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.
SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 10, 2015
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.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 1, 2015
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.
SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2015
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.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateAug 11, 2015
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.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateAug 4, 2015
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.
SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalJournal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems·DateJul 30, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
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 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.
SourceZoological Society of London·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2015
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.
SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJul 20, 2015
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.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 15, 2015
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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 9, 2015
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.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
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.
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.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateJun 30, 2015
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.
SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the California Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015
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.
SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 4, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 1, 2015
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.
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.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMay 27, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 20, 2015
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.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalSubterranean Biology·DateMay 18, 2015
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
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.
SourceField Museum·JournalBiological Reviews·DateApr 30, 2015
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.
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.
SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2015
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.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
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.
SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015
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.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2015
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.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2015
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.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 25, 2015
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A new open-source resource helps scientists accurately date the tree of life by combining fossil data with DNA sequences, providing minimum ages for groups such as mollusks, penguins, and humans. This will aid in understanding the origin and evolution of biodiversity.
SourceField Museum·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateFeb 25, 2015
Researchers found that pigs can tolerate up to 0.38% sulfur in their diet without negative effects on carcass quality or growth performance. Excess sulfur is excreted in the urine, not accumulated in tissues, allowing pigs to regulate sulfur retention and excretion.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 19, 2015
A comprehensive study of marine animal body size evolution found that the mean size of animals increased 150-fold over the past 542 million years. The research suggests that larger body sizes are advantageous, leading to increased diversity and survival.
SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2015
Researchers from the University of Vienna found cross-species parallels in song production and perception among animals. Some species, such as songbirds and parrots, can learn to produce new sounds and even identify beats, similar to human music abilities.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateFeb 17, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers have developed a new fluorescent protein called CaMPARI, which permanently marks neurons that are active at a particular time. This allows scientists to visualize neural activity beyond the limited field of view of a microscope and capture snapshots of neural activity during complex behaviors.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015
The octopus-inspired robot can accelerate up to ten body lengths in less than a second, surpassing the performance of traditional underwater vehicles. Its unique design allows it to use water to propel itself, resulting in 53% energy efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 5, 2015
A team of researchers studied the red devil cichlid, a species with two color variants, and found that the darker individuals can alter their brightness to match their environment, while the gold-colored fish cannot. This ability may play a crucial role in maintaining color frequencies in the wild.
SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 8, 2015
A study by biologists at the Alfred Wegener Institute found that ingestion of microplastic particles does not mechanically affect marine isopods. In a feeding experiment, researchers offered isopods artificial food supplemented with plastic particles, which were traced through the digestive system using various microscopy techniques.
SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 19, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that animals can make efficient decisions by controlling the amount of effort invested within each unit of time, rather than just speed and accuracy. This ability allows them to adapt to changing environments and gain a fitness advantage over those with limited flexibility.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 18, 2014
A new study found that protein Maf1 controls fat levels in C. elegans worms, suggesting a similar function in humans. Increasing or decreasing Maf1 levels resulted in significant changes in stored lipids.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 12, 2014
A major study has charted the burst of evolution that took place after the mass extinction of dinosaurs, giving rise to nearly all modern bird species. The research found that birdsong evolved independently at least twice, with parrots and songbirds gaining the ability to learn and mimic vocal activity.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Climate change is expected to surpass ectotherms' capacity for acclimation, leading to catastrophic consequences for biodiversity. The rapid fluctuations in temperature will require animals to function across a broader range of conditions.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 8, 2014
A new wireless brain sensor enables researchers to study neural circuit activity in animal models without cables or wires. The device transmits rich neuroscientifically meaningful signals from the brain during sleep, wake, and exercise.
The genome of Strigamia maritima, a blind Scottish centipede, has been sequenced, providing insights into the genetic basis of centipede biology and the diversification of arthropods. The study reveals that these animals have lost genes encoding light receptors and circadian rhythm, suggesting alternative detection mechanisms.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A GPS-collar study found that leopards stay surprisingly close to homes and can thrive in human-dominated areas, depending on resources. The study's findings suggest that leopards are not always 'stray' or 'conflict' animals but residents, requiring policy makers to rethink conservation strategies.
SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 21, 2014
Researchers uncover fossils of Cambaytherium thewissi, a 54.5-million-year-old animal that provides a window into the common ancestor of horses, rhinos, and tapirs. The discovery supports the idea that Perissodactyla evolved in India while it was an island.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2014
Researchers analyzed hermit thrush songs and found notes related by simple integer proportions, similar to human musical scales. The study suggests that hermit thrushes actively select pitches following the harmonic series, possibly due to easier memory or evaluation by females.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have created a synthetic molecule that mimics 'good' cholesterol, reducing plaque buildup in animal models. After two weeks, the molecule improved cholesterol levels, pointing toward a new method for treating atherosclerosis.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 9, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A new genetic operating system enabled the emergence of bilateral animal body plans by facilitating the formation of a mesoderm layer, which is absent in radial organisms. This 'operating system' was linked to an ancient protein called TRF2, found in bilateral animals but not non-bilaterian animals.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 30, 2014
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B analyzed the vocal sequences of seven different species and found that they appear to be generated by complex statistical processes more akin to human language. The findings suggest an intermediate step on the evolutionary path between animal communication and human language.
SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateAug 19, 2014
Researchers found that dolphins and beluga whales exhibit a delay between reward anticipation and squealing, suggesting they experience pleasure. This behavior is comparable to the timing of dopamine release in humans.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 13, 2014
Scientists from the Salk Institute discovered a protein that promotes nerve regeneration by disrupting a pair of proteins that inhibit growth. The finding could lead to therapies for thousands of Americans with severe spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 5, 2014