Articles tagged with Animal Science
A University of Technology Sydney study found that a micronized mineral compound reduced asbestos-induced cellular damage in cell lines and significantly slowed MM development in mouse models. The discovery offers new hope for treating MM and asbestosis, two incurable diseases.
Researchers developed a fundamental model of collective movement that predicts optimal strategies for animal groups. By considering how individual movements should be optimized for colony success, the team found that animals like ants should allocate their foragers to areas with high probabilities of finding food.
A recent study in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that gene arrangements in the genome have played a key role in animal evolution. The researchers discovered that genes present together in several species are also active in the same cells, highlighting a new perspective on investigating cell type identities.
Researchers describe 11 new species of rain frogs in the Ecuadorian Andes, showcasing remarkable genetic and morphological diversity. The discovery highlights pressing conservation issues due to habitat destruction and human activities.
Researchers have developed a powerful new brain imaging tool called Voltron, which lets them track neuron activity in living animals more precisely and for longer periods than before. Voltron uses an ultra-bright synthetic dye and a specially engineered protein to detect neural signals throughout the brain.
A recent study reveals that global agriculture is shifting towards monocultures, threatening food security and the livelihoods of millions. The majority of the world's fastest-growing crops rely on pollinators, which are under threat due to pesticides and habitat loss.
Researchers from Oxford University and the International Fund for Animal Welfare document a wild group of endangered Barbary macaques adopting an injured juvenile from a neighboring group. The unusual display of concern provides valuable information for rehabilitation and release strategies.
A new UC Riverside-led research reveals that some of Earth's oldest animals could travel on their own to get food, settling a longstanding debate about the earliest animal communities. The team analyzed over 1,300 fossils of Dickinsonia, which moved like worms to consume microorganisms.
A new roadmap by the Engineering Biology Research Consortium outlines potential breakthroughs in synthetic biology, including genetically modified crops, disease-fighting microbes, and novel biofuels. The report aims to secure federal support for this field to address societal challenges and fuel economic growth.
A newly identified genus and species of freshwater clam, Lithoredo abatanica, was found to eat rocks and expel sand as it burrows in the Abatan River. The shipworm's unique anatomy has revealed new information about its ecosystem engineering capabilities.
Researchers compared traditional bird survey methods to modern sound recording devices, finding that machines can accurately measure population densities and map species territories. The study provides a systematic overview of available recording devices and user guides for scientists to sample animal populations acoustically.
A team of researchers at the University of Queensland has challenged the long-held theory that multi-celled animals evolved from a single-celled ancestor resembling a modern sponge cell. Using new technology, they found that the first multicellular animals were more like a collection of convertible cells, contradicting years of tradition.
Researchers found a significant amount of overlap between their data and citizen sightings, with roughly 65% for red foxes and 56% for coyotes. The study highlights the potential of citizen science to inform urban canid management and monitor human-carnivore interactions.
Researchers discovered African mole-rats are insensitive to allyl isothiocyanate, the active ingredient of wasabi, due to unique nerve structure leak channels. This finding may lead to new pain relief methods without addiction risks.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a new, genetically clean strain of the C. elegans worm, which will serve as a standardized baseline for future research studies. The new genome sequence reveals hidden genetic variations and highlights the need for accurate DNA sequencing in synthetic biology.
A CNRS and University of La Rochelle research team studied the impact of a fishing operation on orca populations. The study found that orcas who lost family members due to the fishing operation adopted erratic social behavior, leading to reduced access to food and ultimately higher mortality rates.
Scientists can now study ancient proteins to gain a more complete picture of past species and cultures. Research has revealed that ancient humans consumed grains, legumes, dairy products and meat, while Mongolians consumed dairy products long before known genetic mutations for lactose tolerance.
The study explores how humans can coexist with wolves in Europe's fragmented landscapes. Scientists recommend protecting farm animals, strengthening ungulate populations, and influencing wolf behavior through deterrence measures. The research aims to provide a balanced view of wolves' ecological value and minimize conflicts.
A new study finds that hunting is reducing large mammal populations by 40% in intact tropical forests. Hunting impacts are expected to be high in areas with high human population density and hunter access points.
A study published by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has identified eight potentially new species of phoronid larvae, a type of horseshoe worm found in Panama's two oceans. The larvae were collected from plankton samples and analyzed using DNA sequencing to distinguish between different species.
A 330-million-year-old fossil discovered in Scotland reveals a unique dental pattern and deep lower jaw, allowing it to pierce and grind crustaceans. The discovery challenges the understanding of early tetrapods' dental evolution, showing an unprecedented level of adaptation.
Pork enthusiasts can improve taste, juiciness, and tenderness by cooking chops to the new USDA standard of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Consumers strongly prefer pork chops cooked to 145 over the old standard of 160 degrees.
Researchers at the Field Museum used UV light to reveal differences in millipede genitals, enabling them to identify eight separate species, four fewer than previously recognized. The discovery has implications for environmental monitoring and understanding climate change.
A recent study published in Conservation Letters reveals that working with Indigenous rangers produced significant improvements in conservation research outcomes. The study, led by Dr Georgia Ward-Fear, demonstrates the value of culturally diverse teams and local knowledge in scientific research.
Scientists have identified a crucial role for GDNF in regulating the length of the ureter, a tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder. Excessive GDNF production can lead to reproductive organ malformations and infertility in males and females.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has launched a new effort to encourage people to become organ and tissue donors, helping scientists save human lives and reduce animal experiments. Human tissue is used in various scientific advancements, including disease progression, drug development, and medical procedures.
A Cornell dairy nutrition model has been updated to help farmers reduce nitrogen in manure and waterways. Research found that feeding cows less protein can maintain milk production while reducing nitrogen excretion by 14-18% and saving farmers $147-$157 per cow annually.
Scientists have named five new species of tiny frogs found across the island of Madagascar, belonging to the 'narrow-mouthed' frog family. These miniature frogs are remarkable for their extreme miniaturization, with some species reaching lengths as small as 7.7 mm.
A recent study in Aquatic Invasions documents 53 introduced marine animal species on the Galápagos Islands, nearly 10 times more than previously known. The majority of these non-native species are likely arriving through ships from tropical seas, posing concerns for conservation efforts.
Scientists discovered the gut has a built-in salt sensor that reports to the brain, regulating thirst. The gastrointestinal tract measures salt concentration and relays this info directly to the brain, enabling precise measurement of fluid osmolarity.
Researchers found that CBX4 gene therapy helps to regenerate hMSCs and prevent osteoarthritis in mice. The study showed that CBX4 promotes nucleolar homeostasis, which is essential for maintaining healthy stem cells.
Research suggests genetic tagging is a powerful tool for ecology and conservation, providing non-invasive methods to track animal populations. The method offers benefits over traditional approaches, such as scalability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered that Dickinsonia fossils do not reveal all the features of the earliest known animals. The study suggests that simple physical properties of sediments can explain the preservation of these soft-bodied creatures.
A new study published by the Moskalev Lab has revealed how overexpressing the pro-longevity gene Gclc in Drosophila melanogaster leads to life extension and changes in the thorax's transcriptome, including genes involved in metabolism, immune system, and circadian rhythmicity.
Scientists discover that comb jellies evolved from ancestors with polyp-like tentacles on the sea floor, which later developed into balloon-like spheres and comb-like structures. The discovery repositions comb jellies alongside corals and jellyfish in the evolutionary tree of life.
A recent study suggests humans possess an ancient magnetic sense, as their brains respond to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The research used electroencephalography to record brain activity during magnetic field manipulations, revealing a decrease in alpha-band brain activity in some participants.
In a new study, researchers found that female spotted hyenas who form strong coalitions with other females can overthrow their superiors and improve their fitness. The study revealed that these alliances play a crucial role in maintaining stable social hierarchies and improving the overall rank of coalition members.
Researchers suggest that bursts of evolutionary activity occurred earlier and were more frequent than previously thought, giving rise to a longer timeline for complex life on Earth. This challenges the traditional view of the Cambrian Explosion as a single, rapid surge of evolution.
An international team of scientists discovered a new species of killer whale, Type D, off the coast of Cape Horn, Chile. Genetic samples collected will help determine whether this animal is indeed new to science.
Princeton University researchers Olivia Chu and Corina Tarnita investigate how cooperation emerges in human populations, finding that smaller groups allow cooperation to thrive while limiting destructive influence. They also find that allowing for lone individuals with barriers to group entry enhances cooperation.
New species of corals and animals found in Costa Rican waters, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The expedition highlights the importance of preserving these ecosystems before they face threats from human activities and climate change.
Researchers tested cleaner wrasse for self-awareness using a mirror test, finding that fish respond to their reflection and attempt to remove marks. The study raises questions about how to assess animal intelligence and challenges previous assumptions about self-awareness in non-human animals.
In a study by Goethe University Frankfurt researchers, male amphipods demonstrated choosiness in their mating behavior. The degree of choosiness was found to be influenced by population density in their natural environments.
A new study maps animal traits across different regions to identify areas most at risk from losing biodiversity. The research reveals that some species play crucial, specialized roles in their ecosystems, making them crucial for conservation efforts.
Researchers monitored southern resident killer whale population and found that males dive deeper and are more successful hunters than females. The team tracked the animals' movements and diving patterns using archival tags to estimate how much fish they capture, revealing sex differences in foraging activity.
A University of Illinois study characterizes the chemical composition of fiber in rice and rice coproducts, which could lead to diet interventions for improved digestibility. The primary carbohydrates found were arabinoxylans, with varying ratios between arabinose and xylose influencing functionality.
A recent expedition to Borneo's Ulu Temburong forest discovered a new species of tiny beetle, Clavicornaltica belalongensis, through citizen science efforts. The beetle, measuring 1.25mm in length, feeds on moss and is one of hundreds of thousands of unknown beetle species.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have assembled the axolotl genome, a salamander that can regrow body parts. The completed genome will help scientists understand how this animal achieves its remarkable regenerative abilities.
A newly discovered reptile platypus from the early Triassic period has been found in what is now China. The animal, named Eretmorhipis carrolldongi, had a bill similar to that of modern platypuses and likely fed on small invertebrates.
Researchers found that dragonflies with darker wings absorb more heat, leading to stronger flight and successful territorial battles. However, at extremely high temperatures, dark-colored wings cause overheating and poor flight, potentially leading to reproductive difficulties.
In a new study, researchers found that male livebearer fish evolved larger dorsal fins for fighting before using them in courtship displays to attract females. This evolution went hand-in-hand with the enlargement of the male dorsal fin, leading to rapid evolution in some species.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed maps of chemicals found in jellyfish, which can verify seafood origin and detect food fraud. The maps will aid conservation efforts and provide a tool for policy makers to manage UK waters.
Researchers identified a link between the RNA-binding protein PUM2 and age-related decline in cellular function. Targeting PUM2 restored mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy, leading to improved mitochondrial function and increased lifespan.
Researchers found that three Daphnia species had distinct roots for settling in Northern Eurasia, shedding light on continental freshwater fauna formation. Genetic analysis revealed differences between populations and the approximate time of their divergence, with one species spreading quickly across the region.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that humans are hardwired to maximize rewards, leading to faster movement towards desirable outcomes. The research found that richer rewards result in quicker eye movements and decision-making, with implications for understanding human behavior and economic theory.
Researchers are collaborating with AFRIMS to test FluChip-8G Insight system for rapid characterization of influenza virus subtype from human and animal-origin samples. The system has been installed at AFRIMS sites in Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Manila, and will conduct side-by-side performance comparison with real-time RT-PCR assays.
Researchers found that microbes on clownfish change when they live with anemones, suggesting a key role in the symbiotic relationship. The study also reveals that clownfish urinate on anemones, which helps them grow and thrive.
Researchers found that bees' speed decreases when entering a turn and increases when exiting, allowing them to maintain constant centripetal acceleration. Bees manage their speed to reduce 'sideslips' caused by excess centrifugal force, making turns with sharp forces more manageable.
Hunger increases risk-taking behavior in snails by altering brain control mechanisms, allowing them to ingest potentially harmful substances. The study's findings have major societal relevance, highlighting the importance of motivation in controlling feeding behavior.
Scientists studied animals' sniffing behavior to design a better electronic nose that can detect different odors. The sensor uses airflow control and customized pumps to mimic animal sniffing patterns, promising applications in food safety, national security, and more.