Articles tagged with Ethology
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.
A collaborative effort has created a standardized nomenclature for the architecture of insect brains, tripling the number of identified structures. This will enable future research on brain function and disease to be more efficient and accurate.
An animal study suggests that activating acid-sensing ion channels called ASIC1a in the brain's emotional control center can reduce anxiety-like behavior. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for controlling fear and anxiety, paving the way for novel therapies.
Researchers found that male chipping sparrows form 'dear enemy' alliances with weaker neighbors to prevent stronger rivals from moving in. In a surprise discovery, these coalitions were shown to be rare and often based on specific vocal relationships.
Researchers have observed Guam mantas gathering around fish spawn, which is a previously unknown behavior. The mantas react to the presence of surgeonfish by trying to evade them. This study highlights the importance of understanding manta behavior for conservation efforts in Micronesia.
Researchers developed a new paradigm to analyze collective animal behavior using machine learning without tracking individual animals, mirroring human observation. The technique successfully distinguished between species and changes in behavior in response to stimuli.
Researchers from Haverford College discovered that falcons head off their prey by flying so the target appears stationary in the falcon's visual field, reducing energy expenditure and increasing hunting success. This strategy is also employed by bats and humans when chasing prey or evading threats.
A recent study estimated human-directed aggression in UK dogs, revealing that nearly 7% exhibit aggressive behaviour when meeting people. The majority of these incidents occur in one specific situation, contradicting the common 'safe' or 'vicious' dog stereotype.
Many clinical studies on vitamins have poor methodology, leading to inaccurate conclusions and defying existing evidence. New methodologies are needed to provide scientifically valid information to consumers with inadequate diets or deficiencies.
In a study, researchers found that dogs can perceive faces in images and differentiate between familiar and strange faces. Dogs preferred viewing conspecific faces over human faces, gazing more at the eye area of familiar faces.
Researchers found that gut bacteria changes are associated with autism-like behaviors in mice, which improved when treated with beneficial bacteria. The study suggests a potential therapeutic role for probiotics in treating gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms of autism.
Scientists create a virtual reality environment to study how rats navigate and anticipate rewards. The results show that rats prefer to use visual cues for navigation, while their legs work in harmony with their anticipation of food. In contrast, auditory cues alone lead to confusion and random movement.
Researchers at NYU-Poly used underwater robots to examine how golden shiner fish interact with a robot's coloration, size, and movement. The results show that the fish are drawn to a robot mimicking their natural colors and movement patterns, influencing their swimming behavior.
Researchers at Caltech developed a new stimulus to study mouse visual behavior, finding that mice respond with immediate reflex-like responses to a looming black disk, freezing or fleeing depending on the environment. The study validates the mouse model for studying visual processing and has implications for understanding animal behavior.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a technology that tracks dog behavior to detect potential health issues in owners. The system uses movement sensors and machine learning algorithms to identify changes in canine behavior that may indicate declining health or boredom.
Researchers selectively bred silver foxes for friendly behavior, resulting in faster maturation, more attractive features, and changes in hormone levels that affect physical development. These findings suggest that human preference for beautiful faces may be linked to an individual's approachability and sociability.
A study found that dogs react sociably to robots that behave socially towards them, even if the devices look nothing like a human. The research suggests that designers of social robots should consider how their designs interact with users and animals.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, are studying complex networked systems, from nanomachines to nation-states, to find ways to intervene in networks to better control them or prevent catastrophic cascading breakdowns.
A USCB study reveals that diet experience can alter taste preferences in fruit flies, with changes occurring through a mechanism involving the degradation of TRPL protein and reduction in synaptic connections. Long-term camphor exposure causes a decline in TRPL levels and subsequent increase in taste acceptance.
A new study reveals an unexpected role for a protein in the integration of opposing attractive and aversive gustatory stimuli in fruit flies. The findings demonstrate that the protein inhibits the activity of sugar-activated receptors when bitter compounds are present, reducing attraction to sugars.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people assume strangers are different from them when competing online, leading to more aggressive bidding. This bias changes how people act on websites like eBay, where competition alters assumptions about strangers.
Gene Robinson, a renowned expert in social behavior and genetics, has received the Animal Behavior Society's Distinguished Animal Behaviorist award. His groundbreaking work on the mechanisms and evolution of social behavior in Western honey bees has significantly advanced the field.
Research found that aging elicits changes in taste preferences, with older animals preferring less sweet and umami tastes and more bitter tastes. Despite no differences in neural activity, these age-related changes were observed in behavioral studies.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that lunar cycles affect human sleep quality. The research revealed a significant drop in brain activity related to deep sleep around full moon, with participants also reporting poorer sleep quality and lower melatonin levels.
Researchers have identified a risk factor for autism in children, linking prenatal exposure to maternal antibodies to changes in brain development that affect behavior. The study found altered patterns of neurodevelopment and social behavior in offspring exposed to specific antibodies.
In a study, cockatoos solved a 5-lock problem by first removing a pin, then a screw, and so on. They adapted their approach when faced with altered sequences, suggesting they understood the structure of the problem. The birds' performance was characterized by flexible and sensitive reactions to changes in the sequence.
Researchers found that cockatoos employ a 'cognitive ratchet' process to solve the problem, suggesting they have a representation of the goal. After mastering the sequence, birds reacted with immediate sensitivity to changes in the puzzle box.
A study at Duke University found that lemurs in larger social groups exhibit more 'social intelligence' and are more likely to steal food behind a human's back. The research supports the 'social intelligence hypothesis,' suggesting that living in large social networks drove the evolution of complex social cognition in primates.
Researchers have developed a novel trophallaxis network control method for formation flight of multiple UAVs, which enables efficient information transfer and coordination. The new strategy has the potential to improve the stability and performance of UAV formations in various applications.
Dogs demonstrate a 'secure base effect' when interacting with their owners, showing increased motivation for rewards when owner is present. This study reveals the importance of ownership for dog behavior and confidence.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered the mechanisms behind salt-mediated behaviors in fruit flies, shedding light on sensory biology and its connection to human brain function. The study reveals that two distinct types of neurons compete to regulate behavioral outputs, with one type activated by low-salt and another by high-salt.
A Michigan State University team used a model system to show that predator confusion can evolve swarming behavior in prey, allowing groups to defend themselves against larger predators. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of intelligence and how it developed in nature.
Researchers can now study song acquisition, storage, and regurgitation in songbirds using MRI, providing parallels to human language acquisition. This technique allows for repeated, long-term developmental measurements of the brain, shedding light on learning, language, and neuroendocrinological plasticity.
Researchers found that interacting with shelter dogs increased joviality, positive affect, attentiveness, and serenity among teenagers. The study suggests that dog-interaction activities could be a beneficial addition to traditional treatments for teenagers struggling with drug abuse and related issues.
In a study on reed warblers, scientists found that males aggressively defend against potential infidelity but turn out to be caring fathers. The results suggest that females' perceived male weakness may reduce their investment in joint offspring.
James Cameron will deliver a presentation on his DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition and donate an extreme-depth unmanned undersea exploration system known as a 'lander' to Scripps. The lander will be used for future deep-sea exploration endeavors, unlocking the mysteries of Earth's least explored environment.
A new study found that individual experiences and behaviors contribute to differences in brain structure, even among genetically identical mice. The research suggests that this process is linked to the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region responsible for learning and memory.
Researchers analyzed social bonds in rock hyrax colonies, finding that balanced triads are more common than initially thought. Structural balance theory suggests that enemies of enemies can be stable configurations, contradicting classical human relationship dynamics.
A study found that intranasal delivery of neuropeptide Y reduced anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyper-arousal in rats exposed to single prolonged stress. This provides proof-of-concept for potential non-invasive prophylactic treatment for PTSD.
Researchers have linked autism in a mouse model to abnormalities in specific chromosomal regions and associated genes. The study provides new insights into the disease's causes and may lead to the development of new treatments.
The Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) is accepting submissions for its new Behavioral Sciences section. The new section will enable scientists to publish cutting-edge methodologies and innovations in video format.
Researchers found that social bees use chemical signals to mark flowers where they've been attacked, while solitary bees do not. The study suggests a link between sociability and the evolution of warning signals in bees.
Researchers found that as cows' core body temperatures rise above 101°F, they stand for longer periods to disperse heat. Dairy producers can use this behavior to improve herd well-being and efficiency by providing cooling systems.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered a link between prenatal infections, stress during puberty, and schizophrenia-relevant brain changes. The study suggests that the combination of these two factors significantly contributes to the development of the disorder.
Researchers at UGA discovered a neural pathway in fly larvae that triggers impulsive eating behavior when exposed to appetizing odors. This finding suggests that humans and flies share similar mechanisms for responding to rewarding cues, which can lead to compulsive eating.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that children with autism spectrum disorders display more social behaviors like talking and physical contact when interacting with animals than with toys. The presence of animals also increases instances of smiling and laughing, and reduces negative behaviors.
Researchers observed wild meerkat groups in the Kalahari Desert, where dominant females yield to lower-ranked individuals to cross roads, revealing a complex adaptation mechanism. This phenomenon may be an innate response, allowing animals to cope with novel threats and minimizing group risk.
Researchers discovered a hierarchical warning scheme used by song sparrows to ward off trespassing rivals, including matching the intruder's song, soft songs, and wing waves. The study found that birds who matched the intruder's song were most likely to attack, adding nuance to their complex communication system.
A small robot was driven by a male silkmoth to track down its sex pheromone, demonstrating the potential for insect-inspired odor tracking. The researchers hope to apply this technology to autonomous robots that can detect environmental spills and leaks.
Scientists have developed a new technology to see thoughts 'swim' through the brain of a living fish, allowing real-time visualization of neuronal activity during perception. This breakthrough has the potential to unlock complex behaviors, including learning, memory, and emotions, by interpreting specific combinations of neurons.