Articles tagged with Mammals
Scientists identify enzyme in plants that triggers S1P production, a molecule involved in regulating cell proliferation and death. The discovery sheds light on plant's ability to withstand drought and may lead to development of crop varieties with higher yields and greater resistance.
A recent study found that monogamous mammals are more likely to die out due to factors such as population isolation and smaller harems, which can lead to lower male populations and reduced ability to detect approaching hunters. Conservation efforts may need to be targeted towards these species to save them from extinction.
In polygynous species, males copulate with several females that may later breed communally. This leads to offspring being more closely related through the paternal line.
A single amino acid change in Rad50 can have far-reaching effects on genetic information transmission, impairing stem cell populations and predisposing to cancer. Mice with the mutation display genomic instability, partial embryonic lethality, and a higher risk of lymphoma development.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that human Tsix is expressed only on the inactive X chromosome, contradicting previous findings in mice. The study suggests an alternative mechanism for X chromosome regulation and shifts the focus away from the Tsix gene.
A new study maps prime regions for plant-eating mammals, revealing areas with high conservation value. The researchers predict that less than 1.2% of the earth's surface will support uniquely diverse grazing ecosystems by 2025.
The newly discovered species, Sphaerodactylus ariasae, is the smallest of all 23,000 species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. The tiny lizard can curl up on a dime or stretch out on a quarter, measuring only 16mm long.
Researchers track Lyme disease ticks along riverbeds in Illinois and find they are migrating south-southwest towards the Mississippi River. The ticks need small mammals as hosts to become infected and deer as a preferred host for adult ticks.
Researchers estimate that eastern North American reserves must be at least 1,000 square miles in size to prevent loss of species. This is significantly smaller than the current sizes of most reserves, which are often not enough to safeguard biodiversity.
Research on fossil Teleoceras teeth suggests a semi-aquatic lifestyle for the ancient rhinoceros, mirroring that of modern hippos. The study's findings indicate low variability in oxygen isotope compositions among aquatic mammals, contrasting with higher variability in land animals.
American bullfrogs are non-native to western Canada, but their population is expanding rapidly due to human activity. Purnima Govindarajulu, a UVic graduate student, is studying the impact of these invasive frogs on native species and ecosystems.
Physicists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are developing a control system that switches off a cutting laser when it detects phosphorus, allowing for quick and efficient fossil cleaning. This technique could significantly reduce the time-consuming process of preparing fossils by hand, especially for delicate or soft bones.
A team of paleontologists has discovered jaws from two of the oldest dinosaurs ever found, along with eight other prehistoric animals, in a rich bed of fossils in Madagascar. The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the mid-late Triassic Period and illuminates scientific understanding of this era.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a critical protein called cryptochrome that assists per in regulating the mammalian clock's feedback loop. This finding effectively closes the gap in understanding the mechanisms behind human sleep-wake cycles and their disruptions.
A new species of fossil animal has been discovered in South Africa, revealing the country as the birthplace of all mammals. The Anomocephalus africanus discovery reinforces the idea that distant ancestors of mammals originated from this region.
The Notch signaling pathway is a key regulator controlling the proper development of many different cell types. In mice without Jagged2, there is a significant increase in hair cell density and a decrease in supporting cells.
A mathematical model resolves a scientific debate on the origins of modern placental mammals, suggesting that a 65-million-year gap in the fossil record is unlikely due to incomplete preservation. The study finds that the quality of the mammalian fossil record is more consistent with genetic data than previously thought.
A massive gene study suggests that mammals first evolved around 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous era, much earlier than previously estimated. The research used genetic data from over 10,000 species to infer origin dates, contradicting fossil-based estimates that linked mammal evolution to mass extinctions.
A team of researchers, funded by the US National Science Foundation, discovered a group of fossil mammals, gondwanatheres, in Madagascar and India. These ancient creatures provide evidence for the movement of landmasses during the Late Cretaceous period.
A study by Prof. Michal Schwartz explains why mammals can't regenerate damaged central nervous system tissue, offering hope for treatment development. Researchers found that macrophages play a crucial role in wound-healing, and 'educating' them may help overcome this obstacle.