Articles tagged with Animal Science
Humpback whales have been observed feeding on krill in the Mediterranean, with experts predicting an increase in sightings due to changes in climate and temperature. The species migrates from the poles to the Equator to reproduce, and recent studies suggest that food availability is a key factor in their presence in the region.
A study by the University of Sheffield reveals that high levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution damage plant defenses, leading to poor growth in herbivorous insects. The research suggests that urban green spaces play a modest role in removing pollutants from the air.
Researchers at Lund University have made a groundbreaking discovery about bat flight techniques, revealing that they turn on the upstroke of their wings to navigate. This new understanding has significant implications for the development of next-generation drones.
Researchers found that brain cell numbers, not body size or metabolic rate, are the key factors determining maximal longevity in animals. The study suggests that a higher number of cortical neurons leads to longer lifespans and better adaptability.
A new Stanford-led study supports a conservation approach that focuses broadly on ecoregions, providing evidence that these regions meaningfully divide plant and animal communities. This opens a path to more affordable and effective protection of little-known species and valuable natural services.
New research by University of Plymouth scientists found that different oxygen levels in the marine environment can affect an individual's resources of strength and stamina, leading to changes in fighting ability. The study showed that conditions can prompt fights and alter an individual's motivation.
Scientists developed a new method to record limb control neural circuits in fruit flies using two-photon microscopy. The study found different patterns of activity across neurons during movement and behavior, including walking and grooming.
A new study published in PLOS Biology introduces a tool to assess mouse distress through voluntary wheel running, showing strong correlation with experimental colitis severity. The findings may simplify statistical analysis in future trials and provide a better way to implement the 3R principles into biomedical research.
Researchers discovered that animals swish their tails to generate a curtain of breeze that wafts insects away. The study found that the animals were swinging their tails three times faster and using 27 times more energy than expected, but still only intercepted one insect every 90 seconds.
The discovery of mummified Sacred Ibises in France after Napoleon's conquest of Egypt played a significant role in delaying the acceptance of evolutionary theory. The debate between Georges Cuvier and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck over these birds' classification highlighted the influence of charismatic personalities on scientific thought.
Researchers developed an autonomous, free-flying robot that mimics fruit flies' aggressive escape manoeuvres, demonstrating exceptional flight qualities and power efficiency. The DelFly Nimble has a top speed of 25 km/h and can perform agile maneuvers, making it suitable for future applications in drone technology.
Researchers from Aarhus University conducted a study on the clinical condition of cull sows prior to transportation to slaughter. The results show that a significant portion of sows had various injuries and disabilities, including wounds, superficial skin lesions, and udder lesions, highlighting the need for improved animal welfare in ...
Researchers from OIST have developed a novel technique to record the activity of single neurons in awake animals, allowing for the detection of even the smallest changes in voltage. This breakthrough enables the study of how neurons function in living organisms, providing insights into brain function and behavior.
Cownose rays migrate along the Atlantic coast, with most returning to the same regions each summer. The study provides critical insights into conservation efforts, as intense fishing could wipe out genetic diversity in Chesapeake Bay populations.
Researchers discovered long noncoding RNAs play a key role in regulating genetic circuits responsible for regeneration in highly regenerative animals. The discovery may lead to the development of drugs to trigger humans' dormant pathways for regeneration.
Researchers found that injectable trace mineral Multimin90 improved conception rates in some herds, but not others. In one study, selenium and copper status improved compared to saline injections. The value of injectables lies in ensuring every animal receives the supplement at a chosen timing.
Researchers discovered a protein called JNK that drives response to exercise, stimulating skeletal muscle growth and endurance adaptation. Inhibition of this pathway may improve response to aerobic capacity training.
A team of researchers has discovered a new species of Placozoa, a phylum of simple multicellular animals, by analyzing its genetic makeup. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used taxogenomics to describe the new species, which was previously thought to be a single species, Trichoplax adhaerens.
A new species of round fungus beetle was discovered in Malaysian Borneo with remarkably long genitalia. The species was named after actress and biologist Isabella Rossellini due to its unique reproductive characteristics, showcasing an evolutionary 'sexual arms race' between males and females.
A new study by Oregon State University finds that a continuous border wall could fragment the habitats of many animal species, putting them at risk. The authors urge the US government to follow environmental laws and consider the long-term consequences of such a barrier.
Researchers have identified a new class of antibodies that can protect against HIV-1 infection, using an animal model to show its effectiveness. The study found that IgM antibodies were able to prevent the virus from crossing the mucosal barrier, offering a potential breakthrough for AIDS prevention and treatment.
The research identifies 22 key questions to address the most pressing knowledge gaps in chemical regulation, including identifying hotspots of contaminants and developing methods to protect biodiversity. Scientists emphasize the need for a holistic approach to assessing the effects of combinations of chemicals on ecological communities.
A new study has proposed the maximum bioaccumulation level of 9 metals that poses no ecological risk to aquatic organisms. The study, conducted in mining areas in Asturias, has established ecological threshold concentrations for 7 metals and two metalloids, which are considered safe levels for conservation.
Scientists have discovered over 100 different cell types in the sea anemone, including complex neuronal diversity. This finding adds to discussions on cell evolution and development, providing insights into the fundamental rules governing cell function across animals.
A new study led by Gideon Nave found that giving men a single dose of testosterone increased their preference for higher-status goods. The study measured participants' preferences and positive attitudes about products, serving as a foundation for forecasting consumer behavior.
Researchers have developed a new system using ultraflexible mesh electronics to track the firing patterns of dozens of retinal cells chronically in awake animals. This allows for new insights into how retinal ganglion cells behave over multiple circadian cycles, revealing dramatic changes in cell activity at different times of day.
Scientists have uncovered a new species of chancelloriid, an ancient group of spiny tube-shaped animals that lived during the Cambrian Period. The discovery provides fresh insights into the evolution of early animals, with the fossil resembling modern sponges in pattern of body growth.
Researchers discovered that Caribbean rock mantis shrimp specifically target the most fragile regions of snail shells to gain access. They can adapt their strategy based on the shell's shape and size.
Researchers taught bees to recognize 'greater than' and 'less than' inequalities, and they successfully applied this knowledge to understand the concept of zero. This groundbreaking study reveals that even with a limited number of neurons, insects can grasp abstract mathematical concepts.
A new study published in Biological Reviews analyzed over 300 statements about pterosaur diets and found that most are based on inferences drawn from modern organisms or fossil environments. This lack of reliable evidence has led to a wide range of proposed diets, with some groups showing strong agreement while others remain uncertain.
Researchers at Kyoto University used machine learning to study the behavior of worms searching for food on surfaces with different temperature zones. The findings showed that the worms combined sensory information from environmental temperature and change in temperature to make decisions, similar to rational decision-making in humans. ...
Researchers found that chimpanzees use distinct 'hoo' variants in different behavioral contexts, such as travel and rest. These variations enable receivers to respond appropriately and maintain cohesion, facilitating cooperation.
Scientists developed a predictive model to assess wind farm construction noise impact on harbor porpoise population. The DEPONS model evaluates disturbance effects on animal movements and foraging behaviors.
A Northeast sea slug has been found to store millions of algal plastids in its gut lining after pilfering them from the brown alga Vaucheria litorea, a food source rich in tiny solar panels. The sea slug survives solely on photosynthesis for up to six months by protecting and utilizing the stolen plastids.
Daniel Sheldon's NSF grant aims to develop efficient algorithms for complex models, enabling scientists to make predictions and test hypotheses from large datasets. He plans to address challenges in modeling animal populations, causal reasoning about citizen scientist data, and optimizing decision-making with multiple objectives.
Researchers from Max Delbrück Center have published a comprehensive study on the Schmidtea mediterranea flatworm, creating a detailed cell atlas and lineage tree. The work provides new insights into cellular regeneration processes and offers a powerful approach to studying stem cells and their lineages in multiple animals.
Scientists discovered a hundred pink, dinner-plate-sized octopuses huddled around cracks in the rocks, guarding their eggs in warm water. The find suggests a better, healthier habitat nearby, potentially supporting an even larger population.
A proposed Texas border wall would threaten endangered species, cause habitat destruction, and disrupt the region's growing ecotourism industry. The construction of the wall and associated roads could also damage valuable riparian forest ecosystems and harm pollinators.
A team of scientists discovered a previously unknown species and genus of frogs in a limestone cave in Thailand. The findings shed new light on the evolutionary history of the relevant group of Amphibia and highlight the importance of conservation efforts for this unique species.
Researchers used geometric morphometrics to analyze shell shape in eastern box turtles, finding a gradient of variation that carries through to modern box turtles. The study suggests some fossils represent lost subspecies or extinct species, while others show a closer relationship to modern species.
Research estimates vulnerability and extinction risk of migratory species from different regions and ecosystems worldwide. Migratory animals face barriers such as roads, dams, and urban development, which can lead to population decline and increased extinction risk.
A study of beetles shows that those with physical impairments spend more time feeding their young, sacrificing resources to care for their offspring. The researchers suggest that the insects may respond by expecting not to breed again and expending more resources to guarantee their young's survival.
A study by the University of Plymouth reveals that exposure to moderate hypoxia can have different effects on metabolic performance in animals bred under chronic hypoxic conditions. This could result in underestimated vulnerability of species, leading to reduced biodiversity.
Scientists discovered two new frog species with gastromyzophorous tadpoles, which use modified bellies to exploit fast-flowing streams. The frogs are endemic to Sumatra's rainforests and were classified into a new genus called Sumaterana.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that hogfish sense light with their skin, which differs from eye-based vision. The skin's unique ability allows it to detect changes in brightness or wavelength, such as moving shadows or light fluctuations, enabling the fish to adapt its color pattern accordingly.
A new study suggests that managing eating habits, particularly meal times, could help control malaria infections. Researchers found that malaria parasites in infected mice timed their daily multiplication and invasion of red blood cells to match the animal's feeding schedule.
Researchers found that helping behavior can be more advantageous in unpredictable environments, where staying home to raise relatives can provide a survival advantage. This challenges the long-held theory of Haldane's rule, which explains why some animals prioritize their own reproduction over helping others.
Scientists from the University of Bonn and the US study a newly hatched dumbo octopus for the first time, revealing surprising similarities with adult animals. The rare find provides valuable insights into the extraordinary habitat of deep-sea dumbo octopuses.
Researchers from the University of Konstanz and Japan's Universities of Sapporo and Tokyo discovered a neural structure in cockroach brains that processes olfactory molecules with spatial information. This finding suggests that cockroaches can build an internal map of their olfactory landscape, similar to humans' sense of touch and sight.
A University of Adelaide study found that monitoring wildlife using drones is more accurate than traditional counting approaches. The #EpicDuckChallenge used fake bird colonies to test the technology, with citizen scientists tallying the number of birds in drone photos, resulting in a higher accuracy rate.
Scientists propose a nuanced model for extinction that incorporates body size and metabolic scaling, revealing why animal species tend to evolve toward larger body sizes. The model predicts an energetically ideal mammal size 2.5 times that of an African elephant, making it more stable against extinction by starvation.
New research reveals that larger hummingbirds can compensate for their greater body masses by adapting their physiology. The study found that acceleration is primarily driven by muscle capacity, while wing size plays a key role in maneuverability.
Researchers identified protective structures at the end of chromosomes called telomeres that don't shorten with age in longest-lived bat species. The study found two genes ATM and SETX drive this process, potentially leading to new solutions to slow down aging and extend human lifespan.
Phoronida, Bryozoans, and Brachiopods are related despite earlier arguments. A recent study led by Elena Temereva reveals the presence of homological nerve elements in their lophophore, establishing a common protophoronid ancestor.
A global study using GPS data from over 800 animals found that terrestrial mammalian movements in areas with a high human footprint are significantly reduced. This fragmentation of habitats due to human infrastructure can have severe consequences for ecosystems, including changes in seed dispersal, food chains, and population sizes.
Researchers found that 500-million-year-old macroorganisms, such as Beltanelliformis, were actually colonies of cyanobacteria. The study used biomarkers to determine the composition of ancient organisms, shedding light on the evolution of life on Earth.
Researchers suggest a biological innovation fueled animal diversification during the Cambrian explosion, rather than atmospheric oxygen changes. Tumor biology insights reveal how stem cells maintain properties in high-oxygen environments, sparking new perspective on tissue renewal.
A novel hypothesis proposes that animal diversification resulted from a revolution within the animals' own biology, rather than in surrounding chemistry. Cells with stem cell properties are vital for multicellular life, and tumor cells have developed mechanisms to maintain these properties despite high oxygen levels.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry have developed secondary nanobodies that outperform traditional antibodies in key cell-biological applications. These nanobodies can be produced in large scale by bacteria, reducing the need for animals in antibody production and improving resolution in light microscopy.
Research reveals that hibernating rodents evolved adaptations to reduce cold sensation, allowing them to conserve energy during winter. This adaptation enables ground squirrels and Syrian hamsters to survive exposure to extremely low temperatures without feeling stressed.