Articles tagged with Animal Science
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.
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.
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.
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.
The California Academy of Sciences discovered 140 new species in 2011, including arthropods, sea slugs, fishes, plants, sponges, corals, and a reptile. These findings add to the family tree of life on Earth and provide crucial information for conservation decisions.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a way to predict the impact of climate change on animal populations, body size and genetics. By analyzing data from 15 years of wolf population trends, they created a mathematical model that can be applied to other species with similar environmental data.
Researchers have discovered that citrus products can provide cows with good roughage and vitamins, reducing the risk of foodborne pathogens. The study found a tenfold reduction in Salmonella populations in sheep's intestinal contents after feeding them dried orange peel pellets.
Researchers created a dry tape inspired by insects' hairy feet, showing improved adhesive properties and resistance to peeling. The tape can be reused thousands of times without losing its grip, making it suitable for various applications.
A Stanford University study demonstrates that indigenous peoples can collect reliable environmental data through training and collaboration with scientists. The researchers trained over 340 villagers in methods of collecting field data, and found that the accuracy of their data was comparable to that of trained scientists.
USDA researchers are exploring high-resolution digital panoramas to study landscape changes in rangelands. By creating detailed images, scientists can track wildlife populations, invasive plant species, and monitor riparian areas.
Scientists have challenged long-held assumptions about dosage compensation in male fruit flies, finding no upregulation of X chromosomes in testes cells. The study's findings suggest that dosage compensation may not be essential for male sex cell survival, sparking further investigation into the mechanisms at play.
A new study reveals the ancient deep ocean was devoid of oxygen and rich in iron for nearly a billion years, challenging previous models for life-essential nutrient distribution. The research suggests hydrothermal systems on the seafloor controlled iron deposition, potentially affecting early evolution.
New research reveals that human beings can visually detect living presence through specific movement cues, including those close to the ground and mimicking real gravitational acceleration. The visual system is keyed into these cues to determine a moving object's life-detection.
Species have moved towards the poles at three times the rate previously accepted and to cooler, higher altitudes at twice that rate. On average, species have shifted 12.2m per decade in elevation and 17.6km per decade in latitude.
A new technique using microRNA analysis resolves an old issue in turtle evolution, placing turtles closer to lizards than crocodiles. The study identified 77 new microRNA families and found evidence of turtle-microRNA similarity with painted turtles.
Ian Duncan, a renowned expert in animal welfare, has been recognized with the inaugural Medal for Outstanding Contributions from the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. His pioneering work on poultry behavior and welfare has significantly benefited animals worldwide.
A new owl study uncovers the advantage of stereopsis, revealing its ability to discriminate between objects and background. The findings debunk the long-held consensus that the evolutionary advantage of seeing in stereo must be depth vision, suggesting a more nuanced role for binocular disparity.
Scientists discovered a unique screw-and-nut joint in weevil hips, allowing for improved leg movement and climbing ability. This innovative feature has been present in over 50,000 weevil species worldwide.
The tiny water boatman has been recorded as the loudest animal on Earth, with a sound equivalent to 99.2 decibels. Researchers are now exploring the biological and engineering aspects of this phenomenon to clarify its mechanisms and potential applications.
Researchers created four mathematical models of virus infection and tested them against laboratory data. The study found that variation in host susceptibility enhances the prevalence of mixed-genotype micro-parasite infections. The findings improve our understanding of how virus particles interact with each other and the host animal du...
Researchers used keeper surveys to assess orangutan happiness, finding it linked to longer lifespan. The study suggests a complex relationship between happiness and health.
Emperor penguins form coordinated waves to continuously change the huddle structure, allowing animals from outside to enter and warm up. The study's findings have been published in PLOS ONE, providing new insights into the survival techniques of Emperor penguins.
A recent study published in Biological Conservation found that spider populations are negatively affected by human activities such as habitat fragmentation, fire, and pesticides. The research, which analyzed 173 scientific papers, suggests that spiders are not exempt from the risks caused by human action.
Ingo Schlupp, OU Department of Zoology associate professor, receives top award for evolutionary biology and animal behavior research. He will spend a year at University of Potsdam in Germany working on genomics of the Amazon molly.
A nationwide team of agriculturists recommends a 'whole-system redesign' of US agriculture to achieve long-term sustainability. The approach would balance production goals with environmental, social, and economic concerns by incorporating innovative agricultural systems such as organic farming and mixed crop and livestock systems.
Researchers use synchrotron radiation to detect amino acids in ancient bone tissue, confirming the presence of primary biomolecules. The study expands our understanding of protein preservation in fossils, challenging previous assumptions about the limited availability of soft tissues and endogenous biomolecules.
A team of scientists used genetic sequencing and supercomputing to determine that Xyloplax is not a new class of animals but rather a rare example of natural selection shaping its life cycle. The study found that Xyloplax has a truncated life cycle, retaining juvenile features into adulthood.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that the human brain is wired to recognize familiar objects, including faces and animals, in their typical upright orientation. The research used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in response to camouflaged faces and animals, revealing a strong bias towards recognizing upright visuals.
Researchers found that synthetic skins reacted similarly to rat skin when exposed to a skin cream treatment, suggesting potential for true human skin simulation. The study has implications for treating burn victims, who may require synthetic or animal skin substitutes.
Scientists have discovered that chitons can see objects overhead using eye lenses made of aragonite, a type of rock. This unique feature allows them to detect potential predators and defend against being eaten.
Researchers observed killer whales favoring Weddell seals as their primary target despite the availability of other prey species. The study provides insight into the cooperative hunting behavior of killer whales in Antarctic waters.
The study reveals species shifts over the past century, with some populations significantly diminished or expanded. Elk were more abundant in the 1990s than today, while horses from the late 1800s are common in the skeletal record.
Scientists at Cardiff University discovered that spiders can intercept and use vibrational signals from insects to locate their prey. The study found that male leafhopper vibrations are more attractive to predatory spiders, suggesting a preference for males during courtship.
Biologists from University of Texas at Austin suggest focusing on interactions between climate change and human activities like air pollution, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation. Local factors like host plant competition and water pollution are critical in understanding species decline.
Mouse brains compensate for disrupted neural functioning by enabling existing neurons to be more active and increasing their lifespan. The findings provide new insight into the brain's plasticity and its ability to reroute neural functioning.
Scientists analyzed annual growth bands in Antarctic bryozoans collected by Captain Scott and found increased carbon uptake and storage since 1990. This growth is linked to greater food availability, with phytoplankton being the primary source of energy.
Scientists have discovered unrecognised substances released by algae blooms that can interfere with reproductive hormones, leading to potential harm to humans and aquatic animals. The researchers used zebrafish as a test subject and found that these substances can cause endocrine disrupting effects.
Scientists have identified a protein pheromone produced by female squid that triggers aggression in male squid, with similarities to beta-microseminoproteins found in humans. The discovery sheds light on complex mating and egg-laying processes in squid.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that plants and animals employ similar mechanisms to process hormone signals, relying on tyrosine phosphorylation. This finding highlights the convergent evolution of signaling systems across kingdoms.
Researchers found a discrete brain pathway that regulates vulnerability to nicotine addiction and identified the nicotinic receptor subunit α5 as a potential target for anti-smoking therapies. The study suggests boosting this subunit's expression may help individuals resist nicotine's addictive properties.
African savanna and forest elephants are two separate species, differing in size and genetic diversity. The study used DNA analysis to prove their separation over millions of years, with implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers used tiger paw prints and feces to monitor populations, finding it more cost-effective than camera traps. The method, which costs $1,240 per site, can accurately estimate tiger numbers with a fraction of the expense.
Researchers found that while some plant populations show stable responses to climate change, others experience rapid declines in survival and growth when warmed above a certain threshold. Long-term studies are crucial for understanding these complex effects.
Temperature fluctuations have a profound impact on the human body's internal clock. By regulating body temperature, these cyclic changes set the timing of cellular activity, influencing metabolism and sleep patterns. This discovery suggests an ancient mechanism that may have evolved in other organisms to control daily biological cycles.
A new PLoS collection highlights ways scientists use a large tracking network to trace marine mammal movement. The system detects animals as they cross detection lines, providing data on their behavior and survival.
A study published in Global Change Biology found similarities in bryozoan species on the continental shelves of the Ross and Weddell seas, separated by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This suggests that these regions were connected by a trans-Antarctic seaway in the recent past, possibly as recently as 125,000 years ago.
Researchers at Georgetown University and the National Aquarium successfully extracted DNA from dolphin blow, providing an alternative to biopsies. The new method involves collecting exhalations from blowholes, eliminating harm to young animals and requiring less skill than traditional dart biopsying.
A team of University of Michigan scientists found that suppressing a newly discovered gene, drr-2, lengthens the lifespan of roundworms. The study suggests that manipulating the drr-2 gene's action could produce similar effects as reducing caloric intake.
Princeton researchers uncover ancient sponge-like creatures with fossilized shells dating to 650 million years ago, rewriting the timeline of life on Earth. The discovery provides direct evidence that animal life existed before and survived a severe 'snowball Earth' event.
Researchers sequenced the sponge genome to connect the dots between Amphimedon and other animals, revealing a striking conservation of gene structure and genome organization. The study aims to understand how patterns that have been around for a billion years have evolved or persisted.
Scientists report the discovery of a unique Cretaceous creature with mammal-like teeth, challenging traditional views of ancient animal life. The new species, Pakasuchus, was found in Tanzania and is believed to have been a land-dwelling, insect-eating creature that thrived during the middle Cretaceous period.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that wearing red or being bordered by the color increases a man's attractiveness and sexual desirability among women. The researchers attribute this effect to the cultural association between red and high status, as well as biological roots in human behavior.
The study confirms the protective brain hypothesis, suggesting that large-brained mammals live longer and reproduce more times due to enhanced survival. The analysis of 493 species reveals a link between brain size and longevity, with larger brains associated with greater survival rates.
Researchers found diverse marine life on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, including a missing evolutionary link between backboned and invertebrate animals. The team discovered three new species with different colors and shapes, as well as sea cucumbers with unique swimming abilities.