Articles tagged with Animals
A study of Maiasaura peeblesorum fossilized teeth reveals that juvenile dinosaurs likely received nutritious food while adults consumed tougher plant parts, indicating bird-like parental care. This behavior may have originated in dinosaurs and predates the emergence of birds.
Scientists describe new genus and species of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau, found in Natural History Museum collections. The discovery highlights the scientific value of museum collections and showcases the unique characteristics of this rare subfamily.
Researchers at Washington State University and Google developed an AI system that can process hundreds of thousands to millions of camera trap images in just a few days, reducing analysis time from months to days. The results aligned with human experts' models in roughly 85-90% of cases, making it a significant breakthrough for conserv...
A high school teacher participated in a citizen science project to record migration data for Black Skimmers in the Eastern US. The study documents the farthest dispersal for breeding among this species, providing valuable insights into its movements.
A new study on white-faced capuchin monkeys found that larger groups consume fruit at slower rates, especially during extreme climatic conditions. The monkeys expand their home range to access more foraging options and less-depleted food patches, offsetting the costs of internal competition.
A new study finds that dog trainers' methods reflect their ethical stance on animals. Owners with an anthropocentric view are more likely to use punishment-based methods, while those with a focus on animal welfare opt for positive training methods. The study highlights the importance of considering ethics in dog training.
The University of Oldenburg is building a unique research facility to study animal navigation and magnetoreception. The NaviGate building will offer conditions worldwide for addressing current questions in animal navigation research, sensory biology, and neurosensorics.
Researchers found that camels have a more flexible and coordinated response to heat stress, allowing them to maintain stability even at higher temperatures. In contrast, human cells tend to respond in a more rigid way, making them less adaptable under heat stress.
Researchers used eDNA to monitor human diets and track local wildlife in NYC's East River, revealing the presence of domesticated animals and seasonal fish populations. The study found correlations between wastewater eDNA levels and human dietary patterns, providing a valuable tool for urban estuary management.
Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.
Researchers use tree rings and satellites to date changes beavers make to the tundra landscape as they spread northwards. The study provides evidence of beaver colonization in the region starting in 2008, with satellite analysis revealing a significant expansion of surface water between 2015 and 2019.
Citizen science projects are expanding globally to study bat ecology and support conservation. Methods include acoustic surveys and observations, providing valuable insights into bat distribution and seasonal activity. Collaboration with community members is crucial for advancing understanding of bat ecology and informing habitat prote...
Researchers analyzed a Virginia colony of wild gray bats, finding they modify their echolocation calls based on the size of their flying group and environmental obstacles. The study reveals how these adjustments help the bats navigate safely during flight.
A study of 113 baby barn swallows in Colorado found that temperature extremes and variability negatively impact the youngest, smallest, and most neglected nestlings. The research suggests that developmental constraints play a crucial role in determining the effects of temperature on nestling growth.
In a unique behavior, monkeys on Gibraltar have learned to eat dirt to help them digest the junk food consumed by tourists, which disrupts their gut microbiome. The researchers found that geophagy is socially learned and has become part of the macaques' culture, with different troops having preferences for certain types of soil.
A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present in the gut microbiomes of American black bears in eastern North Carolina. The researchers also discovered that these pathogens can be dispersed through bear feces, making the bears a potential indicator species for environmental changes.
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.
A new study suggests that many animal communication signals, including those from insects, birds, mammals, and fish, repeat at nearly the same tempo of 2 hertz. This common tempo may reflect a shared biological constraint, enabling brains to detect signals more easily and process communication more efficiently.
A team of Cornell researchers has discovered a massive aggregation of ground-nesting bees, estimated to be over 5.5 million individual bees, in the East Lawn Cemetery. The discovery highlights the importance of these solitary bees as agricultural pollinators and adds credence to claims that cemeteries serve as preserves of biodiversity.
Entomologist Mark Moffett observes harvester ants congregating with smaller cone ants in Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains. The unusual behavior involves the cone ants licking and nibbling the harvester ants' body surfaces, possibly consuming calorie-rich dust-size morsels.
Adélie penguins have been found to consume shelled pteropods as an opportunistic prey, highlighting a previously underdocumented trophic relationship in the Southern Ocean. The study provides valuable insights into the penguins' foraging behavior and its potential implications for the ecosystem.
Researchers observed tarantulas using spatial orientation to improve prey capture and retreat location, indicating possible learning and memory use. The study suggests that tarantulas' nervous systems support flexible behavior and may rely on internal body signals combined with environmental cues.
A new study by University of Maryland researcher Meredith Gore and colleagues found that traded wild mammals are 1.5 times more likely to share infectious agents with humans than species not involved in trade. The risk is higher for animals traded illegally or sold live, which fuels the demand for exotic pets.
A new study from UC Riverside shows that a locally adapted population of SoCal honeybees can naturally suppress deadly mites. The hybrid bees are less susceptible to Varroa mite infestations and cross-thresholds, making them more resistant than commercial breeds.
A survey study found that dog owners have difficulty recognizing subtle signs of pain in their pets. Only about half of owners correctly identified symptoms such as nighttime restlessness and clinginess as likely indicating pain.
A new study examines the lives of apex predators in the Himalayas, finding that snow leopards, leopards, and wolves coexist by choosing distinct prey sources. The research highlights the importance of niche partitioning in facilitating the coexistence of these species in a shared space.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University found that cooperative breeding in Lake Tanganyika's lamprologine cichlids first emerged around 4 million years ago. The study reveals a link between cooperative breeding and smaller body sizes, as well as reduced clutch size.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that gentle human interactions trigger positive emotions in young chickens. The study's results suggest that early-life handling can shape animals' affective experiences and improve their welfare.
A new study from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) identifies the 'long fuse' that led to the diversification of modern squid and cuttlefish. The research suggests that these animals originated in the deep ocean around 100 million years ago, sparking rapid evolution after a mass extinction event.
Wild grey squirrels show a preference for almonds over pumpkin seeds, even when they require a longer climb to reach. This suggests that animals may benefit from waiting or working harder for a better outcome in natural decision-making scenarios.
Restored oyster reefs in the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen from the water than previously estimated. Additionally, their restoration provides greater economic value for coastal communities, supporting sustainable marine ecosystems.
A new study reveals that protecting polar bear habitat naturally safeguards the resources they rely on to survive, providing critical benefits to the ecosystem. By analyzing tracking data from 355 bears, researchers identified a high-use area near Cape Churchill, Manitoba, highlighting it as a prime location for a Marine Protected Area.
A new study finds that contributions from casual and highly active citizen scientists are equally valuable, with each group complementing the other. The research, led by Erin Grady, analyzed millions of observations on iNaturalist and found that both groups contribute to balancing biases in data collection.
A comprehensive study reveals substantial declines in many South African raptor and large terrestrial bird species over the past 16 years. Researchers detected sharp declines in threatened and iconic raptors, including the Endangered Secretarybird, highlighting the vulnerability of species dependent on multiple regions.
Researchers tracked 48 urban coyotes and found that over half of their dens were in natural structures, while others incorporated human-related items to create strong, hidden shelters. The study highlights the adaptability and intelligence of coyotes, which play a crucial role in urban ecosystems as apex predators and ecosystem engineers.
Researchers investigated temperature-dependent sex determination in leopard geckos, finding that temperature influences sex development during a specific window of embryonic development. Early genetic changes, including the activation of male and female developmental pathways, occur before physical differences become apparent.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers has uncovered the impact of stress on wild songbirds, finding that even mild challenges can alter the gut microbiome, leading to changes in health indicators such as beak color and stress hormone levels.
Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler's gut bacteria, finding that immune genes influence which microbes thrive, and that this relationship affects host health and survival. The study suggests a two-way relationship between immune genes and gut bacteria, with potential benefits for human health and disease prevention.
Research finds extreme cold and rain reduce young bird growth and survival, but earlier breeding can mitigate these effects. In contrast, hot extremes can boost growth by increasing insect activity and visibility.
A 3D-printed robotic rattlesnake triggered an avoidance response in zoo animals, particularly those sharing distribution with rattlers. The study found that the multimodal display of rattlesnakes is an effective deterring signal that works best with sympatric species.
A study published in PLOS One found that humans can recognize and mimic emotional expressions of non-human primates, indicating a strong empathetic response. The researchers assessed facial expressions and emotional states of participants, revealing a strong connection between humans and non-human primates
A new international survey reveals distinct differences in how veterinarians and animal welfare scientists in Japan and the UK perceive animal welfare, particularly animal behavior. The study found that cultural values, such as Japan's interdependence-oriented culture and the UK's individualistic society, influence attitudes towards an...
A new study reveals that hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound, up to 85 kHz, which could be used to design sound repellents for cars to deter them from roads. The findings suggest a potential solution to reduce hedgehog deaths, which are a major cause of road traffic accidents.
Researchers discovered a simple strategy for snakes to stand upright without limbs, concentrating bending and muscle activity into a short boundary layer near their base. This approach reduces energy required while maintaining balance, offering design principles for soft robots and medical devices.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
Researchers at UMD used AI and 3D imaging to accelerate the scanning and creation of 2,000 interactive ant models, reducing scanning time from 10 hours to a single week. The project, dubbed Antscan, aims to create a living library of interactive models corresponding to Earth's biodiversity.
A new study reveals that ammonia released from intensive livestock farms can stimulate soil microbial processes that generate nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The research highlights an overlooked pathway linking livestock pollution to global warming.
A recent study by the University of Konstanz investigated bumblebee decision-making behaviour, revealing that they take a 'shortcut' in information processing to save time. The insects primarily rely on flower colours to remember good food sources, but also recognize shapes and patterns.
A new USF study challenges long-standing assumptions about the brown recluse spider, finding it's far less common in Florida and exhibits a lower propensity to bite. The research also reveals that bites typically produce shallow wounds with minimal tissue damage.
A new Concordia research study refutes the notion that beaver dam failures can cause river flooding, arguing that failed dams had only a small effect on water levels downstream. The study found that natural conditions such as steep slopes and intense rainfall were more likely to cause damage.
A new study reveals that animal species with fast-paced ecologies have faster visual perception, tracking prey in mid-air versus grazing slowly across the seabed. This finding supports Autrum's hypothesis and highlights how ecology shapes the tempo of perception across life on Earth.
A new poll finds that pets contribute to healthy aging benefits for older adults, including increased sense of purpose and reduced stress. However, 31% of pet owners aged 50+ report that owning a pet strains their budget, mainly due to financial costs.
A new study reveals that the presence of older fish accelerates bar loss in young tomato anemonefish, a process linked to social hierarchy and environmental adaptability. The researchers suggest this may be an insurance policy against invasion, with younger fish losing their bars as they are accepted into the group.
A new study has identified the most affected dog breeds when it comes to breathing difficulties, revealing that certain characteristics like a flat face and overweighed physique are associated with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The research found that Pekingese and Japanese Chin are at high risk, while others such ...
Researchers have developed a new method to map the location of honey bee 'dance floors,' where forager bees perform waggle dances. This method allows for accurate quantification and comparison of waggle dance regions, enabling better understanding of honey bee communication.
A study found that forest conversion harm dung beetles by increasing temperatures and drying out the ground, making it hostile for them. The key species, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, is particularly affected, with its population declining as temperatures rise.
Research by University of Missouri scientists found that road salt is deadly to freshwater snails when paired with the presence of predators, causing nearly 60% higher mortality rates. The study suggests practical solutions to reduce salt pollution in waterways, such as cutting road salt use by up to 50%.
Researchers suggest that seabirds were used to fertilize Peru's Chincha Valley as early as 1250 CE, potentially supporting the growth of a pre-Inca society. This ancient practice could have played a significant role in the region's agricultural development.
African softshell turtles have less diverse diets compared to their ancient counterparts. Human activities such as agriculture and carrion consumption likely contribute to this change in foraging habits.