Articles tagged with Feathers
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The discovery of feather sheaths on the Archaeopteryx fossil provides evidence of a sequential centre-out moulting strategy, used by modern falcons to preserve maximum flight performance. This finding sheds light on the evolution of flight in birds and suggests that this strategy was present at the earliest origins of flight.
A recent study by City, University of London researchers reveals how micro-structured finlets on owl feathers enable silent flight and may hold the key to reducing aircraft noise. The team's findings show that these structures work as arrays of finlets, turning the flow direction near the aerodynamic wall and keeping it stable.
Feather color changes in birds are influenced by molt, which is necessary for flight and attracts mates. Birds that migrate farther distances replace more feathers during their journeys.
A new study provides substantial evidence that a Jurassic fossil feather belongs to the iconic Archaeopteryx, a bird-like dinosaur. The research found that the feather matches a type of wing feather called a primary covert, identical in size and shape to those on an Archaeopteryx wing.
Pterosaur experts refuted earlier claims of feathered pterosaurs, suggesting they were bald instead. The finding has huge implications for the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
Researchers discovered that Fork-tailed Flycatchers produce unique sounds by fluttering their feathers, which differ between subspecies with varying migration patterns. The distinct 'dialects' may contribute to the species splitting into separate entities.
A University of Arizona study found that mechanisms making organisms fit into current environments are distinct from those responsible for change, and occur sequentially in evolution. The research used the house finch as a model, tracking carotenoid pigments in feathers across different regions.
Researchers found that pinker flamingos are more aggressive when competing for food in confined spaces. In contrast, birds fed outdoors with space to roam spend less time displaying aggression and double their foraging time.
Researchers develop color-changing photonic crystals that can detect light, temperature, strain, and other stimuli, with potential applications in healthcare, food safety, and biometrics. The wearable sensors are low-cost, flexible, and robust.
Researchers discovered microscopic feather features in cassowaries, revealing the mechanism behind their glossy black shine. They also analyzed a 52-million-year-old fossil bird's feathers, finding structural colors that challenge previous assumptions about extinct species.
A new study reveals that Sonic hedgehog plays a crucial role in establishing flight feather identity in birds, similar to how it specifies digit identities. By using chicken embryos, researchers found that Shh is required for wing development and defines a set of genes involved in this process.
A new feathered dinosaur species, Dineobellator notohesperus, has been discovered in New Mexico, providing insights into the paleo-biodiversity of the American Southwest. The species, a member of the dromaeosaurid group, had feathers, flexible arms and hands, and a unique tail with a stiffened base.
Two new studies uncover the secrets behind birds' precise flight control, paving the way for more agile robotic wings. Researchers found that finger motion initiates stable turn maneuvers and 'directional Velcro' mechanisms lock feathers together during wing extension.
A new study reveals that the unique shape of hummingbird melanosomes and air bubbles within their feathers produce shimmering rainbow colors. This discovery opens up a greater understanding of how hummingbirds develop their vibrant plumage, with findings that could also shed light on color patterns in other birds.
A new study reveals that American coot chicks' bright orange and red feathers are a result of maternal effect, with mothers putting more carotenoid pigments in later eggs. This trait helps parents choose the most colorful chick, which receives preferential feeding and has a higher chance of survival.
The researchers found that the modular structure of feathers enables birds to adapt to different environments. They also discovered the underlying molecular signals guiding feather development, including Bmp and Ski pathways.
A study by USC researchers reveals the common core design of feathers across 21 bird species, with options for specialized performance. The findings hold promise for engineers seeking better ways to build drones and other advanced materials.
Scientists studied how environmental conditions affect archery accuracy and discovered that the best feather size depends on wind conditions. The research aims to provide a more accurate understanding of the physics behind optimal arrow design.
A middle-aged man developed severe lung inflammation after introducing feather-filled bedding into his home, prompting doctors to sound the alarm about the potential risk. Repeated exposure to bird feathers can lead to irreversible scarring of lung tissue, highlighting the importance of identifying this condition promptly.
Fossilized dinosaur and bird feathers from Australia provide the first record of feathered polar dinosaurs, showing diversity of proto-feathers for insulation. Microscopic analysis reveals melanosomes indicating possible dark colors for camouflage and heat absorbance in cold climates.
Researchers found that migratory songbirds sleep differently depending on their condition, trading off safety for lower energy expenditure. Birds in poor condition sleep with their head tucked in, while those in good condition keep their head facing forward, exposing them to a higher predation risk.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered that melanosomes in blue feathers are highly distinct and can reconstruct prehistoric feather colors. They found blue structural color in fossils, previously unknown, by analyzing pigments and feather structures.
Researchers successfully filmed the mating process of feather lice on two different-sized pigeon hosts, revealing that size matters for reproduction. The study demonstrates ecological speciation by showing how adaptation to a new host can lead to reproductive isolation and the origin of a new species.
Researchers found evidence of woodpeckers evolving to resemble neighbors' plumage, linked to environmental factors. The study suggests that this phenomenon is more common than previously thought, with repeated cases of distantly-related species mimicking each other in the same region.
A new study by University of Alberta biologists reveals that feather mites may be beneficial to birds, helping remove bacteria and fungi from their feathers. The researchers found that vane-dwelling feather mites feed mainly on fungi and bacteria, rather than bird feathers.
A 125 million-year-old fossil of a bird hatchling has revealed feathers, confirming it was 'precocial' and 'out of the egg running'. The discovery uses laser imaging technology to uncover previously unknown feathering in the fossil specimen.
Feather lice on rock pigeons evolved divergent camouflage in response to preening, a key driver of adaptive radiation. Over four years and 60 generations, the lice developed heritable color differences spanning the full range of the genus.
Researchers discovered that EDA/EDAR signaling drives the wave of patterning, while FGF20 induces cell aggregation and compresses the epidermis to intensify FGF20 expression. This process shapes the precise hexagonal array of feathers in birds.
Scientists have discovered how bird feathers form in a wave-like motion, creating a regular pattern in the skin. This discovery could help design strategies to reduce feather density in farmed birds, improving their heat tolerance in tropical climates.
A 150-year-old fossil feather has been re-examined using Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence (LSF) technology, resolving the debate over its origin. The study reveals that the feather did not belong to Archaeopteryx but instead came from an unknown feathered dinosaur.
Researchers have developed a new method to produce structural colors that don't change with the angle of viewing. The technique involves coating spherical silica particles with iron oxide nanoparticles, resulting in non-iridescent colors.
A new study reveals that Anchiornis, one of the earliest known feathered dinosaurs, had feathers with thicker alpha-keratins instead of beta-keratins, lacking necessary biomechanical properties for flight. However, its molecular composition may signify an intermediate stage in the evolution of avian flight feathers.
A team of researchers analyzed Anchiornis feathers to understand the evolution of flight in dinosaurs and birds. They found that Anchiornis feathers contained both beta-keratins and alpha-keratins, a combination not seen in modern feathers.
Researchers analyzed 5 birds-of-paradise species' genomes, identifying genes linked to coloration, morphology, and feather development. The study provides insights into the evolutionary mechanisms behind the extraordinary plumage of these birds.
A massive genetic study reveals that birds and their feather mites have a dynamic coevolutionary relationship, with 7.4% of hosts and 4.8% of mites exhibiting unexpected associations. The study's findings suggest that ecological factors play a crucial role in regulating these dynamics.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered that barbules on bird feathers are spaced consistently across species, leading to potential breakthroughs in adhesives and aerospace materials. The study's findings also shed light on the growth patterns of bird bones, particularly the humerus.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that pterosaurs had at least four types of feathers, including simple filaments and down feathers, which are also found in modern birds and dinosaur groups. The discovery pushes back the origin of feathers by approximately 70 million years.
Researchers studied how male broad-tailed hummingbirds combine speed, sound, and color in their displays to attract females. They discovered that the most dramatic aspects of the dive happen almost all at once, just before the male soars past the female.
Researchers discovered four kinds of pterosaur feathers, similar to those found in birds and dinosaurs. These findings push the origin of feathers back to 250 million years ago, revealing a key moment in life's evolution.
Researchers studied 97 modern bird species with iridescent plumage, finding diverse melanosomes that produce varying colors. The study predicts fossil birds may have had similar iridescent displays, revealing new insights into dinosaur behavior.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Indian peafowl crests efficiently sense motion and vibration at frequencies similar to those used during social displays. The research suggests that sensory stimulation of the crest feathers may complement visual and auditory perception of these displays.
Researchers found that shark scales follow the same patterning method as mouse hair and chicken feathers, reducing drag for efficient swimming. Studying this process can help design new materials with similar properties.
Researchers found that sharks' tooth-like skin follows a similar patterning mechanism to bird feathers, using the reaction-diffusion model to explain its development. This discovery suggests a shared developmental pathway across vertebrates, with implications for our understanding of evolution and animal diversity.
Researchers at UC are using isotopic analysis to identify the habitats of migratory hawk species. By analyzing the strontium and hydrogen isotopes in feathers, they can determine the geographic origin of individual birds, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Bird feathers have been found to resist tearing due to a sophisticated cascaded slide-lock system, composed of flexible hooklets and spines. This discovery overturns centuries-old explanations and provides insight into the design of smart textiles.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that macaws use facial displays such as blushing and ruffling their head feathers to convey positive emotions during social interactions. The researchers observed that these behaviors were more common when the birds were interacting with humans, suggesting a form of visual communication.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new experimental protocol to create synthetic fossils in the lab. This method uses sediment filtration to mimic the conditions of deep burial and has successfully preserved soft tissues, including feathers and leaves, similar to exceptional fossils. The findings offer insights i...
Researchers found that male hummingbirds twist half their tails to aim sound at females, minimizing the Doppler shift effect. This strategic acoustic control allows males to convey speed and agility without revealing their true velocity.
Male Costa's hummingbirds perform a high-speed dive to the side of females, producing a unique 'tail song' that minimizes an audible Doppler sound. This strategic display allows males to control how females perceive their speed and potentially increase mating success.
Researchers at the University of Delaware created a biodegradable shoe using mushrooms, chicken feathers, and textile waste. The shoe's sole is made from a bio-composite material that can be composted, reducing waste in the fashion industry.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that nearly 60% of Anna's Hummingbirds have feather mites on their tail flight feathers, while other species show lower rates. The distribution of live mites was found to be more prevalent on outer tail feathers and often nestled between barbs.
A newly discovered dinosaur fossil from China contains evidence that a tiny bird-like dinosaur may have used its flashy neck feathers and a bony crest on its snout to attract mates. The discovery provides the earliest evidence of iridescence in dinosaurs, which is similar to that found in hummingbird species today.
The newly discovered species of dinosaur, Caihong juji, had rainbow-colored feathers that shimmered and shifted in the light. Its unique feather structure was matched to modern birds with similarly shaped melanosomes, indicating a prehistoric version of a peacock's iridescent tail.
Scientists have identified the world's first hybrid bird species in the Amazon rainforest, created by the mating of two distinct species. The golden-crowned manakin boasts unique yellow crown feathers and an intermediate keratin structure, setting it apart from its parental species.
A University of Bristol-led study has revealed new details about the ancient dinosaur Anchiornis, including its fluffy and primitive feathers. The findings suggest that the animal's feathers would have increased drag when gliding and affected its ability to control temperature and repel water.
Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.
Researchers have found that crested pigeons produce a critical high-pitched sound as they fly away from danger, which serves as an alarm signal. The birds' wings produce alternating high and low notes in flight, with the high notes being crucial for sounding an alarm.
Researchers confirm Sinosauropteryx had striped tail and 'bandit mask', suggesting it lived in open habitats. The dinosaur's countershaded body revealed its habitat was not dense forest but rather more open terrain.
Researchers identified a mutated gene in budgies that synthesizes the bird's yellow pigments. The findings could be applied to many parrots around the world and shed light on the evolutionary change that led to their brilliant colors.
Researchers at UT Austin found that fossilized hair is extremely rare, unlike feathers, due to its composition and preservation conditions. The team analyzed a massive database of fossilized body coverings to determine the frequency of different types of body coverings in exceptional sites.