Articles tagged with Animal Science
A new study reveals that people from different regions host different mite lineages, supporting the 'Out of Africa' theory. The study found that mites follow families through generations and are not easily transferred between humans.
A new model has been developed to track animal movements using solar geolocators, providing more precise locations and behavioral data for migratory species. The FLightR R package enables accurate estimates of migration routes with increased precision than traditional methods.
A newly discovered collection of rare dinosaur tracks in Scotland is helping scientists shed light on some of the biggest animals to have lived on land. The footprints, made by plant-eating sauropods around 170 million years ago, suggest these dinosaurs grew to at least 15 meters in length and weighed over 10 tonnes.
Scientists have discovered that the length of a living organism's 24-hour internal clock remains constant despite temperature fluctuations. The study found that external pathways sensitive to temperature cue the clock to skip ahead or backward, while the core mechanisms within the clock itself remain insensitive to temperature.
Researchers discovered that bats' weighty wings enable a unique landing technique by utilizing inertial forces. By reorienting their bodies through wing mass and inertia, bats can land feet-first and quickly adjust for forward flight.
A meta-analysis of 75 studies found that birds in urban areas are more tolerant of humans than those in rural areas, while larger birds are more tolerant than smaller ones. This challenges previous recommendations about large-bodied species being vulnerable to human presence.
Researchers from Brown University found that bats' extra wing mass generates inertial forces to reorient themselves when landing, unlike other flying animals. The discovery may be useful in the development of human-made flying machines.
Biologists from KU Leuven discovered that nematode eggs can hatch without egg yolk, defying the rule that no yolk means no offspring. The finding opens new avenues for deworming products without side effects on humans.
Researchers measured kangaroo methane production and found it was no lower than that of horses. Well-fed animals produced less gas due to faster food passage through the gut, not a unique low-production trait.
Researchers have discovered a long-acting enzyme that rapidly and safely metabolizes cocaine, potentially providing a treatment option for cocaine overdose. The enzyme, E12-7Fc-M3, has been shown to eliminate cocaine from the bloodstream for extended periods of time.
The electric eel has been found to possess intricate maneuvering techniques, allowing it to double its electrical shock on larger prey. Its electrical system also enables remote control over prey muscles, producing strong muscle contractions. The eel uses high-voltage pulses to track fast-moving prey and detect hidden meals.
The IsoView light sheet microscope produces high-resolution images of entire organisms in all three dimensions at sub-second temporal resolution and sub-cellular spatial resolution. This breakthrough enables scientists to monitor brain activity, track cell movement, and study developmental processes with unprecedented clarity.
New research reveals cats have at least seven functional bitter taste receptors, despite not consuming plants in their diet. The study questions the common hypothesis that bitter taste evolved to protect animals from ingesting poisonous plant compounds.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that tougher guidelines on animal research can lead to improved outcomes for developing new medicines. The analysis found that only a minority of studies reported using random assignment and researcher blinding, which are essential to minimize bias.
Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of shrew rat on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, featuring an extremely large nose, long hind legs, and unusual dental characteristics. The Hog-nosed rat is genetically distinct from other rodents and has a weak jaw musculature, indicating a diet that does not require vigorous chewing.
A team of Caltech biologists has created a non-surgical approach to deliver long-term contraception using a single shot, rendering animals infertile for up to two months. The technique targets the 'master regulator of reproduction,' gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), neutralizing its effects and preventing conception.
Research reveals fish have a more efficient oxygen delivery system than humans, allowing them to thrive in various water conditions. This adaptation is crucial for their survival, particularly during times of stress or low oxygen levels.
Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech have developed inhibitory luminopsins that can modulate neuronal firing in culture and in vivo, enabling the study of ways to halt or prevent seizure activity. The tools use a glowing protein from coral as a light source, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional optogenetics.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh built complex computer models to understand why cells developed pathways to convert sugar into energy. The study suggests that these metabolic systems evolved to produce more energy compared to alternative pathways.
Researchers discovered that sponges construct their skeletons through a complex process involving dynamic transport and cementation of spicules. The findings reveal a fundamentally new mechanism of forming animal body shape and may inspire interdisciplinary studies in fields like bioengineering and architecture.
The new repository will help measure the status of biodiversity knowledge in Bolivia and inform conservation efforts. The project brings together over 40 Bolivian scientists with international partners to catalog the country's plants and animals.
A new model proposes that Darwinius, the famous primate fossil, shares more in common with modern lemurs than previously thought. The study re-examined the interpretation of Darwinius based on its dental eruption sequence, finding it had a similar pattern to that of lemurs.
A study by the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis found that monk parakeets develop an understanding of rank after about a week of interactions. They use social feedback to refine their behavior, avoiding fights with higher-ranked birds while targeting those closely matched in rank.
A colonial jellyfish-like species, Nanomia bijuga, coordinates multiple jets for whole-group locomotion through an elegant division of labor among young and old members. The colony can rapidly alter course and reverse its direction of swimming due to the long lever arm of the young members.
Researchers discovered that larger groups of animals synchronize their behavior, with social interactions playing a key role. The study found that even without external cues, internal mechanisms are regulated by social presence, leading to increased synchronization in group settings.
A new coral reef crustacean species, L. eltoni, was discovered by Dr. James Thomas in Indonesia and later confirmed in Hawaiian waters, serving as an example of an invasive species. The discovery emphasizes the importance of regular environmental monitoring to track such incidents.
Research conducted in Denmark found that temporary confinement of hyperprolific sows can reduce piglet mortality, but only if done between day 114 of gestation and four days after farrowing. The SWAP pen has been developed to provide a confinement option for loose-housed sows, aiming to balance sow welfare and piglet protection.
Two carnivorous dinosaurs, measuring 1.6m and 1.1m at hip height, left 50 fossilized footprints in Germany, revealing slow speeds of 6.3km/h and 9.7km/h for the large and small species, respectively. The analysis provides insight into their daily life, including social behavior and hunting habits.
Scientists have developed a robotic 'whisker' tactile sensor array that mimics animal navigation in dark environments. The array produces tomographic images by measuring fluid flow and has potential applications in navigation, tracking, and detection.
Researchers have found that crystals can form in complex shapes using multiple pathways, challenging traditional theories. This new understanding has implications for materials science, health research, and basic science studies, including the formation of shells, teeth, and bones in animals.
Scientists from NOAA Fisheries and the Vancouver Aquarium used a hexacopter UAV to take straight-down photos of Northern resident killer whales, a threatened population in British Columbia. The aerial images allow for precise measurements of body condition, feeding habits, and growth patterns.
Scientists are calling for cooperation between conservationists and space agencies to monitor biodiversity loss, which has halved in just 40 years. Satellite images can reveal changes in vegetation productivity and provide information on ground-level biodiversity levels.
Researchers discovered microalgae meal is a promising feedstuff for growing beef cattle, providing high energy and nutrients. The study found that cattle readily consumed algae meal at all concentrations, and its inclusion in diets increased average daily gain and dry matter intake.
A global study found that large animals consume a broader range of seed sizes than previously thought, posing a risk to smaller plant species. The research, led by UNSW Australia scientists, analyzed over 13,000 animal-seed interactions and showed that even small seeds are vulnerable if large animals disappear.
Researchers found that changes in reflectance depend on the thickness of crystal spacing, enabling copepods to disappear briefly. The study could inform the design of artificial photonic crystal structures with various applications in reflective coatings and optical displays.
Researchers Ache and Dürr develop a computational model of a descending mechanosensory pathway involved in active tactile sensing, capturing key properties of diverse neurons. The model is validated against real neuron coding properties and provides a common framework for modeling diverse neuron types.
Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a free online genetic research tool called RNAMiner. The platform allows users to upload genomic data and analyze it through multiple steps, providing results within hours rather than days or months.
A North Carolina State University study found that domestic cats avoid places where coyotes are common, instead focusing on residential areas. The research, which analyzed over 2,100 sites across six Eastern states, suggests that the presence of coyotes is a key factor in determining cat behavior.
The newly discovered centipede, Geophilus hadesi, is the world's deepest cave-dwelling centipede and has adapted to live exclusively in caves. It features unusual traits such as elongated antennae, trunk segments, and powerful jaws with poison glands.
Researchers analyzed size data for over 1,000 rodent populations to identify those that evolved into unusually large or small sizes. The study found that islands are home to more extreme cases of size variation, with rodents on islands weighing among the top or bottom 2.5 percent for their species.
The California Academy of Sciences has made over 100 new marine discoveries in the Philippines, showcasing the country's remarkable biodiversity. The expedition focused on the Verde Island Passage, where scientists collected rare and colorful sea slugs, barnacles, and heart urchins.
A 333-million-year-old fossil discovery is rewriting the history of vertebrate evolution. The ancient salamander-like animal spent significant time on land, challenging previous theories about its origin.
Researchers discovered that the protein NFAT plays a central role in the host's inflammatory response to strep infections. This finding suggests that targeting NFAT activity could be useful in treating severe streptococcal infections and limiting antibiotic use.
A new UT study suggests that prey emit warning cues to survive and also help predators avoid danger. The theory proposes a mechanism called concurrent reciprocal selection, where both prey and predators benefit from the signals, ensuring their survival.
A new algorithm allows robots to automatically adapt to injury, learning a compensatory behavior in under two minutes. The Intelligent Trial and Error algorithm enables robots to quickly discover a new way to walk or perform tasks despite damage.
Researchers found that octopus skin can sense light changes without central nervous system input, using the same opsin proteins as its eyes. This allows for a response to brightness and color, enabling camouflage and communication. The discovery has implications for understanding cephalopod behavior and evolution.
A recent study found that ectothermic animals have limited ability to acclimate to increasing temperatures, making them vulnerable to global warming. The research suggests that these animals will need to rely on behavioral or evolutionary changes to survive as temperatures rise.
A new species of Zenkevitchia amphipod has been discovered in the Caucasus region through molecular sequencing. The find sheds light on a previously understudied group of cave animals, highlighting their cryptic nature.
A study found that rhino horn is more valuable by weight than gold, diamonds, or cocaine, posing a devastating threat to the world's largest herbivores. The loss of these animals would have drastic implications for ecosystems and human societies, with some species expected to become extinct in as little as 80-100 years.
A recent study published in Biological Reviews found that matrotrophy, where mothers provide nutrients to their embryos during gestation, has evolved independently in at least 21 of 34 animal phyla. This process is more common than previously thought and is often associated with live birth.
A new study reveals that diverse sea creatures have evolved to swim with elongated fins using the same mechanical motion, maximizing speed and ensuring survival. The researchers found a consistent ratio of 20, known as the optimal specific wavelength (OSW), which is a key finding in understanding convergent evolution.
The study analyzed ancient mammoth genomes to understand population dynamics and genetic diversity. The results showed low genetic variation and inbreeding, indicating a small population size. The research provides insight into the woolly mammoth's evolutionary history and potential reasons for their extinction.
Researchers found that birds adopt only two stereotyped postures to navigate through cluttered environments at high speed. These postures allow birds to minimize energy loss and maximize robustness during flight. The study's findings may offer new insights into programming drones and UAVs to avoid obstacles.
Research by NOAA Fisheries found that dolphins consume 80% more oxygen when whistling at higher vocal energy levels, suggesting a biological cost of communication in loud environments. This study supports concerns about vessel traffic and noise impacting marine mammals like Southern Resident Killer Whales.
The ADSA Foundation will publish a third edition of 'Large Dairy Herd Management' with new content, available in e-book and print-on-demand options. The book will be updated annually and distributed directly by ADSA.
New zircon dating evidence challenges accepted theories on the rise of the Isthmus of Panama and its impact on global climate change. The closure of the Central American Seaway is now dated to 13-15 million years ago, contradicting previous estimates.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that certain Dickinsonia fossils are incomplete due to ancient currents lifting them from the sea floor. The team measured the direction of missing parts and showed they aligned with features formed under wave action, indicating the fossils were not 'missing' but rather not preserved.
A study by Stanford researchers reveals that animal functional diversity evolved at a slower pace than taxonomic diversity, with most new species emerging from variations on existing body plans. The research found that the current biodiversity crisis can be reversed, but recovery will take millions of years.
Scientists have identified Interleukin 4 (IL-4) as a promising treatment for psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease. By inhibiting specific immune cells, IL-4 reduces inflammation and improves skin conditions in patients.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers found that oat-based breakfast cereals exceeded EU standards for ochratoxin A levels in 8% of samples. The findings highlight the need for improved oat production, storage, and processing to protect consumer health.