Articles tagged with Animal Science
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new research association, MetBioMat, will develop and test degradable magnesium implants for orthopedic applications. The focus is on reducing the need for second surgeries by dissolvable implants.
Scientists discover that ocean eddies, not sunlight, trigger the annual bloom of tiny plants in the North Atlantic, causing it to occur three weeks earlier than expected. This finding has significant implications for marine life, as many small sea animals rely on the phytoplankton for food and their timing is critical.
Researchers used human parkour athletes to simulate orangutan movements and found that swaying is the most efficient way to cross trees. This finding helps explain why orangutans spend most of their lives in trees despite their large size and low-energy diet.
Distorted music triggers strong emotional responses by tapping into distress calls of animals, according to UCLA researchers. Listeners rate music with distortion as more exciting and charged with negative emotion than neutral compositions.
A study by University of Illinois researchers discovered that certain pig breeds can efficiently use energy in high-fiber diets, potentially reducing food costs. Meishan pigs were found to outperform Yorkshire pigs when fed diets rich in distillers dried grains with solubles.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new method to accurately measure dinosaur weight, reducing estimates for a Brachiosaur skeleton from 80 tonnes to 23 tonnes. The team's laser scanning technique provides a more accurate estimate of body mass, suggesting dinosaurs were not as massive as previously believed.
Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center found that humans can identify age based on differences in body odor, with elderly individuals' odors being recognized across cultures. Evaluators rated body odors from the old-age group as less intense and less unpleasant than those from middle-aged and young individuals.
A new study finds that nearly 9% of the Western Hemisphere's mammals may be unable to keep pace with climate change. Climate change projections suggest that many species will experience severe range contractions due to slow dispersal rates.
Chinese officials are set to approve a new non-animal test method for cosmetics ingredients, allowing companies like Avon and Esté Lauder to market products in China without animal testing. The move follows guidance from scientists funded by PETA, who helped facilitate the adoption of the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Assay.
Research by IRB Barcelona scientists reveals that glycogen accumulation in neurons is toxic, causing brain damage and reducing lifespan in both flies and mice. This finding has significant implications for understanding Lafora progressive myoclonic epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that many nematodes communicate using the same types of small-molecule pheromones, revealing a universal nematode language. This discovery could lead to strategies to prevent unwanted nematode species and improve agricultural and healthcare industries.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute created compounds that dramatically alter the biological clock, resulting in weight loss and improved metabolic markers in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests potential effectiveness in treating obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep disorders.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a method to detect proteins associated with longevity, finding that certain proteins evolve in non-random ways in long-lived species. This suggests that these species have optimised pathways for repairing molecular damage, which could help develop anti-ageing interventions.
The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory has developed an online deep-sea animal photo-guide with over 1,500 images, making it easier for scientists and the public to identify and appreciate marine life. The guide is organized by major taxa and includes tags indicating depth levels.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding animal metacognition, finding that macaques exhibit uncertainty-monitoring capacities similar to those in humans. This consensus suggests that animals may share a form of self-reflective, metacognitive capacity with humans.
A University of Illinois study found that swine producers can safely feed distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS) to their pigs despite high sulfur content. The research showed no difference in palatability or growth performance between low-sulfur and high-sulfur DDGS diets.
Researchers found that bright light inhibits the firing of hydras' stinging cells, suggesting a daily rhythmic cue to regulate their behavior. The study links photoreception genes to the mechanism of hydra's harpoon-like cnidocytes, revealing unexpected functions beyond vision.
Researchers discovered that Hydra's stinging cells are linked to primitive light-responsive cells via a nervous system, enabling the animals to react to light. This finding reveals how Hydra can hunt during the day despite lacking eyes, and hints at a common ancestor with humans.
Scientists have discovered the deepest terrestrial animal, a springtail insect, at 1,980 meters below ground surface. Four new species were also identified, shedding light on unique adaptations of cave-dwelling animals in extreme environments.
A study found that boosting male garter snake estrogen levels causes them to secrete the same pheromones as females, attracting multiple males. The research confirms estrogen's powerful role in biology and has implications for environmental impact.
Research by the Universities of Exeter and Liverpool reveals that redder ladybirds are more poisonous than their paler peers, with better-fed individuals producing stronger warning signals and toxic chemicals. This variation in coloration is linked to diet in early life, making redder ladybirds less likely to be eaten by predators.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that synchronized brain oscillations between the frontal and visual areas of the brain are crucial for remembering visual information over a short period. The more synchronized the activity was, the better animals could remember images.
Researchers have identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile, nicknamed Shieldcroc, which is an ancestor of today's species. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of crocodiles and how humans can protect their environment to prevent extinction.
Research reveals that rates of size decrease are much faster than growth rates, with dwarfism occurring in just 100,000 generations. It takes at least 24 million generations for large-scale changes in body size to occur.
Researchers have successfully replicated the evolution from single-celled organisms to multicellular clusters in a laboratory setting, mirroring the transition that led to life on Earth. The experiment involved natural selection and brewer's yeast, resulting in cooperative cell clusters that exhibit genetic similarity.
Researchers discovered that male wolf spiders eavesdrop on rival males' courtship signals to improve their chances of mating. The study found that experienced spiders are more likely to exhibit this 'signal matching' behavior.