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.
Researchers found that humans were born to run due to their unique physiological traits and social benefits of endurance pursuits. Studies reveal that humans were engaging in endurance hunting tactics for thousands of years, with similar patterns observed across diverse environments.
Researchers from INRAE have developed a training protocol to enable lambs to undergo MRI acquisitions while awake and unrestrained. The successful protocol has already yielded comparable brain images to those obtained from anaesthetised sheep, opening up new avenues for studying animal brain function.
Researchers found that bats employ four key tactics: predicting target direction, adjusting sensing rate, range, and counter maneuvers. These tactics improve tracking accuracy and reduce multitasking burden. The study proposes a framework for efficient target tracking.
Chimpanzees have been observed seeking out specific plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments, and further pharmacological testing has confirmed the presence of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. These findings highlight the importance of studying animal behavior in discovering new medicines.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals that fish use physical punishment to promote helping behavior in their offspring, demonstrating advanced social and cognitive abilities. The research highlights the presence of punishment in animal societies, bridging a gap in understanding cooperative behavior and its mechanisms.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.
A new study reveals that praising and petting dogs enhances their learning success by reducing stress. Dogs who received a 'permissive' training style with praise and petting performed better than those in a 'controlling' style, which induced greater stress.
A new method developed by researchers at Florida Atlantic University and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center improves the accuracy of acoustic tracking in marine animals. The method uses a movement model to reconstruct animal tracks, even in regions with uneven receiver coverage.
A new AI tool called SUBTLE has been developed for advanced animal behavior analysis. It classifies and analyzes behavior through AI learning based on 3D movement information, reducing time-series data into two dimensions for embedding.
Researchers trained two dogs to imitate human actions using the Do as I Do training method, with successful replication from frontal and side angles. However, dogs struggled to imitate actions from overhead perspectives. This study expands knowledge on dog perception and interpretation of human actions.
A Cornell University study found that foxes' sharp snouts penetrate the snow with little resistance, reducing potential tissue damage during a headfirst dive. The unique hunting behavior, known as mousing, allows foxes to reach their prey earlier and avoid injury.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that a combination of cognitive and physical therapy improved the behavior and engagement of older dogs. However, it was discovered that cognitive exercise alone had no positive effects, while physical activity alone showed modest improvements in flexibility and friendliness.
Research found that chickens get red in the face depending on their emotional state, with lighter colors at rest and scarlet red during negative experiences. The study also suggests using facial redness as an indicator of animal welfare, particularly in domesticated breeds.
Researchers found that ketogenic diets reduced plasma levels of total Tau in females, mitigated elevations in plasma lipids, and improved circulating lipids. However, neither continuous nor intermittent ketogenic diets improved measures of cognitive or motor behavior in the TgF344-AD rat model.
Researchers mapped the distribution of lone star ticks, a dominant tick species in Georgia, to identify areas with high prevalence. The study found that these regions contain sweet spots for lone star ticks, including forested areas of mid-elevation and soils retaining moisture but not swampy.
Research suggests that frequent mobile device use among preschoolers leads to lower-quality and quantity of parent-child interactions compared to non-users. Joint, real-life activities help prevent problematic digital device use and its negative effects.
Researchers found that attaching red flags to crickets made them less appealing to predatory birds, suggesting a warning signal. The experiment supported the chemical defense explanation, as matador bugs were actively avoided with or without flags.
Research at the University of Oxford discovered that socially connected great tit birds are more likely to use new foods, consuming twice as much novel food as less sociable individuals. This trend suggests that social birds expand their diets to mitigate competition costs, not increased exploratory behavior.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs have a 'canine g factor' similar to humans, influencing cognitive abilities and ageing patterns. The study found a global cognitive decline in dogs over two and a half years, with poorer health affecting the rate of decline.
Dogs have an implicit understanding of object words, activating a matching mental representation when hearing their name. Research found that brain activity patterns differ between matching and mismatched objects, supporting the notion that dogs comprehend object words.
Researchers have solved the long-standing question of what triggers the alarm response in fish by identifying two distinct chemical signals: Daniol sulphate and Ostariopterin. These substances convey separate pieces of information that must be detected simultaneously to trigger a flight-or-freeze response.
A study by Hokkaido University and Aarhus University reveals a 'nocturnal' surge in vocalization activity among little auks in Arctic summer, contrary to expectations. The findings provide valuable insights into avian behavior under continuous daylight environments.
A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can improve their emotional state and overall welfare. The researchers trained Holstein dairy heifers using food rewards and observed increased anticipatory behaviors and play, indicating a positive experience for the animals.
Researchers from Stockholm University and University of Neuchâtel discover social bonds in group-living animals develop over time through mutual aid and shared activities. Existing members actively initiate new friendships with recruits, expanding the social network.
Researchers studied the acoustic features Japanese horseshoe bats sense when perceiving moving objects, finding that Doppler shifts, not echo delays, act as a cue. This discovery deepens our understanding of acoustic sensing in nature and has potential applications for next-generation ultrasonic sensors.
Delta opioid receptors play a crucial role in anxiety development, and research reveals its therapeutic effects in animal models. KNT-127, a DOP agonist, reduces anxiety-like behavior by suppressing glutamatergic transmission, offering new potential for treating anxiety disorders.
A new study found that relocated songbird chicks can successfully learn the diversity of songs they need to communicate and survive. Despite an initial lack of song diversity, the population recovered as it increased in size, suggesting that translocating nestlings may not lead to long-term problems.
A study by Konstanz biologists reveals that the moths use visual feedback to move and correct the movement of their proboscis, similar to humans grasping objects. The animals' efficient way of working is also great models for applied research in robotics and understanding the visual control of appendages.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed a small sensor-based data logger that automatically detects and records video of infrequent behaviors in wild seabirds. The bio-logger uses low-power sensors and artificial intelligence to capture rare behaviors, such as head-shaking and foraging habits, without needing human supervision.
Researchers found that dogs react negatively to deterioration in reward quality in some tasks but not others. In tests with cooked liver and dry food, dogs were slower and more reluctant to work when the liver was replaced with kibble.
Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a non-invasive, pain-free method to reprogram canine stem cells from urine samples, creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without feeder cells. This breakthrough aims to advance veterinary regenerative treatment and genetic disease research.
A research team at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center discovered a unique sodium pump variant in brine shrimp that enables them to thrive in high-salinity environments. This NKA variant uses more energy than common variants, allowing the animal to maintain steeper Na+ gradients.
Researchers found that one group of vervet monkeys exhibited more affiliative behavior and reciprocated grooming, suggesting a social tradition. This discovery challenges the idea that ecological differences explain behavioral variations and highlights the importance of social influence in shaping primate cultures.
A survey of 924 cat owners found that 59% of cats who played fetch did so up to ten times per month, with cats initiating and ending games more often than their owners. Cats tend to control games of fetch with their owners and may continue play until owners end them.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that a group of exceptionally gifted dogs, known as Gifted Word Learners (GWLs), share common characteristics. The researchers identified 41 dogs from various breeds and countries with the ability to learn hundreds of toy names, highlighting their unique talent for language acquisition.
A recent Cornell University study found that wasps which can recognize individual faces tend to have better social interactions and exhibit stronger cognitive abilities than those who cannot recognize individuals. This suggests an evolutionary link between facial recognition and cooperation.
Researchers found that Eurasian jays settle for less preferred food options when rivals are present, while New Caledonian crows consistently choose the better, delayed reward. The study suggests that species' social tolerance and competition levels influence self-control in animals.
Eurasian jays wait for higher-quality food when alone but choose low-quality reward with competitor birds present. Researchers studied delayed gratification in New Caledonian crows and Eurasian jays.
Scientists developed an AI method to track neurons in moving and deforming animals using convolutional neural networks with targeted augmentation. This breakthrough reduces manual annotation efforts by three times, enabling faster analysis of brain activity in model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans.
Research from Michigan State University reveals that spotted hyenas form mobs based on strong social relationships and can cooperate even when there's no obvious benefit. The study found that female hyenas were more likely to join mobs when there were no male lions present.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that dogs are more skilled than cats in choosing food rewards based on human pointing. The researchers tested 62 indoor family cats and 30 dogs, with dogs finding the reward significantly more frequently, while cats became less willing to choose over time.
Researchers from Kyoto University found that two species of land snails exhibit opposite behaviors in response to predator-like stimuli. The species K gainesi accelerates its forward movement to escape predators, while its nocturnal relative K editha retreats into its shell.
Researchers analyzed bones from 52 sacrificed animals at the well-preserved site of Casas del Turuñuelo, revealing a pattern of repeated mass animal sacrifice in Iron Age Spain. The study sheds light on ritual protocols and intentional selection of adult horses over young animals.
A recent study at Eötvös Loránd University found that 'smarter' dogs process information similarly to humans, with object appearance mattering as much as its location. The researchers measured spatial bias in 82 dogs and found that those with better cognitive performance linked objects more easily to places.
Researchers discovered two new strategies used by hummingbirds to transit small gaps, including a sideways scooch and tuck-and-glide technique. These adaptations enable the birds to maneuver through dense environments with improved accuracy and control.
Researchers studied mountain goats' behavior in Glacier National Park, finding that ear flicks showed a strong correlation with the presence of snow. The lack of summer snow patches may increase their risk of local extirpation due to increased tick infestations.
Researchers found that quasimodo (qsm) gene helps sync feeding to light/dark cycles, while genes clock (clk) and cycle (cyc) govern eating/fasting cycles. This discovery sheds light on animal behavior and potential treatments for eating disorders.
A study led by primatologist Gisela Kopp identified the Horn of Africa as the region of origin for ancient Egyptian mummified baboons. Genetic analysis and comparisons with historical records linked Punt to Adulis, suggesting two names for the same place used at different times.
Researchers used behavioral and live brain imaging studies to understand why food-sated fruit flies avoid cooler temperatures. They found that insulin signaling modulators play a key role in regulating thermosensation under different feeding states.
Researchers will study the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among deer, including captive and wild populations, as well as its relationship with humans and the environment. The project aims to understand disease ecology in whole systems and inform better management practices for deer producers.
Researchers found that exposure to the aggregation pheromone 4,8-dimethyldecanal reduces death-feigning duration in red flour beetles, allowing them to save time and increase survival chances. Sex-related differences in death feigning behavior were also observed, with males exhibiting longer durations.
A study found that flat-faced breeds like English and French bulldogs rely more heavily on humans during problem-solving tasks, leading to lower task success rates. This trait may contribute to the strong social bond between owners and these breeds, but the study's findings do not confirm a genetic predisposition.
New research finds that pied tamarins increase scent marking in response to urban noise pollution, which affects their vocal communication. This adaptation may help them cope with the impact of human activity on their habitat.
Researchers argue that equipping animals with sensors can provide valuable, localized data on environmental conditions impacted by climate change. The technology can help fill critical data gaps, particularly in remote areas.
Accelerometer sensors can detect sickness behavior in wild boar, allowing for early detection of African Swine Fever. The study found that infected boars were 10-20% less active daily than healthy ones, making this technology a potential tool for disease control and prevention.
Researchers have developed SMART-BARN, a cutting-edge technology lab for complex behavioral analysis. The facility can host hundreds of animals simultaneously and track their movements in 3D, allowing for unprecedented insights into collective behavior.
Researchers found that mothers' social environment predicts their sons' reproductive tactics, such as sneaking or guarding females. A biased female sex ratio in the maternal generation leads to increased male-male competition, resulting in more males and intense mating behaviors.
Researchers found pronounced growth spurts in both body weight and length in bonobos, mirroring patterns seen in humans. The study's scale-corrected approach revealed similar hormone surges and corresponding growth curves in both species, highlighting a potential evolutionary connection.
A study found that dogs are more sensitive to speech directed at them than adult-directed speech, with a greater response to female voices. The researchers measured dog brain activity via fMRI and found that the sensitivity was affected by voice pitch and variation.
A study by Ohio State University found that urban coyote cortisol levels are higher than those in suburban or natural areas. Chronic stress is also linked to poor physical condition, such as mange infection, and the responsibility of running a pack, with alpha individuals experiencing high stress levels.