Articles tagged with Natural History
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
The Morrison Natural History Museum has discovered infant dinosaur footprints, representing baby sauropods, in the Late Jurassic period. The tracks suggest that Morrison was an apatosaur nursery, with evidence of a running trackway demonstrating only hindpaw tracks.
The study reveals how Dracula orchids masquerade as mushrooms to lure flies, while goblin spiders, small and secretive, are redefined in their taxonomy. New species discoveries provide insights into pollination and conservation efforts.
A new discovery in Libya's Dur At-Talah escarpment suggests that anthropoids colonized Africa from Asia, rather than evolving there. The site yields three distinct families of anthropoid primates that lived in North Africa around 39 million years ago.
The discovery of well-preserved ammonites at cold methane seeps in the ancient seaway that covered North America during the Cretaceous Period has provided new insights into their paleobiology. These organisms thrived in these environments, consumed small prey, and often survived predation attempts.
Two new species of horned dinosaurs, Utahceratops and Kosmoceratops, have been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The dinosaurs possess unique horn structures, with short eye horns projecting strongly to the side, and one horn over the nose, making them the most ornate-headed dinosaurs known.
New research reveals tyrannosaur diversity, including smaller species and earlier ancestors, has significantly expanded our understanding. A comprehensive evolutionary tree shows the group's complexity, challenging popular perceptions of T. rex as a singular apex predator.
A Galton-Darwin-Wedgwood pedigree has been found in the archives of Truman State University, revealing new insights into Charles Darwin's family life. The discovery, made by Professor Tim Berra, provides a unique window into the personal life of the famous scientist.
A $1.5 million NSF grant will consolidate data from 10 natural history bee collections across the US, including Cornell's 250,000-specimen collection. This effort aims to establish conservation status and predict risks to bee pollination services from climate change and habitat loss.
Researchers announce the discovery of a 3.6 million-year-old partial skeleton, nicknamed 'Kadanuumuu', which is almost as proficient in walking on two legs as modern humans. The finding confirms advanced human-like walking occurred much earlier than previously thought.
The article describes the publication of four new Neotropical plant species in the genus Solanum, governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN). Dr. Sandra Knapp, a leading plant taxonomist, separates the printing process from the publisher, enabling online-only publication while complying with ICBN rules.
A field study found that intermediate testosterone production is associated with increased survival and reproductive success in male dark-eyed juncos. The researchers also discovered that high and low testosterone levels lead to decreased survival rates, contradicting previous expectations.
A new fossil turtle species, Cerrejonemys wayuunaiki, was found in the Cerrejon coal mine in Colombia, dating back to 60 million years ago. The thick shell may have protected it from predators like the Titanoboa, a snake thought to be the world's biggest.
A new study explores the variability in fossil assemblages, finding that communities may be more resilient than thought. The researchers used living and fossil communities to investigate the factors affecting the low variability seen in fossil records.
Scott Russell Sanders' essay 'Mind in the Forest' has won the John Burroughs Award for its thought-provoking exploration of human connection with nature. The essay, written during a USDA Forest Service writers' residence, was recognized for its exceptional literary value and ability to reveal qualities of the forest previously invisibl...
Researchers discovered a nearly complete juvenile Diplodocus skull that reveals drastic changes in skull shape during normal growth. The discovery provides new insights into the feeding behavior of young Diplodocus, which may have been choosier browsers selecting high-quality plant parts.
Biologists have found grizzly bears roaming into traditional polar bear habitat in Wapusk National Park, increasing competition and potential predation on polar bears. The sighting of grizzlies was rare before 1996, but sightings have increased since then.
A team of researchers has completed a new analysis of the evolutionary relationships among arthropods, providing a solid grasp of what those relationships are. The study makes a major contribution to our understanding of the nature and origins of the planet's biodiversity.
Natural historians can now share and manage their data using the Scratchpads platform, which serves over 1100 users across 100 sites. The system allows users to create virtual workbenches to study aspects of organisms, promoting biodiversity informatics approaches.
A long-forgotten fossil skull has provided crucial clues to the early stages of tyrannosaur evolution. Proceratosaurus, an ancient ancestor of Tyrannosaurus rex, shares many features with its famous descendant, including powerful biting apparatus and a bulky skull.
Researchers have discovered a new giant golden orb weaver spider species, Nephila komaci, in South Africa and Madagascar, which is the largest web-spinning spider known to science. The female spiders of this species can reach up to 1.5 inches in body length, while males are significantly smaller.
Researchers developed models to understand the growth and progression of serous ovarian cancer, identifying key properties for a biomarker-based screening test. The study aimed to guide rational design of an early detection strategy, potentially leading to improved outcomes for women diagnosed with this aggressive type of ovarian cancer.
The Academy of Natural Sciences' Ewell Sale Stewart Library has been accepted into the Biodiversity Heritage Library, a global initiative to preserve scientific literature on biodiversity. Over 35,500 volumes have been scanned and digitized, with over 14 million pages now available online.
Scientists have uncovered fossil evidence for reproduction using giant sperm in ostracods dating back to 100 million years ago. The discovery reveals an evolutionarily successful reproduction strategy that comes at a high price, investing energy in producing and carrying enormous sperm.
Dr. Jonathan Losos has made significant contributions to the knowledge of Caribbean ecosystems through his research on anole lizards. His work highlights the importance of natural selection, competition, and niche evolution in shaping assemblages of Anolis species.
Researchers from Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Canadian Museum of Nature discovered a carnivorous animal fossil, Puijila darwini, which is believed to be the 'missing link' between seals, sea lions, and walruses. The fossil provides evidence that pinnipeds went through a freshwater phase in their evolution.
A new fossil discovery at the Homer Site in Montana has revealed that Triceratops, a three-horned dinosaur, were likely social animals that congregated in small herds. The find indicates that juvenile Triceratops lived and traveled together, suggesting a unique behavior among ceratopsid relatives.
Russell Mittermeier, a leading expert on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, will deliver the Roger Tory Peterson Memorial Lecture at Harvard University. He has been recognized for his critical work on biodiversity hotspots and species conservation, offering hope for the future of conservation efforts.
Researchers find 93 plant species are moving their flowering ranges to higher elevations due to rising summer temperatures. The study, which spanned 20 years, reveals some plants flowered farther uphill while others stopped at lower elevations.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that anatomists and others incorrectly depict quadruped walking in half of their depictions. The correct gait involves alternating legs, with animals differing only in timing. This mistake is often due to carelessness or reliance on incorrect models.
New research reveals that white eyes in the Zosteropidae family form new species at a faster rate than any other bird, with the fastest known rate among birds being around 2.24-3.16 species per million years. This supports the 'Great Speciator' hypothesis, suggesting intrinsic traits of sociability and adaptability drive the system.
Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History have identified three distinct species of African dwarf crocodiles through genetic analysis. The study reveals that these animals are diagnostically distinct and have been on their own evolutionary trajectory for a long time.
A new report published in Current Biology reveals that the Sunda colugo has at least three separate species, with each geographic region harboring its own unique species. The findings have important conservation implications for these enigmatic mammals.
Researchers found that smaller mosquitoes have higher infection rates and potential to transmit dengue virus than larger individuals. The study suggests that control strategies may benefit from producing larger, less competent adult mosquitoes in terms of infection, potentially mitigating dengue transmission.
A recent study published in The Southwestern Naturalist has shed light on the pollination habits of endangered Texas wild-rice (Zizania texana), revealing that pollen can only travel about 30 inches away from a parent plant. This information will be crucial for conservation efforts to reintroduce and propagate this rare aquatic grass.
The Hopi community of Orayvi split in 1906 due to the corruption of their ceremonial system, which failed to integrate outside pressure. The community divided by household rather than clan lineage, resulting in the establishment of new villages within a short radius.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, has been recognized for his efforts to popularize science and technology through various outreach initiatives. He will receive the AAAS Public Understanding of Science & Technology Award, which acknowledges his dynamic leadership in engaging the public in science.
Researchers have identified a remarkably well-preserved fossil of the most primitive bat species known to date, Onychonycteris finneyi. The discovery reveals that bats evolved the ability to fly before developing echolocation, providing conclusive evidence for this evolutionary order.
Scientists unveil Velafrons coahuilensis, a massive duck-billed dinosaur from Mexico's Cerro del Pueblo Formation. The discovery provides valuable insights into the region's ecosystem and mass death events, challenging previous understanding of West America's Late Cretaceous history.
Research at the Natural History Museum found that men's facial attractiveness in the past was linked to their jaw size, cheek flaring and eyebrow shape. The study discovered that shorter faces between the mouth and upper lip created a more attractive appearance to potential mates.
A recent study by the Smithsonian found that ancient Mexicans used seven different cultivars of chili peppers, similar to modern varieties, dating back to A.D. 500-1500.
Scientists at the University of Chicago have reclassified Prototaxites as a giant fungus, based on new evidence and chemical analysis. The fungus is believed to have stood up to 20 feet tall and thrived on land during the Silurian and Devonian periods.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) honored several individuals and groups in 2007 for their significant contributions to the field of biology. The Distinguished Scientist Award was presented to Simon A. Levin, Princeton University, for his research on biodiversity loss and environmental protection.
Researchers found that when cowbird eggs were removed from warbler nests, the nests were ransacked 56% of the time, but only 6% when the eggs were accepted. This suggests that cowbirds engage in 'mafia' behavior to encourage hosts to raise their young.
Smithsonian researchers discovered that chili peppers were cultivated and traded as early as 6,000 years ago across the Americas, contributing significantly to our understanding of ancient agricultural practices. The findings provide a new window into the past, allowing researchers to trace the history of chili peppers in the Americas.
A team of researchers from Yale University and other institutions have discovered two 56-million-year-old fossils, including the most primitive primate skeleton ever described. The study reconstructs the base of the primate family tree, providing evidence that plesiadapiforms are the most primitive primates.
The discovery of Dallasaurus, a three-foot long lizard that lived 92 million years ago, fills a gap in the understanding of mosasaur evolution and reveals that they transitioned from land to sea. The fossil find provides significant insights into the biology and natural history of mosasaurs, which were top predators in their ecosystem.
A new study found that females prefer males with higher ocelli density but also those with shorter tails, suggesting they value the visual perception of a dense cluster. This preference is driven by both ocelli density and male displaying activity, providing peahens with information about male health.
Alison Galvani, a Yale Assistant Professor, has been awarded the Young Investigators' Prize by the American Society of Naturalists for her groundbreaking research on how evolutionary forces shape interactions between hosts and pathogens. Her work has significant implications for disease control policies and the persistence of diseases.
Proconsul, a 18 million-year-old creature, holds the key to human and ape origins. The book provides an insider's view on fossil discovery and interpretation, exploring Proconsul's anatomy, diet, and habits.
A study published in JAMA Network found that men with low-grade prostate cancer have a small risk of progression even after 20 years of observation or androgen withdrawal therapy. The results suggest that localized, low-grade prostate cancer patients may not require aggressive treatment.
Entomologists Quentin Wheeler and Kelly Miller named three slime-mold beetle species after former US leaders Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. The decision was made to pay homage to the U.S. leaders' commitment to freedom and democracy.
The discovery of Neuquenraptor argentinus provides the first uncontroversial evidence that raptors roamed beyond the Northern Hemisphere. The find reveals a common raptor ancestor likely existed on both Gondwana and Laurasia supercontinents before they split apart.
Norman D. Newell, a renowned geologist and paleontologist, will receive the Legendary Geoscientist Award for his groundbreaking research on fossil bivalve mollusks and modern carbonate sediments. He is also recognized for his advocacy of public understanding of evolution and science education.
Researchers compared bulk samples from five geological formations with a museum collection, finding that the diversity of mollusks is similar. The study also revealed that shells in museum collections are better preserved due to time, making them an important resource for researchers.
Eight environmental stewards have won $900,000 in biodiversity awards for their conservation efforts. The winners include Maria Marta Chavarria, Graham Harris, and Mengistu Wondafrash, who were recognized for their work protecting endangered species and habitats in Costa Rica, Argentina, and Ethiopia.
Research by Barker and colleagues revealed that all songbirds, including robins and crows, share a common origin in Australasia and New Guinea. The Passerida group, comprising 3,477 species, made it out of Australasia onto the Asian mainland before the Corvida group did, about 20 million years ago.
Researchers found that eastern chipmunks in Illinois and Wisconsin descend from ancestors who survived the last North American ice age in isolated forest pockets. These chipmunks migrated south, merging with warmer east and south populations, challenging long-held assumptions about glacier-driven population migrations.
A new study published by the Mayo Clinic research team found that many MS patients experience mild disability over time, with 71 of 99 walking unassisted in 1991 still doing so in 2001. The study also showed that only 20% of patients who didn't need a wheelchair in 1991 required one 10 years later.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a comprehensive review of peanut allergy prevalence, highlighting its severity and early onset. Self-injectable epinephrine remains a cornerstone of peanut allergy management, while new therapies are being developed to address this condition.
A new study by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute uses a large sample of live caterpillars to analyze tropical insect community composition. The research finds that there is indeed a predictable structure in caterpillar communities, allowing for more accurate measurements and applications in various studies.