The double-edged sword of dominance
Research finds that dominant animals in primate societies have higher parasite loads due to suppressed immune systems. Frequent aggression and contact with other animals may contribute to the risk of infection.
Ethology
Articles tagged with Ethology
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Shy trout size it up
Studies on juvenile trout reveal distinct personality traits, with some exhibiting aggression and others hiding from new objects. Shy trout surprisingly outperform bold individuals in growth rate when released into the wild.
New neuronal circuits which control fear have been identified
Researchers have discovered distinct neuronal circuits within the central nucleus of the amygdala involved in acquisition and control of behavioral fear responses. The study found that specific inhibition cells play a key role in regulating fear behaviors.
Workers hold key to power in nature's oldest societies
A new study found that workers are pivotal in creating complex societies where conflict is minimized. The research discovered that UK worker ants are more docile and less aggressive towards their queens, whereas Spanish worker ants engage in ruthless behavior to determine the next queen.
Dogs may be pessimistic too
A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.
Vultures use face flushing technique for instant status updates
Research reveals vultures use face flushing technique for displays of dominance and interaction with peers, where rapidly changing skin color provides up-to-date information on status.
Computer-based video analysis boosts data gathering in behavioral studies
A new computer system, based on a model of the human brain's visual processing, accurately identifies mouse behaviors in videos, reducing tedious data logging tasks. The open-source software is available for free and can be easily trained to work with other lab animals, increasing productivity in behavioral research.
Ant colonies shed light on metabolism
A team of researchers studied California seed harvester ants to understand how colony size affects metabolism. They found that the metabolic rate decreases as colony size increases, but not in a straightforward manner.
Fruit flies use horizontal landmarks for altitude control, says Caltech research team
Caltech researchers found that flies regulate altitude by tracking horizontal edges, not the motion beneath them. This mechanism is similar to steering and was tested using an automated flight chamber with multiple cameras.
Once bitten, twice shy -- a temperature switch triggers aversive memory
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have identified three dopamine-releasing nerve cells essential for associating odors with negative experiences. By manipulating these cells using a temperature switch, they demonstrated that even without an electric shock, fruit flies can learn to avoid specific odors.
Study suggests more fish than thought may thrive in the ocean's depths
Researchers observed 10 to 20 snailfish congregating at a depth of 7703 meters, suggesting that few species of fishes survive in the darkness of the hadal zone. The study, published in BioScience, provides evidence that liparids dominate the deep ocean's hadal environment.
Some males react to competition like bonobos, others like chimpanzees
A new study reveals differing hormone levels in humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees before competition. Males who are intolerant of sharing food showed hormonal changes similar to chimpanzees, while those who tolerated cooperation showed cortisol increases like bonobos.
Striped mice -- the neighbors from hell
Researchers found that breeding males were more aggressive towards neighboring males than strangers, potentially to protect paternity. The study suggests the 'Nasty Neighbor' phenomenon helps limit territorial costs.
Sense of smell holds the key to diagnosis and treatment in early stage Parkinson's disease
A new test of sense of smell may help diagnose and treat early-stage Parkinson's disease. The research used transgenic mice with high levels of human alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to PD, to develop a model for studying the disease's effects on dopamine regulation.
Swarming locusts need larger brains
Desert locusts that swarm together have larger brains with altered proportions compared to solitary locusts. Their bigger brains are thought to help them cope with the challenges of living in large groups and finding varied food sources.
Caltech researchers identify genes and brain centers that regulate meal size in flies
Researchers identified two genes, leucokinin neuropeptide and receptor, that regulate meal sizes and frequency in fruit flies. In normal flies, the stretch receptors signal to the brain when the gut is full, but in mutants or brain center destruction, this signal is not relayed, leading to excessive eating.
Fish facing reflections become feisty but fearful
Researchers found that male African cichlid fish exhibit a fear response when fighting their own reflections, characterized by increased activity in the amygdala region of the brain. This discovery suggests that fish may have more complex cognitive abilities than previously thought.
Scripps Research scientists find chemical signal from predators that sparks fear in mice
Researchers identified a specific chemical compound emitted by predators that triggers fearful behavior in mice. The study reveals the importance of the vomeronasal organ in detecting chemical cues and highlights the complexity of brain response to sensory information.
Cuckoo chicks in zebra finches
Female zebra finches often outsource parental care to neighbors, with 1 in 20 eggs being a 'cuckoo egg'. Most cuckoo eggs are laid shortly before the host parents start breeding.
Brain connections for stress -- lessons from the worm
Scientists have discovered a hidden neuronal circuit in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans that modulates sensory perception under stress. This work suggests that mechanisms coupling hypoxia, serotonin, and neuropeptide signaling also modify behavior in mammals.
New brain nerve cells key to stress resilience, UT Southwestern researchers find
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that new brain nerve cells play a crucial role in stress resilience. Mice susceptible to stress exhibited enhanced neurogenesis, with surviving cells surviving longer than those produced by resilient mice.
Tryptophan-enriched diet reduces pig aggression
A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that a tryptophan-enriched diet reduces aggression in young female pigs, making them calmer and easier to manage. The supplement raised blood concentrations of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter, leading to reduced behavioral activity and aggression.
Caltech researchers obtain first brain recordings from behaving fruit flies
Researchers at Caltech have recorded brain-cell activity in actively flying fruit flies, revealing that the visual system becomes more sensitive during flight. The study suggests that this increased sensitivity is linked to a neurochemical release that sets the animal's brain in a different state.
Why mice develop 'knots' while exploring a new environment
Researchers found that mice create 'knots' – preferred places with high path tortuosity – during exploration, which enhance their visual scene interpretation, memory of the place, and provide multiple views. This study contributes to understanding how animals map environments and accomplish goals.
Gene knockout may cheer up mice
Researchers discovered that removing the PKCI/HINT1 gene from mice results in anti-depressant and anxiolytic-like behaviors, suggesting its potential role in mood regulation. The study's findings could lead to the development of new diagnostic or therapeutic agents for depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia.
When ants attack: Researchers recreate chemicals that trigger aggression in Argentine ants
Scientists successfully recreated chemicals that trigger aggressive behavior in Argentine ants, revealing insights into the insects' social behavior and potential methods for controlling their populations. The findings have implications for understanding the invasive species' success in non-native regions.
Pushing through brain barriers
A Case Western Reserve University engineering professor is developing a miniaturized low-power device to detect how electrical signals and neurotransmitters in the brain work. The device will record 16 channels of chemical and electrical neural activity, measuring neurotransmitters and action potentials in real time.
Like humans, monkeys fall into the 'uncanny valley'
Researchers found that macaque monkeys react with revulsion when viewing nearly human-like images, supporting theories of an evolutionary basis for the uncanny valley. The study indicates that the brain mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are likely biological adaptations.
With a flash of light, a neuron's function is revealed
Researchers used light-activated proteins to pinpoint the neural cell responsible for a specific behavior in zebrafish, a breakthrough that could lead to new insights into biological systems and synthetic biology applications. This technique may also aid in optimizing biofuels and disease-fighting therapies.
Why solitary reptiles lay eggs in communal nests
Female reptiles lay eggs in communal nests, defying their solitary nature. The behavior is common among 255 lizard species and many snake and alligator species, with potential advantages including reduced nesting costs.
Why we learn more from our successes than our failures
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that brain cells only change their responses after a successful behavior, but not after a failure. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory, with implications for understanding how we learn and treating learning disorders.
Human-dog communication -- breed as important as species
Research found that gun dogs and sheep dogs excel in following a pointing finger, while hunting hounds and mongrels struggle. Breed characteristics with short noses and central eyes also improve comprehension. The study cautions against making generalizations about the effects of domestication on dog behavior.
2 is not company -- as far as fish are concerned
Research finds fish kept alone or with one companion show increased aggression, while larger groups exhibit natural behaviors like shoaling. The study aims to establish welfare guidelines for home aquaria by examining healthy stocking densities and novel object use.
The faster they come
Subordinate mosquitofish are significantly faster than dominant ones in responding to attacks. Researchers found that fin damage from frequent fights leads to declining aggression.
Opioid-induced hibernation protects against stroke
Researchers found that an opioid peptide, DADLE, protected against experimental stroke in rats, preventing cell death and behavioral abnormalities. The study suggests a new pharmacological target for stroke therapy.
'Cross' breeding: What makes an angry fly?
A study published in BMC Biology has identified 59 genetic mutations in 57 genes that impact the behavior of fruit flies. Researchers found that certain mutations increase aggression, while others make the flies more placid.
Researchers shed light on trading behavior in animals -- and humans
A recent study by Georgia State University researchers found that chimpanzees are cognitively able to understand trade but lack the ability to spontaneously barter without human enforcement. Humans, on the other hand, have a reputation system that fosters confidence in trade, which may be unique among primates.
Bats recognize the individual voices of other bats
Researchers found that bats can distinguish between each other's vocalizations, which may aid in social behavior and recognition. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of bat behavior and social interactions.
Birds use social learning to enhance nest defense
Researchers found that inexperienced reed warblers learn to defend themselves by observing the mobbing behavior of other members of their species. This social learning enables them to fine-tune their defenses against cuckoo parasites, a mechanism that responds rapidly to changes in parasitism.
Fish may actually feel pain and react to it much like humans
Researchers found goldfish exhibit reflexive and cognitive pain responses, displaying fear and anxiety after painful stimuli. The study suggests that fish consciously perceive pain and change behavior afterward.
Genetic risk for anxiety does not have to be destiny
A new study challenges the idea that individuals with certain genotypes are predestined to negative life outcomes. Infants raised in small social groups were more likely to be aggressive and anxious, particularly those with a low activity MAOA genotype. However, no genotype effects were evident in monkeys reared in larger social cages.
How cigarettes calm you down
Researchers found that nicotine alters brain areas involved in inhibiting negative emotions like anger, leading to reduced retaliation and increased cravings. The study supports the idea that individuals with an angry disposition are more susceptible to nicotine's effects.
Sexual harassment from males prevents female bonding, says study
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that sexual harassment from males prevents female fish from forming social bonds with each other. The researchers discovered that male harassment not only breaks down female social structures but also affects females' ability to recognize one another.
Early isolation linked to enhanced response to cocaine
A new study examines the impact of social isolation on rats' response to cocaine, revealing that isolated male rats are more susceptible to the drug's effects. The research suggests that early isolation can alter brain sensitivity to cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity in adolescence.
Team approach appears to work best for insect colonies
Scientists created a mathematical model to study cooperative groups of animals, known as superorganisms, which evolve through two scenarios: closely related individuals or policing-based control. This finding suggests that some animal groups can behave like united organisms.
Study finds life-saving trend among seagulls
Researchers found that seagulls watch and mimic their neighbors' behavior during rest periods, indicating a life-saving trend. This study suggests animals don't act independently but cue on reactions from other members of their group.
If you're aggressive, your dog will be too, says veterinary study at University of Pennsylvania
A new University of Pennsylvania survey found that most dogs will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified. Non-aversive training methods, such as exercise and rewards, elicited few aggressive responses. The study highlights the risk of dominance-based training, which can lead to owner-directed aggression.
The science suggests access to nature is essential to human health
Studies find that access to nature reduces aggression, crime rates, and improves cognitive function in children with ADHD. Living near trees also positively influences mood, life satisfaction, and social interactions, particularly among elderly adults.
No such thing as a 'born leader,' study in fish finds
A new study on stickleback fish found that followers play a crucial role in good leadership and that individuals adopt roles based on social feedback. The researchers showed that each member of a pair influences the other's behavior, leading to dynamic leadership emergence.
Biofeedback from the zoo
Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a program that analyzes animal behavior to understand and treat OCD. By comparing human behavior to animal rituals, the model identifies abnormal patterns and provides a tool for mental health practitioners. This innovative approach may motivate patients to correct their compulsive actions.
Schizophrenic patients' frozen faces harm social interactions
Research suggests that schizophrenia patients' reduced non-verbal expressivity is linked to poor social skills and an inability to accurately imagine others' thoughts and feelings. This impairment contributes to difficulties in conversation and social interactions, making it challenging for people with schizophrenia to engage with others.
Alcohol exposure in the womb affects 'teenage' booze behavior
Researchers found that rats exposed to alcohol during pregnancy are more attracted to the smell of liquor during puberty, and this effect persists into adolescence. Fetal ethanol exposure also changes how the odor and flavor of ethanol are perceived, making it more attractive to others.
Panamanian termite goes ballistic: Fastest mandible strike in the world
The Panamanian termite has recorded the fastest mandible strike ever, with footage showing a soldier termite's jaws striking an invader at speeds of up to 70 meters per second. This rapid strike is thought to be due to the termites' need to store energy in their mandibles to generate force.
How cockroaches keep their predators 'guessing'
Researchers found that cockroaches choose between four primary escape routes at fixed angles from threats, avoiding predictability and allowing them to stay one step ahead of predators. This study challenges the idea that 'unpredictable' behavior is random, suggesting instead that animals may be choosing between multiple strategies.
Graduate research scientist at Rutgers University in Newark receives honors
Dr. Mariano Belluscio, a graduate research scientist at Rutgers University, has been awarded the Pew Latin American Fellows Program in Biomedical Sciences. He explores neural activity patterns in memory and planning, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms of brain function.
Experiments at CSHL support alternative theory of information processing in the cortex
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrate that spike timing in cortical neurons can influence behavior even at minuscule time intervals. The study suggests an alternative theory of information processing in the cortex, where information is encoded within the precise pattern of spiking rather than just the rate of spiking.
Mapping the neuron-behavior link in Rett Syndrome
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals a critical function of the MeCP2 protein in regulating neuronal behavior, particularly in relation to stress, aggression, and obesity. The findings demonstrate that MeCP2 is essential for tempering neural responses, enabling appropriate behavior in novel social situations.
Birds' harmonious duets can be 'aggressive audio warfare,' study finds
Researchers report that male and female rufous-and-white wren partners sing duets to keep track of each other when apart. The duets also serve as a form of aggressive territory defense, with birds responding aggressively to rival individuals.
Cocaine: How addiction develops
Researchers have found that cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in addiction development. By selectively switching off specific protein components, scientists have been able to induce persistent addictive behavior in mice.
Researchers explore the genetic basis of social behavior in ants
A new study identifies 39 genes differentially expressed between workers with varying Gp-9 genotypes, including those regulating chemical signaling and response. The study also found 91 genes indirectly influenced by social environment, highlighting the genetic complexities of social behavior.