Articles tagged with Animals
Researchers have trained African giant pouched rats to detect illegally trafficked wildlife species, including pangolin scales, elephant ivory, rhino horn, and African blackwood. The rats showed perfect retention scores after months of non-exposure, suggesting their cognitive performance resembles that of dogs.
A team of researchers has unveiled a spectacular new fossil arthropod named Lomankus edgecombei, preserved entirely in fool's gold. The specimen belongs to a group called megacheirans, which were thought to be extinct during the Ordovician Period.
Scientists used acoustic mapping technique to track vulnerable capelin species and observe massive predation event involving Atlantic cod. The study revealed that as climate change causes Arctic ice sheet to retreat, capelin will be more stressed and vulnerable to natural predation events.
A study found that western spotted skunks have a home range of up to 12 square miles, exceeding similar size mammals and even deer. The skunks' extensive range is likely due to limited food resources. Their sensitivity to winter weather also raises concerns about climate change impacts.
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
Researchers found that dogs trained to detect explosives are less sensitive in extreme temperature and humidity conditions, leading to longer detection times. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors when training dogs for explosive detection tasks.
A new study from Stanford University provides a tool for conservationists and law enforcement to protect captive tigers and prosecute wildlife crimes. The researchers analyzed the genetic diversity of privately held tigers in the US, finding that many are a mix of wild tiger ancestry, but also reflect characteristics of the illegal trade.
Scientists developed VenomCap to analyze venom genes in snakes, shedding light on snake evolution and developing effective treatments for deadly snake bites. The technique enables quicker analysis of thousands of venom-making genes, paving the way for improved antivenom development and global public health.
Researchers discovered that seabirds like albatrosses and penguins have sensory receptors and nerves in their beaks that could aid in finding food. This ability might enable the birds to detect tiny vibrations from potential prey, potentially helping conserve these critically endangered species.
A new study reveals that the Amazon's remarkable variety of plants and animals was shaped by woodlands and savannas connecting forest islands during the last Ice Age. The researchers used advanced climate and vegetation modelling techniques to provide a new understanding of the region's evolution.
A new study finds that the ancient bird Longipteryx ate fruits, contrary to previous hypotheses that it feasted on fish or insects. The discovery was made by analyzing fossilized seeds in the bird's stomach, which suggest a mixed diet including fruits and possibly insects when they were not available.
The study found that senior dog quality of life decline is linked to higher mortality rates when scores fall below 76% of the maximum. Many older dogs still have high quality of life despite predicted lifespan, indicating individual variability.
The peach blossom jellyfish, an invasive species from China, has been spotted in 34 locations in B.C., with predictions suggesting sightings and locations will increase by the end of the decade. The jellyfish clones are effectively identical, having originated from the same polyp or cluster of polyps.
A survey of over 9,400 dogs in the UK found no significant differences in health between designer poodle crossbreeds and their purebred counterparts. The study suggests that these hybrid breeds may be comparable in terms of physical health.
Scientists discovered the highest natural blood sugar levels in mammals, found in a species of bats that can survive on a diet rich in sugars. The study's findings suggest that these bats have evolved unique strategies for glucose regulation, which may hold potential for managing metabolic diseases in humans.
Over a 22-year period, researchers found significant cultural changes in the dialects of yellow-naped amazon parrots, including shifting dialect boundaries and new call variants. The findings suggest that the species' vocal learning ability may serve an adaptive role in responding to changing social dynamics.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have achieved the first successful lab rearing of Hypselodoris festiva, revealing a previously unknown growth process. The study describes nine stages of development, from metamorphosis to adulthood, and provides a reference for further research on Chromodorididae species.
A recent study found that 60% of birds surviving building collisions die during rehabilitation, contributing to a staggering number of fatalities. The authors estimate US bird collision deaths could reach over 1 billion annually.
A Dartmouth study suggests that social rank determines whether animals prioritize short-term energy consumption over long-term health, with dominant monkeys consuming food quickly to maintain dominance, while lower-ranked monkeys invest time in washing their food to prevent tooth damage. The findings shed light on the disposable soma h...
Researchers used a family tree of 9,409 bird species to explore the spread of color across the globe. They found that iridescence originated outside of the tropics and in most cases arose 415 times across the bird tree of life, suggesting the common ancestor of all modern birds likely had iridescent feathers too.
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute tracked the heart rates of male common noctule bats during flights, revealing a significant increase in heart rate from 6 to 900 beats per minute. The study found that bats consume up to 42% more energy in summer compared to spring, and develop unique strategies to survive in different seasons.
A new study reveals the crucial roles of fish and invertebrates in coral reef health, including nutrient boosting and predator protection. However, parasitic snails and destructive crab species also pose a threat to these vital ecosystems.
A newly discovered fossil, Gaiasia jennyae, reveals a giant salamander-like creature that was a top predator in the ice age before dinosaurs. The creature's unique features, including its toilet seat-shaped head and interlocking jaws, suggest it was an ambush predator.
Research reveals that environmental and behavioral factors such as the presence of children, play levels, and personality traits significantly impact cats' scratching behavior. Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can help alleviate stress and engage cats in constructive activities.
Human disturbance disrupts leopard-hyena competition, favoring hyenas. The study shows that male leopards retain dominance over hyenas but female leopards change behavior due to size disadvantage. Human expansion poses threat to leopards' survival and ecosystem balance.
A new study reveals that what was once known as the nine-banded armadillo is actually four distinct species, including one new species found in northeastern South America. The classification change affects armadillos in Mexico and the US states, with some now being called the Mexican long-nosed armadillo.
Climate change may enable parrot colonization in Polish cities due to rising temperatures and altered ecosystems. The frequency of escaped parrots in urban areas could be an early sign of this phenomenon.
A recent study reveals that some honeybees exhibit superior learning abilities compared to others, which may be attributed to distinct gene expression patterns in their brains. The research explores the behavioral and genetic underpinnings of individual differences in learning performance among Apis mellifera.
Researchers found that housing compatible shelter dogs together can significantly reduce stress in the dogs. The study also showed that this approach may lead to faster adoption rates for the dogs.
A noncoding gene has been identified as the deciding factor in determining sex in Argentine ants, with a specific genomic region being crucial to this process. The gene does not encode a protein but rather produces an RNA that influences sex determination.
A study found that the sweat bee H. rubicundus is less sociable in Scotland than in Cornwall, exhibiting genetic differentiation and isolation. The authors explored this phenomenon in the context of the species' adaptability to extreme latitudes.
Studies led by the University of Texas at Austin researchers found that bird song and human voice share a common genetic link, with the syrinx and larynx having similar developmental programming. This discovery highlights the shared ancestry between birds and humans in terms of vocal organ structure.
Mantis shrimp use their tail coils as shields to reduce the impact of rival blows, dissipated more energy than their armor can absorb. Researchers found that this behavioral adaptation increases energy loss by up to 90%
Researchers discovered lemurs possess an additional pair of vocal folds, which they believe is responsible for enriching their vocal repertoire and allowing them to exaggerate their size. This adaptation may have provided a selective advantage in competition for territory or mates.
A new study has reconstructed the ancient giant salmon with tusk-like teeth, previously thought to be 'saber-toothed'. The teeth actually pointed sideways out of the fish's mouth, similar to a warthog. This discovery sheds light on the species' possible uses for these massive spikes.
Researchers observed a rare instance of lemur predation by a fosa in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. The impact of this predation, combined with low reproductive rates and genetic isolation, poses significant threats to the survival of critically endangered lemurs.
Researchers investigated how watching videos affects attitudes toward rattlesnakes, finding that younger people and those with more snake experience were less receptive to the change. The study revealed variations in response to different messaging styles, highlighting individual differences in perception.
Researchers discovered that rats without prior knowledge of numbers can develop a sense of numbers when trained with sounds representing two or three numbers. The study found that the brain has a specific area for dealing with numbers, which is separate from the processing of magnitude.
Scientists have discovered a new ghostly slender ant species, Leptanilla voldemort, in the Pilbara region of north-western Australia. The species' unique morphology and sharp jaws suggest it may be a predator that exploits subterranean refuges.
A new study reveals that wildebeest populations which no longer migrate are less genetically healthy and more prone to decline. The loss of migration routes due to fencing and roads leads to lower genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and reduced fertility.
Research at the University of Oxford discovered that socially connected great tit birds are more likely to use new foods, consuming twice as much novel food as less sociable individuals. This trend suggests that social birds expand their diets to mitigate competition costs, not increased exploratory behavior.
Recent research reveals that social factors control ant queens' specialization in egg-laying and maintain it in established colonies. Founding queens assume multiple tasks before becoming specialized.
Researchers discovered how honeybees interpret dances that relay directions to food, even in complete darkness. By analyzing bee movements and antennae signals, scientists found a neural mechanism that combines sensory data from the two systems.
Researchers used isotope analysis to identify the origins of elite horses in medieval London, finding half had diverse international origins. The horses, used in jousting tournaments and status symbols, were sourced from Europe specifically for their height and strength.
A new species of fossil bird, named Imparavis attenboroughi, has been discovered in northeastern China and is the first of its kind to evolve toothlessness. The bird's unique wing bones suggest it may have had strong wing beats and could have foraged on both trees and ground.
Researchers observed an individual orca, nicknamed Starboard, killing a 2.5-meter juvenile great white shark within two minutes. The study challenges conventional cooperative hunting behaviors among killer whales, providing new insights into their predatory dynamics and potential impact on marine ecosystems.
Conservationists have initiated a breeding program in Vietnam to recover the spotted softshell turtle population threatened by overconsumption and habitat loss. The species is critically endangered, with no populations found in protected areas, highlighting the need for further conservation efforts.
A new study by George Washington University researchers found that people make instant judgments about unknown dogs based on their facial appearance. The study's lead author, Courtney Sexton, suggests that better understanding canine and human communication is crucial as these animals play increasingly important roles in society.
A new species of rare pseudoscorpion, Olpium caputi, has been discovered in French Polynesia and named after Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová. The species was collected on the island of Tahiti and is the first new record for the region.
A new study from the University of Ottawa proposes using vanoxerine, a drug initially developed for cocaine addiction, to potentially treat advanced colon cancer. Vanoxerine has been found to suppress cancer stem cell activity in colon cancer patients' tissues and tumours implanted in laboratory animals. The drug works by interfering w...
Scientists discovered a common trait among flying birds, including the number of primary feathers, to determine their evolutionary history. The finding provides clues about dinosaur flight and may inform debates on its origins.
A study found that crop diversification in the Cerrado biome leads to increased numbers of native mammals and a decrease in invasive species such as wild boars. Diversified crops helped control invasive species that cause damage to farmers.
Detailed CT scans reveal the worm-lizard's skull anatomy, including sutured bones and a singular central tooth. Researchers also discovered sexual dimorphism in one species, confirming their findings through powerful jaw muscles.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to shield plants from herbivorous mammals by fooling them with artificial odors, mimicking plants they naturally avoid. This approach is more humane and low-cost than current methods, and shows promise for protecting valuable plants globally.
A new review of international research highlights the dangers of forced separation from pets in crisis situations like domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters. The study found a lack of support services puts people and animals at risk of distress and harm.
A new study published in Palaeontologia Electronica shows the Megalodon was more slender than earlier studies suggested, changing our understanding of its behavior and impact on ancient ocean life. The revised model suggests a longer digestive canal, potentially leading to less predation pressure on other marine creatures.
A recent study found that climate warming is altering carbon flow and food web dynamics in Arctic tundra and boreal forest ecosystems, with fungi replacing plants as the main energy source for animals. This shift has significant implications for ecosystem function and animal responses to climate change.
A study of 123,000 individuals found that low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing whole grains and plant-based foods are associated with slower weight gain in the long term. Low-carb diets relying on animal-sourced proteins and refined carbohydrates result in faster weight gain.
Researchers have discovered that insect larvae already used various anti-predator strategies, such as spines, hairs, and camouflage, in the Cretaceous period. These findings provide insights into the evolution of defense mechanisms in insects and shed light on the ongoing biodiversity crisis.