Beaver fossil named after Buc-ee’s
A new species of ancient beaver, Anchitheriomys buceei, has been discovered in Texas and named after Buc-ee's. The beaver lived about 15 million years ago and was about 30% larger than modern beavers.
Rodents
Articles tagged with Rodents
Bomb-sniffing rodents undergo ‘unusual’ reproductive transformations
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that female giant African pouched rats can undergo 'unusual' reproductive organ transformations. The study, published in Current Biology, explores how traits once considered fixed in adult animals may become variable under specific pressures.
Study unlocks clues in mystery of naked mole-rats’ exceptional fertility
A new study reveals naked mole-rats produce eggs throughout their lives, contrary to the dogma that female mammals have a finite ovarian reserve. The research found that these rodents have exceptionally large numbers of egg cells and lower cell death rates compared to mice.
Rodent extinctions in Hispaniola may have been caused by humans
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.
Study details impact of prairie dog plague die-off on other species
A study found that the decline of black-tailed prairie dogs due to sylvatic plague, combined with abnormally high precipitation, led to dramatic ecosystem changes. The loss of prairie dog habitat caused declines in associated species such as birds, swift foxes, and coyotes.
When grandpa can’t hear words at a noisy holiday gathering, too many brain cells may be firing at once, say researchers
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that the brain's ability to focus on individual sounds amidst ambient noise declines with age, leading to a 'fuzzy' sound stage. The team trained old mice to filter out background sound, showing promise for treating age-related hearing loss.
Study probes how plague spreads through wild rodent populations
Researchers found that fleas with early-phase infection are insufficient to drive epizootic outbreaks but can promote a low level of enzootic plague. Early-phase transmission may help maintain the enzootic state by reducing susceptible individuals in the population.
Salton Sea dust triggers lung inflammation
A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.
Genes & Cancer | CDK4: a master regulator of the cell cycle and its role in cancer
A new review paper discusses the role of CDK4 in regulating the cell cycle and its involvement in cancer. The study highlights the importance of CDK4/6 inhibitors as treatments for ER+ breast cancer and their potential utility in multiple tumor types.
Novel sex-determination mechanism revealed in mammals
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a novel sex-determination mechanism in the Amami spiny rat, a species lacking the Y chromosome and Sry gene. The mechanism involves the upregulation of Sox9 gene on chromosome 3, induced by a new regulatory element similar to Enh14.
Tick-borne pathogens increasingly widespread in Central Canada
Researchers have detected five emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central Canada, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change and habitat fragmentation contribute to the spread of these pathogens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
Second stem cell type discovered in mouse brain
Scientists at Heidelberg University have identified a second stem cell population in the mouse brain, which is primarily involved in producing new neurons in the olfactory bulb. This discovery refutes the single stem cell type theory and suggests that both apical and basal stem cells are responsible for adult neurogenesis.
Rodents are reservoirs for life-threatening disease, finds new study
A new study found that small mammals can serve as reservoirs for fungi that cause lung infections in humans. The researchers detected fungal pathogens in the lung tissues of rodents from areas with high rates of disease.
Little rodent, big appetite
Invasive house mice on Southeast Farallon Island consume and compete with native species for food, leading to significant impacts on the island ecosystem. The study found that mice are highly opportunistic eaters whose diets vary throughout the year in response to changes in food availability.
Once in a century flowering and seeding of dwarf bamboo boosts mice populations
A research group from Nagoya University found that large-scale flowering and seeding of dwarf bamboo boosts Japanese field mouse populations, especially in mast years. The team's study showed an increase in both large and small mouse populations two years after the event, indicating good breeding conditions.
Research unlocks secrets of native rodents' rat race to new lands
Native Australian rodents have been mapped using DNA analysis, providing a clearer picture of their evolutionary history and spread across the Pacific. The study reveals that mountain formation in New Guinea five million years ago triggered the spread of native rodents across the region.
Cameras candidly capture bushmeat mammals to avert crisis
A team of researchers from Kyoto University and Cameroon used camera trap surveys to predict the total biomass of large rodents and duikers in southeast Cameroon. They developed six candidate indicators, including the ratio of red duikers to blue duikers, which showed positive linear correlations with total bushmeat biomass.
30-million-year-old amphibious beaver fossil is oldest ever found
Researchers have found a 30-million-year-old beaver fossil that challenges previous theories on the evolution of semi-aquatic beavers in North America. The discovery, published in Royal Society Open Science, suggests that these animals may have evolved to swim earlier than previously thought and were likely adapted for aquatic life.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School succeed in freezing rodent livers and preserving at subzero temperatures for five days
Researchers develop new method to preserve organs by freezing them partially, allowing for longer storage duration and improved organ matching. This breakthrough could lead to more successful transplants and increased organ availability.
Root-farming gophers might be our closest agricultural relatives
Researchers discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest roots for food, constituting a rudimentary form of farming. This behavior allows them to generate enough energy to maintain their extensive tunnel networks.
Major study to examine beavers’ Arctic impact
A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.
Frozen testicular tissue still viable after two decades
Researchers found that frozen testicular tissue from rats can be reimplanted and produce viable sperm after over 20 years, but with reduced fertility. The study has important implications for treatment of boys with cancer and may provide a method to recover lost fertility.
New research reveals how the black rat colonised Europe in the Roman and Medieval periods
New research reveals that black rats colonised Europe twice, once with the Roman expansion and again in the Medieval period. The study matches archaeological evidence for a decline or disappearance of rats after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Enzymes discovered in capybara gut can accelerate utilization of agroindustrial waste
Brazilian researchers have discovered two novel enzyme families in the capybara's gut, which can accelerate the utilization of agroindustrial waste. The enzymes have biotechnological potential and can be used to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
Spray of tiny particles of gold can potentially treat heart disease, University of Ottawa research suggests
Researchers at the University of Ottawa developed a spray-on technology using customized nanogold and peptides that can restore heart function and electrical conductivity in damaged hearts. The therapy showed promising results in lab mice, with no off-target organ infiltration by tiny gold particles.
Smelly ocelot habitats may scare off seed-dispersing rodents
Seed dispersal rates by Central American agoutis are lower in ocelot habitats with high scent presence. This change allows bruchid beetles to attack seeds for longer periods, promoting forest diversification. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ecology of fear and its effects on ecosystems.
California mice eat monarch butterflies
Researchers discovered that California mice consume monarch butterflies, which could disrupt ecosystems due to declining western monarch populations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species and the importance of conservation efforts to protect native animals.
Burrowing critters increase risk of levee failure
A new study estimates that burrowing animals like badgers and porcupines can weaken levees to the point of collapse, causing localized flooding. Dens at higher elevations in a levee are more dangerous than those near the bottom, with potential for catastrophic failure.
Hypoxia tolerance: naked mole-rats may provide secret to low oxygen survival
Researchers discovered that naked mole-rats rapidly decrease uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue to conserve energy in hypoxia. This mechanism may hold secrets for humans to survive and thrive in low-oxygen environments, particularly in relation to diseases like stroke and chronic pulmonary disorders.
Rodents could be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, study suggests
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents have a greater diversity and accelerated rate of evolution in the ACE2 receptors used by SARS viruses. This suggests that some rodent species may be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, potentially leading to new pathogen transmission to humans.
Woodrat microbiomes: It’s who you are that matters most
A University of Utah team analyzed woodrat gut bacteria and found that evolutionary history plays the greatest role in shaping microbiome structure. Diet and geography also influenced microbiome composition, but host relatedness was the strongest predictor in both wild and captive populations.
The climate-driven mass extinction no one had seen
African mammals suffered huge losses around the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, similar to those experienced by European and Asian species. The study used fossil data from multiple sites in Africa to build evolutionary trees for five mammal groups, revealing a drastic extinction event followed by recovery with new adaptations.
When predators matter! Study of voles on Arctic island advances knowledge of small-mammal population dynamics
Researchers found that predators play a crucial role in regulating small mammal populations, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of herbivore-plant interactions. The study's unique Arctic vole ecosystem provided a simple model to test predator-prey dynamics, shedding light on population cycles and climate variability.
Fossil rodent teeth add North American twist to Caribbean mammals' origin story
The discovery of Caribeomys merzeraudi, a Caribbean rodent with North American roots, challenges the long-held idea that land-dwelling mammals colonized the islands from South America. The tiny rodent's unique tooth characteristics suggest it may have evolved in isolation over millions of years.
European colonization and rodent extinction in Australia
A study of extinct Australian rodents reveals that European colonization drastically impacted native species diversity. Genetic data shows that reduced genetic diversity did not guarantee protection from extinction in the face of rapid population decline.
Rodent mating plugs obstruct rival males' sperm
Bank voles produce mating plugs that promote the transport of their own sperm while partially obstructing rival males' ejaculates. Large plugs facilitate the transport of each male's own sperm, increasing the chances of fertilization.
Temperature and mammal lactation
A study on mice and hamsters reveals that high temperatures during lactation lead to decreased pup growth and increased mortality in hamsters. Temperature extremes have a critical effect on rodent parenting success, particularly during late lactation.
Why rats would win Australian survivor
A new study by Flinders University and The University of Queensland reveals that rodents' skull shapes are similar across habitats, contradicting expectations. This conservation of shape may be due to the specialization of rodent jaws, allowing for a versatile arrangement that discourages evolutionary change.
Clear strategies needed to reduce bushmeat hunting
A study in Côte d'Ivoire found that preferences for bushmeat vary widely among hunters, traders, and consumers, driven by factors such as nutritional needs, cultural practices, and economic incentives. The researchers urge policymakers to prioritize targeted conservation strategies that account for individual motivations and user groups.
Like humans, rats are less likely to help victims in the presence of unhelpful bystanders
A study in rats demonstrates the bystander effect exists in non-human species. Rats were less likely to rescue a rodent in need when surrounded by incompetent helpers, but more likely to take action when fellow bystanders were willing helpers.
Unprecedented preservation of fossil feces from the La Brea Tar Pits
Researchers discovered hundreds of fossilized rodent pellets at La Brea Tar Pits, dating back ~50,000 years. The find provides a unique glimpse into the past climate and ecosystems of Ice Age Los Angeles.
Behavioral interventions may be as effective at reducing food intake as anorectic drugs
Researchers have found that behavioral interventions, such as imposing strict meal restrictions, can be as effective as anorectic drugs in reducing food intake in rodents. The study suggests that changes to diet, particularly those that slow gut emptying, might be a strong strategy for weight loss.
Native foods are key to preserving rodent gut bacteria in captivity
Researchers discovered that providing native foods to captive rodents preserves their gut microbiome diversity, whereas artificial diets lead to significant changes. The study found that feeding woodrats with prickly pear cactus maintained around 90% of their original microbiome diversity.
U of M researchers discover a new mechanism that could counteract obesity
Researchers at U of M Medical School have discovered a new mechanism that could help treat obesity. The team found critical mutations in molecules implicated in obesity and diabetes, suggesting a possible therapeutic approach to human disease.
Brown neuroscientists discover neuron type that acts as brain's metronome
Researchers have discovered a new type of neuron that acts as the brain's metronome, keeping time regularly and improving rodents' ability to detect faint sensations. This finding is significant as it supports the long-hypothesized role of gamma rhythms in synchronizing brain signals.
Lions vs. porcupines
Historical records show that lions are injured by porcupine quills when they attempt to hunt them. Young male lions are more likely to be injured or killed, and their injuries can impair their hunting abilities and even lead to man-eating.
Giant animals lived in Amazonian mega-wetland
Researchers have discovered that Lake Pebas, a massive wetland in western Amazonia, existed until 8.5 million years ago, contrary to previous assumptions. The lake's presence was confirmed through geochronology of mineral zircon specimens from two paleontological sites, providing new insights into the region's geological history.
Train the brain to form good habits through repetition
A new study published in Psychological Review reveals that forming good habits depends more on repetition than satisfaction. The research suggests that our brains tend to stick with repeated actions, even if they're no longer rewarding, and opens up a better understanding of conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Scavenging molecule provides long-term protection against nerve agents in rodents
A new bioscavenger molecule has been developed to protect against toxic nerve agents, providing up to five days of protection and near-total safety against sarin. The therapy represents a major breakthrough in the field and could have translational potential for medical and military applications.
Weirdly shaped mouse sperm can be used to tell species apart
Researchers analyzed sperm from 58 South American rodents to find that distinct shapes can differentiate between closely related species. The study suggests that sperm shape may be an evolutionary advantage, providing a new method for identifying and conserving rodent species.
EPFL's Blue Brain Project open sources interactive visualization tool -- RTNeuron
The project aims to build accurate digital reconstructions and simulations of the rodent brain. The latest version of RTNeuron provides real-time rendering capabilities for visualizing neurons, synapses, and simulation data.
Scientists discover why elusive aye-aye developed such unusual features
A new study reveals that the aye-aye's large eyes, big ears, and thin bony finger evolved to produce a high bite force, similar to squirrels. The research shows how lifestyle and ecology can influence species' physical traits, overriding ancestry.
Plague vaccine bait -- look who's coming to dinner
A new study published in EcoHealth confirms that plague vaccine bait is safe for thousands of small rodents, including mice species, without apparent ill effects. The findings support the use of this vaccine bait to help recover endangered black-footed ferrets and protect prairie dog populations from plague.
Treating hereditary retinal degeneration
A new treatment approach uses a cGMP analogue in a drug delivery system to protect photoreceptors and restore retinal function in rodent models of the disease. The study shows promising results in reducing photoreceptor loss and restoring vision.
Dim light may make us dumber
Researchers found that dim light exposure led to significant reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dendritic spines, impairing learning and memory performance. Bright light exposure, on the other hand, showed improvement in spatial task performance, with full recovery after a break.
Are amoebae safe harbors for plague?
Plague bacteria survive and replicate for up to 48 hours inside an amoeba, replicating and thriving in a way most bacteria do not. The discovery sheds new light on the persistence of plague outbreaks, which can smolder for years before re-emerging with a vengeance.
For rodents, seeing is believing
Researchers found that rats use local visual cues more than idiothetic cues when navigating through identical environments in darkness. Place cell activity indicated that animals were unaware of separate environments, suggesting reliance on visual cues over directional sense.
Woodrats can't stomach favorite foods at high temps
A study by University of Utah researchers found that woodrats' livers are less efficient at breaking down toxins at higher temperatures, potentially affecting their diet and ecosystem. The reduction in liver function may be due to a tradeoff between thermoregulation and detoxification, leading to changes in gene expression and metabolism.
Small rodent species may become endangered
The hazel dormouse has experienced a 72% decline over two decades, with annual losses reaching 5.8%. Climate change and habitat loss are major concerns for the species' survival.
To ensure constant food supply edible dormice rather give up their favorite food
The study found that edible dormice prefer areas with a mix of beech trees and conifers, providing a balanced food supply. The rodents adapt to the lifecycle of beech trees by making pragmatic choices about territory selection and hibernation patterns.