Articles tagged with Ethology
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...
Research finds that male redback spiders benefit from mating with immature females, which appears to have no cost to female reproductive output or survival. This early mating may be advantageous for females, as delays in mating can lead to shorter lifespans and reduced offspring success.
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.
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.
Recent advances have shed light on neural circuits and mechanisms driving social behaviors, revealing a complex interplay of brain areas involved in cooperation and aggression. These findings suggest that shared neuronal activity between social partners plays a key role in cooperative behavior and learning.
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.
A new study by University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna researchers reveals that Kune Kune piglets possess highly developed social learning abilities through observation. The piglets attentively observed and replicated tasks demonstrated by their mother or aunt, showcasing exceptional memory capabilities.
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.
New simulations show that limiting local coordination between swarming animals improves group survival and information spreading. Researchers at SUTD discovered a parallel between collective evasive maneuvers and the spread of information in social networks.
Researchers found that winning a competition makes people more willing to pay for luxury items and assign greater value to them. Contrary to expectations, testosterone levels were unaffected by winning or losing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have developed a system allowing zebrafish to self-administer doses of hydrocodone, leading to increased drug-seeking behavior and signs of anxiety. The study provides a new approach to explore the biological pathways behind addiction and withdrawal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that environmental factors, such as 'vigorous gaping' behavior in larval fish, can significantly influence the development of their craniofacial bones. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that genetics is the primary driver of species variability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that fertile females suffered more aggression from males than pregnant and lactating females did. Males used long-term sexual intimidation by repeatedly attacking and chasing females before ovulation to monopolize sexual access.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lions in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park have smaller pride sizes and larger home ranges due to decreasing prey biomass. The study found the lions' dependence on Ugandan kob, a crucial prey species, led to these adaptations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by researchers at McMaster University found that low-dose penicillin in early life can induce long-term behavioral changes, including elevated aggression and lower anxiety levels. Introducing beneficial bacteria may help prevent these effects.
A new study on zebrafish shows that social support can help individuals overcome adverse circumstances and triggers specific brain patterns similar to those in humans. The research suggests that zebrafish could be an ideal model organism for studying social support and its neural mechanisms.
Researchers from Swansea University developed bespoke collars with accelerometers to track baboon behavior. The new technology allowed for precise tracking of the baboons' movements and behaviors, revealing over 90% recognition of individual behaviors without direct observation.
Researchers found that male cuckoos respond aggressively to unfamiliar intruders and tolerate neighboring males with overlapping territories. The birds use their distinctive 'cu-coo' call for recognition, demonstrating complex social behavior in brood parasitism.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mice scratch in response to seeing other mice scratch due to the release of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a key transmitter of itch signals. This behavior is hardwired into the brain and not a form of empathy.
A recent study found that a combination of genetic predisposition, early stress, and male sex increases the risk of social avoidance in individuals with autism. The researchers tested this theory using mice and found evidence supporting the idea that these three factors build on each other to produce the social avoidance characteristic...
Researchers developed an RNAi-based strategy to study the link between genes and host-finding behaviors in Steinernema carpocapsae. The method successfully knocked down a gene that codes for FLP-21, inhibiting jumping and sensory perception behaviors.
Researchers observed banded mongooses fighting over food and territory, often resulting in serious injury and death. However, they found that pregnant females were less likely to lose their litters after conflicts, suggesting a possible strategy to maintain pregnancy and increase group competitiveness.
Researchers found that bees can solve a complex task by watching others, even improving upon the original process, and that observation is enough to learn the behavior, unlike simply copying it.
Scientists have identified the central nucleus of the amygdala as the key brain region organizing the hunt, with two distinct neural networks controlling prey pursuit and capture. The findings provide novel details on the neural control of craniofacial muscles and may contribute to understanding pathologies affecting this region.
A new study in mice reveals that serotonin affects motivation, but only when animals are exploring their environment. Increasing serotonin levels transiently reduces locomotive speed, while long-term stimulation triggers a second effect leading to increased global activity.
Research by Osaka University finds that noradrenaline modulates the primary visual cortex, reducing spontaneous neural activity and suppressing contrast sensitivity. This suggests a new therapeutic target for improving vision and machine learning in patients.
A new study found that birds of prey interact more with scented packages than unscented ones, suggesting they associate the scent of peppermint oil with food. This method can be used to encourage species-specific feeding behaviors in zoos.
A study published in eLife found that individual baboons tend to follow the path taken by their group mates, while also being constrained by environmental factors such as vegetation density. The research used GPS tracking and drone-based imaging technology to understand how habitat and social features impact animal movement.