Articles tagged with Animal Physiology
Researchers discovered that bats in full sun bat boxes can warm to temperatures exceeding 50°C while sleeping, leading to dehydration and death. Providing bats with a choice of roosts in the same location, some constructed for stable temperature and others for quick cooling or warming, could help prevent this risk.
Researchers discovered that three-legged lizards can survive by adapting their gait and using abundant food sources, highlighting the limitations of Darwin's natural selection theory. The study found less than 1% of wild lizards have a limb deficit, with nearly half being Caribbean anoles.
Scientists have discovered that gray tree frogs prepare for winter by responding to shorter days rather than colder temperatures, allocating energy resources unnecessarily. This 'ecological trap' could affect critical behaviors like breeding cycles and migration patterns in species adapted to seasonal cues.
Researchers found that seabirds use different strategies to find food, with scent-tracking birds benefiting visually hunting birds. This study provides insights into complex systems and crowd behavior, informing conservation strategies for procellariiform seabirds.
A new study at Bournemouth University found that people with horse experience were more accurate at recognizing pain in horse faces, while those with social anxiety were better at detecting pain in human faces. The findings aim to improve animal welfare by helping owners recognize changes indicating pain in horses.
A recent study suggests that teddy bears play a crucial role in shaping our early conception of nature. By analyzing morphometric and colorimetric data, researchers found that traditional teddy bears diverge significantly from their real-world counterparts. This gap may lead to warped or incomplete mental representations of animals and...
A new study analyzing the dietary choices of wild woodrats reveals that individual diets may not be as diverse as previously assumed. The research suggests that the costs of specializing on one food source or diversifying one's diet have a strong impact on an animal's ability to survive and thrive.
A new study finds that sargassum seaweed can significantly slow down sea turtle hatchlings in Florida, increasing their risk of predation and heat exposure. Researchers found that even small amounts of sargassum can impede hatchlings' progress, with leatherbacks taking 54% longer to crawl through light sargassum.
A new study reveals that humans, dogs, and pigs share similar brain responses to vocal sounds and calls from their own species, indicating an evolutionarily ancient mammalian heritage. This discovery sheds light on the deep roots of voice perception and highlights the value of studying companion animals to better understand human biology.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
A research team has discovered that bees' complex eyes contain specialized facets that detect polarized light in the sky, producing a less-detailed but more accurate image. This allows bees to tune out unimportant information and focus on the big picture, using the sun's position as a compass.
Researchers at OIST identified biological processes that support young clownfish adaptation to climate change and warming seas. Exposing juvenile fish to raised water temperatures showed significant changes in liver and pancreas, reducing insulin secretion and increasing oxidative phosphorylation.
Researchers found that orangutans outshine humans in avoiding obesity by adjusting their nutrient intake, behavior, and energy use. The study provides insights into the evolutionary adaptations of great apes, which can inform better nutritional practices for humans.
Researchers found that brown anole lizards can withstand extreme lead levels without impairment. Transcriptomic analyses revealed minor effects on brain and liver tissue, with altered genes linked to metal ion regulation.
Researchers have established apple snails as a system to study eye regeneration, which may hold the key for restoring vision due to damage and disease. The team discovered that the snail eye is anatomically similar to humans and can regrow itself, with genes such as pax6 playing a crucial role in development.
Scientists have developed a method to extract insect heart rates from video footage taken with digital cameras, preserving their natural behavior. The technique uses advanced signal processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze subtle body movements and detect accurate cardiac activity.
Researchers found that live well temperatures fluctuate drastically during tournaments, causing physiological stress and longer recovery times for largemouth bass. This study highlights the importance of optimizing live well conditions to minimize mortality rates and ensure sustainable fisheries.
A recent study reveals that heat stress directly alters fat metabolism in adipose tissue, regulating genes that promote fat storage. Researchers identified 459 genes that showed different expression levels in response to heat stress, highlighting the active role of adipose tissue in fat deposition.
A team led by L. Mahadevan found that young anacondas can execute a quick, one-off skating movement called the 'S-start' due to their physical attributes. This movement is similar to sidewinding and could inspire new robotic systems.
Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.
A new study found that hermit crabs with more sensory hairs on their claws recover faster from a startle response, indicating they are bolder. The research suggests a link between sensory ability and behavior, proposing a hypothesis called sensory investment syndrome.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of Barbonymus schwanefeldii (tinfoil barb) in Laguna de Bay, Philippines' largest freshwater lake. The invasive species can outcompete native fish for food and breeding grounds, posing long-term ecological consequences.
Researchers found that chipmunks' skulls became larger but teeth shorter due to increased human food availability. Voles' auditory bullae decreased in size possibly to dampen environmental noise. These changes demonstrate the profound impact of humans on wildlife and their environment.
A recent study suggests that ladybird colors are produced by a combination of pigments and the physical properties of their wingcase. Researchers have discovered structural mechanisms underlying color production and pigment modulation in these insects.
Researchers developed an animal model of forelimb embodiment in mice to study the neural basis of sensory-based forelimb embodiment. The findings suggest that mice can develop a sense of embodiment of an artificial limb, similar to humans who participate in the rubber-hand illusion experiment.
In dry conditions, desert locusts produce smaller hatchlings with a 'lunchbox strategy', allocating energy to their first meal for survival. This adaptation allows them to outlast rivals and access more food, giving them an advantage in harsh environments.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
Studies from North Carolina State University explored biomarkers and genetic markers for Chiari-like malformation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels, identifying Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide as a potential therapeutic target. Elevated CGRP levels were found in dogs with CM and painful symptoms, but not correlated with syringomyelia.
Researchers discovered Asian elephants have significantly heavier brains, weighing 5,300 grams on average, compared to 4,400 grams in African elephants. Elephant brains grow almost as much as human brains after birth, with a threefold increase in weight by adulthood.
Researchers created first complete genetic activity map of a branching worm, revealing how it controls reproduction across its multiple body branches. The study highlights the unique genetic toolkit and challenges understanding of animal bodies' organization.
A University of Queensland-led research team used advanced digital modelling techniques to reconstruct the Phoenix Trackway, a 70-meter-long set of footprints made by a two-legged predator. The study reveals the dinosaur walked at a steady 5.3 km/h, stood 1.13 meters tall, and weighed up to 292 kilograms.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in Turkish Pointers that distinguishes their forked nose, linking it to cases of human orofacial clefts. The study suggests that the mutation of PDFGRA gene may be involved in some cases of human orofacial clefts.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that piglets fed ad libitum gained more weight but had comparable soft tissue composition to those on prescribed feeding schedules. The study also tracked insulin concentration and behavior, revealing that ad libitum pigs may be growing faster due to differences in insulin production.
Wild animals studying seals' extreme environments could provide answers to pressing problems in human reproductive health. Seals' unique physiology offers insights into managing gestational diabetes and improving IVF success rates.
A study found that alcohol consumption boosts the production of sex pheromones in male fruit flies, increasing their attractiveness to females and mating success. This effect is mediated by three neural circuits that balance attraction and aversion to avoid intoxication.
Beth Beason-Abmayr, a renowned educator, has received the Arthur C. Guyton Distinguished Educator Award for her exceptional contributions to physiology education. Her innovative approach to teaching and mentoring has profoundly impacted generations of students.
Researchers found that some coral reef fish exhibit higher thermal tolerance in the Arabian Gulf's variable thermal environment, but overall biodiversity is lower. This suggests that only certain species can adapt to environmental changes, and highlights the need for further investigation into climate change impacts.
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.
A new study from University of Florida researchers finds that heatstroke can lead to lasting, multi-organ damage and obesity in mice for months afterward. The animals' hearts metabolically crashed two weeks after the initial injury, leading to chronic deterioration and weight gain.
The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Spring Awards, honoring excellence in various fields of study. The awards include the Henry Gray Scientific Award, A.J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award, and others.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique motor control system in frogfish's first dorsal fin, enabling their 'fishing' behavior. The study reveals how motor neurons changed location as their function shifted from swimming to hunting.
Humpback whales' reproductive success is linked to maternal characteristics and energy balance. Researchers found fetal growth rates increased with maternal length and energy demands peaked in the final third of pregnancy, coinciding with fasting and migration. This study highlights a vulnerable period for pregnant humpback whales and ...
Researchers found that desert ants rely on the polarity of the geomagnetic field to navigate during learning walks, contradicting previous findings in other insects. The team manipulated magnetic fields and observed the ants' behavior, concluding that a compass-like navigation system is useful for short-distance navigation.
A University of Michigan study found that warmer temperatures decline the immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys, with younger monkeys most vulnerable. The researchers used a 'clean catch' method to collect urine samples from the monkeys, which revealed a significant decline in immune performance during periods of high temperatures.
Researchers have discovered two previously unknown bacterial species in deep-sea corals from the Gulf of Mexico. These bacteria have extremely reduced genomes and lack the ability to break down carbohydrates, surviving on amino acids instead. The discovery provides insights into the unique adaptations of deep-sea organisms.
The study reveals hormone-dependent molecular mechanisms that cause sexual dimorphism in chicken feathers, including the role of thyroid hormone activation/inactivation system. The findings also shed light on the cultural significance of chickens in Japanese society and its impact on promoting social cohesion.
High-contrast patterns on humbug damselfish bodies serve dual purpose: camouflage when stationary and motion dazzle when moving. The fish adapt their behavior based on environment, using motion dazzle to confuse predators when feeding outside coral colonies.
Researchers validated infrared thermal imaging as a non-invasive tool to assess reindeer stress during human interactions. Thermal imaging cameras detected temperature changes in the eye corner, indicating stress, without causing physical harm to the animals.
A new study finds that the ancient bird Longipteryx ate fruits, contrary to previous hypotheses that it feasted on fish or insects. The discovery was made by analyzing fossilized seeds in the bird's stomach, which suggest a mixed diet including fruits and possibly insects when they were not available.
Researchers found that bacteria can anticipate the arrival of new seasons by using their internal 24-hour clocks. Samples exposed to short days showed significantly higher survival rates when plunged into ice, indicating that photoperiodism is critical in preparing bacteria for longer-term environmental changes.
Researchers have discovered a new type of brain cell in the medial entorhinal cortex that accurately predicts future locations as an animal travels. This discovery helps explain how planned spatial navigation is possible and has important implications for understanding mechanisms of spatial navigation and episodic memory formation.
A new study by UC Riverside demonstrates that calorie restriction does not significantly reduce voluntary exercise in mice. Researchers found that mice continued to run at similar levels regardless of the amount of food they ate, challenging the long-held belief that dieting drains workout energy. The study's findings have implications...
A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...
A new study found that magnesium levels in sandhoppers increase during cold weather, slowing their activity. In deeper sleep, magnesium levels can more than double, putting the sandhopper into a torpid state and allowing it to conserve energy.
Researchers found that Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, a subset of the Eastern North Pacific population, have been getting smaller since around 2000. This decline could have major consequences for their health and reproductive success, and also raises alarm bells about the state of the food web.
The study reveals that D-amino acids are present in the body tissues of polychaetes, with varying composition depending on species. High concentrations of D-lactate were also detected, particularly during reproductive periods, suggesting its involvement in adaptation to low-salinity environments and reproductive activities.
Studies led by the University of Texas at Austin researchers found that bird song and human voice share a common genetic link, with the syrinx and larynx having similar developmental programming. This discovery highlights the shared ancestry between birds and humans in terms of vocal organ structure.
A new study has confirmed that killer whales take only one breath between dives, providing insights into their unique physiological habits. The researchers used drone footage and biological data from tags to gather information on the animals' habits, revealing that residents spend most of their time making shallow dives.
Researchers analyzed genomes of 363 bird species and found significant variations in cryptochrome 4 gene, indicating adaptation to environmental conditions. This specialization could be related to magnetoreception in migratory birds.
Researchers found that attaching red flags to crickets made them less appealing to predatory birds, suggesting a warning signal. The experiment supported the chemical defense explanation, as matador bugs were actively avoided with or without flags.