Articles tagged with Animal Communication
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study highlights the difficulties in identifying and categorizing domestic and wildcats, threatening native biodiversity conservation efforts. In contrast, New Zealanders tend to be more accepting of killing feral cats to protect native species.
Researchers found nightingales can flexibly adjust the pitch of certain song parts over a wide range of frequencies to imitate competitors. This strategy is thought to increase their mating chances during the breeding season. The birds can also adjust their songs in real-time to auditory stimuli, suggesting a robust neural circuitry.
A new study found that larger group size and polygynous mating systems are linked to deeper male voices in primates. This sex difference is thought to influence mating success through attracting mates or intimidating competitors.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new type of flexible display that uses capillary-controlled robotic flapping fins and liquid droplets to create switchable optical and infrared light multipixel displays. The displays are 1,000 times more energy efficient than traditional LED screens.
Researchers found that precise repetition of song notes is key to attracting a female mate, while changing songs prevents habituation. A balance between consistency and diversity in birdsong may resolve the paradox of variability in singing styles.
A new study reveals that female rats utilize scent marks to convey information and coordinate behavior, particularly in terms of reproduction and social hierarchy. The research, led by Guadalupe Gómez Baena, demonstrates the complexity of female communication through scent marks and highlights the need for further study on this topic.
Researchers at SRI International have identified genes that enable insects to produce terpenes, a key component of their chemical communication. This breakthrough provides a roadmap for understanding how these chemicals are used and could lead to new ways to protect crops and prevent insect-borne diseases.
A study published in Cell Press reveals that ants have a dedicated brain region that processes alarm pheromones, triggering panic responses and colony-wide behavior changes. Researchers used GCaMP to scan the brain activity of clonal raider ants exposed to danger signals, finding a specific section lit up in response.
Young chimpanzees use combined gestures, vocalisations and facial expressions to communicate in a way similar to human infants. As they age, their ability to combine signals improves, especially in situations like playing or aggression.
A newly described species of pachycephalosaur, Platytholus clemensi, has been found to have a keratin bristle structure atop its dome. The discovery was made using CT scans and microscopic analyses of fossilized slices through the skull.
Researchers found that the brain's auditory cortex responds strongly to positive human sounds coming from the left, but not from the right or front. This bias may have an evolutionary advantage, as it could help detect potential threats or predators.
A team of Virginia Tech scientists has identified a brain pathway responsible for synchronized movement in individuals, including mice, without rehearsal. The study provides an underlying mechanism for coordinating group behavior, which is essential for understanding social communication in humans and developing therapies for ADHD, ASD...
Researchers found that a specific neuropeptide affects two separate groups of neurons, promoting aggressive behavior in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of neuronal communication using neuropeptides.
A machine learning model helps explain how brains recognize the meaning of communication sounds, such as animal calls or spoken words. The study models sound-processing networks in social animals' brains and demonstrates their ability to distinguish between different sound categories.
Researchers found that honeybee foragers use waggle dance to provide both polar flight instructions (bearing and distance) and Cartesian-location vectors to approach the source. This new understanding reveals the complexity of symbolic communication in honeybees, adding new insights to the study of their navigational abilities.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego found that honey bees use a 'waggle dance' to communicate the location of food sources, and that this behavior is improved by learning and culturally transmitted. The study demonstrates the importance of early social signal learning in non-human spatial referential communication.
Researchers found that breeds genetically closer to wolves are more prone to reply with howls, while modern breeds bark instead. Older dogs over 5 years also show increased stress-related behaviors when howling.
Researchers will study how genetics and environment affect butterfly vision and behavior in the region's unique light environment. The goal is to understand how climate change impacts pollinators like butterflies.
A study analyzed 105 cat interactions to categorize them into playful, aggressive, or intermediate groups. The majority (56.2%) were classified as playful, while 28.6% were agonistic. Intermediate behavior was observed in 15.2% of cats, exhibiting characteristics of both play and aggression.
Researchers found that companion dogs, but not pigs, would show their owners the location of a food reward out-of-reach. This suggests that directing humans' attention to interesting locations may not be a universal ability among domestic animals. Dogs and other visually communicative species were more likely to use this behavior.
A study published in Current Biology found that dolphins 'shout' over loud underwater noise to complete a cooperative task, but their success rate decreases as noise levels increase. The researchers observed changes in dolphin body language and vocalization patterns in response to the increasing noise.
Research investigates relationship between eye color and aggression, finding bright-eyed individuals less aggressive. Eye width also studied, revealing correlation with environmental lifestyle. Scientists aim to understand language evolution through eye-tracking technology.
Researchers found that a single psychedelic experience increased nonphysicalist beliefs and beliefs about consciousness, meaning and purpose. The magnitude of belief changes was associated with qualitative features of the experience. A significant increase in 'believers' was also observed after the experience.
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that cheetah marking trees serve as hotspots for communication among multiple mammalian species. These trees were visited more frequently by some species, such as black-backed jackals and warthogs, suggesting they gain important information from the scent marks. In co...
Researchers studied the larynx of Daubenton's bats and found that different structures are used for high-frequency echolocation calls and lower-frequency social calls. The study reveals that bat vocalizations can be compared to death metal growls, highlighting the animals' unique ability to produce a wide range of sounds.
Female putty-nosed monkeys deliberately use alarm calls to recruit males to defend the group, a first observed intentional vocalization in animal kingdom. Researchers found females react directly to male actions, adjusting their behavior when goal achieved.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new method to control mosquito populations by altering the frequency of sound that males listen for. By using serotonin-inhibiting compounds, they reduced the range of frequencies males respond to and their response itself.
A study published by the University of Zurich has found that vocal communication in vertebrates has a common and ancient evolutionary origin, dating back to around 407 million years ago. The research used vocal recordings and contextual behavioral information from 53 species across four major clades of land vertebrates.
A recent study found that juvenile pied flycatchers in Europe can distinguish their own population's song dialects even at 12 days old. This ability is thought to aid in attracting mates and preventing learning other species' songs, highlighting the remarkable specificity of bird behaviors.
Researchers found that song elements' order strongly correlates with rhythmical timing, suggesting a similar processing mechanism as humans. This discovery sheds light on the cognitive processes of songbirds and their potential for musicality.
Researchers found woodpeckers have brain regions similar to those in songbirds that control vocal learning and production. The study suggests drumming is a learned behavior with complex motor movements and adaptations for territorial defense.
Researchers used a random forest model to analyze hyena whoops and found that individual signatures are distinct enough for identification. Repeating calls can improve identification accuracy, peaking at seven repetitions.
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.
A study found that male Rock Hyraxes with stable isochronous rhythms in their courtship songs have higher reproductive success and more surviving offspring. Genetic analysis revealed that song rhythms are related to individual quality and potentially indicate health and suitability as mates.
Researchers found that male rock hyraxes with more precise courtship songs had higher reproductive success, while those who sang less frequently also performed better in terms of rhythm and song quality. This study suggests that high rhythmic stability may serve as an indicator of male quality for females.
Scientists found that few components of an ant's waxy layer are enough to recognize nestmates from their own colony. The study also showed that adapting the wax layer to outside temperatures does not completely change the information used for recognition, but rather balances both functions.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University has linked the use of herbicide Roundup to convulsions in soil-dwelling roundworms, suggesting that glyphosate targets GABA-A receptors. The study found that even low concentrations of glyphosate had concerning effects on the nervous system.
Scientists at OIST Graduate University discovered the neural circuitry that enables juvenile zebra finches to learn songs through social interaction with a tutor. The locus coeruleus-caudomedial nidopallium circuit plays a crucial role in attention and arousal, guiding the bird's focus on the tutor's song.
Common noctule bats form mobile sensory networks to optimize prey localization, reducing foraging time by 40%. This collaborative strategy enables bats to effectively control agricultural insect pests and contribute to ecosystem balance.
Researchers found that Gursky's spectral tarsier duets exhibit acoustic trade-offs in note rate and bandwidth, suggesting a relationship between physical fitness and vocal complexity. The study suggests that only physically fit individuals can easily produce broadband notes fast.
Researchers found that specific vocalizations, known as the 'hunting bark', recruit more group members to hunt and capture prey more effectively. Chimpanzees have been observed joining hunts after hearing these barks, increasing success rates.
Scientists have identified two areas of the auditory cortex specialized to recognize human voice sounds without linguistic meaning. These regions help react to sound cues allowing people to identify characteristics of the person speaking, such as gender, age, and height. This discovery sheds light on neurological disorders affecting vo...
Researchers found that zebra finches' short vocalizations during flight are followed by an upward movement of the calling bird, which helps other birds observe its position. The birds also use vision to coordinate horizontal position changes, such as brief shoulder checks, to avoid collisions.
Researchers developed a tool to analyze facial movements in common marmosets, finding they have more facial expressions than previously thought. The study suggests that facial expressions may be more ancient and prevalent among social animals.
A study found that domesticated pigs and horses, as well as Asian wild horses, can tell the difference between positively and negatively charged sounds. The animals reacted stronger to negatively charged voices and showed mirroring of emotions.
Researchers found that noisy jackdaws use a 'democratic' decision-making process to coordinate their daily takeoffs, relying on the intensity of calls to achieve consensus. The findings suggest that changes in calling intensity serve as a reliable source of information for synchronization.
A new study reveals that wild chimpanzees produce hundreds of diverse vocal sequences, combining up to ten call types, and exhibit structured communication patterns. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that non-human primates lack complex vocal communication systems.
Researchers found that dogs process human and canine vocalizations differently in their brains, responding to emotional content and distinct neural pathways. This groundbreaking study provides new insights into the neural functions of canine auditory perception.
A study found that dogs can distinguish their owner's voice from many others, using specific voice properties like pitch and noisiness. In the experiment, dogs successfully identified their owners in 82% of cases, suggesting they use some of the same voice analysis mechanisms as humans.
A new study from Cornell University reveals that fish are more likely to communicate with sound than previously thought. Researchers found 175 families of ray-finned fishes that use sound for communication, including species that have been doing so for at least 155 million years.
Researchers found that males keep track of the order of their songs and how often each one is sung for up to 30 minutes. This complex behavior allows them to curate both their current playlist and the next one, with variations in song order and repeats.
A study in Current Biology found that hippos recognize individual voices, responding more aggressively to strangers than neighbors. The researchers hope to learn more about what hippos communicate through their calls, exploring how they recognize sounds and whether voices reveal characteristics like size or sex.
A recent study reveals that narwhals are highly affected by noise pollution from ships and seismic airgun pulses, triggering stress and altering their behavior. Researchers hope that better management of noise pollution will protect these unique Arctic animals.
A study conducted at the University of São Paulo analyzed how dogs living inside the home exchange looks with their owners to obtain food or other desired objects. The researchers found that 95.7% of those living inside the home used gaze alternation at least once, while those living outside communicated less intensely.
A new study reveals that Asian honeybees use distinct signals to alert nestmates of giant hornet attacks, employing a sophisticated communication system. The research found that these signals are designed to get the attention of colony members and convey a sense of urgency.
A new study shows that gorillas can distinguish between human voices, reacting with distress when hearing unfamiliar or negative voices. The apes' ability to gauge threats by familiarity of human voices has implications for their wild cousins.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists is using human whistled languages as a model to understand how dolphins encode complex information in their whistle communication. By studying the structure and attributes of human whistled speech, researchers aim to develop new techniques for analyzing dolphin whistles.
A University at Buffalo researcher proposes that humpback whale songs are not similar to bird songs but rather dynamic and freeform vocalizations. The study reveals changes in the units within whale songs over time, suggesting a vocal flexibility that demonstrates the inadequacy of using human labels for sound production.
Researchers have discovered that bat pups 'babble' as part of their initial language-learning stage, mirroring human infant babbling. This behavior suggests social feedback is crucial during vocal development in this species, similar to humans.
Researchers discover rattlesnakes' high-frequency rattle fools humans into thinking they're closer than they are, allowing for a 'distance safety margin'. The study suggests snakes evolved this smart signal to avoid being stepped on by large mammals.