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Success story brown bear: 3D analysis reveals the secret of their climate resilience

A study by Anneke van Heteren and colleagues reveals that European brown bears have maintained a versatile jaw structure despite climate fluctuations over thousands of years. The researchers found subtle differences in lower jaw morphology that reflect changes in food supply and environmental conditions.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalComptes Rendus Palevol·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Smithsonian-led research shows that scorpions’ weapons are fortified with metal to suit their needs

Researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History analyzed 18 scorpion species and found striking patterns in metal concentration and distribution among their pincers and stingers. The study reveals that zinc plays a role beyond hardness, possibly enhancing durability, and provides insight into how organisms adapt to pr...

SourceSmithsonian·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Looking deep into the eyes of insects

A study by neuroethologists at the University of Konstanz reveals that insect brains process complex light stimuli in different layers of the lamina, enabling efficient signal processing and improved image resolution. The research found that cells in the lamina can perform multiple tasks depending on their location within the layer.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 21, 2026

Researchers ‘zoom’ in for an ultra-magnified peek at shark skin

A recent study published in Integrative and Comparative Biology found that bonnethead sharks' skin undergoes significant changes as they mature, with younger sharks having fewer ridges on their denticles. These changes likely improve swimming performance and protect the skin from predators or injuries.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 15, 2025

Early bears were omnivores: Three-dimensional jaw analyses reveal diet

A new study by Anneke van Heteren found that early bears like the Auvergne bear were likely typical omnivores, not insect-eaters as previously thought. The research used 3D jaw analyses and geometric morphometrics to compare jaw biomechanics with different diets.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalBoreas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2025

Safely navigating treetops thanks to a scaly tail

Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Study examines differences in strength by position among football players

A new study from the University of Kansas found significant differences in muscular power and strength among different football positions, with linemen having more body mass and quarterbacks having higher peak force. The research suggests position-specific training could optimize athletic performance.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

Study finds significant variation in anatomy of human guts

A new study has discovered significant variation in the anatomy of the human digestive system, with pronounced differences found between healthy individuals. This finding has implications for understanding the role of digestive tract anatomy in affecting human health and providing potential insights into medical diagnoses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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Neuroptera: Greater insect diversity in the Cretaceous period

A study of neuroptera larvae over 100 million years reveals a complex pattern of loss of morphological diversity, with some lines diversifying and gaining importance. The findings suggest that actual diversity was likely substantially greater in the past.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2023