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Blood vessels also affected by Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discover vascular alterations in small blood vessels of mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease, affecting female mice more severely. The study finds correlations between vascular structure and function, anxiety levels, and cognitive functions.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·DateMar 16, 2018

Animals shield their families from a harsh world

Researchers found that helping behavior can be more advantageous in unpredictable environments, where staying home to raise relatives can provide a survival advantage. This challenges the long-held theory of Haldane's rule, which explains why some animals prioritize their own reproduction over helping others.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ketamine works for female rats, too

A groundbreaking study published in eNeuro finds that low-dose ketamine promotes resilience to future adverse events in female rats, similar to its effects in males. The researchers identified a neural circuit involving the prefrontal cortex and dorsal raphe nucleus responsible for ketamine's stress-reducing properties.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 26, 2018

Diet or Regular? Decoding behavioral variation in ant clones

Researchers found significant variation in the response threshold of cloned ants to sweetened water, with some preferring diet soda equivalents and others requiring stronger concentrations. This diversity may be driven by epigenetic modifications that allow for individualized adaptation and potentially enhance long-term colony survival.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 20, 2018

Diet or regular? Decoding behavioral variation in ant clones

Research reveals that clonal ants show diversity in their attraction to sweetness, with some preferring diet soda-like solutions and others requiring regular soda concentrations. The study suggests epigenetic modifications are involved, leading to changes in gene functions and potentially affecting colony survival.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 13, 2018

Fighting for love: Dominant male pheasants learn faster

A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that dominant male pheasants were better at remembering which tunnel was clear. This suggests a link between social dominance and cognitive performance, with top-ranking males performing 40% better than their less dominant peers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateFeb 13, 2018

The robots will see you now

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have created a bioinspired robotic replica that can interact in three dimensions with live zebrafish. The system allows the robot to watch and mimic the behavior of live fish in real-time, promoting social interactions.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2018
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.

Running away from carbon dioxide: The terminal connection

Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute identify a neuronal pathway that enables zebrafish to avoid carbon dioxide. The team found that the trigeminal sensory neurons and the habenula play critical roles in detecting carbon dioxide. These findings shed light on the neurobiology behind avoidance behaviors in animals.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 30, 2018

Wireless photometer for neural activity monitoring

The wireless photometer uses an ultrathin probe to record neural activity in freely moving animals with reduced anxiety-like behavior compared to traditional systems. The device offers a new approach to measuring neuronal dynamics in deep brain regions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

The bacterial 'Game of Thrones'

A study by University of Oxford researchers reveals that bacteria approach conflict in a coordinated manner, responding to threats with collective retaliation. The research shows that different strains exhibit varying levels of aggression and can even detect incoming attacks to warn other cells, enabling sophisticated defense strategies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2018
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.

Where humans set up camp, animals roam much shorter distances

New study finds that mammal movements are reduced by up to three-fold in areas with high human activity, affecting not only individual animals but also ecosystems. Movement distances vary by species and resource availability, suggesting a complex interplay between humans and wildlife.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2018

For global invasion, Argentine ants use chemical weapons

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that Argentine ants produce compounds dolichodial and iridomyrmecin to attack harvester ants, causing irritation and disorientation. The study's findings could lead to new pest control strategies using synthetic versions of these chemicals.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2018

Scientists reveal the 'Lego pieces' that form complex zebrafish movements

Researchers found zebrafish larvae use 13 different patterns of movement combined in sequences to respond to situations, revealing the 'Lego pieces' of complex behaviors. The study's objective computational method revealed novel features of behavior that are not obvious from human observation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 4, 2018
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.

Bonobos prefer jerks

A Duke University study found that bonobos are more attracted to jerk-like behavior than helpful actions, challenging the idea that humans have a unique preference for kindness. The researchers observed bonobos preferring individuals who hinder others over those who help, suggesting that having powerful allies may be key to their socia...

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 4, 2018

Cool lizards are better at learning socially

Researchers found that bearded dragons incubated in colder temperatures learned to open a sliding door faster than those from warmer temperatures. This ability is crucial for adapting to changing environments and may offer a potential buffer against human-induced environmental change.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 22, 2017

'Left-handed' fish and asymmetrical brains

Biologists have found that cichlid fish with a distinct preference for one side of their bodies exhibit corresponding asymmetry in brain structure and gene expression. The study reveals a functional relationship between brain shape and behavioral laterality, suggesting an evolutionary link to handedness in humans.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateNov 15, 2017
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.

Orphaned elephants' social lives substantially altered by poaching

Research at Colorado State University found that orphaned female elephants have limited access to mature, dominant individuals, affecting their social integration. Social bonds with surviving adults may not compensate for lost relationships during early years following disruption.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 2017

Conservationists' eco-footprints suggest education alone won't change behavior

A recent study reveals that education and knowledge have little impact on individual behavior when it comes to major issues like the environment and personal health. Conservationists were found to behave in a marginally 'greener' manner, but with surprisingly modest differences compared to economists and medics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 10, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Delayed weaning reduces behavioral problems in cats

A new study by the University of Helsinki found that delaying weaning in cats until 14 weeks of age can significantly reduce behavioral problems. The research discovered that early weaning is linked to increased aggression and stereotypic behavior, suggesting a link between neurotransmitter changes and these behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2017

Differences in aggression among people with dementia

Researchers found that individuals with frontotemporal dementia were physically aggressive earlier and exhibited more severe behavior towards strangers compared to those with Alzheimer's disease. The study of 281 deceased patients revealed a significant difference in the manifestation of aggression between the two groups.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateSep 13, 2017
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.

Neuroscientists explore the risky business of self-preservation

Research reveals that prey use both speed of approach and proximity of predator to calculate best escape route, leading to a more nuanced understanding of self-preservation instincts. The study also sheds light on the neural mechanics that fuel this fundamental behavior in animals, including humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 7, 2017

The sniff test of self-recognition confirmed: Dogs have self-awareness

A new research study used a 'sniff-test' to evaluate dogs' ability to recognize themselves, confirming the hypothesis of self-cognition proposed by Dr. Cazzolla Gatti. The experiment found that dogs investigate their own odours longer when modified in an olfactory mirror test.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateSep 5, 2017

New device for refined neural recording in mice could transform dementia research

Researchers have developed a new, ultra lightweight system for recording neural activity in mice, enabling the study of brain disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The TaiNi device offers significant animal welfare benefits and high signal bandwidth, increasing information gathered from each mouse.

SourceNational Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs)·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 4, 2017

Mimicking birdsongs

A team of researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has created a simple device that mimics the complex songs of birds, including Zebra and Bengalese finches. The study suggests that birds may have exploited the physical properties of soft materials to produce their distinctive vocalizations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalInterface·DateAug 28, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New dinosaur discovery suggests new species roosted together like modern birds

A newly discovered dinosaur fossil from Mongolia shows three juvenile oviraptors roosting together, suggesting a unique behavior among bird-line theropods. The specimen provides valuable insights into the origins of communal roosting in birds and sheds light on the social habits of ancient dinosaurs.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

When fish swim in the holodeck

Scientists have developed a system called FreemoVR, which immerses freely-moving animals in a reactive, three-dimensional world controlled by a computer. This allows researchers to study complex interactions of neurons in different brain regions while maintaining natural sensory input and feedback.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017
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 holodeck for flies, fish and mice

Researchers develop a virtual reality system that decouples movement from perception in animals, allowing for the study of spatial cognition. The system is used to test various behaviors, including navigation, fear response and collective behavior.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017

The color of people's clothing affects lizard escape behavior

A study found that western fence lizards preferentially flee from dark blue T-shirts over other colors, suggesting they respond to the color itself rather than its detectability. The researchers suggest that this could have implications for animal conservation and ecotourism, where human clothing color may affect animal behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 9, 2017

Researchers: Too much information can be a good thing

Researchers found that presenting a large amount of information is suitable for recalling interchangeable behaviors, but relatively few recommendations are best for remembering key, complete sets of recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateAug 3, 2017

New research offers a blueprint for tackling addiction

Researchers have developed a novel method to treat addiction using optogenetically-inspired deep-brain stimulation, which could provide continued benefits and improve on existing treatments. The method targets brain circuits responsible for addiction and shows promise in animal models.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Shared housing, shared behavior in mouse model of autism

A mouse model of autism shows that social environment influences behaviors characteristic of ASD. Housing genetically modified mice with unmodified littermates alters their behavior, highlighting the impact of social hierarchy on ASD-like traits.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 31, 2017

Hunting-related pathogen exposure not just for adult males

A new study in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that women and children in Sierra Leone participate in hunting activities, challenging previous assumptions. The research underscores the importance of recognizing children's specific hunting practices to develop effective interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 27, 2017

We have a quorum

Researchers at Pitt Engineering have created synthetic materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms, enabling self-recognition and self-regulation in devices. The findings were published in PNAS and demonstrate potential applications for mechano-responsive materials with tunable self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017
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.

Why are dogs such doting companions? It's in their genes

Researchers at Oregon State University identified a genetic marker linked to Williams-Beuren syndrome, a disorder characterized by hypersocial behavior. The study found domesticated dogs exhibit an exaggerated motivation to seek social contact compared to wolves, leading to prolonged proximity and gazing at humans.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 19, 2017

Bacteria never swim alone

Researchers found that algae and bacteria can form flocks at very low concentrations of individuals, enabling them to sense each other's presence and affect each other. This discovery could increase our understanding of how microorganisms infect their host animals and the evolutionary basis for flocking behavior among bacteria.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 2017

Simulated honeybees can use simple brain circuits for complex learning

Researchers found that simulated honeybees with removed mushroom body circuits performed well in odor learning tasks, using a simple neural circuit previously associated with instinctive behaviors. This suggests that even the simplest nervous systems can exhibit remarkable plasticity and adaptability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 22, 2017
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.

Could therapy animal visitation pose health risks at patient facilities?

A nationwide survey of hospitals, eldercare facilities, and therapy animal organizations reveals gaps in health and safety policies for therapy animal visits. Many facilities lack proper guidelines for animal health, behavior, and hygiene, posing risks to both humans and animals.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 19, 2017

New tool helps pick puppies most suited to guide dog training

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a questionnaire-style decision tool to predict young dogs' likelihood of succeeding in guide dog training. The Puppy Training Supervisor Questionnaire (PTSQ) accurately identified 16.9% of dogs, helping trainers assess suitability early and improve training processes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 14, 2017

Female elk can learn to avoid hunters with age

A study published in PLOS ONE found that older female elk adjust their behavior to avoid hunters, reducing movement rates and using safer terrain when near roads. This suggests that learning plays a role in shaping their avoidance of hunters.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 14, 2017

Social experience tweaks genome function to modify future behavior

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified genomic mechanisms that underlie social behavior in mice, including changes in brain regions and epigenetic modifications. These findings may provide insights into social disorders in humans and shed light on the shared biological mechanisms across animal species.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 7, 2017
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.

Like chimpanzees, humans may console victims of aggression out of empathy

A study found that social closeness, rather than physical proximity, determines if a bystander consoles a victim. Human adults were more likely to console victims based on gender and the threat level of the situation. These findings suggest that humans may be motivated to console their peers out of empathy, similar to chimpanzees.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2017

Wallflower center pack baboons find place

A UC Davis study reveals that baboons position themselves strategically within their troop to optimize access to food and safety. Younger males tend to occupy central positions, while adult males take a more exposed role at the front of the group.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMay 17, 2017

3-D models reveal hidden details of zebrafish behavior

A research team created 3D models to analyze zebrafish behavior, revealing significant compromises in 2D-scored behaviors. The study confirmed that 3D approaches underestimate locomotion and overestimate spatial preference, leading to false positives and false negatives.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2017

Rise of aggressive reef predator may impede sea urchin recovery, study finds

A recent study suggests that an aggressive reef competitor, the Threespot Damselfish, may be impeding the recovery of Caribbean long-spined sea urchin populations after a mysterious disease outbreak. The research reveals a link between the decline of staghorn coral and the increase in damselfish populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEcography·DateMay 15, 2017
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.

Birds choose their neighbors based on personality

A study found that male great tits choose neighbors with similar personalities, while females prefer males based on attractive qualities. This behavior may influence bird survival and social organization.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 12, 2017

Anemonefish dads further fathering research

Researchers discovered that oxytocin and isotocin signaling molecules play a crucial role in regulating anemonefish paternal behavior. Blocking these hormones led to decreased aggression but increased attention from the dads towards their offspring.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateMay 3, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Larger schooling fish found to have stronger attraction forces

Researchers found that larger schooling fish exhibit stronger attraction forces compared to smaller fish. Computer simulations validated the results, revealing a key role for interdisciplinary statistical approaches in understanding social interactions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 26, 2017

Banded mongooses target family members for eviction

Researchers found that dominant banded mongooses target close female relatives for eviction due to their ability to resist, reducing competition for offspring. This behaviour is in contrast to expected social norms and highlights the importance of latent threats on social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2017

Sociable crayfish get drunk more easily than loners

Research by Herberholz and colleagues found that isolated crayfish are less sensitive to the effects of alcohol than gregarious animals. The study suggests that social experience can impact the sensitivity to acute alcohol exposure.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 19, 2017

Fish social lives may be key to saving coral reefs

A new study suggests that the social eating habits of fish play a critical role in protecting coral reefs. By analyzing the feeding behavior of reef fish, researchers found that overfishing can lead to a decrease in algae-eating and increase in vulnerability to predators.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2017