A study by Miles, Ricklefs, and Losos challenges traditional explanations for species diversity, suggesting a single underlying process drives morphological diversification in diverse clades. The researchers analyzed passerine bird morphology data, including island radiations like Darwin's finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers.
SourceOhio University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023
A new University of Kansas genomic investigation has rewritten the evolutionary history of the Homalopsidae, a group of unique mud snakes found in Southeast Asia. The study combined genetic analyses of older museum specimens with fresher field collections to reconstruct the family tree and shed light on their evolution.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalBulletin of the Society of Systematic Biologists·DateSep 20, 2023
Researchers have identified a new species of leaf-tailed gecko from northern Madagascar, showcasing its exceptional camouflage skills. The discovery has shed light on the unique characteristics of this species, including its skin flaps and flattened tail.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2023
Fossil discoveries in northern Panama Canal area suggest that marine species interchange persisted across shallow waters during the final stages of formation of the isthmus. The findings provide new insights into the connectivity between the Pacific and Caribbean marine faunas during this period.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 12, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Birds, such as magpies and crows, are adapting to city life by using anti-bird spikes as nesting material. Researchers discovered these unique nests made of up to 1,500 metal spikes, showing the birds' creativity in avoiding traditional deterrents.
SourceNaturalis Biodiversity Center·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2023
A new fish species, Garra panitvongi, has been discovered in Myanmar's Ataran River basin, shedding light on its unique biology and habitat. The species, previously unknown to science, was identified by researchers who encountered it during fieldwork in the region.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalZootaxa·DateJul 10, 2023
A Virginia Tech study found that hellbender fathers are more likely to eat their eggs in deforested areas, leading to a drastic increase in filial cannibalism. The research suggests that protecting and re-establishing forest cover around streams is crucial for the species' survival.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2023
Researchers confirm Bachman's warbler as a distinct species by sequencing its genome from museum specimens. The study reveals a new candidate gene involved in feather pigmentation in the group. Comparing the genomes of the extinct warbler with living sister species highlights the crucial role of museum collections in science.
SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023
Researchers discovered that leaf-cutting ants use the position of their hind legs gripping the leaf edge and head position to guide cutting trajectory. The ants adapt their technique to cut smaller elliptical portions when faced with thick leaves, using a combination of sensory information.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023
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.
A new armoured dinosaur, Vectipelta barretti, has been described from the Isle of Wight, revealing differences in neck and back vertebrae and a unique spiky armour. The discovery provides new insights into ankylosaur diversity in the Wessex formation during the Early Cretaceous period.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023
A new butterfly species, Caeruleuptychia harrisi, has been discovered and named in recognition of Brian P. Harris' decades-long work supporting researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Harris provided critical support to visiting researchers, including the paper's lead author, Shinichi Nakahara.
A new species of dinosaur, Iani smithi, has been discovered in Utah's Cedar Mountain Formation, providing insights into how dinosaurs weathered ecological change during the mid-Cretaceous period. The discovery suggests that several major groups of dinosaurs survived into the early Late Cretaceous despite the changes.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023
Unseasonably warm and cold days prolong moth and butterfly activity by nearly a month, according to the study. Insect lifespans may also be affected, potentially leading to increased pathogen transmission.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 5, 2023
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 species of mosasaur, Stelladens mysteriosus, has been discovered in Morocco with star-shaped 'screwdriver teeth'. The unique arrangement suggests a specialised feeding strategy or diet, but the exact prey remains unclear. This find adds to evidence that mosasaurs were evolving rapidly before their extinction 66 million years ago.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFossil Studies·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023
Scientists have discovered where the first butterflies originated and which plants they relied on for food, tracing their movements through time. The results show that butterflies first appeared in Central and western North America, with some groups traveling vast distances while others remained stationary.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 15, 2023
A new fossil discovery in California has rewritten the scientific understanding of cycad plants, revealing a more dynamic evolutionary history than previously thought. The 80-million-year-old pollen cone found in Silverado Canyon is distinct from modern cycads, with differences in morphology and anatomy.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMay 2, 2023
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.
The platform has enabled the transcription of over 4.7 million specimens, making a significant dent in the backlog of objects stored in museums without online information. The mission to catalog Earth's biodiversity has resulted in an inconceivably large number of specimens, with billions more collectively housed in smaller institutions.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·DateMay 2, 2023
Researchers from Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County have discovered evidence of a symbiotic relationship between Cretaceous dinosaurs and feather-feeding beetles. The study found that the beetles fed on the feathers of theropod dinosaurs during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 105 million years ago.
SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2023
The study found fossils of beetle larvae in intimate contact with dinosaur feathers, suggesting a symbiotic relationship where the beetles fed on the feathers. The discovery provides insight into coevolution between vertebrates and arthropods over 500 million years, revealing rare evidence of their interaction.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023
A new 52 million-year-old bat species has been discovered in Wyoming, shedding light on Eocene chiropteran diversification. The oldest known bat skeleton, this find provides valuable insights into the evolution of bats.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers uncover 70 Euptychiina genera and over 500 species of butterflies, previously considered monotonous, revealing surprising color patterns and mysterious mimicry. The study's classification provides a framework for further investigation into euptychiine biology.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalSystematic Entomology·DateApr 11, 2023
Researchers found that Luna moth tails are primarily used for bat evasion, but also make the insects conspicuous to birds and other predators. The study suggests that the tails' role in predation may have co-opted their function in attracting mates.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 10, 2023
Researchers have identified a probiotic that can protect Caribbean corals from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), a deadly and rapidly spreading affliction. The probiotic treatment has been shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease in infected coral fragments, offering an antibiotic-free alternative.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023
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.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University recorded and analyzed plant sounds emitted under stress, identifying specific identifiable sounds. The study suggests that plants may communicate with other plants and animals through these sounds.
A new study reveals a surprising exception to the rule of uniformity across the Indo-West Pacific coral reef ecosystem. Chlorodielline crabs with overlapping ranges have uniquely shaped gonopods, but otherwise appear identical, suggesting genetic divergence in different geographic areas.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMar 29, 2023
A cohort study of over 9,000 persons found that asymptomatic middle-aged individuals with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis are at an 8-fold increased risk for myocardial infarction. The study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing obstructive coronary artery disease in patients without known cardiovascular disease.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023
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 global approach has been developed to survey the vast collections of world's largest natural history museums, estimated to hold over 1.1 billion objects. The initiative aims to inform responses to today's interlocking crises by providing a collective strategy for future conservation and sustainability efforts.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2023
The rare Night Parrot's unique cranial adaptations, including asymmetrical skulls and enlarged ears, may help it survive with limited eyesight. The study uses high-resolution CT scans to reveal insights into the species' biology and behavior, highlighting its advanced audio capabilities.
SourceFlinders University·JournalEmu - Austral Ornithology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 19, 2023
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNordic Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023
Researchers from iDiv and MLU found that species with extreme body size shifts have a higher risk of extinction on islands. The study analyzed over 1,200 extant and extinct island mammals and found a correlation between human colonization and increased extinction rates.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023
A new snake family, Micrelapidae, was identified through an international study led by Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Shai Meiri. The family includes only three species, two in Africa and one in Israel, and diverged from the rest of the evolutionary tree about 50 million years ago.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMar 1, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers discovered that woodcock tail feathers reflect up to 55% of light, 30% more than any other bird feather, due to their unique structure and arrangement. This enhanced reflectance allows them to attract attention in dimly lit environments.
SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 1, 2023
The Ecological Society of America showcases the contributions of Black scholars to 21st-century ecology, exploring historical erasure and public health injustices. The virtual collection features open-access articles addressing disparities in environmental engagement and conservation.
SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 8, 2023
Researchers have identified seven distinct species of whitefish in the Reuss river system, with two new species found in Lake Lucerne and one in Lake Zug. Eutrophication led to the extinction of several species, but the discovery highlights the unique characteristics of each lake's ecosystem.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 6, 2023
Three new species of nautilus have been described from the Coral Sea and South Pacific, with researchers studying their characteristics to better understand biogeographic isolation. The discovery highlights concerns over ocean conservation due to pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 1, 2023
Fossils of two near-primate species, Ignacius mckennai and I. dawsonae, dating back 52 million years have been discovered on Ellesmere Island in layers linked with the early Eocene epoch. The findings suggest that these Arctic-dwelling primates evolved more robust teeth and jaws to cope with tougher food sources during winter months.
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 used museum collections to measure ecological response to climate change in central Norway, finding clear regional connections and impacts on species life cycles. Small temperature changes can have significant effects on species distribution and biodiversity.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2023
A new study suggests that rodents on Hispaniola went extinct due to human activity, particularly European colonization. The research analyzed carbon-dating results for six hutia species, finding that seven species vanished within the last 2,000 years.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJan 10, 2023
A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
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.
Glassfrogs have a unique adaptation to stay transparent, storing nearly all of their red blood cells in their livers with reflective guanine crystals. This allows them to avoid blood clots and live without the risks associated with aggregation of red blood cells.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
Researchers added 146 new animal, plant, and fungi species to the tree of life, including 44 lizards, 30 ants, and 14 sea slugs. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting island ecosystems and advancing biodiversity science for conservation action.
SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 20, 2022
Researchers analyzed fossil bed in Nevada's Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park to determine cause of mass extinction. They found evidence that ichthyosaurs died due to migration, not mass stranding or environmental toxins.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022
A team of scientists found evidence that 37 ichthyosaurs died in the same location, suggesting they were migrating to give birth over hundreds of thousands of years. Geochemical tests revealed no signs of environmental disturbance or mass stranding events, pointing to a more plausible explanation for their demise.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022
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.
The report highlights that European taxonomic expertise is declining, with nearly half of insect orders not covered by sufficient scientists. The lack of expertise correlates with GDP and is more pronounced in biodiverse countries, posing significant problems for species conservation.
Researchers found a close correspondence between bat species' wing shapes and their echolocation vocalizations, with both linked to foraging ecology. The study reveals distinct 'foraging syndromes' that have evolved repeatedly in each family, matching optimal evolutionary solutions for different habitats.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2022
Research reveals that Florida's incredible plant diversity was shaped by the peninsula's repeated growth and shrinkage during ice ages. Scrub mints, a unique group of plants endemic to the southeastern US, radiated into multiple new species as they became isolated on islands due to sea level changes.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateDec 8, 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 study by the American Museum of Natural History and collaborators classifies the world's simplest animals, placozoans, using genetic makeup, revealing distinct lineages and relationships to cnidarians and bilaterians. The research establishes a backbone taxonomy for the phylum, providing insight into their evolution and diversity.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2022
New study reveals plastic additives selectively harm corals' reproductive processes, development, and settlement, affecting ecosystem balance. Researchers found alarming effects of environmental concentrations on various organisms, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessments.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateNov 29, 2022
A study reveals that porcini mushrooms have evolved in different ways across the globe, with local ecological factors playing a stronger role in maintaining genetic distinctiveness than genetic flow. The findings challenge traditional notions of species development and suggest multiple evolutionary strategies for this organism.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 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.
A new study reveals how cane toads (Rhinella marina) consume prey by using a complex pulley system of cartilage and muscle. The mechanism involves the hyoid plate, which is attached to muscles and loops like a marionette, pulling food backward into the throat.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateNov 15, 2022
An international team of researchers found evidence of cooked fish remains at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov archaeological site in Israel, dating back approximately 780,000 years. This discovery predates previous knowledge by about 600,000 years and sheds light on the evolution of cooking techniques.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 14, 2022
Eastern red bats, now the most commonly detected bat in Midwestern forests, have a significant impact on tree regeneration due to their appetite for insect-damaging bugs. Forest managers can benefit from considering these bats' landscape preferences, particularly ponds and smaller forest openings.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateNov 14, 2022
Research by a University of Texas at Austin doctoral candidate reveals that some American parrot remains may have been captured locally rather than imported from Mexico. The study suggests that the ecology of the past can be different from today's, and natural history collections are essential for research.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Wilson Journal of Ornithology·DateNov 8, 2022
The BiCIKL project has reached its halfway stage, launching a European community of key research infrastructures and stakeholders in biodiversity and life sciences. The FAIR Data Place online platform aims to provide scientists with access to all types of biodiversity data 'at their fingertips'.
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.
Researchers measured rhino horns from photographs taken between 1886 and 2018, finding a significant decrease in length across all five species. The decline is believed to be caused by intensive hunting, which has also led to a shift in human perceptions of rhinos from hunting to conservation.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPeople and Nature·DateNov 1, 2022
Researchers found that closely-related rhododendron species in China's Hengduan Mountains coexist by bursting into bloom at different times of the season. This diversification allows them to reduce competition for resources and pollinators, enabling their survival.
SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateOct 24, 2022
Scientists discover Opisthiamimus gregori, a new extinct species of lizard-like reptile that lived in Jurassic North America alongside dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of rhynchocephalians, an order that diverged from lizards over 230 million years ago.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2022
A new study reconstructs the skeletal structure of Coelurosauravus elivensis, a Late Permian reptile that likely used tree canopy changes to facilitate its evolution. The research reveals the gliding apparatus was supported by either the gastralia or musculature of the trunk.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateSep 8, 2022
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.
Paleontologists at Tübingen University's Senckenberg Centre have discovered a previously unknown genus and species of dinosaur, Tuebingosaurus maierfritzorum. The herbivore lived in the Swabian Alb region from 203 to 211 million years ago, displaying similarities with large long-necked sauropods.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalVertebrate Zoology·DateSep 7, 2022
Scientists discovered the rarest North American snake, Tantilla oolitica, locked in fatal combat with a giant centipede it swallowed. The CT scan revealed that the centipede's size was the final blow, cutting off the snake's air supply.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology·DateSep 6, 2022