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‘Extremely rare event’: bone analysis suggests ancient echidnas lived in water

Researchers analyzed a rare fossil bone and found it shared characteristics with platypuses, suggesting that ancient echidnas originated from a semi-aquatic ancestor. This discovery adds weight to the idea that stem-monotremes started off as semi-aquatic animals.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 28, 2025

Researchers evidence new characteristics of the extinct American cheetah ‘Miracinonyx’

The study, conducted by the University of Malaga and others, analyzed the skeleton and brain architecture of Miracinonyx trumani, finding that it had retractable claws and was able to grapple with its prey like cougars. Its brain surface also showed differences from cheetahs, suggesting an intermediate form between the two species.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023
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 solve a 150-year-old mystery

A team from the University of Bonn has solved a 150-year-old mystery surrounding Aetosaurs' age. Bone examination reveals that two specimens were juvenile, not small adults as previously thought. The discovery attributes this to social behavior among juvenile Aetosaur species.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

One of Europe’s most ancient domestic dogs lived in the Basque Country

A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that a domestic dog lived in the Palaeolithic period 17,000 years ago in the Erralla cave in the Basque Country. The bone remains identified as Canis lupus familiaris, making it one of Europe's most ancient domestic dogs.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 25, 2022

Palaeontology: Newly-hatched pterosaurs may have been able to fly

Researchers found that hatchling pterosaur wings were stronger than those of many adult pterosaurs, suggesting they could fly. Their wing dimensions were also more suited for agility and quick changes in direction, possibly allowing them to escape predators and catch nimbler prey.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2021

Newly-hatched pterosaurs may have been able to fly

Researchers found that newly-hatched pterosaurs had strong bones capable of sustaining flight, but their wing size was smaller than adults, likely making them more agile fliers. This suggests they may have used their flying abilities to escape predators and chase prey in dense vegetation.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Newly identified saber-toothed cat is one of largest in history

Researchers discovered a new species of saber-toothed cat, Machairodus lahayishupup, that lived in North America between 5-9 million years ago. The giant cat weighed an average of around 600 pounds and could have taken down prey weighing up to 6,000 pounds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Mammalian Evolution·DateMay 3, 2021

From fins to limbs and water to land

Researchers analyzed 40 3D fossil humeri to understand functional evolution of locomotion in early tetrapods. They found that the emergence of limbs coincided with a transition onto land, but early tetrapods weren't very good at moving on it.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020

Water-to-land transition in early tetrapods

Researchers used high-resolution fossil data to analyze the humerus bone of early tetrapods, finding that they had adaptations indicating some ability to move on land. The study suggests that terrestrial ability coincided with the origin of limbs, providing new insights into the water-to-land transition in vertebrate evolution.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020

BU researchers accurately estimate the sex of skeletons based on elbow features

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that examining the distal humerus (elbow) bone is superior to previous techniques for identifying sex in a non-Asian population. The study used over 600 modern, documented skeletons from Thailand and found that the shape of the elbow differs between females and males.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateOct 23, 2019
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.

Operative versus non-operative treatment for 2-part proximal humerus fracture

A recent Nordic collaboration study found no significant difference in functional outcomes between operative and non-operative treatment in patients over 60 with displaced proximal humerus fractures. Non-operative treatment using a collar and cuff sling and physiotherapy was as effective as surgery in improving patient recovery.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 19, 2019

Tall or short? Thick or thin? UT study shows many factors affect arm, leg size

A new UT study found that human limbs do not evolve independently, but are influenced by genetic correlations with other bones. The research challenged traditional theories on body shape and size, suggesting that multiple forces shape human form in response to environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Obese children more likely to have complex elbow fractures and further complications

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese children are at a higher risk of developing complex elbow fractures and experiencing postoperative complications. The study, which included over 350 patients aged 2-11, highlights the importance of early exercise and bone strengthening to prevent such issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 10, 2014

The evolution of throwing

Researchers found a suite of changes in human shoulders and arms allowed efficient hunting by throwing projectiles, paving the way for later adaptations like increased brain size and migration out of Africa. The study suggests that humans' ability to throw played a key role in becoming part-time carnivores.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 26, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

AAOS issues new clinical practice guideline for treating common elbow fractures in children

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a new clinical practice guideline for treating supracondylar humerus fractures in children. The guideline recommends stabilizing the fracture with pins and treating circulation problems, while emphasizing the importance of evaluating each child's individual circumstances. The fu...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateNov 16, 2011
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Burrowing mammals dig for a living, but how do they do that?

Researchers studying burrowing mammals, such as moles and mole rats, have discovered unique adaptations that enable them to dig efficiently in rocky soils. Convergent evolution plays a key role in the development of these specialized features, allowing these mammals to thrive in challenging environments.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateOct 28, 2007

Oldest-known arm bone found in Pennsylvania

A 365-million-year-old fossil discovery in Pennsylvania provides insight into the evolution of limbs from fins. The humerus specimen shares features with both primitive fish fins and true limb bones.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2004
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.