Researchers found that 90% of surveyed individuals did not recognize six out of seven endangered species. Increasing public knowledge and recognition can boost conservation support for these vulnerable animals. The study highlights the need for targeted marketing initiatives to change people's perception of lesser-known species.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022
A study published by the University of Zurich has found that vocal communication in vertebrates has a common and ancient evolutionary origin, dating back to around 407 million years ago. The research used vocal recordings and contextual behavioral information from 53 species across four major clades of land vertebrates.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2022
A new study reveals that European moles reduce their brains by 11% in winter and regrow them by 4% in summer to conserve energy. This phenomenon, known as Dehnel's phenomenon, is driven by cold conditions rather than food shortage alone.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new noninvasive genetic survey technique allows researchers to identify salt marsh harvest mice and other small mammals without capturing them. The technique uses bait stations and genetics to collect fecal pellets from mice that come and go on their own.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022
Researchers used a random forest model to analyze hyena whoops and found that individual signatures are distinct enough for identification. Repeating calls can improve identification accuracy, peaking at seven repetitions.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 16, 2022
Researchers found that male rock hyraxes with more precise courtship songs had higher reproductive success, while those who sang less frequently also performed better in terms of rhythm and song quality. This study suggests that high rhythmic stability may serve as an indicator of male quality for females.
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateSep 13, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers found that bird neurons consume three times less glucose than mammalian neurons, allowing for high cognitive abilities and complex brain structures. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary advantages of birds' brains.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022
A Tel Aviv University study challenges the widely-held assumption that COVID-19 originated from bats, instead highlighting their highly effective immune system. The researchers found that many reported findings on bat-borne viruses are based on antibody presence or PCR tests rather than actual virus isolation.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournaliScience·DateSep 4, 2022
A team of scientists generated a molecular atlas of the Australian bearded dragon's brain, comparing it to mouse data. The findings suggest that both reptilian and mammalian brains evolved clade-specific neuron types from a common ancestral set, challenging popular views on brain evolution.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2022
A new study reveals that the emergence of a new gene called PGBD1 is linked to the evolution of a new structure in nerve cells. PGBD1 controls paraspeckles, tiny structures that act like traps for RNAs and proteins, and its regulation is crucial for nerve cell development.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 1, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022
Researchers identified 15 instances of mucinization, where new mucins emerged from non-mucin proteins by adding repeating sequences. This process transformed the proteins into mucins with gooey consistency, contributing to their various biological functions.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2022
A study reveals that over 50% of mammal food web links have disappeared due to animal declines, leading to a collapse of global ecosystems. Restoring extinct species to their historic ranges holds great potential to reverse these declines and restore food web complexity.
SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022
Researchers have found a 30-million-year-old beaver fossil that challenges previous theories on the evolution of semi-aquatic beavers in North America. The discovery, published in Royal Society Open Science, suggests that these animals may have evolved to swim earlier than previously thought and were likely adapted for aquatic life.
SourceOhio State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022
Researchers have found that small mammal diversity decreased with increasing human modification and that modern communities are fundamentally distinct from past ones. Even protected spaces can conserve native small mammal communities, highlighting their importance in urban conservation projects.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 15, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2022
Western gorillas in zoos have developed a novel vocalization to get attention and food from their human caregivers. Researchers observed this unique behavior in response to food availability and interaction with zoo staff.
Researchers discovered the earliest direct evidence of brood care among insects in the Middle-Late Jurassic Daohugou Biota. Fossils of a water boatman insect showed it carrying a cluster of eggs on its left mesotibia, providing protection from predation and environmental risks.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2022
A new study found that North American mammal communities have become more than twice as homogenous as they were 10,000 years ago, primarily due to early human hunting and farming activities. The accelerated homogenization is likely linked to the spate of large-mammal extinctions, which increased similarity among remaining species.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2022
A new study found evidence that multituberculates, an extinct group of mammals, likely reproduced in a placental-like manner. This discovery questions the long-held idea that marsupials were less advanced than placentals in terms of reproductive strategy.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers discovered a vast network of ultrasonic signals among moths, revealing complex acoustic mimicry rings. These sounds may be used by moths to evade bats and are found in many species beyond previously known tiger and hawk moths.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2022
A team of international scientists found that endothermy appeared in mammalian ancestors about 233 million years ago, well before the origin of mammals. Fossils from South Africa's Karoo region played a key role in this discovery, providing an unbroken record of life's evolution.
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2022
Over 50 sightings of manatees have been reported between the Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks since 1977, leading to speculation about their possible entry into the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A population of 20-25 manatees was estimated in the Gatun Lake in 2015.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 12, 2022
The study reveals that TAD boundaries, insulating properties of which are based on the binding of protein CTCF, can vary in strength depending on individual site properties. This finding has implications for understanding genetic diseases and cancer.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022
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 have discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest their own root crops to meet their high energy demands. This unique behavior, known as root cropping, is believed to be a key factor in the gophers' ability to maintain extensive tunnel systems.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022
A team of researchers developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of gene drives on mammal populations at a landscape scale. The X-shredder drive has been shown to potentially eradicate mice, rats, and rabbits, but with varying probabilities of success and eradication times ranging from 18 to 48 years.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateJul 8, 2022
Researchers found traces of plastics in over half of the species examined, including polyester, polyethylene, and polynorbornene. Four out of seven species, such as European hedgehogs and field voles, were identified as 'plastic positive', highlighting potential impacts on conservation status.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJun 30, 2022
Researchers found global redistribution of histone H3 modifications with time, particularly in intergenic regions and near transcription start sites. Caloric restriction diet feeding reduced the extent of changes occurring during the first year of life in these genomic regions.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022
Researchers found no association between social behavior and parasite infection in Asian elephants, despite studying three key aspects of their social life. The study suggests that social benefits may outweigh the costs of sociality for these animals.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 28, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers analyzed historical data from ice ages to understand how cold-adapted Arctic mammals responded to severe climate fluctuations. The study identified common patterns in the responses of different species and provided new models for interpreting their behavior.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats trained to associate a phone ringtone with a tasty treat could remember what they learned for up to four years in the wild. The study, led by May Dixon at Ohio State University, used 49 bats and introduced three other ringtones without food rewards.
SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2022
A new study finds that polar bears and brown bears have a complicated evolutionary history due to interbreeding. The analysis of modern bear genomes and ancient DNA from a 115,000-year-old tooth reveals gene flow from brown bears into polar bears, challenging previous hypotheses.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2022
The first international study of its kind assesses the status of all reptile species, revealing that at least 2,000 species are threatened with extinction. The study found that 50% of turtle and crocodile species face extinction threats, while 30% of forest-dwelling reptiles and 14% of arid area reptiles are in danger.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2022
Biologists at the University of Rochester have identified two key systems controlling gene expression related to longevity: circadian networks regulating negative lifespan genes and the pluripotency network controlling positive lifespan genes. This research provides new insights into understanding how longevity evolves and may lead to ...
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 31, 2022
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.
A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.
Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats imitate the buzzing sound of a stinging insect to avoid predatory owls. The study, published in Current Biology, provides evidence of interspecific mimicry between mammals and insects.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalConservation Physiology·DateApr 27, 2022
A threatened South American coati was recorded in Canoas, Brazil's fourth most populous city, using a camera trap at a remaining green space. The finding underscores the significance of urban areas for species adaptation and highlights the need for conservation efforts beyond protected zones.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeotropical Biology and Conservation·DateApr 27, 2022
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.
Urban mammals adjust their daily activities to evade human encounters, altering predator-prey dynamics and increasing human overlap. This multi-species study reveals the timing of mammalian behavior changes in response to urbanization.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2022
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 21, 2022
A study published in Current Biology found that consuming non-essential amino acids can curb appetite and encourage physical activity in mice. This mechanism is thought to be rooted in evolutionary history, where eating these amino acids promoted the urge to seek out more nutrient-rich food sources.
A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that newborn African savannah elephants can keep up with their mothers' daily movements, contrary to previous assumptions. This remarkable ability allows the calves to benefit from protection against predators and integration into the herd's social structure.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022
A new study analyzed brown dog ticks, canine and human infections, and climatic data to understand how Rocky Mountain spotted fever spreads. The research found that the vectoring capacity of the brown dog tick may be spreading outside its known region, putting a larger portion of the country at risk.
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.
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateApr 5, 2022
A study published in Scientific Reports found that mammals with larger brains than similar-sized species were more likely to have survived extinction. The researchers investigated brain sizes of 291 living mammal species and 50 extinct species, discovering a significant correlation between brain size and survival.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 31, 2022
Researchers used camera traps to monitor interactions between Panama's epiphytic Zamia pseudoparasitica and animals, revealing that a nocturnal tree-dwelling mammal called northern olingos may be responsible for seed dispersal. The study sheds light on the plant's persistence in the forest canopy.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 25, 2022
A study reveals that red fox populations in Western Europe became larger than before the rabies vaccination campaign, only to decline since the 2000s. Higher numbers of foxes supported the outbreak of other diseases, while their impacts were limited.
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A new rice rat species, possibly arboreal, was discovered in Ecuador through detailed skull analysis. The species, Mindomys kutuku, has distinct characteristics that distinguish it from its sister species.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalEvolutionary Systematics·DateMar 18, 2022
A comprehensive analysis of brain cellular composition across amniotes shows that mammals and birds have dramatically increased neuron numbers in the telencephalon and cerebellum, associated with higher cognition. The study suggests that only a handful of unique evolutionary events augmented brain processing power in these groups.
SourceUniverzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
A new analysis has identified common demographic and life history traits among species at risk of extinction. The study found that these traits contribute to patterns of vulnerability, with some species exhibiting higher extinction risks due to factors like smaller population sizes and slower reproductive rates.
Arizona State University professor Katie Hinde explores successful public engagement in science, highlighting the power of stories and narratives in teaching children about science. Her March Mammal Madness game has reached over half a million students, featuring simulated animal battles and providing educational resources for educators.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that untrained captive orangutans can complete two major steps in making and using stone tools: striking rocks together and cutting using sharp stones. This suggests that the use of stone tools may have existed in our last common ancestor with orangutans 13 million years ago.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that amylin peptide plays a crucial role in regulating social contact-seeking behavior in female mice. The researchers discovered that isolation leads to a decrease in amylin levels, while social reunion increases them.
SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2022
A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown brain region involved in maternal behaviors in mice, which is linked to hormone-sensitive neurons. The discovery sheds new light on the biological mechanisms underlying pregnancy and its effects on brain circuits.
SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2022
A recent study evaluated pet cages, running wheels, and hay racks sold in German retailers and found that many failed to meet animal welfare standards. The research highlights concerns about the quality of pet supplies sold in retail stores.
A global study using thousands of camera trap stations found that protected areas have a positive impact on mammal diversity, even when experiencing human disturbances such as recreational use and logging. The study's findings suggest that expanding protected areas could help conserve larger mammals and their critical roles in ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022
Researchers compared microscopic inner ear structures of two main bat groups, revealing extra neurons and specialized ear structures that align with a split in bat evolution. This discovery provides the first physical evidence to support genetic data on the split of bats into two major groups.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that changing climate conditions 23,000 years ago expanded food options for humans in Israel's Sea of Galilee region. The research analyzed animal remains at the submerged archaeological site of Ohalo II, revealing a diverse diet with multiple prey sources.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022
Researchers found that Yin and Yang bats have unique inner ear structures that enable distinct styles of echolocation. This discovery provides the first anatomical evidence for these differences, confirming previous genetic findings.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 26, 2022