Researchers studied two closely related fish species in Lake Tanganyika, finding that they share the same preferences for simple choices but diverge when faced with complex decisions. The blue featherfin makes rapid, decisive choices based on one feature, while the golden featherfin takes longer to decide and considers multiple features.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2026
Researchers combined iNaturalist photos with scientific observations to study harvestman care for 85 species, doubling the known data on parental care. The study reveals two evolutionary paths for paternal care and sheds light on the evolution of care in the Gonyleptoidea group.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateAug 12, 2026
In contrast to previous studies on human food-sharing practices, female Guinea baboons have diverse sources of meat and do not rely heavily on their primary males. The researchers observed that females often catch prey themselves and access alternative sources of meat.
SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2026
Research reveals how dogs developed specialized forms in response to human needs, such as compact sled dogs for Arctic regions and lean hunting dogs for tropical forests. Genetic adaptations also emerged to cope with oxygen-poor air at high altitudes, mirroring human populations' genetic traits.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study found that pumas change deer behavior, reducing the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions by 67%. Deer alter their use of space and time where pumas are present, overlapping less with roads.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026
A study of bull shark behavior found that individuals are slightly more likely to associate and socialise with relatives than unrelated sharks. This 'kinfluence' effect may contribute to both proximity-based associations and directed social interactions, particularly among male sharks.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 4, 2026
A recent study on orphaned grizzly bears found a high mortality rate of 83%, largely due to human-bear conflicts, illegal killings, and intraspecific killing. The study also highlights the risk of habituation to humans, which can lead to serious conflicts, particularly when combined with oversized size from excessive growth during reha...
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Elephants released from human care successfully reintegrate into the wild, exhibiting behaviors comparable to those of their wild neighbors. While some individuals show age- and sex-related differences, overall, rewilded elephants adapt well, with most stress levels within normal ranges.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2026
A study found that people behave more curiously than cautiously around a service robot, noticing it more often and even grabbing multiple candies at once. However, some visitors felt slightly uncomfortable when the robot came close, highlighting the need for deeper user assessments.
SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateJul 22, 2026
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University successfully generated red blood cell-like cells from canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), marking a significant step towards artificial cell production for blood bank reserves. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to target glycophorin A, allowing the team to visualize and tr...
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2026
Social animals exhibit a range of pre-war preparations, including environmental cues and memories of past events. These behaviors can impact socio-cognitive evolution, population dynamics, and community structures. Preemptive behavior is widespread in social species, depending on the current threat level.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 16, 2026
A new study assesses how climate change affects predator-prey dynamics in a semi-arid ecosystem. Researchers found that during periods of low precipitation, owls shifted to different prey, increasing dietary overlap variability. Temperature was the strongest driver of these changes.
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.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bumblebees display observable 'liking and disliking' behaviours after consuming different liquids. This suggests that insects can evaluate tastes as pleasant or unpleasant, pushing the understanding of their inner life.
SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026
A UMD-led study reveals that wild bats balance different types of immune defenses based on sex, age, and competition for mates. The researchers found that male bats rely more on rapid-response immune defenses, while females invest in targeted responses to pathogens.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026
A new study has found that changes in a senior dog's gait can be an early warning sign of dementia. The research tracked the stride length of 88 geriatric dogs over time, revealing a significant decrease in front leg stride length with worsening cognitive decline. This change was found to be more pronounced than age-related decline alone.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026
New research reveals orangutans selectively consume certain medicinal plants in specific sequences, suggesting 'self-medication' behaviors. The study, based on 20 years of observations, found plant combinations with known medicinal benefits are eaten consistently beyond simple nutrition needs.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2026
Researchers at Oregon State University found that bat rays produce a chemical cue to alert other rays of potential danger. The study used three tanks with individual bat rays and simulated a predator in one tank, causing the other rays to exhibit a flight response.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Zoology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A new study from Stockholm University found that young guppies raised with visual contact to live fish developed larger brains and relatively larger olfactory bulbs compared to those with only screen-based exposure. This suggests that interactive social experiences during development may be important for normal brain growth.
SourceStockholm University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2026
Urban male bowerbirds collect more colorful and larger human-made items than rural rivals, suggesting a preference for these traits in females. Researchers found that red decorations are more vivid in urban areas, while green decorations are duller.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 2, 2026
A new study found that participating in awe-inspiring natural phenomena, like a solar eclipse, increases people's identification with science and sense of belonging. The researchers also discovered that awe plays a powerful role in this process.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026
A recent study found that homing pigeons use simple route averaging to improve their navigation when flying together. This strategy allows the birds to generate social routes from solitary ones, providing evidence for a simpler mechanism of social learning than previously thought.
SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2026
Researchers found that the gut responds to protein deficiency by activating a fast neural circuit and a slower hormonal signal, which selectively changes dietary priorities. The study reveals a previously unknown gut-brain signaling system that rapidly alters feeding behavior in animals.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Scientists analyzed GPS tracking data from 37 animal species paired with cellphone location data to reveal how humans impact wildlife. The study found that 57% of species were impacted by human presence and landscape modification, with varied responses between species.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2026
Researchers have captured the behavior of scissor-tailed nightjars creating a unique sound by snapping their wrists together during courtship and copulation. The study sheds light on lesser-known bird communication methods and raises questions about the nuances of mechanical sounds.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMay 19, 2026
A novel imaging pipeline called Neuroplex enables simultaneous measurements of up to nine distinct neuronal populations in living mice. This approach accelerates the pace of scientific exploration into how the brain controls behavior by overcoming fundamental limitations in miniscope recordings.
SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026
Scientists found that queen bumblebees are faster learners and better at identifying scents than worker bees. This skill helps them differentiate between flowers, find the best ones, and ensure colony survival. Understanding their cognitive abilities could reveal fundamental insights into learning and evolution.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026
A study found that psilocybin, a key magic mushroom ingredient, significantly reduces aggressive attack behavior and energetically costly social behaviors in mangrove rivulus fish. The compound selectively dampens escalated social conflict without suppressing lower-energy social display behaviors.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 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.
A team of researchers created a touchscreen-based game task inspired by hide-and-seek to elicit curiosity in resident Japanese macaques. The monkeys preferred moderate uncertainty, spending nearly 100 trials without rewards. This study supports the goldilocks principle, where animals seek moderately complex or uncertain stimuli.
SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026
A 33-year study of wild capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica reveals how climate fluctuations impact social dynamics, changing the costs and benefits of living together. Larger groups can offset internal competition by expanding their range and claiming areas from smaller groups, but this strategy is sensitive to climate variability.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2026
A study found that wild sulphur-crested cockatoos learn about novel food through social learning, with juveniles more likely to conform to the majority's preferences. The birds' dietary knowledge spread rapidly through their community, influenced by age groups and sex.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026
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.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 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.
A Linköping University study shows that playing with dogs for just a few minutes a day can significantly improve the emotional bond between owners and their pets. Dog training did not have the same effect, suggesting that playtime is crucial for building strong relationships.
SourceLinköping University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 21, 2026
Researchers found that crabs' iconic sideways walk originated from a single, forward-walking ancestor around 200 million years ago. This rare innovation likely contributed to the ecological success of true crabs by making their escape direction unpredictable.
A new study provides the first direct evidence of cuckoo egg-laying behaviour in cavity nests, rejecting a centuries-old myth about egg-carrying. Cuckoos use two distinct strategies to parasitize host nests, involving trade-offs between accuracy and risk.
SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026
A study shows how a kea parrot with a missing upper beak uses innovative fighting techniques to dominate his group and gain social status. He achieves this through 'beak jousting,' which proves more effective than other methods, leading to improved health benefits and social recognition.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2026
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that naked mole rats can transition to peaceful queen succession, demonstrating flexibility in their social order. This finding challenges previous understanding of colony dynamics and opens new avenues for studying eusocial mammals.
SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 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.
A new study reveals that sunbirds employ tongue suction to slurp nectar, a novel mechanism in vertebrates. This finding highlights the power of convergent evolution, where different species adapt to similar ecological challenges in distinct ways.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
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.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026
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
A study by University of California, Berkeley biologists found detectable alcohol in at least one flower of 26 of the 29 species of plants tested. Hummingbirds and other animals consume small doses throughout the day without apparent effects, but may metabolize ethanol like mammals do.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 24, 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.
Researchers found that mosquitoes' rectal cells interact with their nervous system, influencing appetite and behavior. The study suggests the gut plays a key role in regulating behavior across species, with implications for understanding mosquito feeding habits and potential treatments.
SourceColumbia University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2026
A recent study published in Science found that humans and animals have overlapping preferences for certain qualities of an animal's call, with agreement strongest for lower-frequency sounds. The study used a gamified citizen science experiment involving over 4,000 human participants from around the world.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2026
Researchers found that bull sharks have active social preferences and choose their social partners, similar to humans. The study revealed that adult sharks form the core of the social network, while younger sharks are less socially connected.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 16, 2026
Ravens use spatial memory and navigation to find food scattered over the landscape, visiting areas with a history of frequent wolf kills. They can remember the long-term 'resource landscape' created by wolves, allowing them to locate kills across tens or hundreds of kilometers
SourceMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026
Researchers found that bonobos and chimpanzees exhibit similar levels of aggression in zoos, contradicting their differing reputations. The study suggests that aggression levels vary within each species, with some groups displaying higher aggression, and that environmental factors may play a role in shaping their behavior.
SourceUtrecht University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers engineered a 3D-printed robotic rattlesnake to test how 38 zoo animals responded to rattling behavior. The study found that the rattling display functions as an effective deterrent, with species sharing natural geographic range with rattlesnakes exhibiting stronger fear responses.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 11, 2026
Researchers mapped GLP-1 expression in 25 brain regions in each sex, uncovering striking differences in key circuits. The atlas reveals sex-biased expression in certain medullary nuclei, with higher Glp1 densities and numbers of Glp1-expressing neurons in females compared to males.
SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026
Researchers observed finless porpoises in Ise Bay, Japan, interacting with adults beyond their mothers, challenging the long-held assumption of their solitary nature. Infants approach and swim alongside adults who are not their mothers, suggesting a potential weaker mother-calf bond compared to other species.
SourceKindai University·JournalMammal Study·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2026
Researchers found that jackdaw chicks learned to associate predator sounds with danger when paired with adult alarm calls, becoming more vigilant. However, they did not learn from contact calls or a non-predatory birdcall, suggesting an evolutionary process to ensure only biologically meaningful links are learned.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 3, 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.
Research found that dogs and 16-month-old toddlers exhibited similar prosocial behaviour when searching for a hidden object, with over 75% of them indicating or retrieving the object. In contrast, companion cats rarely showed such behaviour, suggesting domestication may not be enough to produce human-like cooperation.
SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 26, 2026
Researchers found caterpillars mimic ant signals using precise rhythmic beats to gain acceptance, feeding, and protection. The most ant-dependent species produce regular, complex rhythms similar to those used by ants.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026
A solitary bottlenose dolphin in the Venetian Lagoon is monitored by researchers who assess its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. The team highlights the need for human behavior management to ensure the dolphin's welfare, rather than focusing on wildlife protection measures.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ethology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A recent study has confirmed that wild African chimpanzees consume significant quantities of alcohol, with 17 out of 20 urine samples containing ethyl glucuronide, a metabolic byproduct of ethanol. The chimps' diet likely consists of fermented fruits, which provide around 14 grams of ethanol per day.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2026
Researchers observed cleaner wrasse recognizing themselves in mirrors and experimenting with it, suggesting advanced intelligence known as 'contingency testing'. The fish also demonstrated flexible, self-referential processing, indicating widespread self-awareness across taxonomic groups, including fish.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026
A University of California - Riverside study has identified bed bugs' fear of water and wet surfaces, which affects their behavior and movement patterns. Researchers found that all bed bug ages and genders avoid wet surfaces, with younger insects being more sensitive to moisture.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Ethology·DateFeb 19, 2026
Researchers analyzed downward climbing behaviors in 21 small-to-medium-sized arboreal mammal species to understand early primate evolution. They found primates used tail-first and side postures more often than non-primates, suggesting upright postures evolved to adapt to tree environments.
SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2026
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Temperature impacts the quality and speed of male frogs' mating calls, which are more attractive to females in warmer conditions. This study suggests that female frogs use these calls to gauge environmental suitability for reproduction.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2026
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
Couzin's research focuses on quantitative behavioural biology, using advanced technology to study collective motion and decision-making. He has challenged conventional views of collective motion and influenced fields like robotics and the social sciences with his widely cited publications.
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Research found that horses exhibit fearful behavior when exposed to human fear odors, adopting the emotional state of fear. This suggests a mechanism of emotional contagion through chemical cues between humans and horses.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 2, 2026