Articles tagged with Animal Science
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.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a direct connection between plant development and growth, revealing that the Short-root protein controls the activity of genes involved in cell division. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of growth and development in plants and potentially other species.
Danish scientists used MRI and CT to study internal organs in animals like alligators, snakes, and tarantulas. They found that snakes adapt their organs for big meals and digestion, allowing them to survive 'feast and famine' lifestyles.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists collaborated with New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers to study locoweed poisoning in US livestock. The team developed grazing management guidelines to minimize losses, recommending restrictions on locoweed access during critical periods.
A new study by scientists at UCL reveals that the brains of newborn rats already possess a sense of direction and place, which improves with age. The research suggests that this innate ability could be independent of experience and provides insights into how our sense of space develops.
A new study from Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science reveals that hunting at a drag-inducing position could be the basis for fish's unusual body shape. The researchers found that the increased cost of movement caused by body tilting was more than counterbalanced by increased sensory performance.
A University of Alberta researcher discovered female red squirrels adopt abandoned babies with common genes, ensuring the continuation of their gene pool. This behavior, initially thought to be unique to social animals, reveals a rare instance of altruism in solitary creatures like red squirrels.
Research found that termite mounds contribute significantly to grassland productivity in central Kenya by enhancing plant and animal activity locally and maximizing ecosystem-wide productivity. The evenly distributed colonies of termites create an optimized network of plant and animal output.
A Tufts University study sheds light on how marine animals like Galapagos iguanas survive stress, revealing the crucial role of negative feedback in coping with 'fight or flight' responses. The research also has implications for understanding wildlife responses to environmental disasters and oil spills.
Researchers discovered that shoaling fish coordinate their movements more frequently when under threat to reduce the risk of being targeted. This 'oddity effect' drives better synchronization in group movement, making it harder for predators to single out individual targets.
Scientists observed male topi antelopes in southwest Kenya faking alarm snorts to deceive females in heat, allowing for additional mating opportunities. The males' false alarms only occurred when females were in estrus, and the researchers found that these deceptions increased the males' chances of mating by nearly three times.
A new study challenges the long-held assumption that children adopt an anthropocentric perspective on human-animal relationships from birth. Instead, research suggests that human-centered reasoning emerges around age 3 in urban children, reflecting their community's perspectives.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that starting early-weaned cattle on corn and finishing them on a diet high in co-products can achieve high-quality beef while reducing feed costs. Cattle fed these diets showed significant marbling and higher profits compared to traditional finishing methods.
A study by Northwestern University researchers reveals that children's experience and cultural beliefs significantly influence their reasoning about the natural world. The findings challenge the long-held assumption of a universal human-centered pattern in young children's development.
Ferrets, introduced for rabbit hunting, are spreading across La Palma, with a growing population affecting the island's native fauna. The researchers found that the ferret population is directly related to prey availability and shelter in rural areas, highlighting concerns over their impact on bird species and endemic lizards.
Researchers measured dolphin and rodeo bull head movements to study balance systems. Contrary to a leading theory, the findings show that dolphins have similar head motions as the cattle, defying expectations of smaller organs due to overwhelming senses.
Researchers found that humans and insects have an ancient system for detecting toxic compounds through a protein receptor called TRPA1. This detection mechanism has been conserved across 500 million years of evolution, linking animals back to their common ancestor.
Researchers found that female moths outgrow their male counterparts by initiating a developmental change later in life, resulting in larger adult moths. This study provides insight into the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in moths, highlighting the importance of early developmental stages in determining adult body size.
A team of scientists has discovered that the drastic decline in Arctic musk ox populations began due to a warming climate rather than human hunting. The researchers used ancient DNA to test for human impacts on musk ox populations and found that humans were not responsible for their decline.
A new University of Illinois study shows that soluble fiber can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The research found that mice fed soluble fiber were less sick and recovered faster from illness compared to those fed insoluble fiber.
Researchers propose limiting longline fishing in summer months and areas over 35 nautical miles from land to drastically reduce accidental loggerhead turtle captures. Using fish as bait may also help, but could affect swordfish catches.
A study by the University of Exeter and Liverpool found that polyandry, where females have multiple mates, reduces the risk of populations becoming extinct. This is because all-female broods are less likely to occur due to the suppression of the SR chromosome, which can lead to population decline.
Researchers identify progesterone in leaves of Common Walnut tree using advanced laboratory techniques, challenging conventional wisdom that only animals can produce the hormone. The discovery may change scientific understanding of progesterone's evolution and function in living things.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that the hormone vasopressin plays a crucial role in helping animals recognize others through scent. This ability is essential for establishing strong bonds with other animals, and its failure may contribute to conditions like autism and social phobia.
Researchers from the University of Idaho are exploring biotechnology and synthetic biology to address the world's growing population needs. The goal is to provide healthy, nutritious, and adequate food supplies using technological interventions in agriculture.
Ron O'Dor will talk about the international Ocean Tracking Network's ambitious plans and how new tracking technologies can help manage sustainable fisheries. The Canadian initiative has committed $45 million to this global project.
Scientists found conserved microRNAs in animals as diverse as sea anemones, worms, and humans, suggesting an early origin of these tissues in animal evolution. The discovery opens new avenues for studying the current functions of specific microRNAs.
The production Heuschrecken by Rimini Protokoll explores the marriage of theatre and science, challenging traditional skepticism. By embedding artists in a science department, new approaches to storytelling emerge.
Researchers developed an autonomous walking robot that flexibly switches between multiple gait patterns by utilizing chaos control. The robot can adapt its movement in response to environmental changes, such as obstacles or slopes, using a single central pattern generator.
Researchers at Harvard University developed an all-optical technique to measure how neurons excite or inhibit each other. The study successfully mapped the interplay of four neurons, revealing that multiple neurons can influence their neighbors' activity.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that insect brains are capable of intelligent behaviors like counting and categorizing, challenging the idea that larger brains are more intelligent. Research suggests that many size differences in brain size only exist in specific regions and may not lead to increased complexity.
Scientists develop a new method to study living cells by exploding them with laser pulses, then analyzing the vaporized contents for chemical profiles. This technique reveals crucial details about cell health and differences between diseased and healthy cells.
Researchers found that male sabertoothed cats were indistinguishable in size from females, suggesting a possible lack of aggression. This contrasts with the American lion, where males are significantly larger and more aggressive than females.
The Genome 10K Project aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species to understand evolutionary changes and inform conservation efforts. The project will analyze genomic data to reveal evolutionary changes and annotate experimental findings related to specific sites of change.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics create tiny laser-scanning microscope images brain cells in awake and moving animals, eliminating the need for electrodes. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the brain generates an internal representation of the outside world.
A study on Stegodyphus tentoriicola spiders reveals that relatedness fosters better group dynamics and more efficient food foraging. This cooperative behavior helps maintain harmony in larger groups, countering the 'tragedy of the commons' phenomenon.
A research team has found the first evolutionary branching for bilateral animals, resolving a long-standing debate about a group of ancient flatworms called Acoelomorpha. The study reveals that Acoelomorpha is a sister clade to other bilateral animals, providing key insights into the most recent common ancestor.
Researchers have named a new species of chimaera, an ancient group of fishes distantly related to sharks, from the coast of Southern California and Baja California. The Eastern Pacific black ghostshark (Hydrolagus melanophasma) is known from nine preserved museum specimens and video footage taken of it alive in deep water.
Researchers found geckos' severed tails exhibit complex movement patterns to distract predators, potentially leading to new insights into spinal injury recovery. The study's findings suggest central pattern generators can function without a brain or nervous system.
The US National Academy of Sciences received the 2009 CAAT Recognition Award for its visionary publication on toxicology testing. The report advocates a new approach that relies less on animal studies and focuses on in vitro methods to evaluate chemicals' effects.
Dr. Paul Flecknell, a renowned expert in laboratory animal pain management, has been recognized with the 2009 Charles River Laboratories' Excellence in Refinement Award. His work focuses on developing methods of pain assessment and alleviation for various species.
A team of researchers, led by University of Alberta biologist David Coltman, have been studying the personalities of bighorn mountain sheep. They found that bold individuals tend to have shorter lifespans, while those with more submissive personalities are more likely to produce multiple offspring.
Researchers discovered seven new species of swimming worms in the deep sea, including 'green bombers' that release bioluminescent displays for defense. The discovery sheds light on evolutionary adaptations and challenges faced by these unique organisms.
New research reveals that young muskoxen are not thermally stressed more than adults in extreme cold. The study found that calves and adults sacrifice only a small percentage of their daily energy intake to heat loss during foraging bouts.
A team of researchers will survey Kasatochi Island to monitor its recovery from the 2008 volcanic eruption. The interdisciplinary research focuses on the island's ecosystem development, with an emphasis on insect and bird species.