Articles tagged with Animals
Researchers at German Primate Center found that MERS virus mutations make it more resistant to the human immune system. This could lead to a rise in severe cases and potentially trigger a pandemic.
A new study suggests that our brains can rewire and change in response to new experiences, even when we're not consciously forming new memories. This process of plasticity enables us to better perceive and interpret the world, with potential implications for brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
The study reveals that animal biodiversity has expanded episodically to the present day, contrary to theories of a single Cambrian explosion. The development of life until the Cambrian period included a wide range of designs, with regulatory genes playing a key role in increasing diversity.
A new study in mice, rats, and humans reveals that longer waiting periods for rewards strengthen a sunk cost bias, causing individuals to be less willing to give up pursuit of the reward. The researchers discuss three possible explanations for this phenomenon, which may help improve decision-making.
Scientists have uncovered a new species of chancelloriid, an ancient group of spiny tube-shaped animals that lived during the Cambrian Period. The discovery provides fresh insights into the evolution of early animals, with the fossil resembling modern sponges in pattern of body growth.
Research by the University of the Basque Country found that children as young as eight can correctly associate plants with animals in their drawings. This suggests that they are developing an understanding of ecological connections and natural phenomena from a young age.
Researchers analyzed genetic material from organisms to assess dark diversity of sharks and found three times more species in wilderness areas than traditional visual methods. The results suggest a lower estimated dark diversity of sharks in the region, potentially impacting IUCN Red List classifications and aiding conservation efforts.
A multi-university study is mapping the repeated evolution of similar head shapes among animals using their heads to dig into the ground. The researchers aim to understand how anatomy, development, relationships, and ancestry influence body shape, examining over 400 million years of evolution.
Computer-generated chimpanzee simulations become more accurate thanks to simple changes in machine learning algorithms. The research also reveals that all primates walk with a unique 'curious' gait, which may be linked to stability while moving through trees.
A new study found that hummingbirds' muscle capacity is associated with better deacceleration, accelerating on a dime, and upward rotations. Wing loading was also linked to rotational movement and turns in general, suggesting that evolved changes in muscle capacity may compensate for relatively small wing size.
Researchers discovered a subset of neurons in bat and rat hippocampi that specifically encode the spatial position of other members of the same species. These findings provide insights into how social animals navigate and interact with each other.
A new study by researchers at LMU Munich confirms that sponges are the oldest animal group, contradicting previous findings that suggested comb jellies were the first. The team used a refined method to analyze genetic data and found that sponges' simple multicellular structure is more primitive than initially thought.
A new review examines veterinary antibiotic use and its impact on soil resistance, highlighting the need for tighter controls. Recent studies show increased concentrations of antibiotics and diversity of resistant genes in animal manure and treated soils.
Researcher suggests a wide range of animal species exhibit executive control when making decisions, consciously considering their goals and ways to satisfy them. Studies have shown that elephants, chimpanzees, ravens, and lions engage in rational decision-making, remembering specific events, using tools, and solving problems.
The discovery of exceptionally well-preserved microfossils in Mongolia's Khesen Formation may confirm the existence of animal ecosystems earlier than previously thought. The cache, comprising eight genera and 17 species, represents a critical transition in life's history.
Recent study in Journal of Wildlife Management suggests trophy hunting doesn't drive artificial selection, altering horn and antler sizes. Researchers argue that numerous obstacles counteract hunter selection, minimizing population-level changes.
A University of Guelph study reveals that early-born squirrels have a better chance at survival, as they can find vacant spots to store their food for the winter. The researchers found that birth date is a key factor in survival, with earlier births being more advantageous in densely populated neighborhoods.
Research on ostriches reveals a counter-intuitive effect of their double-kneecap, decreasing mechanical advantage in knee extensor muscles. The true purpose of this unique structure is still unknown, with potential roles including tendon protection and joint function improvement.
The study suggests that animal phyla emerged rapidly around 700 million years ago, prior to the global Ice Age. The earliest known animal fossils exhibit complex morphologies, indicating animals originated before the Cambrian Period. New molecular-clock analysis produces a new estimate for the ages of the oldest animal groups.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that a recently developed molecular clock method called RelTime failed to relax the clock, sparking debate on the age of animals. The team's findings suggest that animals are unlikely to be older than approximately 850 million years, in agreement with previous studies.
A KAIST research team developed a hybrid animal-robot interaction system that attaches to a turtle and induces its object-tracking behavior through training sessions. The parasitic robot successfully controls the direction of movement in a water tank, offering an alternative solution to conventional mobile robot limitations.
Leading scientists argue that animal testing is essential for medical breakthroughs, yet protocols can be improved to increase their credibility and usefulness. The authors propose four ways to enhance animal experiments, including intensifying studies and incorporating clinical trial rules.
A new study found that gut bacteria in fruit flies can reprogram the body's nutritional needs to safeguard against nutrient deficiencies. The bacteria induce a metabolic change that mimics protein satiety, altering appetite and fertility.
An international team of neuroscientists has discovered that neurons coordinate their activity to improve motor control, shedding light on the brain's mechanisms. The findings may lead to better brain-machine interfaces for paralyzed patients.
A 3.5-billion-year-old phosphorus surplus coincided with the emergence of complex life on Earth, suggesting a key role in animal evolution. The discovery was made by analyzing sedimentary rock records from ancient coastal zones.
A Norwegian ground-breaking study reveals that the mouth and anus do not originate from a common blastopore as previously thought. The research suggests that the formation of either organ is a consequence of how each embryo is organized during early development.
A study on rhesus macaques found that low-status animals exhibit greater antibacterial responses, while high-status animals have stronger antiviral responses. Social subordination stress influences immune-related gene expression in low-status individuals.
A random mutation in a single-celled organism created a new family of proteins that are essential for the evolution of animals. The mutation altered the protein's flexibility, allowing it to advance to a new function and play a key role in multicellular life.
Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that vocal cords can be stretched and stiffened to predict an animal's pitch range, revealing evolutionary roots of voice. The study suggests that singers can increase their ranges by stretching their vocal cords or engaging in exercises that affect fiber spacing and cord stiffness.
A novel theory of animal evolution suggests that a biochemical oscillator named Life's Timekeeper controls cell maintenance and repair, determining cell longevity. This mechanism is believed to have driven the extension of cell longevity in animals, leading to the development of complex organisms.
A new study in Cell Reports found that macaques have a third set of neurons in their sensory cortex that respond optimally to curved motion. This discovery provides insights into how animals navigate through three-dimensional spaces and could have implications for human balance and movement.
Scientists discovered that wapitis produce two mechanisms to create their eerie calls: a low-pitched roar matching their size and a high-pitched whistle using nasal cavities. This unusual adaptation allows wapitis to communicate accurately despite their large size.
Researchers found that bats exposed to prolonged loud noise showed minimal sensitivity loss, with only a slight decrease of 0.6 decibels over 24 hours. This natural resiliency may hold clues for developing devices or implants to help humans cope with loud noises.
Researchers have captured a snapshot of how coronaviruses enter cells using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. The atomic model suggests specific vaccine strategies against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. A fusion peptide on the outer edge of the spike protein may be an ideal target for neutralizing coronaviruses.
Researchers estimate that 69 out of 100 male lions will die from age-independent causes, mostly killed by trophy hunters or local farmers. This puts the entire lion population at risk, disrupting social structures and leading to increased mortality rates.
MIT neuroscientists identify the brain region responsible for feelings of loneliness and increased sociability after isolation. This discovery provides a starting point for studying loneliness-like states and their neural mechanisms.
Researchers have discovered significant differences in the number of neurons in nematode ventral cords across various species, suggesting that neuron number and anatomy may have evolved multiple times. This variation could lead to the development of more targeted nematicides to control plant-parasitic nematodes.
Scientists report a new detection method for identifying aromatase inhibitor use in horses, increasing chances of catching cheaters by 2-2.5 times longer than conventional methods.
Researchers suggest that a single mutation in protein interactions was crucial for the transition from single-celled to multi-cellular organisms. This discovery has implications for understanding disease states, such as cancer, where damaged cells can revert to a unicellular state.
Sherborn's monumental work, Index Animalium, provides a rigid framework for knowledge and has remained the most complete reference source for animal nomenclature. Biodiversity informatics aims to build on his work, expanding to be digital, diversified, and accessible.
A recent study published in Nature finds a sharp decline in the association of plant and animal species over the last 6,000 years. This shift is attributed to human population growth and agricultural practices, which have led to changes in ecological conditions.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 'spring-mass' walking system that combines passive dynamics with computer control, allowing robots to blindly react to rough terrain and maintain balance. The technology has the potential to enhance legged robots and enable new roles in industries such as manufacturing and firefig...
Researchers found that great apes can remember and anticipate memorable events from a single viewing of a movie, using anticipatory looks to track impending events. The study used eye-tracking technology to test the apes' ability to recall and anticipate events in two different films.
A recent study found that signaling to one another can be lost in populations, particularly if receiving the signal is not crucial for mating. This loss of signals can happen rapidly and may lead to extinction or hybridization with other species.
A study found that intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, were the most commonly found parasite in cats across Austria, with over 56% testing positive. The parasites can be transmitted through contact with infected cat faeces, and households with multiple cats are at higher risk.
Researchers at Uppsala University mapped the genetic structure and evolution of the W chromosome in birds, finding that it does not contain genes leading to female development. The W chromosome instead serves as a buffer for females with one copy of the X chromosome, allowing certain genes to work.
Archaeologists uncovered a complete camel skeleton in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century, shedding light on camel use in Central Europe. The hybrid camel, with a dromedary mother and Bactrian father, was likely used for military transportation, not food.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that the language used to switch genes on and off has remained conserved across millions of years of evolution. The differences between species reside in the content and length of these instructions, with specific transcription factors recognizing unique DNA words.
The EU's new regulation on invasive alien species aims to combat one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, with around 12,000 species currently in the EU. The legislation incorporates the findings of the DAISIE research project and will list prioritized species for transnational threats.
Researchers developed a low-cost focus stacking setup that produces better results than high-end solutions, ideal for mass digitization programs. The system uses consumer-grade products and is easy to control, allowing for high-quality macro photography at a fraction of the cost.
A recent study published in the Royal Society journal Interface suggests that humans have evolved to rely too heavily on social information, leading to a decrease in responsiveness to changes in their environment. This phenomenon, known as herd mentality, can result in groups becoming less effective at making decisions.
Scientists found that oxygen levels during the Proterozoic period were only 0.1% of today's conditions, making it difficult for animal life to emerge. This new study suggests that low oxygen levels may have delayed the rise of animals on Earth.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the evolution of competitiveness tends to diversify, with some individuals avoiding competition and others investing heavily. This divergence can lead to population extinction if external pressures fuel an 'arm's race' towards higher competitiveness.
Scientists discovered a new land snail species, Aegista diversifamilia, in eastern Taiwan, confirming previous suggestions of cryptic species within the previously identified A. subchinensis. The new species is larger and has a different shell shape than A. subchinensis, highlighting the importance of biogeographic barriers.
A new study published by Oregon State University researchers found that a compound called xanthohumol, found in hops and beer, enhances cognitive flexibility in young mice. However, it had no effect on older mice or their learning and cognitive performance.
A recent UCL study discovered that the human habenula, a tiny part of the brain, tracks expectations about negative events like painful electric shocks. This tiny region suppresses dopamine, driving motivation, and its activation can signal how bad outcomes are expected.
Researchers found three diseases have failed to receive official recognition and funding, impacting human and animal health in developing nations. A multidisciplinary One Health approach could improve human and animal health and control these diseases.
A UCLA study reveals that genuine laughs share acoustic properties with animal laughter, while fake laughs sound distinct, suggesting humans have evolved to detect deception through laughter. The researchers analyzed recordings of real and fake laughs, finding breathy sounds were more prevalent in genuine laughs.
A new study published in PeerJ reveals that bold baboons are more likely to learn and demonstrate new skills to others, while shy individuals watch but do not participate. Personality differences play a significant role in social learning among animals, challenging previous assumptions about animal cognition.
Researchers developed a portable ventilation pump for large animals, improving the safety of veterinarians treating patients in the field. The device is easy to use and inexpensive, allowing veterinarians to provide emergency first aid without relying on conventional equipment.