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100 million years ago, an ‘evolutionary fuse’ was lit in the deep ocean, sparking squid diversification

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Human touch leaves chicks feeling egg stra happy, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAnimal Welfare·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Squirrels climb higher for better snacks

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 26, 2026

The polar bear ‘umbrella’: How protecting one species saves many

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.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalArctic Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Oyster reefs off the US Atlantic coast remove more nitrogen and provide greater economic value than previously estimated, and their restoration may be effective in maintaining water quality and improving marine ecosystems

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 25, 2026

Highly and casually active citizen scientists contribute equally valuable data

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.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalCitizen Science Theory and Practice·DateMar 24, 2026

Long-term road surveys reveal widespread declines in South African birds of prey

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.

SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeSurvey·DateMar 20, 2026

It’s coyote puppy season. Here’s what you need to know.

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 16, 2026

New study clarifies how temperature shapes sex development in leopard gecko

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.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalDevelopmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Microbial clues uncover how wild songbirds respond to stress

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobiome·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Humans perceive and mimic the emotional expressions of non-human primates

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

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Veterinarians in Japan and the UK view animal welfare through different cultural lenses

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...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAnimal Welfare·TypeSurvey·DateMar 10, 2026

Could ultrasound help save hedgehogs?

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 10, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Snakes off the plane

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

Share of migratory wild animal species with declining populations despite UN treaty protections worsens from 44% to 49% in two years; 24% face extinction, up 2%

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.

SourceConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)·DateMar 5, 2026

UMD entomologist helps bring the world’s ant diversity to life in 3D imagery

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Bumblebees are efficient decision-makers

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.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Brown recluse spiders rare in Florida, reluctant to bite, USF study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Blaming beavers for flood damage is bad policy and bad science, Concordia research shows

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Social pressure forces baby clownfish to lose their bars faster

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Honey bee "dance floors" can be accurately located with a new method, mapping where in the hive forager bees perform waggle dances to signal the location of pollen and nectar for their nestmates

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 18, 2026

Selected dog breeds with most breathing trouble identified in new study

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 ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 18, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

How forest conversion can harm dung beetles

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Road salt creates more harm to freshwater life than expected, study finds

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%.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalOikos·DateFeb 12, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Are returning Pumas putting Patagonian Penguins at risk? New study reveals the likelihood

A new study reveals that more than 7,000 adult Magellanic penguins were killed by pumas in just four years, posing a significant threat to the penguin population. The research suggests that high puma predation rates could exacerbate reproductive decline and juvenile mortality, ultimately putting the colony at risk of extinction.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·DateFeb 4, 2026

Sounding out animal reactions to the 2024 eclipse

Researchers found that while the eclipse influenced sound activity and diversity, it didn't alter acoustic complexity. The study used novel acoustic capture devices to record animal vocalizations before, during, and after the April 2024 eclipse at three Ohio sites.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEthology Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 4, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Unsupervised strategies for naïve animals: New model of adaptive decision making inspired by baby chicks, turtles and insects

A new Royal Society paper proposes a model of adaptive decision making in naïve animals, showing early biases are surprisingly widespread and interact to support survival. This 'unsupervised strategy' can help inexperienced animals and artificial intelligence reduce the need for training.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 3, 2026

How light pollution disrupts orientation in moths

Scientists studying light pollution's impact on moths aim to develop a more detailed understanding of its effects. The Lightstar project will track moths using ultra-lightweight responders and simulate street lighting conditions in field experiments.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateFeb 2, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New species of ladybird beetle discovered on Kyushu University campus

A new species of ladybird beetle, Parastethorus pinicola, was discovered on a pine tree at Kyushu University's Hakozaki Satellite. The beetle measures just over one millimeter in length and is the first major update to Japanese ladybird classification in 50 years.

SourceKyushu University·JournalActa Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 30, 2026

Meerkat “sunning calls”: the social putty of gentle chit-chat

Researchers found that meerkats use soft-spoken sunning calls to stay socially connected and manage group hierarchies without direct physical contact. Subordinate meerkats responded more strongly to dominant calls, suggesting vocal exchanges help stabilize weak social relationships.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJan 30, 2026

These caterpillars can hear using tiny hairs on their bodies

Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that caterpillars can hear airborne sounds via microscopic hairs on their bodies. The study found that the caterpillars were 10 to 100 times more responsive to airborne sound than surface vibrations felt on their feet, suggesting a new approach for improving microphone technology.

SourceBinghamton University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Hearing angry or happy human voices is linked to changes in dogs’ balance

A study found that dogs experience changes in balance when hearing angry or happy human voices. Angry voices were most strongly associated with destabilization, while happy voices led to both stabilization and destabilization in some cases. The research suggests that emotional arousal may play a role in the dogs' responses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Living walls boost biodiversity by providing safe spaces for urban wildlife

A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalUrban Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

Strategic sex: Alaska’s beluga whales swap mates for long-term survival

A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

A two-week leap in breeding: Antarctic penguins’ striking climate adaptation

A decade-long study found that Antarctic penguin species are adapting to a changing environment by advancing their breeding seasons. Gentoo penguins showed the greatest change, with an average advance of 13 days per decade, making them vulnerable to declining food availability and ecosystem collapse.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJan 20, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

By changing their habits, many animals still hanging on in the face of warming

A new analysis of 73 species reveals that most animals are changing their habits in response to warming, but surprisingly, many are thriving. The study found that most species shifted their timing in warmer years, yet maintained or even increased their numbers despite the climate crisis.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 19, 2026

Shark biology breakthrough: Study tracks tiger sharks to Maui mating hub

A six-year acoustic tracking study reveals a predictable seasonal convergence of mature male and female tiger sharks off Olowalu, Maui, coinciding with the humpback whale calving season. The findings suggest an annual mating aggregation site for tiger sharks, contrary to their conventional understanding as solitary wanderers.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 15, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Your pet's flea treatment could be destroying the planet

A recent study found that common flea and tick control medications used in dogs and cats can contaminate ecosystems with toxic chemicals. Isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs, used globally since 2013, may harm dung-feeding insects, including flies and butterflies, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who have experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experienced human deaths, with significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms also being reported following pet loss

A recent study found that approximately 1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experiencing human deaths. The study also discovered significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms following pet loss.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateJan 14, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.