Articles tagged with Animal Science
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers reveal extraordinary fossil find of fuxianhuiid arthropod with legs used to shovel sediment into the mouth, shedding light on one of Earth's earliest evolutionary examples of complex animal life. The discovery also features the oldest known post-cephalic nervous system, dating back 520 million years.
Researchers found that salmon imprint on the magnetic signature of their home river and seek it out during spawning migration. This discovery represents a major new phenomenon in behavioral biology, providing insights into how salmon navigate epic distances.
Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that lancelets have melanopsin-producing cells, which are involved in non-visual light-dependent functions. Studying these cells provides insight into the evolutionary history of circadian receptors and their role in regulating biological clocks.
A new study estimates that the cow-calf phase produces the greatest greenhouse gas emissions during beef production, with methane emissions from a roughage diet. This finding highlights the importance of managing cattle feed and nutrition to reduce carbon footprint.
Despite concerns about high extinction rates, Griffith University researcher Professor Nigel Stork says the actual number is lower than feared. The study estimates around 5 million species on Earth, with conservation efforts protecting rich biodiversity in key areas.
Behavioral biologists at the University of Zurich discovered that banded mongooses produce structured monosyllabic sounds, similar to human vowel and consonant systems. The calls provide information on identity and activity, demonstrating a complex sound expression structure.
A new study confirms that 150 million-year-old Jurassic ecosystems were characterized by lush plant life and animal richness, similar to modern ecosystems. By analyzing fossil soils from various regions, researchers found high levels of CO2 from vegetation, indicating a wetter environment with abundant plant growth.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dinosaurs have a greater number of larger species compared to all other back-boned animals. The researchers analyzed the femur bone length and weight of 329 dinosaur species, suggesting that young dinosaurs occupied a different ecological niche than their parents.
Research suggests that bacteria in the gut may control host appetites by influencing signaling pathways. The gut microbiota respond to nutrients and hormones, generating compounds that affect appetite and mood disorders. Further studies are needed to determine if gut bacteria directly influence food choice.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool found that male mice produce pheromone darcin, which provokes females and competitor males to remember a preference for its location. This allows them to recall sites with high concentrations of the scent, even after multiple encounters.
An international team of researchers has discovered a new species of ostracod, a type of crustacean, in 425 million-year-old rocks. The fossils are exceptionally well-preserved, including the shell and soft tissues such as body, limbs, eyes, gills, and alimentary system.
USDA scientists identify urban runoff as a significant source of E. coli bacteria in California's middle Santa Ana River Watershed. The study found that pathogens are more often carried into waterways via urban runoff than animal production facilities, highlighting the need for improved water quality management.
Researchers found that Galapagos giant tortoises have a partial migration system, where only adult animals wander and move up to 10 kilometers into the highlands during the dry season. The younger tortoises remain in the lower-elevated areas all year round.
Three new arthropod species have been found in the Maestrazgo caves in Teruel, Spain. These ancient organisms have survived for thousands of years with unique adaptations to their isolated environment. The researchers' study expands knowledge of biodiversity and highlights the importance of studying cave-adapted animals.
Researchers found that captive mink in confined spaces showed increased interest in stimuli and spent more time seeking stimulation when given little to do. The study aimed to assess animal boredom scientifically and has implications for understanding its causes and effects across species.
A study found that protected areas in Catalonia have a high number of animal deaths on the roads, with amphibians being most susceptible. Researchers suggest building tunnels for amphibians to reduce mortality rates.
A new study suggests that bacteria cue choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, to form colonies. The discovery implies that bacteria may have helped kick off multicellular life, a development that eventually led to all animals, including humans.
A new classification of eukaryotic life forms clarifies the current state of protist diversity, recognizing two new super groups: Amorphea and SAR. These groups reveal ancient relationships between protists, animals, and plants, highlighting a vast unknown diversity in soil and deep sea environments.
A new project called 'Pathway to BioTrails' will involve visitors to Acadia National Park in hands-on scientific research using DNA barcoding to monitor animal and plant species. The project aims to increase the scientific value of citizen science projects by validating tentative identifications made by citizens.
Researchers found that both biological organisms and electronic devices use similar approaches to change reflective colors, but biology outperforms electronics in efficiency, scalability, and sophistication. Human-made technology excels in speed and color range, but lags behind nature's complex adaptations.
Researchers studied how naked mole-rats adapt to acidic environments, finding that they don't respond to acidification with physiological or behavioral responses. This lack of response is thought to be related to their unique nerve system, which may offer clues to alleviating pain in humans.
A new study using the UW tags recorded over 28,000 interactions among 34 crows, showing a surprising number of contacts between non-related crows. The technology allows researchers to study animal social interactions on an incredibly fine scale, revealing key insights into bird behavior and social networks.
Researchers are studying how plants overcome stress as a key to growth and survival. They hope to gain insights into human stress relief through this study.
Researchers discovered that deep-sea crabs can detect shorter wavelengths of light, including ultraviolet and blue light, allowing them to identify toxic corals and distinguish between edible plankton. This sensitivity may enable the crabs to color-code their food using UV vision.
Researchers found no loin quality advantages from blast chilling, but a 13-fold increase in excessively tough samples. CO2 stunning resulted in better meat quality traits, including darker lean color and greater water-holding capacity.
A team of scientists has discovered the oldest record of arthropods, including insects and mites, preserved in 100 million-year-old amber. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provide new insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
A study by Adrian Bejan suggests that larger bodies tend to have longer lifespans and greater distances traveled. This applies to both animate and inanimate systems, with rivers, jets of air, and vehicles following a similar pattern.
The US Department of Homeland Security is conducting a series of tests in the Boston subway system to measure the real-world performance of new sensors designed to detect biological agents. The sensors, developed by several companies, are expected to identify and confirm the release of biological agents within minutes.
Maternal presence is crucial for juvenile moose survival, with orphaned calves facing up to 47 times more aggression. The study's findings suggest policy changes are needed to protect young moose, highlighting the importance of conservation planning and non-invasive data collection methods.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found a type of 'selfish' mitochondrial DNA in animals that is hurting the organism and affecting its chance to survive. The discovery bears similarities to damage done to human cells as they age and may provide an important new tool to study human aging.
Researchers at Purdue University found that early weaning can help maintain gains and improve meat quality when fed distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Cattle fed DDGS diets showed a 2.5% decrease in carcass weight but maintained average daily gain and intake.
Researchers at the Smithsonian discovered that female giant wood spiders produce additional mating plugs, which harden to prevent excessive copulations. These plugs are a female adaptation to sexual conflict, preventing unwanted sex from multiple males.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have determined the complete wiring diagram for the male roundworm's nervous system controlling mating. The study reveals that 144 neurons are involved in mating, with over 8,000 synapses connecting them to 64 muscles.
Researchers compared Eurasian Jays with local school children using three tasks of varying complexity, revealing that children learn cause-and-effect relationships in a different way than birds. The study found that while the birds struggled to understand the mechanism, the children focused on simple cause-effect relationships.