Articles tagged with Animal Science
Wild salamanders in North America are getting smaller as their surroundings warm and dry, forcing them to burn more energy. The changes were most marked at low elevations, where detailed weather records show a warming and drying climate.
Scientists are working on a device that can diagnose and monitor diabetes using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in human breath. The technology was inspired by the need to suppress body odor for deer hunters, who have a keen sense of smell, five times more acute than humans.
Researchers mapped RNA activity in 29 tissue types, cell lines, and environmental conditions to understand gene expression in the nervous system and response to stress. The study identified new genes and rare RNAs involved in stress response and complex brain function.
A new species of ancient porpoise has been identified with an unprecedentedly long symphysis, a structure analogous to the human chin, measuring 85 cm. This unique feature suggests that the animal used its chin to probe the seabed for food, contradicting modern porpoises' feeding habits.
A study on wild green anole lizards reveals that the link between muscle function and movement is more complicated than previously thought. The researchers found that changes in motion do not always correspond to changes in muscle activity, leading to new questions about animal ecology, evolution, and adaptation.
The University of Plymouth is developing a new technique using 'virtual fish' cells to study the toxicity and concentration of man-made chemicals. This method has the potential to significantly reduce the number of live animals required for scientific research, with promising results already shown in previous studies.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrate a way to observe the activity of inhibitory neurons linking sense of smell with memory and cognition in awake mice. These granule cells provide feedback to alter sensory interpretation based on past experiences.
Scientists have observed intact protein interactions directly in a live animal's brain for the first time, using a novel imaging technique. The study reveals that proteins interact within neurons during brain development, forming complex networks.
Scientists studying jellyfish robots found common bending rules for wings, fins, and other propulsors across various animal species. These rules improve propulsion efficiency by increasing thrust.
A study of a sea sponge reveals that complex life can survive with extremely low oxygen levels, challenging the long-held theory that high oxygen levels were necessary for animal evolution. This finding suggests alternative ecological and evolutionary mechanisms may have played a role in the origin of animals.
An interdisciplinary team proposes a thought-provoking answer to how plants and animals evolved different forms in response to the same mathematical and physical principles. By applying a famous mathematical formula, the team explains decades worth of real-world observations, revealing why plants and animals have similar energy efficie...
The largest sequencing study to date reveals most higher animal genes are present in all sponge groups, challenging previous thought of complex structures being absent. The study provides a framework for posing new hypotheses on determining gene function in sponges and the evolution of animal complexity.
Scientists have estimated that sauropod body temperature was around 28 degrees Celsius, contradicting the idea that their size was limited by overheating. The research also explores the reproductive biology of sauropods and the potential for convergent evolution in their bone structure.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast and the Irish Equine Centre are developing a new animal doping test that detects known biological effects of banned substances. The test has the potential to revolutionize animal drug testing by enabling quick and efficient screening of large numbers of animals.
The discovery of well-preserved pelves and partial pelvic fin material in Tiktaalik roseae reveals that the evolution of hind legs began as enhanced fins. This challenges the existing theory that large, mobile hind appendages developed after vertebrates transitioned to land.
A recent study by a MU researcher found that human occupation of an area may not contribute to population decline of endangered species. The study discovered a resident population of African forest elephants in an unprotected region, highlighting the importance of this habitat for conservation efforts.
The Global Invertebrate Genomic Alliance (GIGA) aims to promote comparative genomics and bioinformatics research on non-insect/non-nematode invertebrates. The consortium will facilitate comparisons of genomic studies across multiple labs, improving understanding of animal diversity and the tree of life.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a cheaper and more reliable alternative to animal testing, involving miniscule protozoa. The test showed significant variations in population growth according to mascara brand, with some killing the protozoa and others not harming them at all.
A new study found that agoutis in areas with limited food are more active at twilight and have a higher risk of being killed by ocelots. This increased predation risk affects seed dispersal by agoutis, who bury seeds as food reserves that may germinate into new trees.
Research suggests that killer whales eavesdrop on sounds generated by their marine mammal prey to locate and hunt them in dark waters. A two-year study in Alaska using acoustic recording tags found evidence of nighttime hunting, debunking previous assumptions about the animals' reliance on echolocation.
Researchers have created robotic devices that mimic the movement of clams and snails, enabling them to burrow into sand with reduced friction. These devices could find use in applications such as automatic tethers, anchoring systems, and underwater mining.
A team of scientists collaborated with local volunteers to measure dung decomposition across Finland. Large tunnelling Dor beetles were found to remove dung twice as fast as smaller dung-dwelling beetles and earthworms. Climate also played a significant role in dung disappearance.
The research aims to identify and classify microscopic eukaryote species using new genome sequencing technology, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the vital environmental functions they play. The network will bring together researchers from different fields to study global patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem function.
A recent study by Vandenberg et al. found that bisphenol A (BPA) has significant effects on humans at incredibly low doses, often ten to forty times lower than previous toxicology studies. This new understanding of BPA's impact on human health and wildlife highlights the need for stricter regulations.
A new research coordination network is working to study eukaryotic biodiversity using high-throughput DNA sequencing technology. Researchers will focus on microscopic organisms playing vital roles in ecosystems, such as breaking down organic matter and turning over soil nutrients.
A research team led by Johns Hopkins engineers discovered that animals use opposing forces in their movements to increase both stability and maneuverability. This biomimetic approach is found in fish, hummingbirds, and bees, and could simplify designs for small robots that fly, swim, or move on mechanical legs.
A team of bat biologists shed new light on the Mortlock Islands flying fox, revealing its first detailed observations of wild populations and a wider geographic distribution than previously thought. The species is facing threats from rising ocean waters brought on by climate change, posing a serious risk to its habitat and food resources.
A new collaboration describes a new centipede species using a holistic approach combining 3D imaging, DNA barcoding, transcriptomic profiles, and video of the living specimen. The 'cyber-type' allows for global access to the specimen's data, enabling faster conservation efforts.
A new algorithm based on the Parsons code successfully identifies individual dolphin whistles, reducing time and errors in classification. This innovation enables researchers to study dolphin social behavior and develop a better understanding of their communication.
A study by the University of Leeds found that Arabidopsis thaliana lacks a crucial protein called SMG1, which is essential for animal multicellular growth. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about plant genetics and highlights the importance of studying multiple models to avoid extrapolating from a single example.
Researchers from Brown University recruited frogs from the fair and compared their jumps to those in the lab. Most professional and rental frogs outperformed lab frogs, revealing a non-linear relationship between sample size and jump distance.
Two new species of southern Indian leaf beetles, Orthaltica eugenia and Orthaltica terminalia, have been discovered using existing holes in leaves to construct shelters. The beetles also modify and use artificially made holes, partitioning them with their own fecal pellets to create optimal hideouts.
The discovery of two new fossil jaws in Vellberg, Germany, provides evidence that the ancestors of lizards, snakes, and tuatara were alive during the Middle Triassic period. The findings suggest that lepidosaurs first appeared after the end-Permian mass extinction event, around 240 million years ago.
A new study reveals a 'cascade of events' triggered an early sea level rise, driving animal diversity and innovation during the Cambrian period. The explosion led to the origin of modern ecosystems, skeletons, and specialized modes of life.
A study by UC Davis researchers has found that wild Asian elephants retreat from both leopard and tiger growls, which could help Indian farmers protect their crops from elephant raids. The work aims to prevent conflicts between human farmers and elephant herds, resulting in the loss of human and animal lives.
Researchers found that 8-month-old infants categorize objects as animals and assume they have insides, even when shown hollow ones. This suggests that babies possess a core understanding of biology in addition to physics and psychology.
A new species of translucent snail was found at a depth of 980m in the Lukina Jama–Trojama cave system in Croatia. The species, Zospeum tholussum, is a miniature and fragile snail with a beautifully shaped dome-like shell.
A new study reveals that cheetahs do not just rely on speed when hunting, but also anticipate and mirror the escape tactics of their prey. The research found that cheetahs use two primary phases in their chases: a rapid acceleration to catch up with prey, followed by a slowing period to match prey-specific escape maneuvers.
Biologists at the University of California, San Diego have identified a quality check system for neurons that uses two proteins to detect and mark defective cells. The discovery could lead to remedies or drugs for human disorders such as horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that the interaction between two species' personalities is key to predicting ecological outcomes. Researchers observed varying activity levels among jumping spiders and house crickets, finding that combined personality types best predicted survival for crickets and foraging success for spiders.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that adding coriander oil to vegetable oil-based diets increases EPA and DHA levels in rainbow trout fillets. This alternative method reduces reliance on fish oil, promoting aquaculture sustainability and creating new market opportunities for spice growers.
Researchers found that cows fed controlled energy diets became pregnant 10 days sooner than those fed high-energy diets, and had improved body condition scores and lower disease incidence. This is due to the fact that they eat more after calving, reducing negative energy balance.
Key findings highlight the need to distinguish between facts and values in science communication. Experts emphasize that values are subjective and require constructive discussion. Effective decision-making involves considering both facts and values.
A new study reveals substantial bias in animal studies reporting, which may lead to misleading conclusions about potential treatments' effectiveness in humans. The researchers analyzed 160 meta-analyses of animal studies and found that over twice as many studies reached statistical significance than expected.
Scientists discovered a new, extinct family of insects in British Columbia and Washington state that helps understand how animals responded to global climate change. The Eorpidae family's extinction raises questions about the impact of evolutionary diversification and climate change on communities.
The Env-DATA system can handle millions of data points, serving hundreds of scientists simultaneously. Researchers used the system to analyze Galapagos Albatross flight paths, revealing preferred areas foraging on the Peruvian coast.
Researchers found that some blue whales changed their diving behavior or temporarily avoided important feeding areas when exposed to simulated mid-frequency sonar sounds. The responses were complex and depended on various factors, including the whales' depth of feeding and location.
In a study, cockatoos solved a 5-lock problem by first removing a pin, then a screw, and so on. They adapted their approach when faced with altered sequences, suggesting they understood the structure of the problem. The birds' performance was characterized by flexible and sensitive reactions to changes in the sequence.
Researchers found that urban-born blackbirds waited longer to approach new objects and tended to avoid unfamiliar ones compared to their rural counterparts. This suggests that urbanization may have an underlying evolutionary impact on the development of distinct personalities in birds.
Researchers have discovered that turtles began living in shells around 40 million years ago, challenging previous estimates of their evolutionary history. The study, published in Current Biology, suggests that the earliest known species of turtles, Eunotosaurus africanus, had a shell-forming mechanism similar to modern turtles.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that rats move their eyes in opposite directions, allowing them to maintain a constant binocular field and detect potential threats. This adaptation is thought to increase their chances of survival against birds and other predators.
James Cameron will deliver a presentation on his DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition and donate an extreme-depth unmanned undersea exploration system known as a 'lander' to Scripps. The lander will be used for future deep-sea exploration endeavors, unlocking the mysteries of Earth's least explored environment.
A new study reveals significant differences between rats' and bats' brain rhythms in navigation, questioning the use of rodent research as a basis for understanding spatial navigation in all mammals. The findings highlight the need to study a broader range of animals to gain a clearer picture of brain processes.
Bees copy each other when looking for nectar by watching colour patterns and learning from others' behaviour. This simple logic helps them avoid bitter-tasting flowers and optimise their search for energy-rich nectar.
Scientists have measured the nerves in crocodilians, which are sensitive to changes in their environment. This new measurement will aid biologists in understanding how ancient animals interacted with their surroundings. The research also aims to trace the evolution of this nerve and its relation to animal ecology.
Scientists have developed a new method to create genetically modified mice that accelerates the process by four months, using TALEN enzymes. This technique allows for the efficient production of mouse models for diseases like dementia, reducing the need for numerous test animals.
Researchers found that hybrid offspring of different house mouse populations prefer mating with individuals from their father's original population, indicating a strong paternal imprinting effect. This preference accelerates the divergence of two house mouse populations and promotes speciation.
An international team led by UCSC biologist Barry Sinervo is investigating how climate change affects plant communities and animal populations globally. The study will evaluate the effects of changing temperatures on local populations of lizards, frogs, fish, and other vertebrates.
Researchers found that role reversal was caused by an imbalance in the numbers of males relative to females. In sex-reversed species like seahorses, males take on traditional female roles, such as caring for offspring and competing with each other for mates.
Leading environmental scientists propose a highly regulated legal trade in rhino horn to conserve Africa's remaining rhinos. The plan, published in the journal Science, could meet global demand for horn by humanely shaving horns of live rhinos or animals dying of natural causes.