Articles tagged with Animals
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.
A new study has shed light on the gut microbiome of gorillas, revealing significant diversity among individuals and institutions. The research found that even healthy gorillas can have unique microbial profiles, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual context for health assessment.
In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that Japanese macaques in the Kamikochi area of Chubu Sangaku National Park eat live brown trout and other freshwater animals to stay alive during harsh winters. The discovery reveals a new adaptation mechanism for these monkeys to cope with extreme conditions.
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 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.
The 74th APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting featured presentations on COVID-proofing daily life, kimchi physics, and extreme heat waves. Researchers also discussed advancements in fire-fighting trees and the science behind jellyfish engineers.
In an experiment, pet cats were found to track their owner's location using the sound of their voice. Researchers discovered that cats can mentally map the location of their owners based on the unique acoustic characteristics of their voices.
A new study found that female bushbabies experience sharper increases in glucocorticoid hormones than males, indicating they may be under more stress and have less wiggle room to survive in a changing environment.
A 26-year study on wild white-footed mice found that mice with physical impairments survived and thrived at a rate similar to their unimpaired counterparts. Mice with impairments had greater mass and larger home ranges, but no evidence of decreased fitness.
A modelling study suggests that COVID-19 could lead to the collapse of a population of mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. The risk is higher due to lower availability of treatments for gorillas, but measures like mask-wearing and vaccination can limit transmission.
A new study reveals that early dinosaurs, such as Mussaurus patagonicus, likely formed complex herds with adults foraging and taking care of young. Fossils found in southern Patagonia indicate an age segregation, suggesting a larger community structure where adults shared in raising the whole community.
A new study shows that gorillas can distinguish between human voices, reacting with distress when hearing unfamiliar or negative voices. The apes' ability to gauge threats by familiarity of human voices has implications for their wild cousins.
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.
A team from The University of Tsukuba used microscopy techniques to analyze the microstructure of the ground beetle's wing casing, revealing a unique helical structure that creates optical effects. This finding has significant implications for the development of new biomimetic materials with enhanced performance.
The mapping of the entire genome of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle has provided new insights into its biology and behavior. The analysis reveals that the species has an unusually large number of genes involved in breaking down plant cell walls, but lacks genes to remove toxic substances.
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.
Researchers found that young female black bears in Asheville, NC, weigh nearly twice as much as those in national forests and reproduce at a younger age, producing cubs by their second birthday. The study's findings raise questions about the diet and foraging activities of urban bears.
Researchers at University of Queensland discover koala retrovirus is transmitted from mother to joey through close proximity, highlighting a significant threat to wild koala populations. This finding may lead to re-thinked conservation plans and the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent transmission.
Research shows that large eggs in small hens lead to keel bone fractures, affecting 85% of Danish laying hens. Hens from different production systems also suffer from the issue.
Scientists develop robotic model of mantis shrimp strike, revealing geometric latching process behind ultra-fast movements. The device accelerates to 26 meters per second, equivalent to a car reaching 58 mph in four milliseconds.
The study suggests that COVID-19 eradication is technically possible due to the availability of safe vaccines, lifelong immunity, and effective government management. However, securing high vaccine coverage and responding quickly to variants are major challenges.
Researchers have developed a fast and controllable soft robot that can burrow through sand with minimal resistance. The robot's design is inspired by plants and animals that navigate subterranean spaces, enabling new applications for underwater exploration and potentially paving the way for future space missions.
A new AI model has been developed to analyze glycans and improve the understanding of virus-glycan interactions. The model can predict which viruses are likely to spread from animals to humans and identify potential targets for antiviral treatments.
Radically altering animal agriculture practices could prevent future pandemics, experts argue. Incentivizing plant-based food alternatives and implementing a 'zoonotic tax' on meat production are proposed solutions to mitigate zoonotic risk.
A billion-year-old microfossil found in Scotland reveals features of multicellularity nearly 400 million years earlier than previously established. The discovery sheds new light on the transition from single-celled organisms to complex, multicellular animals.
Researchers argue that zoonotic risk predictions are limited in value and instead propose focusing on the human-animal interface for intensive viral surveillance to detect novel viruses early. This approach may help prevent future pandemics like COVID-19.
A five-year study reveals that only deer migrating long distances and matching peak green-up timing successfully synchronize birth with forage availability. Conversely, shorter-distance migrants gave birth earlier, out of sync with green-up.
A study published in eLife suggests that high social status contributes to accelerated aging in male baboons, with higher body mass index and increased physical demands being key factors. In contrast, early life adversity is not a significant predictor of premature aging.
A new approach to genetic comparisons resolves a debate on the most distant animal relative. Sponges are identified as our closest relatives due to improved analyses and reduced errors in previous studies.
Researchers found that monkeys exhibit same patterns as humans in learning from consciously experienced and subliminally presented visual cues. This suggests that monkeys possess two levels of processing, one of which is conscious.
Researchers found that animals learn to recognize nonsense words with a natural prosodic contour, but struggle with flat contours. This suggests that general principles of language evolution are inherited from other species.
Researchers demonstrated the D614G mutation's increased binding to human cells and replication speed, confirming its dominance over the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study used hamsters and ferrets as models to evaluate transmission dynamics in direct competition between variants.
Researchers found that Hydra exhibit characteristics at a molecular and genetic level associated with sleep in animals with central nervous systems. The four-hour cycle of active and sleep-like states in hydras indicates that sleep may have evolved independently of brain development.
A newly developed behavioral monitoring system, CAPTURE, combines motion capture and deep learning to continuously track the three-dimensional movements of freely behaving animals. The system allows for precise measurement of behavior in naturalistic settings, providing valuable insights into brain function and behavior.
Researchers observed wrinkle-faced bats displaying unique courtship behavior, including ultrasonic echolocation calls and trill song sequences. The species' face masks were found to be crucial in attracting females, with males using them to seduce potential mates.
The Chengjiang fauna provides critical evidence for the theory of evolution, with well-preserved soft-bodied animal fossils dating back to the Cambrian period. These discoveries shed light on the emergence of basic human organs, including the mouth, brain, heart, and vertebrae.
A new study led by Swansea University and the University of Bristol has revealed the size of Megalodon, including its massive fins. The shark's estimated body length is 16 meters, with a head diameter of 4.65 meters.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mitochondrial calcium transporters duplicated around one billion years ago, giving rise to two subtypes. Only one subtype is present in animals, while most fungi conserve the other, making chytrids a suitable model organism for research.
Scientists discovered extinct strains of smallpox in Viking skeletons, proving the killer disease plagued humanity for at least 1400 years. The ancient strains were genetically different from modern smallpox, and their presence pushes back the confirmed existence of smallpox by a thousand years.
Researchers found that rare lefty garden snails have shells formed by a developmental accident rather than inheritance. Dr Angus Davison's appeal for help finding a mate for Jeremy led to the discovery of over 40 lefty snails, which were then bred together to test the genetics behind this condition.
A study found that rats could identify the rhythmic structure of a song while ignoring changes to the melody. This suggests that the principles of rhythmic organization in music are also present in other animals, including humans. The results indicate that this cognitive ability has very deep evolutionary roots.
Hunter-gatherer societies had profoundly deep relationships with hunted animals, experiencing emotional and psychological connections after their disappearance. The study explores the impact of animal extinction or migration on human culture, revealing adaptations in material and social culture.
Researchers developed a faster and more objective alternative to traditional maggot analysis methods. They created a new hierarchical conformal predictor that can distinguish between six different maggot species, revolutionizing the field of forensic entomology.
Researchers found that mild mitochondrial depolarization minimizes damage from reactive oxygen species and serves an anti-aging function in naked mole rats and bats. This process involves the shuttle of ATP and ADP through the mitochondrial membrane to certain kinase metabolic sites.
A new study by University of Arizona researchers estimates that one in three plant and animal species may face extinction by 2070 due to climate change. The study analyzed data from hundreds of plant and animal species surveyed around the globe, finding that maximum annual temperatures are the key variable driving local extinctions.
Praying mantises use stereoscopic vision to track objects, but also rely on second-order motion detection for prey capture. This ability helps them locate camouflaged prey and enables target tracking.
Researchers discovered that natural loss of foot muscles in rodents shares similarities with skeletal muscle atrophy, a condition typically associated with injury or disease. The study found that cells in the foot muscles disassemble proteins responsible for contraction and increase gene expression degrading these proteins.
Researchers used mathematical models and computer simulations to explain why multipartite viruses predominantly infect plants, rather than animals. The studies found that these viruses can colonize structured populations with less resistance, making them more advantageous for plant hosts.
Commercially available prebiotic supplements can break down in horses' stomachs, leading to inflammation. However, feeding a specific type of prebiotic, Jerusalem artichoke meal, increased bacterial diversity in the entire digestive tract.
Researchers found that background noise inhibits parasitoid flies' ability to locate cricket calls, suggesting a potential fitness cost for males trying to find mates. This altered soundscapes may influence the evolution of host-parasitoid relationships.
A new study reveals that early humans crafted tiny flint tools from recycled materials to perform delicate tasks such as tendon separation and meat carving. These tools played a vital role in ancient human survival strategies, showcasing a refined and thoughtful approach to animal butchery.
Researchers believe that studying animal brains can improve AI's ability to tackle complex tasks like dish-washing. By understanding how biological neural networks work, AI systems may be able to overcome barriers and achieve superhuman performance.
The project aims to determine the forces that dictate underwater walking, shedding light on the colonization of land by animals. By studying Spanish ribbed newts, researchers hope to gain insight into the biomechanics of animal movement.
Researchers found that brain activity patterns encode prior beliefs, which bias behavioral responses towards the middle of expected time intervals. This warping effect provides insight into how experience alters synaptic connections and embeds knowledge.
A team of researchers at the University of Queensland has challenged the long-held theory that multi-celled animals evolved from a single-celled ancestor resembling a modern sponge cell. Using new technology, they found that the first multicellular animals were more like a collection of convertible cells, contradicting years of tradition.
Analyzing data from 3,000 devices on 62 species in 167 projects worldwide reveals that satellite telemetry performance has improved over time. Despite 48% premature unit deployments, the study provides recommendations for users and manufacturers to enhance conservation efforts
In a study on Egyptian fruit bats, researchers found that females consistently take food from male peers and eventually mate with them. The findings support the 'food-for-sex' hypothesis in this species.
Researchers have identified a single gene, Lsdia1, responsible for snail shell coiling in a species of freshwater snail. The study reveals that this gene controls left-right asymmetry from the earliest stages of development.
A study of autistic adults reveals that traits associated with autism can be both beneficial and burdensome. The research found that autistic individuals often possess exceptional memory, attention to detail, and creative abilities, making them highly focused and tenacious. However, these same traits can also cause anxiety or exhaustion.
Researchers have unearthed a treasure trove of Cambrian secrets along the Danshui River in China, containing over 50 previously undescribed animal species. The Qingjiang biota fossil assemblage rivals that of the Burgess Shale and Chengjiang localities in terms of quality and taxonomic diversity.