A study by Brazilian researchers found that these large mammals help regulate plant diversity, productivity, and biomass in understory areas. The spatial structure of plant communities is also influenced, with the Jussara palm playing a key role in attracting animals and dispersing seeds.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022
Lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest are at risk of extinction due to population isolation and habitat fragmentation. The species' survival is threatened by hunting, highways, and lack of gene flow, with only a few viable populations remaining.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeotropical Biology and Conservation·DateJan 17, 2022
A recent comprehensive assessment reveals drastically increased species extinctions and declining populations, indicating the onset of the Sixth Mass Extinction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and a recognition of humanity's common responsibility to mitigate the crisis.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 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.
A new study found that Tasmanian devils have picky diets and only consume their favorite foods, unlike most other scavengers. The researchers tracked the eating habits of 71 devils using whisker samples and found that most devils choose to dine on specific foods.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 11, 2022
A recent study by North Carolina State University and Northern Michigan University found that eating human food reduces microbial diversity in black bears' guts. The researchers analyzed gut samples from 35 bears and found lower biodiversity in those with a diet rich in processed foods.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2022
Oceanographers replaced ship-based studies with sensors attached to seals to navigate icy waters, revealing seasonally varying water flows and their impact on biological production. The study found that warm, low-salinity water appears during autumn, positively affecting seal foraging behavior and potentially enhancing prey availability.
SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateDec 27, 2021
A new study provides a detailed timeline of mammal evolution, confirming that modern placental mammal groups postdate the K-Pg extinction. The researchers used a novel computational approach to analyse a large genomic dataset and answer a long-standing question about mammal origins.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature·DateDec 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.
A recent study has found that snake venoms and mammalian salivary proteins share a common origin, suggesting that the foundation for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals. This discovery reveals that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalBMC Biology·DateDec 22, 2021
Researchers at Louisiana State University have identified 14 new endemic species of shrews on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a significant milestone in understanding the island's extraordinary biodiversity. This discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and preserving life.
SourceLouisiana State University·JournalBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers discovered that forest mammals eavesdrop on monkey meals to access fruit dropped by messy eaters. This eavesdropping strategy is crucial for these animals' survival, particularly during periods when almond trees produce abundant food.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiotropica·DateDec 10, 2021
Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021
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.
A new species of opossum, Marmosa adleri, was discovered in a tropical forest in Panama and named after UW Oshkosh biologist Greg Adler. The novel species has distinctive characteristics, including a very long tail, and is considered one of the smallest measured of its subgenus.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin Oshkosh·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·TypeCase study·DateDec 9, 2021
African and Asian primates evolved stronger resistance to cobras' venoms, while Madagascan Lemurs and Central and South American monkeys lacked this defense due to reduced eyesight
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBMC Biology·DateDec 7, 2021
Researchers provide evidence that mammalian and avian primitive streaks evolved independently, using different mechanisms to form the body plan. They suggest alternative landmark for ethical oversight in human embryological research.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalScience·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 2, 2021
A new study used machine learning to predict the zoonotic capacity of 5,400 mammal species, identifying those at high risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2. The model, which combined data on biological traits with ACE2 receptor information, predicted 72% accuracy and identified numerous additional species with potential to transmit the virus.
SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 16, 2021
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 26-year study on wild white-footed mice found that mice with physical impairments survived and thrived at a rate similar to their unimpaired counterparts. Mice with impairments had greater mass and larger home ranges, but no evidence of decreased fitness.
SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2021
Researchers discovered that spiny mice can regenerate severely damaged kidneys without scarring, a process triggered by unique transcriptional programs in their genome. This finding offers new hope for treatments of end-stage kidney disease and fibrotic diseases.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021
Researchers studied harbour seal pups' vocal responses to sea noise, finding they lowered their tone to adapt. The study reveals young seals have advanced control over their vocalizations at an early age.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers discovered that mammals developed protruding, flexible noses from reptilian jaws through cellular studies and fossil analysis. This finding explains the origin of mammals' strong sense of smell and provides potential new animal models for studying facial development disorders like cleft palate.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2021
Researchers found fish, reptiles, and mammals made up the jaguar's diet, with aquatic prey providing energy to burn or play. The high density of jaguars was attributed to abundant aquatic subsidies in the region.
SourceOregon State University·JournalEcology·DateOct 18, 2021
Researchers found that males and females have different heat-sensing systems, which may be related to reproduction and offspring care. This difference leads to segregation between the sexes at certain periods during breeding cycles.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateOct 5, 2021
Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that pocket gophers are biofluorescent, emitting a colored glow when illuminated with ultraviolet light. The phenomenon has been documented in flying squirrels and opossums before, but this is the first time it has been observed in pocket gophers.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe American Midland Naturalist·DateSep 16, 2021
Researchers have discovered a new species of otter in Germany that dates back to 11.4 million years ago. The Vishnu otter genus was previously known only from Asia and Africa, but this finding suggests they also occurred in Europe.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateSep 16, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers successfully detected local mammals and birds by collecting 18 litres of water from a two-kilometre stretch along the river Mulde. The team identified 50% of fish species, 22% of mammal species, and 7.4% of breeding bird species in the region.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMetabarcoding and Metagenomics·DateSep 13, 2021
A new study has discovered the oldest known cavities ever found in a mammal, likely resulting from a diet rich in fruit. The cavities were identified in fossilized teeth of Microsyops latidens, a mammal that lived during the early Eocene, and suggest a shift in their diet over time.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2021
A study published in Scientific Reports discovered dental caries in prehistoric primates, indicating a high fruit diet or sugar-rich foods. The prevalence of caries fluctuated over time, suggesting changes in the primates' diet between sugary and non-sugary foods.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2021
Researchers analyzed 1.4 million field observations and 73,000 museum records to find a strong correlation between species abundance in nature and their presence in museum collections. This method enables scientists to study species decline and estimate past abundances, providing insights into conservation efforts.
SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021
Researchers found that bats with high hearing sensitivity to low frequency sounds are more sensitive to prey sounds, such as frog and katydid calls. This suggests that differences in hearing abilities may be a key factor in the diversity of bat species in tropical forests.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers have discovered that bat pups 'babble' as part of their initial language-learning stage, mirroring human infant babbling. This behavior suggests social feedback is crucial during vocal development in this species, similar to humans.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2021
Researchers have discovered three new species of ancient mammals in North America, hinting at rapid evolution following the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The creatures, which include the 'Hobbit'-named Beornus honeyi, differ from earlier known mammals and suggest that mammals diversified more rapidly than previously thought.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateAug 18, 2021
Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021
A new study in Molecular Ecology found that blood-sucking flies specialize on bats by following chemical cues from skin bacteria. Researchers analyzed dozens of bat species and identified unique bacterial profiles associated with each group.
SourceField Museum·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2021
A Yale study suggests that newborn mammals can anticipate and respond to visual stimuli even before birth. The research reveals that waves of activity emanate from the neonatal retina in mice before their eyes open, mimicking the movement patterns they'll encounter after birth.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Pikas reduce their metabolism to conserve energy during harsh winters, resulting in a 30% decrease in daily energy expenditures. In areas with high yak populations, pikas exploit an easily accessible food source, yak feces, which may help explain their relatively abundant presence.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2021
Researchers found dinosaur families evolving and expanding until 76 million years ago, when rates of extinction rose and new species formation slowed down. The team used Bayesian modelling techniques to account for uncertainties and found evidence of decline prior to the asteroid impact.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021
A recent study by Hebrew University researchers identified molecular factors that allow birds to fly, differing from mammals and reptiles. The ephrin-B3 molecule plays a crucial role in coordinating wing movement, enabling birds to flap and take flight.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 11, 2021
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 found sequence changes in the beta myosin protein that explain the difference in contraction velocity between small and large mammals, with human and rat proteins differing at nine key sites. The study suggests these changes enabled slower heart rates in larger animals as they evolved from smaller species.
Volunteers in a Central Oregon bat survey detected 25 Euderma maculatum bats in a 24,000-square-kilometer area, filling gaps in basic information about species abundance and distribution. The study's design suggests its potential for scaling up to larger areas, aiding conservation efforts.
SourceOregon State University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJun 1, 2021
Francisella tularensis can persist in a dormant state for over six months in cold water without nutrients, remaining fully virulent. This discovery changes the understanding of the bacterium's ecology, suggesting it spends most of its time outside a host and amplifies disease events in mammals.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 27, 2021
Researchers successfully implemented a headstarting method to protect juvenile bridled nailtail wallabies from feral cats, resulting in an 89% survival rate. The technique involves fencing off areas to raise young animals until they are large enough to be released back into the wild, demonstrating its effectiveness as a cost-effective ...
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2021
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 new study suggests that it was not dinosaurs but other mammals that competed with modern mammals before and after the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The research identifies the evolutionary limits placed on different groups of mammals, revealing a more complex story of competition between distinct mammal groups.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 17, 2021
A study reveals that Paleocene mammals had stockier builds and more mobile joints than expected, indicating they adapted quickly to survive and thrive. Their anatomy suggests a key role for ground-dwelling lifestyles in their success.
Researchers found that kiwi populations differ genetically between areas, but lack understanding of local adaptations and breeding changes. The study emphasizes the importance of strategic sample regimes and informative markers for developing effective conservation policies.
Researchers used deep-time approach to compare communities defined by species vs ecological roles, finding that ecosystems are more resistant to change than species compositions. They also found that preserving ecosystem functioning can help stabilize ecosystems in the face of disturbances.
SourceMuseum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institut für Evolutions-und Biodiversitätsforschung·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2021
Scientists discovered six sex chromosomes in the Odorrana swinhoana frog species, revealing insights into how complex XY systems evolve. The finding suggests that translocation, a chromosomal abnormality, may have occurred by chance or been non-randomly selected.
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.
A new scientific review has found significant gaps in knowledge about how mammal populations respond to climate change, particularly in sensitive regions. The study highlights the need for more holistic approaches to understanding climate change impacts on animal populations.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 7, 2021
A new mechanical model simulates how whiskers bend within follicles in response to external forces, shedding light on the process of sensing touch signals. The model suggests an 'S' shaped deformation and predicts how whiskers interact with mechanoreceptors, influencing tactile sensitivity.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 1, 2021
A global summary of species functions revealed that more than half of species perform less than 20% of the group's functions, with only a few species performing unique roles. This study highlights the importance of conserving functionally unique species to maintain ecosystem services and human well-being.
SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021
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.
A team of biologists found that human pelvis sex differences are similar to those in chimpanzees, suggesting an ancient origin. The magnitude of these differences is only half as large in chimpanzees, indicating that modern humans inherited this pattern from earlier mammals.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 25, 2021
A team of researchers overturns the long-standing hypothesis that mammal ancestors moved like modern lizards. They discovered that non-mammalian synapsids moved their backbone in a manner distinctly different from any living animal.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2021
A new Harvard-led study challenges the classic lateral-to-sagittal shift in mammal spine evolution, suggesting a completely different type of backbone function. The research found that nonmammalian synapsids had unique spinal characteristics not seen in modern reptiles or mammals.
SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A new study has revealed that alligator hearts are able to maintain a normal rhythm despite extreme temperature changes, unlike mammals which can fibrillate under stress. This unique adaptation comes at the cost of reduced maximum heart rate and increased vulnerability to cardiac arrhythmia.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateFeb 15, 2021
Domestic cats hunt less when owners feed them high-meat-content food and engage in play mimicking hunting. This reduces predation by 25%, with a 36% decrease seen in prey animals brought home to cat owners.
A study models bird and mammal species distributions under climate scenarios, revealing potential conservation issues across national borders. The authors project that border barriers could obstruct the dispersal of nonflying species as their ranges shift, emphasizing the need to mitigate these impacts.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021
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 global study led by UCC researcher Samantha Ball found 'runway roadkill' increasing by up to 68% annually, costing aviation authorities millions per annum. The study identified 47 countries with reported mammal strikes, including bats, rabbits, and coyotes, highlighting the need for effective Wildlife Hazard Management Plans.
SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalMammal Review·DateFeb 5, 2021
A new study finds that small mammals in the Mojave Desert are more resilient to climate change than birds, due to their ability to escape the sun in underground burrows. This difference is likely due to their lower cooling costs and tendency to be active at night.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2021
A new study reveals that despite living in the same Mojave Desert location, mammal and bird communities experience different exposures to climate warming. Small mammals have remained relatively stable, while bird occupancy and species richness have declined dramatically due to their limited ability to mitigate rising temperatures.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2021
The study found that bats accounted for the greatest proportion of strikes in Australia, while rabbits and dog-like carnivores dominated Canada, Germany, and the UK. Average mammal strikes per year ranged from 1.2 to 38.7 across countries, with estimated annual costs exceeding $100 million.
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.
A new analysis suggests that north-south differences in ticks' host choice, density, and host-seeking behaviors contribute to Lyme disease's prevalence. Southern ticks tend to select lizards as hosts, reducing the spread of Lyme disease-causing bacteria.
A comprehensive analysis of land mammal composition across mapped Indigenous lands reveals that 2,175 mammal species have at least 10% of their ranges within these lands. The study highlights the importance of Indigenous peoples' lands for biodiversity and ecosystem services, with 413 threatened species occurring in these areas.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 20, 2021