A team of evolutionary biologists found that diversity exists even when expecting otherwise, as rare warning colors in poison frogs persist alongside stronger signals. The research suggests that predators learn to avoid more distasteful yellow frogs and generalize this avoidance to white frogs.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019
Goliath frogs create three types of ponds to safeguard their eggs and tadpoles from predators. Researchers observed the frogs' laborious pond-building efforts, which may explain why they evolved to be giant.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateAug 8, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers built mini temperature-controlled habitats to study how poison frogs adapt to warmer temperatures. The study found that frogs from sunny pastures prefer higher temperatures, but their maximum tolerance remains unchanged.
Researchers describe 11 new species of rain frogs in the Ecuadorian Andes, showcasing remarkable genetic and morphological diversity. The discovery highlights pressing conservation issues due to habitat destruction and human activities.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 2, 2019
A UCF team led by Veronica Urgiles has discovered and named two new frog species found in high-elevation ecosystems of Ecuador. The team's research highlights the vast diversity of species yet to be discovered in the region, which is critical for conservation efforts.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalZooKeys·DateJul 18, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers have detected ranavirus infection in wild bullfrog tadpoles in Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest, linked to declining amphibian populations worldwide. The virus may have spread from frog farms, highlighting the dual threat of invasive species and pathogens.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateJun 28, 2019
Researchers discover distinct skin microbiome in frog populations with and without ranavirus outbreaks, suggesting a protective role of skin bacteria. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 21, 2019
Researchers found that atmospheric oxygen exposure triggers removal of interdigital webbing during embryo development. This mechanism is thought to be shared by all tetrapods and contributes to limb shape variation. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process behind limb development in animals.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers found that poison dart frogs possess a sophisticated brain capable of forming a cognitive map of their environment. They demonstrated this by testing the frogs' spatial awareness in a modified Morris water maze, where they successfully located a hidden platform using visual cues and landmarks.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 10, 2019
A new study found that rain-filled tracks of Asian elephants provide temporary habitat for breeding and connect frog populations. The tracks can persist for a year or more, serving as stepping stones for the frogs during the dry season.
SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalMammalia·DateJun 4, 2019
A team of scientists has developed a 5-step program to keep New Guinea's frogs safe from the species-destroying chytrid fungus. The plan, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, aims to prevent the fungus from reaching the island while building local capacity for science and disease surveillance.
SourceMacquarie University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 3, 2019
A UC Davis study found that environmental temperature significantly affects the development of frog eggs into larvae, influencing gene expression and neurodevelopment. The research also suggests that fluctuations in body temperature may impact nervous system development and disease in humans.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2019
Research by Zoological Society of London and University College London reveals that climate change is increasing the spread and severity of a fatal disease in UK common frogs. The disease, caused by Ranavirus, is predicted to become more widespread and frequent if carbon emissions continue at their current rate.
SourceZoological Society of London·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 10, 2019
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A Yale-led study reveals that 1,012 additional amphibian species are at risk of extinction, with many found in South America and Southeast Asia. The study predicts that more than half of these species are 'Endangered' or 'Critically Endangered',
SourceYale University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 6, 2019
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that juvenile northern red-legged frogs stressed as tadpoles are less likely to move on land, putting their survival at risk. The study suggests that climate-related stress can have long-term effects on the distribution and persistence of animals in freshwater habitats.
SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 2, 2019
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology identify molecular mechanism behind Bombinin H2 and H4 peptides' antimicrobial properties. The peptides inhibit microbial activity by creating holes in cell membranes, ultimately killing microorganisms.
SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateApr 23, 2019
Biologists seek to determine why bodies eliminate DNA during hybridization, aiming to grasp the molecular mechanisms behind this process. By studying frogs, they hope to unlock the secrets of genome elimination and its crucial role in species survival.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
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Research scientists have uncovered hidden diversity within a type of frog found only in the Seychelles, showing that each island has its own distinct lineage. The study reveals four species of sooglossid frogs are threatened by climate change and disease, including a lethal fungus known as chytrid.
SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 11, 2019
A DNA barcoding study has identified a group of cryptic species among the Warszewitsch's frog, found in Costa Rica and Panama. This finding highlights the need for modern DNA tools to study rapidly declining animal groups like amphibians.
A study of over 1000 frog and toad species found that those living on land invested more time and effort in parental care, leading to increased survival rates and colonization of terrestrial habitats. The research also discovered diverse parenting behaviors, including male involvement in egg protection and female nourishment.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that tiny Brazilian frogs, called pumpkin toadlets, have fluorescent patterns on their backs and heads when exposed to UV light. These patterns are created by bony plates beneath a thin layer of skin, allowing the frog's skeleton to glow under UV illumination.
SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 29, 2019
Scientists have named five new species of tiny frogs found across the island of Madagascar, belonging to the 'narrow-mouthed' frog family. These miniature frogs are remarkable for their extreme miniaturization, with some species reaching lengths as small as 7.7 mm.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2019
Biologists have discovered 'doppelganger' lake frogs with distinct mitochondrial DNA, allowing them to better adapt to their environment. The study, conducted in collaboration with Japanese colleagues, aims to understand how the genome protects itself from foreign DNA.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalGenetics·DateMar 25, 2019
Brazilian scientists have found that the strong odor released by some amphibian species is produced by bacteria, assisting in the animal's mating process. The study suggests that the odor serves to permit mutual recognition between males and females of the same species for mating purposes.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2019
A new species of frog, Astrobatrachus kurichiyana, has been discovered in the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, revealing a window into the region's deep history. The Starry Dwarf Frog shares ancestry with two existing subfamilies but exhibits divergent characteristics.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 12, 2019
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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
The starry dwarf frog is the sole member of an ancient lineage classified as Astrobatrachinae. Its unique constellation-like markings and bright orange underbelly make it a fascinating discovery, providing insights into its deep evolutionary history.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 12, 2019
A recent study found that bacteria from frog skin have produced compounds that can inhibit the growth of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus. The most promising compound, viscosin, showed significant activity against both fungi.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2019
A University of Michigan-led team of biologists has documented 15 rare and disturbing predator-prey interactions in the Amazon rainforest, including images of tarantulas dragging opossums across the forest floor. The study highlights the importance of arthropods like spiders as a source of vertebrate mortality in tropical ecosystems.
A team of paleontologists has discovered the oldest known frog fossils in North America, dating back to the Late Triassic period around 216 million years ago. The fossils, found in Arizona, provide new insights into the ecosystems of the time and highlight the importance of microfossil collection and analysis.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers analyzed over 2 billion US Twitter posts to understand public perception of climate change. They found that people tend to forget what they consider 'normal' weather within 2-8 years, leading to a disconnect between historical climate records and personal opinions.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
A global survey of frog skin bacteria reveals that diverse microbial communities thrive in cold, variable environments. Fast-growing bacteria are often outcompeted by slower-dormant types in temperate climates.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 21, 2019
A new study found that genetic diversity is key to helping frogs survive the deadly Ranavirus disease. The research showed that a specific combination of immune genes can help tadpoles limit the severity of the virus. This finding has implications for frog species in Florida, which are threatened by the disease.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalImmunogenetics·DateFeb 15, 2019
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi have identified a new frog species on Bibita Mountain in southwestern Ethiopia, characterized by its slender body, long legs, and golden coloration. The discovery highlights the importance of assessing biodiversity in remote areas and underscores the potential for numerous unknown species to exist.
Researchers from Osaka University develop a mathematical model based on frog choruses to design efficient wireless sensor networks. The study finds that frogs' acoustic teachings can be adapted for technological benefit by alternating data transmission and regulating energy consumption.
SourceOsaka University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 22, 2019
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Scientists have discovered a new treefrog species in Ecuador's Andes, characterized by an extraordinary enlarged claw-like structure. The species, Hyloscirtus hillisi, is already at risk of extinction due to its small distribution range near a large-scale mining operation and habitat destruction.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJan 3, 2019
Male smooth guardian frogs of Borneo display extended parental care, staying with eggs for 11 days and transporting tadpoles through the forest. The males' selection of artificial pools is influenced by terrain steepness and presence of predators, indicating a unique strategy in frog parenting.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateDec 18, 2018
Male tungara frogs in urban environments produce more complex and conspicuous calls to attract females, which are preferred over those of forest frogs. This adaptation suggests that urbanization drives changes in sexual signaling to improve mating success.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 10, 2018
A new study found that urban frogs have more conspicuous and complex vocal calls, making them more attractive to females. In contrast, the simpler calls of forest frogs are less appealing.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 10, 2018
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Research found that tree frogs prefer larger, fuller bromeliad tanks with less leaf litter, but the very largest tanks are often empty. The study suggests that conservation strategies should consider trade-offs in site selection.
A team of scientists conducted over 2,000 surveys of chirping frog calls to define the Atlantic Coast leopard frog's range and characteristics. The study resulted in the first field-verified range map for the species, living primarily in coastal plains from Connecticut to northern North Carolina.
SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2018
Frogs from quiet ponds exhibit increased stress hormone levels and impaired immune function when exposed to traffic noise. In contrast, frogs from noisy ponds display a dampened stress response and altered immune profile, which reduces the negative effects of traffic noise.
Research suggests that frogs from virus-exposed groups are breeding at significantly younger ages than those in disease-free populations. This decrease in breeding age poses a risk of local extinction due to environmental changes.
A team of scientists has found that translocating frogs from recovering populations to sites where the species was previously driven to extinction can lead to population recovery. The researchers tracked the health and survival of translocated frogs over several years, uncovering key insights into how disease and climate influence popu...
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcosphere·DateNov 19, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Exposure to neonicotinoids as tadpoles impairs wood frogs' ability to flee from predators, with affected individuals jumping or moving less. However, physical abilities like distance jumped and refuge finding remain unaffected.
SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2018
New research from Binghamton University found that invasive plant leaf litter and sodium chloride accelerate developmental time and reduce mass of native leopard frogs, while aiding invasive African clawed frogs. The study highlights the importance of considering interactions between multiple stressors in preserving native biodiversity.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalBiological Invasions·DateOct 23, 2018
Researchers found that some frog species persist despite infection, attributed to eco-evolutionary rescue. This occurs when ecological and evolutionary mechanisms allow for host-pathogen coexistence, including immune adaptation and reduced transmission rates. The study provides a glimpse of hope for amphibian populations threatened by Bd.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 2018
A study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that frog populations in El Copé developed the ability to tolerate chytrid fungus, enabling them to persist despite severe species losses. The findings, published in 2018, could mean good news for other hot spots of amphibian biodiversity hit hard by the chytrid fungus.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 2018
A new method for screening frogs has been developed by an undergraduate researcher, allowing scientists to detect the deadly pathogen Perkinsea. The test, using qPCR assay, found that 25% of sampled frogs were infected, with the highest prevalence in Gold Head Branch State Park.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalDiseases of Aquatic Organisms·DateAug 14, 2018
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new species of African pygmy toad was discovered on one of Angola's most underexplored mountains, the Serra da Neve Inselberg. The new species lacks ears and is distinct from its close relatives.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 8, 2018
A new study provides a roadmap for conservation efforts in human-modified landscapes, helping prioritize protection of fragile ecosystems. The research highlights the importance of forest cover and waterways in determining amphibian distributions.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 25, 2018
Researchers at Nagoya University created a composite material that adjusts its appearance based on different types of light and backgrounds, mimicking the color-changing abilities of animals like chameleons. The material features dyes, crystals, and pigments that interact to produce vibrant displays.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
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Scientists discovered four ancient frog fossils in Myanmar amber, dating back to the Cretaceous period, providing direct evidence of frogs living in wet, tropical forests. The fossils include a well-preserved juvenile frog species named Electrorana limoae, which challenges current understanding of frog evolution and diversification.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2018
New research led by scientists at the University of Bristol has found that bright warning colors on poison dart frogs not only signal danger but also function as camouflage. The frog's pattern allows it to blend in from a distance while still displaying its warning signal when close, providing a clear advantage.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018
Researchers at the University of Seville have developed an automatic classifier for frog calls using artificial intelligence. The system can identify temperature fluctuations and detect changes in reproductive behavior, providing a powerful indicator of global warming.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·DateMay 17, 2018
A deadly disease threatening frogs originated in East Asia, with global trade and human movement of amphibians contributing to its spread. The study found that the range of the disease expanded greatly between 50 and 120 years ago, coinciding with the rapid expansion of intercontinental trade.
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A new study by San Francisco State University researchers links the introduction of American bullfrogs to the spread of a deadly fungus that has wiped out over 200 species of amphibians globally. The team found that bullfrogs were often present in the same watersheds as the fungus, suggesting they may be contributing to its spread.
SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2018
A study published in Science reveals that some Central American frog species are recovering from a deadly fungal pathogen, with skin secretions showing improved antimicrobial defenses. The research suggests that the pathogen remains lethal, but frogs' natural defenses appear to be more effective than before the epidemic.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2018
A recent study published in Science reveals that some tropical amphibian species are recovering from a deadly fungal disease, despite the pathogen remaining equally deadly over time. The researchers found that nearly a decade after the outbreak, some frogs in Panama are surviving and may have better defenses against the infection.
SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018
Researchers found that frogs surviving the chytridiomycosis epidemic developed stronger defenses against the fungus, inhibiting its growth. However, captive breeding programs face challenges in replicating these findings, highlighting the need for further research on disease dynamics and host resistance.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018
A team of scientists discovered a previously unknown species and genus of frogs in a limestone cave in Thailand. The findings shed new light on the evolutionary history of the relevant group of Amphibia and highlight the importance of conservation efforts for this unique species.
SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 29, 2018
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.