Articles tagged with Natural History
A new study reveals that a type of lichen, Lepraria, has genes for sexual reproduction, defying decades of scientific assumption. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the mysterious reproductive habits of these unique organisms.
A Florida Museum curator was part of an international team that won first place and $5 million in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team developed a monitoring device equipped with lights, audio recorders, cameras, insect traps, and collection reservoirs to survey a 100-hectare test plot of tropical rainforest.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrated that bats can navigate great distances in open areas with their eyes closed, using only echolocation. The study found that bats create an acoustic map of their environment, relying on distinct echoes to guide their flight paths.
The study reveals large genomic differences between European aurochs, North Asian aurochs, and South Asian ancestor, with evidence of human intentional feeding and targeted domestication. The genome of the central European aurochs was fully decoded for the first time, providing insights into the history of wild cattle in Europe and Asia.
A new study reveals that Oriental hornets are the only animals capable of consuming high concentrations of alcohol chronically without ill effects. The research found that the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or illness, even after consuming high amounts.
The exhibit featured a live laboratory where paleontologists and volunteers cleaned and prepared specimens from the Montbrook site. Participants were excited to interact with scientists and answer questions about fossils.
The discovery sheds light on early human behavior and diet in India, providing the first direct evidence of humans feeding on large animals. The fossils belong to an extinct genus of elephants called Palaeoloxodon, with only one set of bones found previously.
Researchers have successfully established new sacred fir forests on a nearby volcano to serve as overwintering sites for monarch butterflies, which are projected to disappear from their current habitats due to global warming.
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
Researchers develop novel workflows to digitize and future-proof biodiversity data using digital specimen DOIs and nanopublications. This enables scientists to link digital specimens to various databases, facilitating inter-institutional scientific work and saving time for AI systems.
A new study finds that the ancient bird Longipteryx ate fruits, contrary to previous hypotheses that it feasted on fish or insects. The discovery was made by analyzing fossilized seeds in the bird's stomach, which suggest a mixed diet including fruits and possibly insects when they were not available.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have identified a new species of fanged frog, Limnonectes cassiopeia, found in the Philippine island of Luzon. The species was overlooked due to its similarity to the well-known Luzon Giant Fanged Frog. Key differences include smaller toe discs and unpigmented toe pads.
Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History are studying bagworms' unique life cycle and their potential to inform understanding of modern climate change. They'll also analyze fossils from ancient mammal communities affected by rapid warming, as well as use AI to model future disease outbreaks.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have reviewed 400 years of scientific literature to correctly classify the Dodo and its closest relative. The study confirms that both birds were members of the columbid family and challenges common misconceptions about their extinction.
Researchers used synchrotron X-ray tomography to image growth rings in fossilized tooth roots, estimating lifespans and growth rates of early mammals. The study found that the modern mammal growth pattern emerged around 130 million years ago, with earlier animals growing more slowly and living longer.
A team of Harvard researchers has discovered a new species of chordate, Nuucichthys rhynchocephalus, in the Drumian Marjum Formation of the American Great Basin. The fossil provides valuable insights into early vertebrate evolution and biodiversity, as it is one of only four species documenting this stage of vertebrate lineage.
Historical DNA barcodes from over a century old butterfly specimens help classify a group of rare Calinaginae butterflies. The classification sheds new light on the taxonomy of this insect group.
A new species of dinosaur, Comptonatus chasei, has been discovered in the UK with over 149 bones found at Compton Bay. The skeleton is around 125 million years old and represents a unique genus and species, with distinctive features such as a straight lower jaw and large pubic hip bone.
A newly discovered fossil, Gaiasia jennyae, reveals a giant salamander-like creature that was a top predator in the ice age before dinosaurs. The creature's unique features, including its toilet seat-shaped head and interlocking jaws, suggest it was an ambush predator.
The e-COL+ project aims to capture and reconstruct France's natural history collections in 3D, covering nearly 6% of the world's total natural specimens. The project will provide modern equipment, create a comprehensive dataset of 3D models, and build AI tools to improve model reconstruction.
The newly discovered Lokiceratops rangiformis is a massive horned dinosaur found in the badlands of northern Montana. It boasts two enormous blade-like horns on its frill, as well as an asymmetric spike, making it one of the most ornate species ever found.
Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History and Fordham University published footage of Madagascar Chtonobdella leeches jumping, contradicting previous reports. The study provides conclusive evidence that at least one species of terrestrial leech can jump with visible energy expenditure.
Lokiceratops rangiformis, a plant-eating dinosaur with large horned frill and asymmetrical caribou-like antlers, has been discovered in Montana. The species' unusual features may have played a role in mate selection or species recognition.
A 246 million-year-old nothosaur vertebra was discovered on New Zealand's South Island, shedding new light on early sea reptiles from the Southern Hemisphere. The find reveals that these marine reptiles originated near the equator and rapidly spread to other regions, challenging long-standing hypotheses about their migration patterns.
A new species of great ape, Buronius manfredschmidi, has been identified from the Hammerschmiede fossil site in Bavaria, Germany. The species is estimated to have weighed around 10kg and had a distinct lifestyle from the larger-bodied Danuvius, allowing for cohabitation without resource competition.
Researchers are using a hyper-diverse group of herbs called bellflowers to understand relationships between species, origins, and human activity. The project combines genetic data, archaeological records, and computer modeling to create a playbook for answering similar questions in other regions.
A new study reveals that traumatic intracranial aneurysms are more common and associated with intracerebral hematomas after civilian gunshot wounds, challenging conventional wisdom. Spontaneous resolution occurs in approximately 40% of patients.
Researchers confirm Atlantic cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) has made a novel migration to Bermuda, using citizen science and morphological/data analysis. The species likely resides in Bermuda for extended periods due to the islands' mild sea temperatures.
The BiCIKL project has shared lessons learned on improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR-ness) of various biodiversity data types. The project's policy briefs provide recommendations for policymakers and research funders to adopt best practices and guidelines.
Researchers discovered lemurs possess an additional pair of vocal folds, which they believe is responsible for enriching their vocal repertoire and allowing them to exaggerate their size. This adaptation may have provided a selective advantage in competition for territory or mates.
A new laser-based approach using Raman spectroscopy can quickly and non-destructively identify elephant ivory from legal mammoth tusk. The technology has been shown to provide accurate species identification, offering a valuable tool for customs enforcement and combating the illegal ivory trade.
A recent study by the Smithsonian has pushed back the earliest dated origin of bioluminescence in animals by nearly 300 million years, dating it to around 540 million years ago in marine invertebrates called octocorals. The ability to produce light is involved in various behaviors such as camouflage, courtship, and hunting.
Researchers at Harvard University discover that hybrids between Amazon butterfly species can produce new, genetically distinct species with unique traits. This study challenges the long-held assumption that hybridization inhibits speciation, instead suggesting it can drive the evolution of new lineages.
Researchers analyzed DNA markers to discover potential new scrub mint species and found evidence of cryptic diversity. The study highlights the unique evolutionary history of these plants, which thrived in harsh conditions but lost adaptability.
Researchers found that Albert's Lyrebirds synchronize their footwork with the beat of their song and manipulate the environment by shaking thorny vines to create a choreographed courtship display. This behavior is thought to enhance the male's display, making him appear bigger and more vigorous.
A new study reveals a strong pattern of decline among moths of all sizes and life stages from rural to urban areas in Florida. Larger macromoths fared worse than smaller ones, likely due to increased metabolic stress in high temperatures.
Researchers have uncovered a 270-million-year-old ancient amphibian ancestor in the Smithsonian's collection, naming it Kermitops gratus in honor of Kermit the Frog. The fossilized skull possesses unique features that shed light on the origin of living frogs and other amphibians.
Citizen science plays a crucial role in detecting the giant water bug's presence on Cyprus, with seven sightings recorded in 2020 and 2021. The species, known for its painful bites and hunting habits, is unlikely to have gone unnoticed for too long, sparking discussions about possible migration events.
A new study using a combination of traditional and machine learning techniques found a previously unknown theropod species in the famous Kem Kem beds of Morocco. The analysis confirmed the presence of Noasauridae, a rare group of small theropods with long necks.
Researchers have created 3D images of over half of the world's animal groups using CT scans, making them accessible to scientists, researchers, students, teachers, and artists. The open-source repository MorphoSource allows users to share findings and improve access to material critical for scientific discovery.
Scientists have scanned over 13,000 vertebrate specimens using CT technology, making them available for free online. The scans provide a detailed view of internal structures, allowing researchers to study specimens in ways previously impossible.
A new discovery in Panama has uncovered the oldest known leaf-nosed bat fossils, preserved 20-million years ago. The findings suggest that these mammals may have originated in North America, contradicting previous theories that they came from South America.
Two prehistoric shark species, previously named the same, were given new names based on their discovery location. A wealth of fossil fishes discovered during the renaming process had been stored at an Ohio State museum for years but were largely forgotten.
The study reveals that a limited number of exceptional fossil preservation sites can significantly impact the global availability of phylogenetic data. This distortion can affect our understanding of bird, scaly reptile, and dinosaur evolution.
Scientists have found polyene pigments in fossilized snail shells that are 12 million years old, providing the world's first evidence of intact pigments in fossils. The discovery was made possible by analyzing the pigments using Raman spectroscopy and sheds new light on the chemical composition of ancient organisms.
A recent study at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem documented a groundbreaking observation of phoresy involving a myrmecophile pseudoscorpion on a myrmecophile scorpion. The study reveals the first recorded instance of this symbiotic relationship, where the pseudoscorpion attaches to the scorpion for dispersal into new environments.
Researchers have developed an AI-enabled bio-logger that captures rare bird behaviors, including vigorous head shaking before flight and deep-sea mating rituals. The system uses outlier detection to identify unusual behaviors in real-time, providing valuable insights into animal biology and ecology.
A recent study in Uganda found that asymptomatic individuals with low-level malaria infections had highly variable parasite dynamics and species present. Frequent sampling every other day or daily was sufficient to detect a proportion of infections similar to daily testing, but less frequent tests may miss up to one-third of cases.
Researchers at Uppsala University have identified nine distinct evolutionary lines among African lark species, revealing new species diversity. The study proposes splitting two known species into seven, while also confirming convergent evolution and diverging relationships among closely related species.
A Victorian collector, Morton Allport, traded human and animal remains from Tasmania for scientific recognition. The research highlights the entwined costs of colonialism with practices of natural history, revealing a 'quid pro quo' arrangement to meet demand for these remains.
A collaborative effort between scientists from the Natural History Museum of Utah and cavers led to the discovery of fossils spanning over 3,000 years in Boomerang Cave. The findings revealed a faithful reflection of mammal diversity in the area, including species unknown to the region.
A recent study has unveiled two previously undiscovered families of Pseudoscorpions in Israel, including Syarinidae and Cheiridiidae. The research expands the catalog to include 61 pseudoscorpion species belonging to 28 genera and fourteen families.
A mysterious new moth species, Mirlatia arcuata, has been discovered in southern Croatia, shedding light on the region's Lepidoptera fauna. The species' cold-adapted nature and unclear relationships to other moths raise questions about its origins and habits.
Researchers discovered six new species of rove beetles with unique genital shapes, including a bottle-opener like structure in one species. Climate change threatens the survival of these species due to habitat changes.
Researchers from Utrecht University and Natural History Museum Maastricht studied wear marks on mosasaur teeth to understand dietary diversity. The analysis found differences in diet between smaller and larger species, including a preference for shellfish among one species and fish with strongly scaled bodies among another.
A new analysis of ancient fish bones and muscles suggests that the shoulder evolved from a modified version of the gill-arch hypothesis that reconciles it with the fin-fold hypothesis. The study, led by Dr Martin Brazeau and Natural History Museum researchers, provides new insights into the evolution of the shoulder girdle in animals.
A newly described family of jewel wasps, Protoidae, has been found in Cretaceous amber from Lebanon, providing a unique snapshot of the group's early evolution. The discovery reveals striking characteristics, including a long, shovel-like process, which may have assisted with egg-laying and ovipositing.
A team of palaeontologists has identified the oldest-known mega-predatory pliosaur, Lorrainosaurus, from 170-million-year-old fossils found in north-eastern France. The discovery reveals a new understanding of marine reptile evolution and ecosystem shifts during the Early-to-Middle Jurassic boundary.
A recent study on Roosmalens' dwarf porcupine has revealed new information about its distribution in the Madeira biogeographical province of the Amazon Forest. The research found that the species is likely endemic to this region and has a wider distribution in southern Amazonia than previously thought.
Researchers have documented the development of bonnethead sharks, showing how their skulls widen and distort to form a hammer-like shape. The study provides insight into the formation of this unique feature, which is thought to amplify their field of vision and ability to detect prey.