Articles tagged with Animal Science
A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that birds with bigger brains relative to their bodies reduced their body size by only about one-third compared to smaller-brained birds. This suggests that cognitive power may play a role in helping certain species adapt to climate change.
A new fossil discovery at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has provided a crucial link in understanding how arthropods evolved specialized limbs for breathing. The 520-million-year-old Erratus sperare organism has revealed the origins of biramous limbs, found in modern water-dwelling arthropods.
A new study using a two-dimensional drawing technique has found no general patterns in the fin and body shapes of five warm-blooded Lamniformes species to determine Megalodon's shape. The research challenges previous conclusions about the extinct shark's body form, suggesting that warm bloodedness does not make sharks differently shaped.
A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown brain region involved in maternal behaviors in mice, which is linked to hormone-sensitive neurons. The discovery sheds new light on the biological mechanisms underlying pregnancy and its effects on brain circuits.
A recent study evaluated pet cages, running wheels, and hay racks sold in German retailers and found that many failed to meet animal welfare standards. The research highlights concerns about the quality of pet supplies sold in retail stores.
Research shows that cow-calf pairs can be managed in drylots throughout the summer grazing period without significant negative effects on growth performance, lactation, and reproductive rates. Calves raised in drylots had increased performance compared to pasture-raised calves, but still showed signs of stress during weaning.
A multidisciplinary team at UNIGE has developed a simple mathematical equation to explain the complex distribution of scales in ocellated lizards. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of skin color pattern evolution and provides an optimal pattern for animal survival.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that flat-faced breeds like Neapolitan mastiffs and English bulldogs are disproportionately affected by the condition. The study suggests that breed-specific characteristics may contribute to the development of cherry eye.
Researchers from Swansea University and University of Cape Town used GPS collars to study baboons' collective behavior in urban and natural spaces. The study found that despite changes in movement patterns, leader-follower roles remained consistent, suggesting flexibility and robustness in group cohesion.
Researchers discovered adaptations allowing desert fish to thrive in harsh conditions by maintaining genetic diversity and adapting genes for aridity. This finding challenges the idea that small populations are evolutionary dead ends.
Researchers at GIST demonstrate that ultrasound pulses can reduce β-amyloid plaque concentration and tau protein levels in AD-model mice, suggesting a promising non-invasive therapeutic strategy. The treatment also improves brain connectivity without causing harm to brain tissue.
A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that Norwegian Red calf personality is related to feeding behavior and growth, with calves displaying different traits affecting their milk and concentrate intake. Calves weaned based on individual concentrate intake had higher average daily gains postweaning.
Researchers found that the oral plug, a structure in fin whales, blocks the pharynx and prevents water from entering during lunge feeding. This allows the whale to swallow prey while keeping the respiratory tract protected.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...
Young dairy calves are motivated to seek full social contact, even with partial interaction, according to a new study. The researchers found that calves pushed more weight to access pens with a social partner compared to empty pens, highlighting the importance of socialization for calf development.
A team of researchers found that animals with strong site fidelity, which is returning to the same places to eat, travel, and raise their young, may not survive or reproduce as well in changing landscapes. This can lead to population declines, especially in species like mule deer affected by human development.
Researchers found that increasing energy intake by feeding more milk replacer supports greater growth during summer. However, feeding frequency had no effect on growth during summer but improved growth during winter. The study suggests optimizing feeding strategies to maximize calf growth and welfare in hot environments.
A new study found that Tasmanian devils have picky diets and only consume their favorite foods, unlike most other scavengers. The researchers tracked the eating habits of 71 devils using whisker samples and found that most devils choose to dine on specific foods.
Researchers found that dolphin females have a functional clitoris, with large areas of erectile tissue, nerves, and free nerve endings similar to those in human clitoris. The study suggests that the dolphin clitoris plays a role in female sexual pleasure, providing insights into animal sexuality.
Two independent research groups use airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect a wide range of animal species, including those in zoos and beyond. The technique shows promise for monitoring biodiversity and conservation efforts, especially for vulnerable or endangered species.
Researchers discovered that California mice consume monarch butterflies, which could disrupt ecosystems due to declining western monarch populations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species and the importance of conservation efforts to protect native animals.
Researchers at the CNIC have identified a specific type of neutrophil behavior that predicts cardiovascular disease. The study provides crucial information for developing targeted therapies to minimize the consequences of myocardial infarction.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University successfully trained a goldfish to drive a robotic car in new research exploring animal navigation abilities. The study found that goldfish's innate navigational skills surpass their aquatic environment, demonstrating universal cognitive abilities.
Oceanographers replaced ship-based studies with sensors attached to seals to navigate icy waters, revealing seasonally varying water flows and their impact on biological production. The study found that warm, low-salinity water appears during autumn, positively affecting seal foraging behavior and potentially enhancing prey availability.
Researchers develop system to image millions of brain cell connections in real-time, revealing key locations for learning and memory encoding. The new tool allows scientists to study synapse activity on a massive scale, with potential applications in understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and autism.
The 2020 wildfires in Brazil's Pantanal wetland resulted in the deaths of an estimated 16.9 million vertebrates, including lizards, birds, and primates. The study estimates that between 13.2 million and 18.8 million small vertebrates and 691,000 to 1.2 million medium-to-large vertebrates were killed.
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
A group of Croatian students used photographs from iNaturalist to describe a new species of pygmy grasshopper, challenging traditional methods. The study highlights the potential of citizen science and encourages people to engage with nature to raise awareness about conservation.
A study by UC Riverside scientists has identified a set of genes on a single chromosome associated with the production of male or female offspring in ant colonies. The discovery sheds light on the complex relationships between genetics and environmental factors in shaping the sex ratio of these societies.
A team of scientists led by Vimal Selvaraj has developed a way to preserve the genetic diversity of fast-disappearing native cattle breeds using stem cells. This technology could be used to clone extinct breeds or to produce animals with desirable traits, such as disease resistance and extreme weather tolerance.
Researchers investigated how providing information about alternative feedstuffs impacts consumer preferences. They found that consumers are more likely to prefer insect-based feed due to sustainability claims. The study emphasizes the importance of labelling and transparency for the acceptance of these alternatives.
A new study published in the journal Anatomical Record reveals that gharial species, native to India, suffer from nasal septal deviation, a condition common among humans. The researchers found that this deviated septum affects the breathing rate and may lead to high shearing stresses along the nasal walls.
A new study reveals that mother bats teach their pups to navigate by carrying and dropping them off at specific trees, allowing the pup to learn through repetition. The study found that pups gradually expand their navigation circles, learning to fly independently and finding food sources on their own.
Scientists have discovered that Tasmanian devils' whiskers can capture seasonal dietary changes over at least nine months and potentially up to a year. The long, wiry whiskers hold chemical imprints from food the devils ate in the past, offering a way to monitor the endangered native species with minimal disruptions to their habitats.
The article examines how the pandemic affected the protein sector's food supply chains, discussing lessons learned from the experience. The authors highlight the importance of building food supply chain resilience through improved efficiency and technology adoption, but warn that larger firms may pose a threat to smaller local systems.
Scientists have discovered that four types of monarch predators - a bird, a mouse, a parasitic wasp, and a worm - evolved the same unusual cellular mutations as monarchs. These mutations allow them to resist the toxic effects of milkweed plant toxins, which can be deadly to most animals.
A groundbreaking technique allows researchers to study the unique venom production of a wide range of venomous animals, including scorpions, fish, and the platypus. This non-lethal approach provides new insights into how animals produce venom and opens up possibilities for discovering new drugs.
A new study examines the genetic basis of longevity in Galápagos giant tortoises and finds that these animals have extra copies of genes that may protect against aging and cancer. The creatures' cells respond to stress in ways that could help prevent disease.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents have a greater diversity and accelerated rate of evolution in the ACE2 receptors used by SARS viruses. This suggests that some rodent species may be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, potentially leading to new pathogen transmission to humans.
A new review in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the relationship between serotonin and calcium metabolism in dairy cows, highlighting its importance in maintaining calcium balance. Research shows that mammary serotonin drives hormone production that modulates mammary calcium transport.
A recent study found that most vocal learners, such as dolphins and whales, sound higher than expected based on their body size, not lower. This challenges the idea that faking body size is linked to vocal learning and suggests a different evolutionary scenario for vocal communication in mammals.
A new genus and species of iguanodontian dinosaur, Brighstoneus simmondsi, has been discovered on the Isle of Wight. The herbivorous dinosaur is estimated to be around 8 meters in length and weigh 900kg.
Researchers from Wellesley College discovered that honey bees (Apis cerana) produce unique sounds, including 'antipredator pipes', to warn fellow bees of giant hornet threats. These signals result in increased bee activity and defense actions against the attackers.
Researchers use transgenic worms to study whole-body regeneration and identify critical genes involved. They also gain insights into muscle cell connections and communication during regeneration.
New research reveals that blue, fin and humpback whales consume an average of three times more food each year than scientists previously estimated. This increased consumption plays a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and productivity by recycling key nutrients.
Researchers found that poor health in females can lead to interrupted pregnancies and underdeveloped fetuses. High-caloric fish is essential for successful porpoise reproduction, according to Lonneke IJsseldijk's PhD study published in Scientific Reports.
Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.
A modelling study estimates nearly a quarter of a million unowned cats in UK urban areas, with higher deprivation and density linked to higher abundance. Socioeconomic factors and human population density were key predictors of unowned cat presence.
A new study reveals that tusks originated from ancient mammals before the dinosaurs, with dicynodonts being their closest living relatives. The researchers defined what makes a tusk and found that some dicynodont teeth are indeed tusks, while others have large teeth.
A study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that dairy calves use brushes for grooming and oral manipulation, with 40% of brush use being oral manipulation. Providing access to brushes can reduce abnormal behaviors and improve cattle welfare.
A new study led by a University of Maine graduate student found that 50% fewer frogs died from vehicle collisions in spring 2020 compared to previous years. This decline was part of a broader reduction in animal road fatalities during the pandemic, similar to findings in other studies worldwide.
Research from the University of Illinois found that high-oil corn has greater amino acid and energy digestibility than conventional corn, with increased phosphorus and fiber content. This could save producers money by reducing supplement needs.
A new study published in Coral Reefs confirms that soft corals Plexaura kükenthali and Plexaura homomalla are two separate species. The research found significant differences in morphology, genetics, reproduction, and symbiotic relationships between the two species.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a simple and rapid method to detect amyloid protein in bovine livers using fluorescence fingerprint analysis. This approach allows for quick processing and accurate detection of AA amyloidosis, potentially leading to more efficient diagnostic tools for this disease.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that domestic cats rely almost entirely on their owner-provided food for nutrition. Despite being prolific hunters, cats only consume a small percentage of the prey they catch.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that machine learning models using viral genomes can predict the likelihood of an animal-infecting virus infecting humans. The researchers identified generalizable features in viral genomes that are independent of taxonomic relationships and developed models to identify candidate zoonoses.
Scientists prove Meselson effect in ancient asexual species, showing survival without sexual reproduction is possible. The study of beetle mite Oppiella nova reveals genetic variance and adaptation through independent genome evolution.
Scientists discovered a fossil bird with elaborate tail feathers, showing how natural and sexual selection influenced bird evolution. The discovery sheds light on the balance between traits that aid survival and those used for display.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that pocket gophers are biofluorescent, emitting a colored glow when illuminated with ultraviolet light. The phenomenon has been documented in flying squirrels and opossums before, but this is the first time it has been observed in pocket gophers.
Researchers discovered fossilized footprint tracks of straight-tusked elephants, indicating a Late Pleistocene nursery site in Huelva, Spain. The tracks suggest that young elephants, possibly up to two years old, were raised in this area, which may have provided a food source and reproductive habitat for female elephant herds.