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 life sciences study using 14 years of data on gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park found that cooperative group behavior and a mother's weight are crucial for raising successful offspring. Larger packs tend to get larger and win the 'arms race' of holding territories against competing packs.
A study published in Animal Behaviour found that a hormone similar to oxytocin increases responsiveness to social information and promotes cohesion in fish. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of complex social behaviors in some species.
A study of children in Massachusetts found that low-level prenatal mercury exposure is associated with a higher risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviors. Conversely, fish consumption during pregnancy appears to be protective, particularly for impulsive/hyperactive behaviors.
Researchers found that newborn mice depend on the specific blend of scents emitted by their mothers, which is distinct from earlier studies in rabbits. This discovery suggests that innate behaviors like suckling may involve learning rather than hardwired instincts.
A new article explores the link between chronic laminitis and inflammation, identifying an anti-inflammatory protein APOA-IV as a key factor. The psychology of equine performance also plays a crucial role in enhancing horse's mood, emotion, and temperament to improve performance.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the behavior of worms by manipulating their neurons with precise laser beams. By hijacking key neurons, they can instruct the worm to perform specific actions, such as turning in a desired direction or responding to fake sensory inputs.
Researchers found that Western scrub jays gather around a dead bird's body and call loudly, attracting other birds to join in. The purpose of this behavior is unclear, but it may serve as a warning system or teach young jays about dangers.
A new study shows that crows react to threats in a human-like way, with brain regions activated similarly to those in mammals. The research used a novel approach to study bird behavior, involving awake crows wearing masks, and has implications for reducing stress in captive animals.
Researchers have identified a neural signature of affiliative experience in the human brain, using functional MRI to differentiate between positive and negative emotional experiences. The study's findings have implications for understanding emotions and neuropsychiatric conditions such as post-partum depression, psychopathy, and attach...
Researchers identified brain regions involved in affective aggression in mice, which may be similar to those affected in humans. The study's findings could lead to the development of novel approaches to treat chronic affective aggression.
The NCAN gene plays a major part in how manias manifest, being closely correlated with manic symptoms but not depressive episodes. Researchers found that knockout mice lacking the NCAN gene exhibited increased hyperactivity and reward-seeking behavior, responding well to lithium therapy.
Researchers found that rats with brain lesions developed schizophrenia-like symptoms if not trained, but those who received early cognitive training as adolescents showed no signs of the disorder. The study suggests that experience and learning can overcome neural disabilities, paving the way for new treatments for mental disorders.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that sleep deprivation immediately after exposure to trauma reduces the development of post-traumatic behavioral responses. This suggests that sleep deprivation in the first hours after stress exposure might represent an effective intervention for PTSD.
Research in rats and humans found that multiple pieces of food elicit greater satiation than a single piece, with increased portion sizes leading to increased intake. Cutting food into smaller pieces can make it more satiating, benefiting dieters seeking portion control.
A Wayne State University researcher is studying the impact of training animal shelter dogs on social skills and quality of life in incarcerated teens. The study aims to measure effects on depression, empathy, and attachment to both humans and animals.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered cockroaches can fling themselves under a ledge to vanish from sight. By leveraging their grappling hook-like claws and swinging like a pendulum, they retain most of their running energy.
Researchers have identified and characterized a new behavior in geckos and cockroaches, allowing them to run off ledges and execute a pendulum-like motion to swing underneath. This discovery has inspired the development of robots that can also perform this acrobatic move, with potential applications in search-and-rescue missions.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure brain activity during behavior in zebrafish with unprecedented resolution. The technique allows for the simultaneous measurement of up to 2,000 neurons, providing insights into how brain regions work together to control behavior.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London found that zebrafish housed individually spent less time on the bottom of their tank, indicating lower stress levels. Individually housed fish also responded to ethanol and had lower cortisol levels compared to group-housed fish.
Brown University researchers found that RNA editing enzyme activity varies with temperature, affecting fly behavior in mating and daily routines. High or low self-editing levels can create different personalities, such as wallflowers or pick-up artists, highlighting the significance of this process in animal behavior.
Researchers found that humans and chimpanzees tend to copy majority behaviour, while children consider both frequency and number of demonstrators. Orangutans, however, showed no such bias, possibly due to their solitary group structure. The study suggests a key difference in social learning mechanisms between humans, chimpanzees, and o...
Researchers found that ants' social contact with sick ants promotes disease protection in their group members through low-level micro-infections. This social mechanism enables colonies to recover more rapidly from infections.
A new study found that dogs who have 'run out' of self-control make more impulsive decisions, increasing their risk of physical harm. In the experiment, dogs with depleted self-control spent more time near an aggressive dog than those without depleted self-control.
Researchers discovered that Hydra's stinging cells are linked to primitive light-responsive cells via a nervous system, enabling the animals to react to light. This finding reveals how Hydra can hunt during the day despite lacking eyes, and hints at a common ancestor with humans.
By mimicking the tail propulsion of a swimming fish, researchers created a biomimetic robotic fish that attracted and led golden shiners. The robot's movement patterns induced slower tail movements in followers, allowing them to benefit from the leader's energy savings.
Research on elephants in South Africa reveals chronic stress leads to 'refuge behavior,' changing space use and preferences. Higher physiological stress levels result in 20-43% lower land usage, highlighting the need for wildlife management projects to consider these effects.
A protein linked to learning and memory plays a crucial role in driving desert locusts from harmless grasshoppers to destructive swarms. Researchers discovered that this protein acts as a molecular switch in social feedback loops, triggering the locusts' gregarious behavior.
Researchers found that uninformed individuals can bring about a majority decision, even if the minority is more determined than the majority. The number of undecided individuals must not be excessive, or decisions become unpredictable and follow a random pattern.
A study on free-living female Alpine marmots found that prenatal testosterone exposure gives females an edge in a population, allowing them to become more aggressive and dominant. This is contrary to previous findings in other species, where being exposed to males can make females less reproductively successful.
A recent study of young chimpanzees reveals that they engage in playful behavior during infancy and develop complex social play patterns, similar to those of human children. The research also found that both humans and chimps prefer peer play partners and use facial expressions to communicate and build social networks.
Research reveals that people's diets are influenced by conflicting norms and environmental cues, rather than just knowledge of healthy eating. According to study findings, having strong beliefs about good eating habits is not enough to change behavior; individuals must also possess the willpower to follow their rules.
Washington State University researchers have developed a new animal model to study depression by stimulating a brain region associated with primary emotions in rats. The model reveals behaviors linked to depression, including reduced positive affect and increased agitation.
Motherhood is associated with changes in brain function, particularly in the auditory cortex, enabling mothers to recognize and respond to pup distress calls. The study shows a rapid appearance of olfactory-auditory integration in lactating mothers.
Researchers found that meerkats can distinguish between individual calls in their species, contrary to previous assumptions. Meerkat colonies are highly organized and divide work into three roles, with this vocal recognition ability linked to auditory cues.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that male insects are not aggressive towards their mates but instead protective and willing to risk their lives to ensure female safety. This challenges previous assumptions about insect relationships, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of natural selection in the wild.
Researchers found that ritualistic behavior is not only human but also animal behavior, developed to induce calm and manage stress. In both humans and animals, repetitive behavior serves as a way to feel in control of unpredictable situations.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that aquarium fishes are more aggressive in reduced environments, with 182.9 million ornamental fishes at risk. Increasing tank size and complexity can reduce harmful aggressive behaviors, leading to healthier fish.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have shown that chimpanzees exhibit a significant bias for prosocial behavior, particularly towards partners who are patient. The study's findings confirm the altruistic nature of chimpanzees, suggesting human altruism may not be as rare as previously thought.
A new system tracks cattle's feeding patterns and behavior using RFID technology, enabling early detection of illnesses and improving treatment outcomes. The system has shown promising results in detecting subtle changes in animal behavior indicative of health challenges.
Scientists use optogenetics to induce social-behavior deficits in mice resembling those seen in people with autism and schizophrenia. The findings lend credence to a hypothesis that an altered balance between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells may contribute to the development of these disorders.
A new owl study uncovers the advantage of stereopsis, revealing its ability to discriminate between objects and background. The findings debunk the long-held consensus that the evolutionary advantage of seeing in stereo must be depth vision, suggesting a more nuanced role for binocular disparity.
Researchers found that domestic chickens have a significant preference for consonant sounds, which may be an innate auditory preference. This finding challenges the notion that aesthetic tastes are solely learned behaviors and highlights the importance of distinguishing among sounds in the natural environment.
Researchers analyzed the heads of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and compared them to modern animals that engage in head butting. They found that the bony anatomy of pachycephalosaur domes is better at protecting the brain than in any modern head-butting animal.
A new study published in Psychological Science concludes that female bosses who exhibit 'queen bee' behavior are not inherently nasty, but rather a response to a difficult, male-dominated work environment. The study found that only women with strong gender identities at work resist helping other women rise through the ranks.
A University of Florida study shows that singing mice choose mates based on their vocal prowess, which is reflected in the quality of their trills. The researchers found that faster singers are preferred by females, and even the sex hormones of males can affect their singing abilities.
Ingo Schlupp, OU Department of Zoology associate professor, receives top award for evolutionary biology and animal behavior research. He will spend a year at University of Potsdam in Germany working on genomics of the Amazon molly.
A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University finds that deaf animals' brains reorganize sensory inputs to preserve their behavioral functions. The research provides insight into brain reorganization following sensory loss, potentially informing the development of more effective rehabilitative medicine for deaf patients.
A 120 million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil found in Australia shows healed bite wounds, suggesting the creature survived an attack from another member of its species. The discovery provides insights into the social behaviors of ancient sea creatures during the time of dinosaurs.
Research at Yerkes National Primate Research Center finds chimpanzees yawn more after watching familiar chimps, suggesting underlying empathy. The study proposes that contagious yawning can be used as a measure of empathy in both humans and animals.
Seven GHSU investigators will present their research on schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders, including Dr. Peter Buckley's National Institutes of Mental Health-funded study on relapse prevention. Researchers also explore potential treatments for stress-induced anxiety behavior and prenatal stress-related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
A miniature, portable PET scanner has been developed to study brain function and behavior in rats while they are awake and moving freely. This breakthrough technology, dubbed RatCAP, uses a wearable design that counterbalances with springs and motion stabilizers, allowing animals significant freedom of movement.
Researchers develop an algorithm based on honey bee behavior to solve the four-color theorem, which proves that maps can be colored with only four colors. This method uses less computational power than existing algorithms and applies to engineering and mathematical problems beyond map coloring.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a novel brain circuit that produces the opposite effect of anxiety, counteracting it instead. The discovery was made using optogenetics technology and found that stimulating this circuit enhances animals' willingness to take risks.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that domestic hens exhibit a clear physiological and behavioral response to mild chick distress, suggesting an empathic capacity. The study used both behavioral and physiological methods to measure these traits in birds.
Researchers found that hand-raised wolves can follow a gaze around an obstacle, indicating a more cognitively advanced task than previously observed. The wolves' ability to detour an obstacle suggests that gaze following is not exclusive to primates and corvids.
Scientists found that songbirds learn to change their pitch by computing the average success of hundreds of performances, a strategy that could guide damaged nervous systems to recovery using simple instructive signals. This phenomenon explains how people learn subtle details like accents and facial cues.
A study found that changing the composition of quail groups causes aggression and changes in hormone levels, affecting chick growth and behavior. The results suggest a direct impact of mother quails' social environment on their offspring's phenotype.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that some neural sequences in mice' brains that fired during a novel experience had already occurred before the animal rested. This phenomenon, called preplay, helps encode related experiences occurring in the future.
A genetic variant of the HTR2B brain receptor molecule has been found to contribute to violent impulsivity, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption. The study, conducted by NIH researchers and their international collaborators, used human genetic analyses and gene knockout studies in mice to identify the mutation.
A Purdue University study reveals a link between diet and the onset of mental illness, with mice developing abnormal behaviors on a high-sugar diet. The research suggests that increasing serotonin activity in the brain may not be enough to cure or reduce hair-pulling disorders like trichotillomania.