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.
Recent research reveals that spotted hyenas often hunt alone to avoid feeding competition within their social group and instead opt for solo hunts to ensure individual survival. By doing so, they tap into a previously unknown strategy for increasing their chances of capturing prey.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that the brain's decision-making region encodes information associated with the magnitude and delay of rewards. This finding sheds light on why humans and animals prefer immediate over delayed rewards, known as temporal discounting.
Researchers found that Nazca booby chicks have high levels of testosterone and other male hormones, increasing aggression and leading to lethal fights with siblings. This early-life behavior prepares the birds for future bullying behaviors.
A new study reveals that fruitflies have four large heat-responsive neurons in their brain, which help them detect and avoid temperatures just above their preferred level. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of neural circuits that drive animals to select a preferred temperature.
New research explores the evolutionary origins of the brain, shedding light on how complex synapse structures drove brain evolution. The study finds that sophisticated molecular processing of nerve impulses was key to developing animals with more complex behaviors.
Researchers found socially subordinate females consume calorie-rich foods at a higher level, leading to accelerated weight gain and increased fat-derived hormones. Dr. Wilson believes this may be linked to changes in metabolism and cortisol levels.
A study by Ashley J. W. Ward and colleagues found that groups of fish only follow leaders when a threshold number of fellow group members perform a particular behaviour, reducing the risk of non-adaptive following. This quorum response is also relevant to human decision-making.
Researchers have discovered a timing mechanism in the brain of fruit fly larvae that controls their avoidance of food and could lead to new pain relief methods. This mechanism has counterparts in mammalian models involved in psychological processes such as food response, anxiety suppression, and pain perception.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that female fruit flies often choose males who win fights, contradicting the assumption that aggression is key to successful mating. The researchers suggest that unexpected interactions between individuals, known as 'chemistry,' play a crucial role in mate selection.
Researchers have identified neurons that form different spiral-shaped axons on the left and right sides of the brain, suggesting a possible explanation for brain asymmetry. The findings provide new insights into how the brain processes information and could lead to a better understanding of cognitive performance and social behavior.
In experiments, chimpanzees showed an ability to recognize and generalize behavioral traits in strangers, forming reputation judgments based on observation. This finding suggests that chimps may possess a system for attributing reputation, a crucial feature of cooperative exchanges.
Gro Amdam investigates biochemical factors influencing aging and longevity in honeybees, focusing on vitellogenin protein and social life history properties. Her work may reveal mechanisms governing lifespan in social species.
Researchers have created a new mouse model of mania, allowing them to study the complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors contributing to bipolar disorder. The study found that mice missing the GluR6 gene exhibited symptoms of mania, including increased activity, reduced anxiety, and aggressive behavior.
Research reveals that specific males with strong catalytic effects initiate hunts, diluting prey defenses and increasing hunting likelihood. These 'impact hunters' are more likely to be successful and have a high success rate when hunting alone.
Pig-tailed langurs on Mentawai islands show no alarm at tiger and leopard sounds but flee quickly from human voices. The study suggests animal behavior changes under relaxed selection pressures.
Researchers at UC Davis found that California ground squirrels and rock squirrels apply snake scent to themselves by picking up shed skin and licking their fur. This behavior helps mask the squirrel's own scent and deters snakes from attacking.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Harvard University discovered a family of proteins in mouse urine that elicit aggression response in males. The protein family, comprising the major urinary protein (MUP) complex, is recognized exclusively in the vomeronasal organ and activates specific sensory receptor neurons.
A Northwestern University study quantifies the volumes of movement and sensation in animals, defining three modes - collision, reactive, and deliberative. The findings apply to understanding behavioral control strategies in animals and can aid in designing autonomous robots and improving cockpit information systems.
A Northwestern University study found that a high-fat diet disrupts the body's internal clock, causing animals to eat during their natural rest periods. The study suggests that this disruption can lead to negative effects on metabolism and increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Researchers observed and videotaped four captive caimans and three alligators at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, finding that five of the seven animals teared up as they ate. The cause of the tears is still unknown, but it may be related to air forced through the sinuses during feeding.
Young girls and women are more likely to believe that negative past events predict future events, leading to increased worries, risk perception, and anxiety compared to boys and men. This knowledge develops during the preschool years and is essential for processing past trauma and making decisions.
Researchers studied crayfish brain function, discovering integration of sensory inputs from antennae, legs, and antennules for environmental awareness and hunting success. Crayfish use distinct senses to detect food, predators, and mates in their aquatic environment.
Researchers discovered a unique set of olfactory neurons in mice that are sensitive to carbon dioxide, allowing them to detect the gas. This finding may have significant implications for how animals adapt to increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Studies reveal a gene-regulating protein that triggers coping mechanisms in mice exposed to inescapable stress, leading to reduced behavioral despair. The discovery provides an animal model for exploring how antidepressants work on the brain circuitry involved in stress response.
A new study reveals that female birds of two migrant flycatcher species can acquire a novel preference for nesting sites based on the apparent attraction of competing resident tits. This finding suggests that individual animals use information and make decisions, even from other species.
A study by the University of Alberta found that mule deer mothers respond to distress calls from both their own and other species' fawns, often putting themselves at risk. This behavior defies traditional explanations for parental care and suggests a more primal instinct for survival.
Researchers propose that animal personalities evolve due to trade-offs between current and future reproduction, with cautious individuals investing more in future opportunities. This leads to populations with consistently risk-averse or risk-prone personality traits.
A team of researchers analyzed fruit fly behavior and found it to be non-randomly generated by the brain, suggesting a mechanism for free will in animals. This discovery could lead to the development of robots with spontaneous behavior and help combat human disorders related to compromised spontaneity.
Brandeis University professors Eve Marder and Chris Miller have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of their outstanding research achievements. This honor brings Brandeis' total NAS membership to ten, reflecting the university's strong commitment to scientific excellence.
Researchers found that oxytocin improved heart rate and variability in isolated prairie voles. The peptide also reduced heart rate response to social stressors. These findings suggest a potential protective effect of oxytocin on cardiac function during social isolation.
A new study reveals that serotonin and neuropeptide F regulate aggression in fruit flies, similar to their effects on mammals. The findings suggest that the molecular and neural roots for complex social behavior are of ancient evolutionary origin.
Researchers found that red-breasted nuthatches can distinguish between high and low danger threats from the alarm calls of black-capped chickadees. The nuthatches' behavior suggests they learn to interpret the calls through complex social interactions, highlighting their intelligence and adaptability.
Human ancestors used short legs to gain a fighting advantage, helping males compete for females. The study analyzed nine primate species and found that shorter legs correlated with higher aggression indicators, including body weight and canine tooth size ratios.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that western scrub-jays plan for future food scarcity by caching food, anticipating potential shortages. This finding suggests that birds may also experience anxiety about the future, similar to humans.
Researchers have discovered a reflex mechanism in insects that allows them to maintain constant speed and altitude, even in strong headwinds. By controlling lift force using the optic flow regulator, insects can fly safely without measuring their speed or altitude.
Researchers found that early brain degeneration can be reversed if prions are depleted in neurons, leading to improved cognitive function and reversal of neurological pathology. This discovery opens new avenues for targeting neuronal prion protein as a therapeutic approach and may enable early intervention in human prion disease.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch discovered a potential method to prevent failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) by applying a local anesthetic, Lidocaine, to the exposed spinal cord before surgery. The technique successfully blocked the release of chemicals associated with FBSS and reduced sensitivity in rats.
In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers found that fish can use transitive inference to understand their place in the pecking order. By observing rival males fight and watching which rival they spent more time near, bystander fish could infer their relative strength and navigate social hierarchies.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that VIP synchronizes biological clocks, clarifying its role alongside GABA. Without VIP, cells lose synchrony, indicating its coordinator function.
Researchers have discovered that female wasps release a potent gas when losing fights over larvae, which could help control crop-destroying pests. This finding has great potential for applied spin-offs in biological control.
A study on pigeon homing found that birds flying in pairs take more efficient routes home than alone, suggesting navigational benefits. The researchers discovered that compromise and leadership emerge from simple forces acting on the pigeons' behavior, resolving conflicts between individual preferences.
Researchers identified 'sociality' neurons in bird brains, which promote positive affiliation and are more active in gregarious species. The study's findings have implications for understanding social behavior in animals, including humans.
Researchers identified genes affecting fruit fly aggression, finding a 10% genetic contribution to behavior. The study's findings have implications for understanding abnormal aggression in humans and developing pharmaceutical interventions.
Researchers found five proteins overexpressed and three underexpressed in response to chronic alcohol exposure, affecting programmed cell death, cholesterol balance, and signal transduction. The study suggests a progressive increase in behavior disruption with prolonged exposure, highlighting the potential for new therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Rice University found that single-celled microbes can recognize and preferentially associate with their relatives, directing altruistic behavior towards them. This ability is similar to kin recognition observed in animals and has significant implications for the social evolution of species.
Researchers have developed a computer-controlled system to analyze animal behavior, allowing for rapid and efficient drug screening. The Forsyth Automated Training Apparatus enables automated control of the environment, recording animal reactions to stimuli, and providing valuable insights into cognitive abilities.
Studies have mapped brain regions and feeding cycles, but this study records neuronal activity across a full cycle of hunger-satiety-hunger. The researchers found that populations of neurons change their activity over the different phases of a feeding cycle, reflecting the physiological state of the animals.
Researchers at UW-Madison presented studies on the ineffectiveness of fish advisories, the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in mercury contamination, and the long-term consequences of in utero exposure to methylmercury. The findings highlight the need for improved communication, funding, and media coverage to address these issues.
A study found that constant barking in animal shelters can cause physical stress, behavioral responses, and anxiety. New designs, such as individual rooms with access to a play area, have been shown to reduce noise levels and promote social interaction among dogs.
Research on neuropeptide S suggests it can reduce biochemical and behavioral symptoms of schizophrenia, while also alleviating anxiety and promoting wakefulness. The study's findings indicate the NPS receptor could be a target for developing novel antipsychotic drugs.
A new study examines how competition scales influence cooperative behavior in humans, finding that global competition leads to reciprocal cooperation and selfish conflict in local competition. The research suggests that the spatial scale of competition may drive evolutionary changes in social behavior.
Research studies will explore neuroendocrine changes throughout the lifespan, including potential secrets to longevity and stress reduction. The congress will also examine the links between nature and nurture in disease development and abnormal behaviors.
Researchers found that Nepali rhesus macaques are genetically similar to Indian-origin animals, which could provide a new alternative for HIV/AIDS research. The study suggests that these animals may be representative of Nepali rhesus macaques in general, and their use in research could help address conservation concerns.
Scientists track Caspian Sea sturgeons using satellite technology for the first time, providing critical data for conservation efforts. The study aims to learn more about species biology and behavior, challenging long-held assumptions and contributing to better management of endangered populations.
The study confirms that honeybees dance to report on real estate as part of their group decision-making process. The better the site, the stronger the waggle dance, which attracts other scouts to visit the recommended site.
The study found that manipulating a specific signaling pathway in the AT1 receptor altered animal behavior, increasing salt intake without water consumption. This suggests that intracellular events can regulate behavioral states, providing new insights into angiotensin's role in mammalian behaviors.
A Cornell University study reveals that male loons modify their yodels when switching territories, adopting a new call to signal dominance. This unique behavior has significant implications for conservation efforts and may inform the development of non-invasive bird identification methods.
Researchers propose that social systems arose as a group defense mechanism against predators, citing studies on male muriqui networks and affiliative hormones in primate species. Positive behaviors like grooming and physical touch increase levels of social bonding hormones.
Studies show that deleting a specific gene called BDNF improves behavior in stressed mice, while also providing insight into the underlying molecular events involved. The researchers' findings have implications for understanding human ailments like social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers discovered that mice without brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exhibit increased BDNF and gene expression in response to social defeat, leading to improved social behavior. Antidepressants reverse this effect, suggesting a potential treatment for mood disorders.