Articles tagged with Animals
Researchers discovered a common parasite of modern oysters has been infecting bivalves for hundreds of millions of years. The parasite, belonging to the spionid group, has remained largely unchanged despite multiple mass extinction events.
Researchers Prof Axel Cleeremans, Prof Anil Seth, and Prof Liad Mudrik warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness. They emphasize the need for theory-driven research and innovative methods to advance consciousness science.
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
A study of nine large mammal species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem found that their behavioral responses to summer heat were influenced more by environmental structure than biological traits. Populations living in homogeneous environments altered their behavior more dramatically, seeking shade and cooler conditions.
Researchers found that stabilimenta, 'decorations' on spider webs, can boost a spider's ability to pinpoint the location of prey caught in its web. Numerical simulations suggest that stabilimenta enhance vibration propagation at specific angles, increasing potential detection points.
A new study reveals that polar bears act as crucial providers for Arctic species, leaving behind millions of kilograms of prey annually. This carrion provides a vital energy source for a wide network of arctic scavenger species, including Arctic foxes and ravens.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that tadpoles that lose their lungs through evolution never regain them, even when environmental change would favor it. This challenges the assumption that lost traits can easily reemerge.
Scientists studied the crystalline waste of over 20 reptile species and found spheres of uric acid in all of them. This unique packaging method may inform treatments for human conditions like kidney stones and gout.
Researchers at University of Würzburg discover carpenter ants perform prophylactic amputations on injured workers, halving infection spread and doubling survival rate. This unique approach is reminiscent of human medical logic, highlighting the importance of timely treatment in densely populated colonies.
At least eight bat species frequent pig farms in Northern Italy due to lack of physical barriers, increasing risk of coronavirus transmission. Researchers used a multi-disciplinary approach to study the interfaces between bats and pigs.
Researchers tracked oceanic manta rays and found they dive to depths over 1,200 meters to gather information about their environment and navigate across the open ocean. These dives are linked with increased horizontal travel afterwards, suggesting a mental mapping function.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
New research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals planarian stem cells ignore their nearest neighbors and respond to signals further away in the body. This discovery may help explain the flatworm's extraordinary ability to regenerate and offer clues for developing new ways to replace or repair tissues in humans.
A community-managed forest in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve supports a rich variety of medium-to-large mammals and birds comparable to those in protected national parks. However, some vulnerable species avoid areas with high human access, revealing subtle, cryptic disturbances that ripple through the forest.
A study of 105 dogs found that 33 exhibited compulsive engagement with toys despite negative consequences. Dogs showed excessive fixation on their toy, lack of interest in alternatives, and inability to calm down after toy removal.
Low to moderate-severity fires boost bird populations with effects lasting up to 35 years, contrary to traditional fire suppression practices. Forest managers can use controlled burns and pyrodiversity to benefit majority of birds in the forest.
Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University review the biological and technological possibilities behind enhancing canine communication. They find that while dogs may not need words to be great communicators, understanding each other requires 'listening' in the right way.
Researchers assessed the impact of reactivity in red brocket deer on training efficiency, finding that calm individuals can learn commands like 'Come'. In contrast, more restless individuals had difficulty learning and following instructions.
A study by PLOS reveals significant differences in gut microbiomes between captive and wild bears and pandas, particularly among giant pandas which have less diverse microbiomes than their wild counterparts.
A global study found that introduced animal species have a greater impact on seed dispersal than native animal extinctions. Non-native mammals, such as pigs and rats, often replace native frugivorous birds, bats, and tortoises, affecting seed size and dispersal.
A new study found that snow leopards have very low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction. The research suggests that the snow leopard's low genetic diversity is due to its persistently small population size over time.
Researchers developed ECODATA, an open-source tool for exploring animal movements in the wild by creating animations that help ecologists study animal movement, climate change and conservation efforts. The software combines direct wildlife location observations with complex remote sensing data to create customizable maps.
Researchers found that seabirds use different strategies to find food, with scent-tracking birds benefiting visually hunting birds. This study provides insights into complex systems and crowd behavior, informing conservation strategies for procellariiform seabirds.
Researchers found over 20 bird species across four continents produce nearly identical whining calls when spotting parasites, suggesting a shared learned response.
A new species of the genus Leucothoe was identified on Sugashima Island, Japan. The discovery was associated with a specific type of limid bivalve, highlighting the unique biodiversity found in this region.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that heat does not significantly affect the cognitive ability of sea turtle hatchlings. However, higher incubation temperatures negatively impact their physical traits, including shorter incubation durations, lower hatching success, and more frequent scute anomalies. The stud...
Researchers found that Eastern coyote populations stabilize faster than they can be reduced due to their unique reproductive ability. The study suggests a need for alternatives in habitat management and biodiversity.
A Cornell University study detected disease-causing microbes like Salmonella, Cronobacter, and E. coli in raw cat foods sold frozen, refrigerated, and freeze-dried. These pathogens can transfer from pets to humans, especially young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
A serological survey found antibodies against the virus in over 2% of cattle and wildlife samples in southern continental France. The detection highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission and underscores the need for further investigation into explanatory factors.
A new species of Diploderma lizard, Diploderma bifluviale, has been described from the upper Dadu River Valley in the Hengduan mountains of Sichuan Province. The species exhibits unique characteristics, such as a wheat-colored tongue and distinct coloration, and is found in semi-arid shrublands at elevations of 2,100 to 2,500 m.
Researchers used ultraflexible probes to track neurons in the visual cortex of mice for 15 consecutive days, revealing that millisecond rhythms explain how the brain maintains a stable picture of the world. The findings provide new insights for brain-computer interfaces, sensory prostheses and therapies for neurological disease.
A study by UAB and UdL found that horses can adapt their diet according to breed, environment, and use, reducing fuel loads and maintaining open landscapes. The research suggests that horses could be a valuable resource for fire prevention strategies in Mediterranean landscapes.
A new study reveals that puppy ownership can bring joy to parents and children, but also presents mental health challenges, including child-puppy interactions and caregiver responsibilities. To mitigate these risks, researchers recommend discussing dog-care responsibilities with children and attending safety training classes.
A study by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers found that 79% of endemic ant species in Fiji are declining over the past few hundred years, coinciding with European contact and modern agricultural techniques. In contrast, non-native ant species are exploding in population.
A survey of nearly 50,000 dog owners found that dogs became harder to train during the pandemic, with improvements noted once restrictions were lifted. Factors like age, breed, and size also influenced behavior, with mixed-breed dogs showing more fear, aggression, and need for attention.
Research reveals that even thermally tolerant coral species like Stylophora pistillata can experience reduced growth and increased metabolic demand under chronic elevated baseline temperatures. However, some corals can recover when waters cool in the winter, suggesting a potential for resilience.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
A UK study found that plant-based dog foods did not meet nutritional guidelines for iodine and B-vitamins, but experts say supplements or formulation changes can address these gaps. The research analyzed 31 dry dog foods, including meat-based and veterinary options, and found none met European Pet Food Industry Federation standards.
A new study links the size of male proboscis monkeys' noses to their unique vocal characteristics, suggesting a significant impact on individual identity. The findings shed light on the complex interplay between anatomy, acoustics, and social behavior in animals, with potential implications for human communication.
Researchers at OIST identified biological processes that support young clownfish adaptation to climate change and warming seas. Exposing juvenile fish to raised water temperatures showed significant changes in liver and pancreas, reducing insulin secretion and increasing oxidative phosphorylation.
A genetic test developed by Dr Lauren Lansdowne can reliably determine the species of individual gibbons, helping to preserve vulnerable populations. The test uses DNA sequencing and has been validated using large-scale samples from over 200 gibbons in European zoos.
A new species of hypercarnivorous crocodyliform, Kostensuchus atrox, has been discovered in prehistoric Patagonia with a length of 11.5ft and weight of 250kg. This predator was likely one of the top predators in its ecosystem.
Researchers at Binghamton University have identified two previously unknown species of parasitic wasps living in the United States, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and oak gall wasp diversity. The discovery sheds light on how these insects escape diverse and evolving clades of parasites.
Dwarf Channel Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) have larger brains than their mainland gray fox counterparts, contradicting the notion of island-specific evolutionary pressures leading to reduced brain size. This finding suggests little evidence of domestication in these isolated California islands.
Researchers developed a sustainable solution to help tackle honeybee decline by creating an engineered food supplement. The new feed, designed to provide essential compounds found in plant pollen, significantly enhances colony reproduction.
A video study of wild spectral bats reveals social greetings, food provision, and cooperative foraging behaviors. The bats were found to exhibit gentle and cooperative behavior, recognizing researchers and forming tight cuddle-balls while roosting.
Researchers have found that Black Mambas accumulate heavy metals such as lead and mercury in their scales. This allows them to serve as a natural indicator of environmental pollution levels. By analyzing scale clippings from these snakes, scientists can accurately measure spatial patterns of pollution without harming the snakes.
A new study sheds light on how river birds adapt their communication depending on social and environmental cues. White-throated dippers use visual signals, such as blinking bright white eyelids, to convey messages when noise levels are high.
A new study shows that slower-growing, higher-welfare meat chicken breeds can prevent intense pain at minimal costs. The Welfare Footprint Framework provides a standardized metric to measure animal welfare impacts alongside financial and environmental indicators.
A new study found that river otters in Chesapeake Bay eat diverse prey and parasites, including flukes, dinoflagellates, and invasive fish. The researchers suggest that otters may be helping to clean up polluted environments by consuming parasite-infected animals.
The winner of the 2025 BMC journals Image Competition is a photograph of two male saigas sparring on the banks of a steppe lake. The image, taken by Andrey Giljov, showcases the unique characteristics of saiga antelopes and their survival strategies.
Researchers have identified a previously undocumented class of PFAS in the blubber of killer whales, accumulating in fat-rich blubber. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that PFAS primarily bind to proteins and accumulate in liver or blood.
Monarch butterflies utilize magnetic fields for migratory directionality, with orientation recalibrated by cold temperatures. Experimental study suggests this ability may be disrupted under climate change, threatening their migration patterns.
Researchers have developed a 'tap-and-go' approach using specially adapted drones to apply monitoring tags to whales. This innovative method significantly speeds up the process while minimizing human interaction with the animals.
Researchers found that cockatoos display a wide repertoire of dance moves, with at least 10 out of 21 species exhibiting this behavior. The study reveals that dancing may have originated as courtship behavior redirected towards owners, and playing music to parrots could improve their welfare.
Scientists studied male fiddler crabs competing over females in a claw-waving contest. The robot crab, Wavy Dave, waved its claw, causing real males to respond by waving longer and less retreating into their burrows.
Researchers found that short-nosed dogs are calmer and less reactive, but this benefit is often masked by lack of training. Consistent training is crucial for their good traits to shine through.
A new study has coined the term 'scrumping' to describe great apes' fondness for eating ripe, fermented fruit from the forest floor. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have played a significant role in the evolution of human alcohol tolerance.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney discovered that leopard seal songs share structural similarities with human nursery rhymes, featuring predictable patterns and low entropy. The study found that male seals spend up to 13 hours a day singing in two-minute cycles, with each individual creating a unique sonic signature.
The Rhisotope Project uses low-level radioactive isotopes in rhino horns to track and intercept trafficked horns, aiming to disrupt the illegal trade. Researchers have confirmed the process is safe for animals and effective in making horns detectable through international customs systems.