without surgeon guidance.
Researchers successfully engineered and printed a 3D vascularised engineered heart with cells, blood vessels, ventricles, and chambers that matches the immunological, cellular, biochemical, and anatomical properties of the patient. The use of native patient-specific materials is crucial to eliminating implant rejection risks.
A rare condition, situs inversus with levocardia, has been discovered in a 99-year-old body donor. This condition is often associated with life-threatening cardiac ailments and occurs about once in every 22,000 births. The discovery of this unusual anatomy offers valuable lessons on human variations.
Hagfish hearts can pump for 36 hours without oxygen, a phenomenon that could inspire new strategies for protecting the human heart during anoxia. Researchers found that glycerol enhances heart contraction during anoxia, raising questions about its role in hagfish physiology.