Articles tagged with Animal Science
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a park ranger was recently killed while defending Grauer's gorillas, highlighting the increasing threats to rangers and their families. The WCS Senior Conservation Scientist for Africa expresses concern over these increased threats to animal protection.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that varying oxygen levels can reset the circadian clock of mice, which could inform how airlines moderate cabin air pressure. The research also suggests potential benefits for humans, including alleviating jetlag and improving air travel comfort.
A UCLA-led team reports the discovery of blue-light inhibitor of cryptochromes (BICs) that regulate plant growth, growing Arabidopsis plants at least twice as tall without cryptochromes. BICs likely have counterparts in human circadian clocks and other organisms.
Researchers have identified a critical survival mechanism that allows animals to quickly respond to and escape from noxious thermal landscapes. The study found that thermosensory neurons in the brain are responsible for sensing the rate of temperature change, with a fast response triggered by rapid increases in temperature.
Researchers found that a single white-browed coucal parent can successfully raise its brood, unlike black coucals which form pairs and share parental duties. The study suggests that females only form pairs due to lack of opportunities to find additional male partners.
A new study from PETA finds that 63% of US public schools allow students to opt out of animal dissection. Non-animal teaching methods have been shown to teach biology better and save time and money. The study's findings support the growing trend towards compassionate education, backed by the National Science Teachers Association.
A team of paleontologists identified a new species of extinct reptile, Triopticus primus, estimated to be 230 million years old. The fossil bears an extremely thickened skull roof similar to pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and many other extinct animals resemble later dinosaurs.
A global campaign is proposed to gather essential biological information to improve climate change predictions for biodiversity. Current predictions fail to account for critical factors like species competition and movement, leading to inaccurate outcomes.
Biologists call for global data collection to improve model predictions for species response to climate change, citing a lack of key biological mechanisms and data as the main obstacle. A globally coordinated effort could greatly advance improvements in models and informed conservation approaches.
A new study led by TSRI researchers found that a compound can specifically inactivate alcohol-linked neurons, reversing compulsive drinking behavior in rats. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating alcohol dependence.
A new study found that current climate models may be too simplistic in their predictions, as the spatial distribution of shade plays a crucial role in an animal's ability to regulate its body temperature. The research uses lizards as test subjects and found that smaller patches of shade allowed for more efficient thermoregulation.
A new bioethical framework proposes addressing ethical concerns in human-animal embryo research by prioritizing animal welfare. The framework aims to balance scientific progress with animal protection, enabling research that can help patients in need of organ transplants.
Researchers found that platelets must undergo a process called mitochondrial necrosis, where they release calcium and reactive oxygen species, causing the cell to collapse. This programmed death allows platelets to transition into super-activated states, which accelerate blood clotting.
A team of 43 wildlife experts warns that preventing the extinction of iconic species like gorillas and tigers demands bold political action and financial commitments. The scientists highlight the urgent need to address threats such as illegal hunting, deforestation, and habitat loss.
Researchers found that bats recognize locations by remembering unique echo signatures, allowing them to form cognitive maps of their environment. The study suggests that prominent landmarks play a key role in template-based place recognition.
Research at the University of Illinois found that soybean meal from different growing regions in the US has no significant differences in phosphorus content. Adding microbial phytase improved phosphorus digestibility across all regions.
A University of Maryland research team has discovered a regulatory protein named ERI-1 that helps ensure all cells in a tissue remain identical to one another. The finding could bring biologists closer to understanding some cancers and other age-related diseases.
A recent study by Hiroshima University scientists found Japanese tadpoles can live and grow in natural hot springs with water temperatures up to 46.1°C. This unique adaptation may allow the species to thrive on small volcanic islands with limited fresh water sources.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed DNA from five different mouse lemur species to understand Madagascar's past. The analysis revealed that the island was once linked by a patchwork of forested areas, enabling mouse lemurs to disperse over tens of thousands of years between different regions.
Researchers analyzed firefly flash signals to understand how new mating signals arise through evolution. They found variations in luciferase and opsin genes didn't correlate with signal color changes, suggesting natural selection may be acting on unknown DNA sequences.
Researchers studied African mudskipper fish and a robot modeled on the animal to understand how early terrestrial animals moved 360 million years ago. The study suggests that tails may have played a key role in propelling these early land animals forward, especially on sloping granular surfaces.
Researchers at Brigham Young University studied the Emerald Ash Borer's eye structure to understand its color vision. They found that the beetle uses modified UV and green opsin genes to see in a way that other organisms cannot, allowing it to find mates and trees.
A recent study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that calorie restriction can help delay age-related disorders. The researchers discovered that mice on low-calorie diets had reduced oxidative stress, improved lipid metabolism, and altered gut-microbial metabolites compared to those on high-calorie diets.
Researchers found that the elephantnose fish switches between electrical and visual senses for optimal perception, with its brain prioritizing reliable information. The fish demonstrated unexpected abilities, such as trusting electrical signals over visual stimuli at close range, and using a combination of senses for distant objects.
Researchers found that seven of ten populations selected high-quality forage in early stages of growth, while others favored leading or trailing edges. This study provides insights into how animals track plant growth and will aid in understanding impacts of climate change on big game habitats.
A study developed a template to determine an animal's ability to cope with climate change droughts, considering physiology and environment. The Adaptive Triquetra model assesses species' resilience to increasing aridity by evaluating traits such as temperature tolerance and food availability.
A 3-inch monogamous hermaphrodite fish has evolved a unique reproductive strategy, trading male and female roles to fertilize eggs equally. This behavioral study reveals that long-term partnerships among animals prioritize fairness and cooperation.
A large-scale proteomic study using SWATH-MS technique reveals specific proteins responsible for fat and energy metabolism in mice. The researchers found that COX7A2L protein plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and its deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that 'super swimmers' with shorter heads and longer tails are better equipped to reach the egg due to their shape. These traits help sperm swim faster through the vagina, increasing the chances of fertilization. The study's findings may lead to new directions in human fertility research.
Researchers found that deer tend to flee away from observers, with a strong preference for escaping north- or southwards. This behavior is thought to be due to the deer's magnetosensitivity, allowing them to coordinate their escape plans and maintain group cohesion.
Researchers at Université de Genève have developed new tools to manipulate biology, including a novel co-factor that enables proteins to perform tasks previously thought impossible. Meanwhile, another team has created a method to visualize mRNA in live animals, providing real-time insights into cellular processes.
Researchers developed a code of best practices to reduce disturbance to wildlife from drone use. The guidelines emphasize the need for consultation with experts and adherence to relevant regulations.
Researchers have developed a new computing technique that can analyze large amounts of genomic information, which could lead to better understanding of diseases and environmental issues. The approach, called GISMO, uses Gibbs sampling to find biological signals in the data, improving upon conventional sequence alignment programs.
Researchers found that low-flow sprinkler systems were effective in mitigating heat stress in cows, with similar benefits to high-flow systems. Cows produced more milk when given access to sprinklers, and both types provided improved behavioral and physiological responses.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that males in polyandrous populations outcompete their counterparts in monogamous populations, securing more mates. The study suggests that intense sexual competition can lead to the emergence of highly competitive individuals, known as 'super males'.
Experts gathered at EPA headquarters to discuss design of in vitro system to assess nanomaterial toxicity, with PETA International Science Consortium funding its development. The report summarizes workshop discussions and recommends aerosol generation and exposure tools.
Researchers from KU Leuven measured individual brain cell responses to animal and human body images, finding that each cell specializes in recognizing specific features. The findings suggest a collaborative process where different cells work together to recognize bodies.
A study by Emile Fiesler and Tracy Drake discovered 689 species of invertebrates in the Madrona Marsh Preserve, including flightless creatures such as camel crickets and velvet ants. The diversity was found to be surprisingly high despite urbanization pressures.
A new study finds that climate change will disproportionately affect African antelopes with the smallest geographic ranges, exacerbating their already high risk of extinction. The researchers predict a significant decline in suitable habitat for these species, particularly those adapted to cooler and drier climates.
Researchers studied animal puncturing methods, including snakes' venom-injecting strikes, mantis shrimp's harpooning prey, and stinging sea creatures' microscopic nematocysts. The study found kinetic energy was the best predictor of penetration depth, with smaller animals often being faster to achieve this
Researchers compare odor of human remains with dead animals to identify signature smells. They hope an artificial nose can help rescuers find bodies and aid law enforcement search for homicide victims.
A new study analyzing over 16,500 vertebrates found that species adapted to daily temperature fluctuations have smaller elevational range sizes, unlike those adapted to seasonal changes. This research suggests specialist species are favored in settings with dominant daily temperature variations.
The study highlights the importance of time context in diet reconstructions, which can lead to conflicting results. By considering different time scales for dietary proxies, scientists can gain a more accurate understanding of an animal's eating habits.
Field Museum scientists, along with colleagues, have solved the mystery of the Tully monster, a bizarre aquatic animal found in Illinois 307 million years ago. The team determined that the monsters are jawless fish similar to today's lampreys, based on analysis of over 2,000 specimens from the Field's collection and X-ray scans.
Whip spiders, a poorly understood relative of spiders and scorpions, care for their young, fight to protect territory, and eat a variety of prey including crickets and hummingbirds. Researchers have also found that whip spiders are relatively harmless, with Chapin stating they are afraid of humans.
A study of fossilized molars reveals that many ancient primates went extinct due to reasons unrelated to food competition with rodents. Most stem primates ate different types of food than the rodents, casting doubt on the theory that rodent competition was the main reason for their decline.
Researchers tracked individual cells in Hydra to reveal the mechanism behind its mouth opening, which involves dramatic elastic deformations of epithelial cells. The findings solve a long-standing puzzle on how Hydra feeds and offer insights into tissue formation and patterning in simple organisms.
Researchers found preserved Siberian moose with distinct DNA features in Western Siberia, providing insights into the region's genetic history and potential as a refugium for forest species. The discovery sheds light on the moose's evolutionary past and its adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Research at Duke University reveals that larger rolling stones and turbulent eddies exhibit the same life span, travel distance, and number of revolutions as smaller counterparts. The findings demonstrate the constructal law's applicability to non-biological systems, challenging traditional views on evolution.
Researchers at Kansas State University confirm that freezing certain steak cuts, like strip loin and inside round, can improve their tenderness by up to 10%. Moisture loss plays a key role in this process. Higher quality cuts are more likely to benefit from freezing.
Researchers warn of the need for more basic research on rewilding's consequences before implementing it as a major conservation approach. The authors advocate for focusing on protecting biodiversity and reducing environmental threats instead.
A Scripps-led team has discovered four new deep-sea worm species, expanding the diversity of known species from one to five. The discovery has significant implications for understanding early animal evolution and the development of organ systems such as guts, brains, and kidneys.
Researchers tested ravens' understanding of 'seeing' as mental state, using their predisposition to compete for hidden food. The birds showed cache protection behaviors when dominants were visible or audible, indicating they mentally integrate information about others' presence and their own visual experience.
The 2016 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prizes recognize outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. The winners include Sy Montgomery's 'The Octopus Scientists' and Beth Shapiro's 'How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction.'
A new study found evidence of metazoans living in anoxic conditions using fluorescent tags and reproductive structures. However, no metazoans were alive or reproducing in the deepest part of the interface zone with minimal oxygen.
Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) are a framework for improving chemical hazard assessment by prioritizing modern test methods that reduce animal use. Scientists can identify specific Key Events that lead to adverse outcomes, allowing them to choose the most needed tests.
A study of freshwater snails found that asexuality, rather than polyploidy, is the key to their rapid growth and reproductive success. The researchers discovered that asexual females grew twice as fast and reached reproductive maturity 30% faster than sexual females.
A new paper proposes a revised framework to understand how temperature affects the activity of cold-blooded animals, revealing that behaviors like eating and mating are extremely sensitive to thermal changes. The research suggests that this complexity is often overlooked in previous studies.
A new study suggests that the beginning of the Anthropocene era was linked to the emergence of agriculture around 6,000 years ago. The researchers found a shift in the frequency of aggregated versus segregated species pairs in ancient ecosystems, which they attribute to human activity that altered the terrestrial landscape.
The California Academy of Sciences has added 102 new plant and animal species to Earth's family tree, enriching our understanding of the planet's complex web of life. These discoveries include tiny, blood-sucking Dracula ants, vibrant sea slugs, and eight new viruses from around five continents and three oceans.