Articles tagged with Animal Science
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.