A team of researchers has shed light on how Europe's largest bat hunts and consumes small birds. The bats use loud and low-frequency ultrasound echolocation calls to detect prey at great distances, then pursue it in steep dives towards the ground, catching and eating birds in mid-air.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers found that less than half of estimates for species studied agreed with diel classifications, and 74% switched phenotypes. The study's results will help conservation initiatives better conserve species by understanding when they are active.
A team of researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University observed wild medaka behavior in their river habitat, discovering that they spawn around midnight. The study also found that males exhibit two types of courtship behaviors: chasing females and a display of making quick circles in front of the opposite sex.
New dummies and tests aim to reduce hedgehog fatalities in robotic lawnmower crashes. A ban on night-time use is also seen as a promising solution to protect these animals.
Researchers found that light pollution disturbs moth behavior outside the illuminated area, causing them to fly in curvy paths. The study also revealed an interaction between artificial light and the moon's phase, affecting moths' orientation and flight patterns.
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.
Charles Darwin's work on biological rhythms dates back to 1838, when he observed plant leaves closing in response to touch. He also noted seasonal and daily changes in animal behavior, hibernation patterns, and tidal rhythms, demonstrating a profound engagement with chronobiology.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute tracked the heart rates of male common noctule bats during flights, revealing a significant increase in heart rate from 6 to 900 beats per minute. The study found that bats consume up to 42% more energy in summer compared to spring, and develop unique strategies to survive in different seasons.
Researchers found that nocturnal bull ants can detect exceedingly low levels of polarised moonlight produced throughout the lunar month to navigate during the night. The ants altered their direction in response to changing rotations of overhead lunar light polarisation, suggesting a stable cue across the lunar cycle.
A new study by University of Colorado Boulder primatologist Michelle Sauther found that smaller animals like the lesser galago face extra challenges adapting to climate change. The research highlights the importance of protecting these small and nocturnal species, which are often overlooked in conservation efforts.
Researchers analyzed genomes of 363 bird species and found significant variations in cryptochrome 4 gene, indicating adaptation to environmental conditions. This specialization could be related to magnetoreception in migratory birds.
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 Mediterranean marine worm has evolved massive eyes, rivaling those of mammals, to see in the dark. The worms use their exceptional vision to detect bioluminescent signals and may have a secret language through light communication.
The tawny owl's pale grey plumage is linked to crucial functions aiding survival in cold environments, including energy homeostasis and fat deposition. Genetic analysis reveals a 70-100% accuracy in predicting grey coloration through specific genetic variants.
A study of 370 documented cases found that almost half of hedgehogs injured by electric gardening tools did not survive. The data also show a growing conservation problem due to declining hedgehog populations in Germany.
A recent study suggests that many nocturnal Strepsirrhines live in pairs of males and females, challenging the long-held assumption that these primates are solitary. Researchers found that pair-living was the most common social organization among ancestors 70 million years ago.
Researchers used genetic information from 104 aardvark poop samples to study their distribution and movement across the African landscape. They found regional divisions and larger home ranges, but also restricted movement through arid areas due to climate change.
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.
Researchers from Kyoto University found that two species of land snails exhibit opposite behaviors in response to predator-like stimuli. The species K gainesi accelerates its forward movement to escape predators, while its nocturnal relative K editha retreats into its shell.
A study questions the ongoing arms race between bats and insects, finding that one bat species' low calls are likely due to its evolutionary history. The barbastelle, a hawking bat, has quieter calls than other bats but is likely descended from a gleaner that hunted on surfaces.
Researchers discovered seven bat species and 66 insect species in the Pyrenees, highlighting the importance of migratory insects as a food source for both bats and those living in the mountains. The study also shows that migrating insects are a crucial refuelling station for bats during their own journeys south.
Artificial night-time light confuses a colour-changing coastal woodlouse, according to new research. The sea slater's ability to change colour and blend in is disrupted by diffuse light, making it more visible to predators.
Research by the University of Sussex reveals that white light makes it harder for male common glow-worms to find glowing females, potentially disastrous consequences for global glow-worm populations. Male glow-worms spend more time in the bottom part of the maze without moving towards a female when dazzled by white light.
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.
Research by State University of New York College of Optometry suggests that reading lacks diversity in visual inputs, potentially leading to myopia development. The study proposes a mechanism where sustained reading reduces activation of ON pathways, causing eye growth beyond its focus plane and blurring vision at far distances.
Researchers from La Trobe University observed freshwater turtles exhibiting nocturnal basking habits in various locations around the world. The study found that this behavior is widespread among several turtle species and occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, where water temperatures remain warm at night.
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.
Researchers found that nectar-feeding bats rely on extra-long whiskers to navigate flowers while feeding, providing enhanced spatial information. Clipping whiskers reduced agility but didn't impact feeding ability.
The endangered Amami rabbit plays a key role in dispersing seeds for the non-photosynthetic Balanophora yuwanensis plant. Researchers observed that the rabbit consumed both dry fruits and vegetative tissue from the plant, suggesting it serves as a major seed disperser incentivized by the plant's vegetative tissues.
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 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.
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.
Research at the University of Arizona found a strong link between bright color use and ancestral day-night activity patterns. Species that use bright colors for sexual signals were descended from diurnal ancestors, while those using aposematism had nocturnal ancestors. This pattern holds across land vertebrates with over 40,000 species.
Researchers radio-tracked migrating hawkmoths for up to 80 kilometers, employing sophisticated flight strategies to counter unfavorable wind conditions. The study confirms that insects can accurately maintain straight trajectories over long distances using internal compasses.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers found that tobacco hawkmoths can identify vital nectar sources and suitable host plants despite a complex odor mixture, with female moths responding strongly to specific floral scents after mating. The study suggests that plant-typical mixing ratios play a crucial role in guiding the moths to the right oviposition sites.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki used new techniques to observe tree hyraxes in Kenya's Taita Hills, finding that they are social animals with specific habitat preferences. The study estimated a population size of no more than 2,000–4,000 individuals, shedding light on the behavior and conservation of these unique mammals.
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.
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 study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.
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.
A study on wild baboons reveals that they prioritize socializing and safety over sleep, even after poor sleep quality. The research used non-invasive technology to monitor sleep patterns across a group of individuals, showing that animals in the wild face competing demands that disrupt sleep homeostasis.
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 developed a low-cost device to track insect activity, providing insights into their circadian rhythms and behavior. The portable pLAM device can monitor nocturnal species that were previously difficult to track, enabling scientists to study their habits and predict how environmental changes impact them.
Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.
An international research team found that flowers often host multiple visitors, exerting different selection pressures on traits like color and scent. To mitigate these trade-offs, flowers employ various strategies, including scents and color changes, to attract or exclude different animals.
Researchers from Australian National University warn that climate change may be causing more deaths among Australian marsupials, including the greater glider, due to heat-induced eating habits. The study highlights the importance of protecting food sources and restoring nutrient-rich forests to help these animals survive.
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.
A study by West Virginia University found that most animal studies disregard the rodents' natural circadian rhythms, leading to issues with reproducibility and validity. Researchers recommend using techniques such as housing animals in darkness during the day to simulate nighttime conditions.
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 ...
Researchers tracked bats using mini GPS loggers and linked flight data to weather patterns, revealing a roller-coaster flight behavior where bats ascend and descend rapidly. The study found that bats can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h and use topography and nocturnal updrafts to fly high and fast.
A research team from the University of Helsinki has discovered a tree hyrax in Kenya's Taita Hills that may belong to an unknown species. The 'strangled thwack' calls of the animal have not been described anywhere else, suggesting a possible link to different species.
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 well-preserved specimen of a new ichthyosaur species, Thalassodraco etchesi, has been identified from the Late Jurassic period in England. The creature may have been capable of diving very deeply due to its deep rib cage and large eyes.
A study of over 100 studies found that artificial night-time lighting has a profound impact on animals and plants, reducing melatonin levels and altering hormone regulation. The effects were particularly strong in diurnal species, causing them to start their daily activities earlier, while nocturnal species saw reduced activity duration.
Researchers found evidence that fringe-lipped bats eat other bats and hummingbirds, challenging previous assumptions about their foraging behavior. The study used DNA analysis to understand the bats' diets and behavioral experiments to confirm these findings.
Scientists have found that brown-throated three-toed sloths adapt to a primarily diurnal schedule in highly disturbed environments where predators are extinct and food is more accessible. The study suggests that the animals developed a more synchronous pattern of activity to thrive in the challenging environment.
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 recent study published in African Journal of Ecology found that naked mole rats do not disperse according to moon phases. Captured dispersing naked mole rats showed no correlation with full moon or new moon, suggesting cues from the social environment may be triggering this behavior.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki confirm existence of the Taita mountain dwarf galago, a tiny nocturnal prosimian weighing 100-180 grams. The species is found in relatively cool montane forests and communicates using distinctive calls.
Researchers assess water quality, oxygen levels and microbiomes in lakes with hippo populations, finding nutrient and organic material inputs alter chemistry and oxygen. The study suggests exponential growth of the population, posing questions about human interactions and ecosystem disruption.
Biological experiments confirm that chromatin in mice eyes changes structure over time, allowing for night vision. Mathematical modeling shows nuclear deformation is a crucial point in DNA's structure change.
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.
A study published in Folia Primatologica found that protecting national parks can preserve multiple mammal species, including carnivores and ungulates. Researchers observed a significant increase in species diversity within the protected area of Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal.
Comparing nocturnal and diurnal rodents helps scientists understand a human eye disease. Researchers found that cone-dominant animals have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which may explain why rod cells are not affected by mutation to PUFA synthesis genes.
Exposure to artificial light at night increases fish's willingness to take risks, emerging quicker from hiding places and swimming in riskier areas. However, it does not affect their social behavior or swimming speed.
Research suggests that smarter animals are more likely to cause conflicts with humans as they learn to exploit resources and evade deterrents. This includes learning to avoid human-made barriers and accessing restricted areas.
A new study finds that human disturbance is causing mammals to become more nocturnal, with animals increasing their nighttime activity by up to 68% in response. The shift is consistent across species and types of human disturbance, suggesting a widespread impact on wildlife behavior.
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.
A new study reveals human activity is driving mammals to adopt nightlife, changing behavior and physiology; high levels of disturbance lead to increased nocturnal activity by a factor of 1.36.
A research team at DGIST has developed an electroluminescent film that is four times brighter than existing ones, using the retro-reflection principle of nocturnal animal eyes. The film can fabricate high luminance electroluminescent light sources by controlling luminescent particle concentrations.
A study by University of Maryland School Medicine researchers found that elevated kynurenine levels disrupt sleep, leading to cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. The discovery could lead to new treatments targeting kynurenine's role in the disease.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.