Articles tagged with Frogs
A team of scientists has successfully revived the DNA of an extinct Australian frog species, Rheobatrachus silus, using somatic cell nuclear transfer. The 'Lazarus Project' aims to bring back the bizarre gastric-brooding frog, which uniquely swallowed its eggs and gave birth through its mouth.
A new study reveals the presence of chytrid fungus in amphibians sampled in Singapore, with the American bullfrog identified as a potential carrier. The study also finds widespread disease among frogs in Vietnam's commercial farms, raising concerns about the spread of infectious diseases through trade.
A CU-Boulder study found that ponds with diverse amphibian species have a 78% reduction in parasitic infections, which can cause severe deformities. Greater biodiversity also appears to protect against other diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
Researchers use DNA barcoding to identify frog species and prevent hybridization, increasing chances of conservation success. The technique helps scientists understand genetic diversity in captive populations, contributing to the survival of threatened amphibian species.
Scientists have discovered a wealth of new antibiotic substances in the skin of the Russian Brown frog, expanding on previous findings to identify 76 additional compounds with potential medical activity.
A new study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that male grey tree frogs increase their courtship calls when they can see a female approaching. The research, led by Dr. Michael Reichert, suggests that visual cues play a crucial role in attracting mates in nocturnal anurans.
The Otton frog uses a pseudo-thumb with sharp spikes to fight and mate, with males demonstrating larger thumbs and jabbing responses during combat. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of this unique trait.
A team of scientists discovered a new spider family, Trogloraptoridae, in caves of the Pacific Northwest. The spider, Trogloraptor, is characterized by its elongate claws and ancient features, forcing a revision of spider evolution understanding.
Researchers at Polytechnic University of Catalonia developed an algorithm using Japanese tree frogs' calling behavior to solve the graph coloring problem, ensuring efficient color assignment in wireless networks. The new approach enables optimizing WiFi connections and improving energy efficiency.
Biologists at Tufts University have discovered a mechanism for organ placement in humans and other species, including plants and worms, that is driven by tubulin proteins. This finding has implications for understanding birth defects and the development of asymmetrical patterning across the tree of life.
A new bright yellow frog species, Diasporus citrinobapheus, has been found in western Panama with a unique characteristic of dyeing its captor's fingers yellow when handled. The researchers studied the frog's body structure, coloration, and vocalizations to confirm its validity as a new species.
A University of Colorado study found that increases in parasite diversity lead to a decrease in the infection success rate of virulent parasites, including one that causes malformed limbs and premature death. Higher biodiversity can help protect against certain diseases by acting as a buffer against virulent pathogens.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that the fungal infection leads to deadly dehydration in wild frogs, causing cardiac arrest and death. The research confirms what researchers have seen in lab experiments, providing a better understanding of how the disease progresses and suggesting potential treatments for infected frogs.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University researchers reveals that a deadly fungal infection causes severe dehydration in wild frogs, disrupting fluid and electrolyte balance. The study provides valuable insights into the disease progression and offers hope for potential treatments.
A new study finds that athletic frogs tend to have faster-changing genomes, with the rate of evolution correlated with physical fitness. The research suggests that free radicals produced during exercise may cause wear and tear on DNA, leading to genetic changes.
Researchers uncover a previously unknown species of leopard frog in NYC, using DNA analysis to distinguish it from other similar-looking frogs. The species is believed to have had a wider range but went extinct in the city's larger territory.
Scientists discover new leopard frog species in New York City's Staten Island ponds and marshes, identified through DNA analysis. The unusual species has a distinct genetic lineage, separate from other leopard frog species in the region.
Research reveals Pacific chorus frogs are effective carriers of deadly chytridiomycosis, surviving infection with high levels of infection. The species' unique skin feature allows it to carry the disease without showing symptoms, contributing to its spread.
A study by UNC researchers has discovered how a genetic defect underlying congenital heart disease distorts cardiac muscle cells, preventing them from forming a fully functioning heart. Treatment with a drug that regulates cell shape rescues the cardiac defect, offering therapeutic avenues for future treatment.
Chris Austin discovered two new species of frogs in New Guinea, one of which is the smallest known vertebrate, challenging previous thought that extreme body size is associated with aquatic species. The tiny frog Paedophryne amauensis occupies a unique habitat niche in tropical rainforests.
Researchers have discovered a new species of tiny frog, Paedophryne amauensis, which is the world's smallest vertebrate. The frog has an adult body size ranging from 7.0 to 8.0 millimeters, making it significantly smaller than the previous record holder, Paedocypris progenetica.
Tree frogs with matching chromosome numbers have distinct vocal performances, which female frogs preferentially respond to. This study provides new insights into how new frog species may evolve through rapid changes in behavior and reproductive isolation.
A picture book portrays the life cycle and challenges of a threatened frog species in Arizona, sparking enthusiasm for conservation among children. The book, written by an ASU microbiologist, aims to educate kids about biology, ecology, and overcoming obstacles, while promoting conservation efforts.
Researchers have found two new species of the miniaturized frog genus Paedophryne in southeastern New Guinea. The tiny frogs have reduced digit sizes and inhabit leaf litter, reflecting their adaptation to a unique food source.
Scientists discovered a vast array of anti-bacterial substances, known as peptides, in the skin of odorous frogs. These peptides account for almost one-third of all antimicrobial peptides found worldwide, offering potential clues for developing new antibiotics.
The review found consistent patterns of reproductive dysfunction in animals exposed to atrazine, with effects observed in amphibians, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Atrazine has been shown to disrupt hormone function and sexual development, leading to feminization of male gonads in many species.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that frogs' stretchy tendons are the key to their impressive jumping abilities. The study shows how the leg muscle shortens and loads energy into the tendon before releasing it to propel the frog forward, enabling them to jump much farther than expected.
A research team led by Virginia Tech's Lisa Belden is studying the role of microbial communities on the skin of frogs in defending against a devastating fungal disease. The goal is to develop probiotics that can help amphibians resist the disease and potentially even release endangered species back into nature.
Researchers at National Jewish Health found that T-cell receptors from mice continue to function with shark, frog, and trout receptor pieces substituted in. This interaction between the T cell and MHC molecules is crucial for immune defense and organ transplants.
Researchers found that Vax proteins deploy a weapon to disarm the dorsalizer Wnt, leaving the embryo free to develop a proper brain. The study's findings define how the embryonic nervous system develops and could shed light on mechanisms underlying colon cancer.
Biologists studied neotropical túngara frogs, finding that females' brains process certain information differently than others. This limitation prevents males from evolving increasingly elaborate calls to attract females, due to a perceptual constraint.
A study by LSUHSC researchers found that two different species, frogs and bats, share similar perception of auditory cues driving basic biological functions. This universal perception may limit the evolution of communication signals.
A study by LSUHSC researchers sheds light on how humans process sounds, revealing a flexible strategy for source assignment similar to that of tungara frogs. The findings have implications for understanding communication disorders associated with hearing loss and attention deficits.
Researchers have discovered that tree frogs' self-cleaning feet can be replicated to create re-useable, effective adhesives. By secreting mucus and moving their feet, the frogs clean their sticky pads as they walk.
Researchers from the University of Zurich propose using bacteria and fungicides to fight the chytrid fungus, a major killer of amphibians worldwide. The study suggests two promising methods: using skin-borne bacteria to block the fungus or treating infected frogs with fungicides.
Researchers from Tel-Aviv University discovered that ground beetles of the genus Epomis prey on live amphibians at night, contrary to their daytime sheltering behavior. The study found that two species of Epomis beetles attack different amphibian species, with only one species preying on a particular species.
Research on Rana boylii reveals tadpoles are weak swimmers and don't survive high-flow events, while habitat modeling tools provide reliable predictions. The study's findings guide conservation planning for the species, emphasizing the importance of mimicking natural flow patterns to conserve riverine species.
A new study found that the most toxic and brightly colored poison frog species are also physically fit, with higher aerobic capacity than their non-toxic cousins. This is due to their specialized diet of ants and mites, which requires them to forage further and exercise more.
A species-rescue program for Haiti's threatened frogs and other species is being established, with captive-breeding and gene-preservation efforts. The goal is to preserve species in case they become extinct due to habitat loss, with a focus on releasing offspring in Haiti when the forest habitat improves.
Common frog populations across the UK are experiencing dramatic population crashes due to Ranavirus infection, with an average 81% decline in adult frogs over a 12-year period. The research also suggests that some frogs may have immunity to the disease, offering hope for their long-term future.
Scientists have identified over 100 antibiotic substances in frog skin secretions, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more powerful and less toxic than existing ones.
A genetic analysis of 24 spiny frog species reveals their evolutionary history, which correlates with the rise of the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. The study supports a minority theory of the India-Asia collision, suggesting that Southeast Asia was pushed aside towards the Pacific Ocean.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers suggests that the largest amphibian monitoring program in the US may have inaccuracies in its data, leading to overestimates of frog populations. The issue lies in observer error, as volunteers report hearing species they don't actually hear, which can skew population estimates.
A new study reveals that primitive living frogs evolved jumping before perfecting their landing techniques, leading to distinctive belly flop landings. This evolutionary split may have contributed to the frogs' inability to swim synchronously and resulted in unusual anatomical features.
A recent study using DNA barcoding has discovered five previously unknown frog species among 30 that were wiped out by a fungal epidemic in Panama. The research also highlights the urgent need to address the biodiversity crisis, with many species disappearing before they can be documented.
Researchers have discovered that axolotls possess pluripotent cells in their embryos, similar to those found in mammals, offering a unique opportunity to study the properties of embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough supports the development of regenerative medicine and provides insights into the evolution of stem cell properties.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered two new frog species in Panama, Pristimantis educatoris and P. adnus, which were identified through genetic analysis. The discoveries bring the total number of frog species to 197, with nearly 15% described in the past seven years.
Despite decades of research suggesting UV radiation was a major contributor to amphibian declines, new findings reveal that natural water conditions and female behavior are more significant factors in protecting embryos from harm. Amphibians exhibit adaptations such as laying eggs in shaded areas when water clarity puts them at risk.
New research reveals that Chytrid fungus kills frog populations when infection intensity reaches a critical threshold. The study found that mass mortalities occur beyond this point, while continuous re-infection causes the disease to reach the threshold.
A University of Montreal student is tracking the decline of frog species in Quebec, finding a slight decrease in frogs near Phragmites australis growth, but intact northern leopard frog populations. Experimental research aims to understand pH levels, oxygen, and temperature effects on amphibians in controlled water basins.
Research on the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog reveals strong site fidelity, but also highlights the negative impacts of a changing climate and introduced non-native trout. The study found that frogs with strong site fidelity are returning to lakes that dry up or have reduced breeding success due to predation by invasive trout.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have discovered how the yellow-fever-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito detects the specific chemical structure of octenol, a compound emitted by mammals. The study shows that mosquitoes tap into the 'handedness' of molecules to detect this compound.
Researchers at Vanderbilt and Yale universities have successfully transplanted most of the mosquito's 'nose' into frog eggs and fruit flies. The goal is to develop novel ways to inhibit the spread of malaria by targeting specific olfactory receptors.
A new UCF study found nearly half of 3- to 6-year-old girls worry about being fat, while one-third change physical attributes. Watching Disney movies like 'The Princess and the Frog' can help parents start conversations about weight, skin color, and beauty.
The $40-million-per-year frog leg trade may be a significant contributor to the spread of amphibian chytrid, a fungus causing respiratory and neurological damage. The Smithsonian team's research highlights the need for improved monitoring and regulation of the trade to mitigate disease risks.
A recent analysis of Central American frog surveys reveals the devastating impact of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a microscopic fungus, on frog communities. The study shows that the fungus is causing a 'vast homogenization' of species, leading to significant losses in biodiversity and regional extinctions.
A recent Pitt study found that a four-day testing period for pesticide exposure may not account for long-term effects on humans and animals. The highly toxic pesticide endosulfan exhibited a 'lag effect' with delayed toxicity surfacing after direct contact had ended.
Researchers in China have discovered a new protein-based neurotoxin, anntoxin, found in the skin of the Chinese tree frog. This finding sheds light on the evolution of amphibians and poison, revealing a unique toxin that differs from other vertebrate animals.
A decade of research in the Eastern Himalayas has uncovered over 350 new species, including a prehistoric 100-million-year-old gecko and the world's smallest deer. Climate change threatens this biological treasure trove, putting cultural and biological diversity at risk.
Research by Dr. Amber Teacher reveals that wild frog populations in the UK are changing their mating behaviour in response to Ranavirus infection, with healthy frogs selecting mates based on their Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) type.