Articles tagged with Ethology
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study suggests that as social behavior evolved in insects, the need for complex cognition in individuals decreased. Solitary wasp species have larger brains than their social counterparts, indicating a shift from individual to distributed cognition.
Winning fish in Siamese fighting fish battles can generate more muscle energy than losing fish, highlighting the crucial role of biochemical processes. The study reveals how energy metabolism affects aggression in animals, contradicting the assumption that only conspicuous traits like antlers drive success.
Researchers found that inherent nervous system delays can enable individuals to anticipate others' movements, challenging traditional views. The study used a feedback delay to improve coordination between unpredictable movements, with promising implications for robotics and artificial systems.
A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that anticipating a potential ethical dilemma can lead to improved ethical behavior. Participants who identified similar past incidents and anticipated temptation were more likely to behave honestly than those who didn't.
A new study of social relationships in wild apes reveals that low-ranking female chimpanzees form stronger bonds with other females of similar status. The researchers analyzed daily records for 53 adult females over 38 years and found that these low-ranking pairs were more likely to seek each other out than those from higher social ranks.
Researchers found that rats learn to help a distressed cagemate gain access to safety in exchange for rewards, indicating empathy-like feelings. Those with previous water experiences were quicker to learn this skill.
Scientists found that AGRP neurons, responsible for unpleasant feelings of hunger, help explain why it's hard to stick to a diet. These neurons teach animals to respond to sensory cues that signal the presence of food, making them more likely to snack.
A new study has found that the colour of light impacts how the brain clock measures time of day and regulates animals' physiology and behavior. By analyzing changes in light color around dawn and dusk, scientists discovered that blue light is reliably detected during twilight hours, unlike during the day.
Researchers found that infected ants clean themselves more frequently but restrict allogrooming with healthy group members. This self-restriction helps contain the pathogen's spread in the ant colony, benefiting all social animals under epidemic threat.
Researchers found that a neural circuit evaluates environmental variability to prompt animals to explore new locations. The circuit uses information from the animal's senses to determine predictability, triggering dopamine release and increased risk-taking behavior. This discovery could lead to better therapies for neurodegenerative an...
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a robotic predator that can spook zebrafish just as well as a real one, revealing new insights into fear and anxiety in animal populations. The robot's effectiveness was comparable to that of live red tiger oscar, but with more consistent avoidance responses.
A study published in Genes, Brain and Behavior found that animal models with autism risk gene mutations exhibit decreased aggressive behavior towards strangers, instead engaging in repetitive patterns. The research suggests a potential counter-narrative to the widespread perception of increased aggression in individuals with autism.
Researchers have developed a new fluorescent protein called CaMPARI, which permanently marks neurons that are active at a particular time. This allows scientists to visualize neural activity beyond the limited field of view of a microscope and capture snapshots of neural activity during complex behaviors.
A study of 12 years of observations of chimpanzee playground fights found that chimps with higher-ranking moms are more likely to win. However, the mothers did not intervene in most cases, letting their offspring fight their battles for themselves.
Researchers propose the 'Canine Cooperation Hypothesis', suggesting wolves' natural social behavior provided the foundation for human-dog relationships. Studies show wolves exhibit similar social skills to dogs, including tolerance and cooperation with humans.
Disney Research creates a method for automatically reviewing nighttime giraffe behavior videos and creating a summary of unusual behaviors. The system can detect rare events in real-time, allowing wildlife experts to better understand giraffe health and safety.
The journal presents studies on playfulness in dogs, dolphins, frogs, and octopuses, as well as its connection to humor, social bonding, and creativity. Researchers investigate how experiences in infancy shape a person's sense of humor and how playfulness affects adaptability and social success.
A recent article in BioScience assesses contrasting views on kin selection, a theory explaining animal altruism through genetic influence. The authors argue that vagueness about explanation, measurements, and modeling underlies many differences between critics and proponents.
Researchers identified nerve cells that produce serotonin, leading to gregarious behavior in locusts. Serotonin also plays a role in regulating mood and behavior in humans, with links to mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
Scientists have discovered that dragonflies employ a sophisticated system of movement and prediction to catch their prey. By analyzing the intricate movements of their heads and bodies, researchers found that dragonflies use internal models to guide their behavior and anticipate the movements of their prey.
A study of Aegean wall lizard populations on Greek islands reveals that island tameness is driven by both predator diversity and island isolation. Lizards on small, long-isolated islands are most susceptible to introduced predators, highlighting the need for conservation efforts prioritizing these populations.
Research suggests that early-life stress can have positive effects on behavior, such as improved flexibility and goal-oriented behavior, which can be passed down through generations via molecular pathways. This study reveals the beneficial impact of moderate stress in childhood, leading to better coping strategies in adulthood.
Research from the University of Bristol found that bird groups unite at nightfall after territorial conflicts, strengthening their defense of valuable roost sites. This cooperation between group members is favored by conflict with outsiders, highlighting a link to human societal evolution.
A new study published in Current Biology by Feldblum et al. has found that male chimpanzee aggression towards females is an adaptive strategy, increasing mating frequency and paternal likelihood for high-ranking males. Genetic analysis of fecal material reveals long-term sexual coercion as a key factor in paternity.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a mathematical model that can predict aspects of animal behavior using stock market models. This new model allows for more efficient experimentation and improved data analysis, enabling researchers to replace some experiments with computer modeling.
A study by Linköping University found that a single compound in blood, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, is as attractive to large carnivores as the entire blood smell. Researchers discovered this through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.
West African chimpanzees employ a sophisticated tool-based technique, dubbed 'ant dipping,' to harvest army ants for sustenance. This study reveals that army ants are a significant component of the chimpanzee diet throughout the year, providing essential nutrients like protein and fats.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a newly discovered class of brain cells that respond to oxytocin in female mice. These oxytocin receptor interneurons (OxtrINs) play a key role in influencing social behavior, particularly in females during their reproductive cycle, and may also contribute to human social interactions.
A study by Pruitt and Goodnight found that group-level adaptations, such as a critical ratio of two types of females, are potent evolutionary forces in nature. In spider colonies, docile and aggressive females adapt to specific locations, with the ratio shifting between survival-friendly and threat-prone conditions.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus found that the brain can temporarily disconnect past experiences from decision-making circuits, triggering random behavior. The team manipulated a stress hormone called norepinephrine to switch between random and strategic modes.
In unpredictable situations, rats abandon past experience for random choices, controlled by the anterior cingulate cortex. This finding may have implications for human disorders like depression, where ordinary decision-making is ineffective.
Research by Queen's University biologist Paul Martin found that smaller bird species can overcome size disadvantages when interacting with distantly related species. The study examined 23,362 aggressive interactions among 246 bird species pairs and identified specific traits that enhance small species' abilities in conflicts.
Researchers found that coral trout can choose the best moray partner for hunting, and even learn which one is more helpful. They use intentional communication to manipulate the behavior of suitable species to achieve a common goal.
A new Oxford University study reveals differences between individual primate brains linked to their social status, with larger brain regions associated with dominance and subordination. The research also found that brain activity patterns vary with position in the social hierarchy.
Researchers found baby birds can right themselves in midair by pumping their wings asymmetrically, a talent that could have helped early birds develop flying skills. This innate ability, present in 25% of day-old chicks, suggests that dinosaurs took flight from trees before developing flapping flight.
Research reveals that female rats exposed to a common fungicide through their ancestral line are more prone to stress and anxiety. The study suggests that environmental toxins can affect gene expression, leading to adverse effects on offspring.
A new study from the University of Exeter challenges traditional views on magpie behavior, finding that these birds are not attracted to shiny objects. Instead, they exhibit neophobia, or fear of new things, when encountering novel and unfamiliar items.
Researchers have discovered that interfering with a basic metabolic pathway in insect brains can increase aggression in fruit flies and honey bees. The team found that suppressing key genes involved in energy generation leads to increased aggression, but this effect is lost in chronically stressed individuals.
A new study suggests that using animal metaphors to describe violent crimes can lead to increased punishment for perpetrators due to heightened perceptions of risk. This study found that such descriptions result in significantly harsher punishments compared to non-animalistic descriptions.
A new study finds that human skulls changed in ways indicating a lowering of testosterone levels during the time culture was blossoming. The research team argues that human society advanced when people started being nicer to each other, leading to more cultural exchange and cooperation.
Researchers discovered that hidden differences in neural circuits can account for varying responses to brain injury. The study used sea slugs and found that artificially rewiring the neural circuit made some animals susceptible or invulnerable to injury.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that subtle variations in neural connections can impact behavior and susceptibility to brain injury. The findings have significant implications for predicting patient outcomes and tailoring treatments.
A team of researchers at Brown University developed a wireless virtual reality system to study how pedestrians interact with each other and how their individual behaviors generate patterns of crowd movement. The system, which allows for the creation of virtual crowds, has shown that people tend to match the speed and direction of their...
Researchers found that chimpanzees in a social group learned to stick grass in their ears after observing Julie, who first introduced the behavior. The trait was passed down through generations even after Julie's death, highlighting the cultural potential of chimpanzees.
A study found that exposure to BPS causes hyperactive behavior and alters brain development in zebrafish, similar effects observed with BPA. The research suggests that BPS may lead to altered brain connections and explain the hyperactivity seen in another experiment.
A recent ant study discovered three new copies of egg yolk protein Vitellogenin, which play distinct roles in regulating ant societies. The findings suggest that patterns underlying caste differences are not easily generalized across social insects.
Researchers from CSIC have developed idTracker, a software that uses algorithms to identify and track individual animals in videos. This allows for the study of rules of social interaction in groups, previously impossible due to identification errors. The software is easy to use and has been tested with various species.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed for the first time that stimulation of the ventral tegmental area can change behavior in primates. The study found that activation of the brain's reward system, mediated by dopamine, can induce changes in visual preference and motivation.
A study from North Carolina State University found that increases in dopamine levels trigger dramatic physical changes in Indian jumping ant workers, transforming them into warrior queens with elevated life expectancy. This discovery has implications for understanding social insect behavior and epigenetics.
Researchers investigated four trained therapy dogs and found no stress during group therapy. The study established that freedom relaxes the dogs, reducing cortisol levels, and symptoms of stressed dogs include hair loss and anxiety-like behaviors. Regular supervision is recommended for therapy dogs to ensure their well-being.
A team of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute has deciphered the pheromone code used by mice to trigger countermarking behavior, which involves distinguishing territory from others.
Scientists at RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics identified gamma oscillations as the key brain signal underlying memory transfer and corrective action. They found that mice made mistakes and then corrected them, triggering a burst of gamma waves that enabled working memory recall.
Researchers found that boosting runaway neuronal activity triggers a compensatory self-stabilizing response, restoring balance and reversing depression-like behaviors. This 'homeostatic resilience' mechanism may lead to new antidepressant strategies, targeting the brain's reward circuit.
A team of researchers led by Jane Wang from Cornell University has discovered a proportional control law in the tiger beetle's chasing behavior. The study reveals that the beetle uses a sideways force proportional to its prey's angular position to turn towards it.
Research confirms that fish living on coral reefs with high levels of carbon dioxide are less able to detect predator odors. The study found that these fish were also bolder and more likely to engage in risky behavior, but had fewer differences in species richness or composition.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that newborn male deer with high testosterone levels are less likely to survive their first year compared to peers. The study also showed that testosterone levels in offspring are linked to their mother's condition, suggesting a potential survival advantage for younger calves.
A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that kids' books with anthropomorphized animals lead to less factual learning and misattribution of human behaviors in children. Using realistic animal portrayals can promote more accurate biological understanding.
Researchers have created the first maps of neural activity in behaving zebrafish, recording activity from single cells to entire brains. The study reveals stereotyped patterns of activity between individuals, enabling a functional atlas of the brain to be built.
A comprehensive framework identifies crucial elements supporting evolution of social behaviour in structured populations. Helping neighbours reproduce more or live longer does not have same indirect consequences on own fitness.
A team of researchers used computer simulations to study the aerodynamics of flying snakes, discovering that whirls of wind surrounding the snake's body provide an extra boost of lift. This unique shape helps the snake glide efficiently through the air, making it a fascinating example of nature's efficient design.