Articles tagged with Skull
A team of wildlife health experts and surgeons from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and UC San Diego Health performed a groundbreaking mastoidectomy on Mizani, a 12-year-old western lowland gorilla. The procedure successfully treated an infection that had spread into portions of his skull, allowing him to make a full recovery.
A new study mapped the internal structures of 87 ray-finned species in three-dimensional detail, revealing a wide range of brain sizes and shapes. Environmental factors appear to drive this variation, with deep-sea fishes tending toward smaller brains relative to skull size.
A new, fully degradable cranial clamp made from poly-L-lactic acid has been developed to address traditional fixation system drawbacks. The study compared its performance to Aesculap CranioFix through laboratory tests and a clinical trial involving 90 patients, showing improved safety and healing outcomes.
Researchers found that glioblastoma causes skull bone erosion, alters immune-cell balance in skull marrow, and interferes with the body's immune response. The cancer was found to be more aggressive when treated with drugs intended to inhibit skull-bone loss.
A new analysis of 18 species of carnivorous dinosaurs reveals that not all giant predators had strong bites, but instead specialized in different feeding styles. This study demonstrates the diversity of feeding strategies among giant carnivores, challenging the assumption that one 'best' skull design existed for being a predatory giant.
Researchers uncover how RUNX2 regulates cranial base growth by controlling chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation, and organization. The study provides fundamental insights into the complex interplay between RUNX2 and FGFR3, shedding light on novel therapeutic targets for craniofacial defects.
MSU is developing a computer program called MOSAIC to create holistic biological profiles from skeletal remains, making the investigative process clearer and more efficient. The project aims to leverage relationships between various structures to provide estimates without biasing results by focusing on individual components.
A new study revealed that crocodylian ancestors thrived through two mass extinctions due to their adaptable dietary habits and varied habitats. This discovery may help scientists and conservationists better protect vulnerable species today.
A new Concordia-developed app, iSurgARy, uses augmented reality to guide catheter insertion into the brain, improving ventriculostomy safety and accuracy. The app provides spatial awareness of patient anatomy, allowing surgeons to better aim at their target points.
Researchers analyzed seven severed skulls of men from Puig Castellar and Ullastret sites, revealing different mobility patterns and localisation trends. The study suggests that the nailed heads ritual was not a uniform practice across Iberian communities, but rather varied between settlements.
A nearly complete skull of the ancient apex carnivore Bastetodon has been discovered in the Egyptian desert, revealing a new species of hyaenodonta. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of hyaenodonts and their global distribution, with findings suggesting they spread from Africa to Asia, Europe, India, and North America.
Researchers discovered signs of human remains being manipulated and dissected, indicating cannibalism among Late Ice Age societies in Central Europe. The findings suggest that cannibalism may have occurred due to conflicts over resources or territories, rather than necessity.
Selective breeding by humans led to significant changes in pig skulls, with snouts becoming shorter and flatter, in just a century. The study also found that even separate breeds of domestic pigs underwent similar changes, highlighting the power of human influence on animal evolution.
A new study describes a nearly complete bird skull from Antarctica, revealing insights into the early evolution of today's birds and avian diversity. The skull belongs to Vegavis iaai, an extinct duck-like bird that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
A fully preserved skull of Diatryma, a 45-million-year-old flightless bird, has been discovered in the Geiseltal Collection at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. The fossil, which was initially misclassified as a crocodile skull, provides new insights into the evolution of animals during the Eocene Epoch.
A new study reveals that combining intermittent fasting with localized Wnt3a treatments can rejuvenate bone repair in older mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to restore bone healing in aged animals. The treatment also showed promise in improving the repair and function of other aging tissues.
A study from King's College London reveals that the dural sinuses and skull bone marrow act as a likely interface between the central and peripheral immune systems, suggesting a potential link between brain and body inflammatory signals. The research highlights areas of the skull that work as 'traffic lights' between the two systems.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found a link between the chromosomal disorder 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and schizophrenia, with malformations in the cerebellum causing Tbx1 gene loss leading to improper skull formation.
A team of biologists at UT Arlington has discovered a new species of gecko, Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus, with distinct skeletal features and genetic data. The discovery highlights the unique characteristics of this tiny lizard, found in the Paria Peninsula of Venezuela.
Researchers found that thalattosuchian sinuses reduced during semi-aquatic phases and then diminished further as they became fully aquatic. This allowed them to develop extracranial sinuses, which might have helped drain salt glands and alleviate 'encrustation' problems.
A team of scientists studied the Kashmir skull and found it to be a distinct species from other known Eurasian Palaeoloxodon. The research suggests that Palaeoloxodon turkmenicus represents a poorly-known missing link in the evolution of these prehistoric megaherbivores.
Researchers identified three key trauma features - boggy swelling to the head, abdominal bruising, and thigh swelling or deformity - that prompt immediate review and prioritized treatment. The study found children brought in by carers were seen within an average time of 58.5 minutes, highlighting the need for improved triage alerts.
A unique condition dubbed 'headspin hole' has been identified in breakdancers, characterized by a protruding scalp lump, hair loss, and tenderness. Repeatedly performing headspins increases the risk of developing this condition, highlighting the importance of recognizing chronic scalp conditions in breakdancers.
Researchers discovered a cache of rare monkey fossils in the Dominican Republic, providing new insights into the anatomy and ecology of the extinct Antillothrix bernensis. The study suggests that male and female monkeys were monomorphic and weighed up to five pounds, with a diet mainly consisting of fruit.
Scientists found islands of highly potent immune cells in the bone marrow close to glioblastoma tumors, which play a central role in defending against cancer. This discovery may lead to innovative therapies and could improve patients' chances of survival.
A new system for evaluating evidence in craniofacial superimposition uses likelihood ratios to provide quantitative support for forensic experts. The proposed method excels in calibration and discriminating power, offering a tool for integrating and evaluating evidence objectively.
The ELTE Eötvös Loránd University has digitised over 431 animal skulls, including those of 152 dog breeds and 12 wild relatives. This unique collection is now available online, enabling researchers to conduct comparative anatomical and evolutionary studies.
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.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove lesions in the skull base region, reducing damage to the brain and preserving neurological functions. The endoscopic approach results in shorter operative times and less blood loss compared to conventional microscopic surgery.
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.
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.
Researchers at Curtin University have identified a new species of pterosaur, Haliskia peterseni, from 100-million-year-old fossilized bones found in western Queensland. The specimen is 22% complete and includes features such as complete lower jaws, teeth, and wing bones.
In a proof-of-concept study, USC researchers used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through a transparent skull implant in a patient. The results suggest that this approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research.
A Cornell University study found that foxes' sharp snouts penetrate the snow with little resistance, reducing potential tissue damage during a headfirst dive. The unique hunting behavior, known as mousing, allows foxes to reach their prey earlier and avoid injury.
A new study has reconstructed the ancient giant salmon with tusk-like teeth, previously thought to be 'saber-toothed'. The teeth actually pointed sideways out of the fish's mouth, similar to a warthog. This discovery sheds light on the species' possible uses for these massive spikes.
A team of researchers has identified a single nucleotide change in the TBX1 gene that affects skull base development, contributing to human's unique brain size. This variation is associated with lower TBX1 expression levels in humans compared to extinct hominins, leading to distinct changes in cranial morphology.
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.
Researchers found high genetic diversity in Cape lions prior to their extinction, contradicting colonial descriptions. The study suggests that the species exhibited significant phenotypic variation, including diverse mane coloration.
Researchers developed a novel method to model 3D tongue morphology from fossilized hominin skulls, providing insights into the evolution of human speech. The approach involves geometrical skull matching and has potential applications for understanding primate tongue development.
Vittrup Man's genetic signature was distinct from local skeletons, suggesting a non-Scandinavian origin. His tooth enamel isotopes revealed a shift from coastal to farm food in late teens, indicating a transition to farming society in Denmark.
A study of Viking Age teeth from Varnhem in Sweden found that 49% of the population had one or more caries lesions, with children's milk teeth being entirely caries-free. The Vikings also underwent dental treatment, including filing front teeth and relieving pressure through holes drilled into molars.
Researchers found that large mammals often have longer faces compared to smaller closely related species due to adaptations for feeding. This pattern, known as Craniofacial Evolutionary Allometry (CREA), is seen across many different mammal groups.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and KU Leuven identified 30 genetic regions associated with head shape, shedding light on the biological basis of craniosynostosis. The study also found that many genes play key roles in early head formation and bone development.
Researchers discovered a 'neglected' dinosaur, Thescelosaurus neglectus, had exceptional smell and balance abilities. Its brain size was relatively small, but its olfactory bulbs were large, similar to those of living alligators.
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 Curtin University-led study has identified three new species of mulgara, a small carnivorous marsupial, but four of the proposed species are already extinct. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding Australian wildlife and the growing threats to ecosystems.
A nearly intact fossilized bat skull discovered in a 50-million-year-old cave has provided crucial insights into the evolution of bats and their use of echolocation. The find, part of an analysis published in Current Biology, suggests that early bats may have used a form of echolocation similar to that employed by modern species.
A study by Annika Avedik and Marcus Clauss found that hippos' prominent tusks and wide gaping mouths restrict grinding jaw movements, making chewing inefficient. This limitation may have restricted common hippos to a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
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.
A new type of bone-forming stem cell, DDR2+, has been found to cause premature skull fusion in infants. The researchers discovered that the abnormal proliferation of this stem cell leads to an excess of bone-making cells, resulting in craniosynostosis.
Scientists discover unique immune cells in skull's bone marrow, facilitating movement of immune cells between brain and skull, offering new possibilities for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. Non-invasive skull imaging may enable early detection and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's and stroke.
The study reveals altered magnitudes and coherence between oscillations in brain vasculature and brain waves in older adults. This finding has significant implications for the assessment of Alzheimer's disease and monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent study analyzing over 2 million UK dogs found that mixed-breed, Labrador retrievers, and Jack Russell terriers are the most common breeds. Meanwhile, flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs and pugs increased health risks, with predictions of a canine healthcare crisis in the UK.
A new species of ancient alligator, Alligator munensis, is described from a fossilized skull in Thailand. The species is closely related to the Chinese alligator and has unique features such as a broad snout and large tooth sockets, suggesting it ate hard-shelled prey.
A study by Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that American mink can regain almost full ancestral brain size within 50 generations after escaping captivity. This reverses the long-held assumption that domestication causes permanent brain size loss in animals.
A previously unidentified marine reptile fossil from Svalbard has been classified using X-ray analysis, providing unique insights into ancient life in the Norwegian archipelago. The study's findings suggest that fossils from this formation are particularly well-suited for radiographic imaging due to the presence of sulfur minerals.
Researchers found that male sea lions have increased in size and strengthened muscles for fighting, while females' body size remained stable. They also diversified their diets to overcome food shortages and adapt to changing prey availability.
Researchers developed a novel approach that promotes bone regeneration in mice without implantation of bone tissue or biomaterials. By carefully stretching the skull along its sutures, they activated skeletal stem cells that reside in these wiggly seams, repairing damage to the skull that would not have healed on its own.
A new study has uncovered five new skulls of the Oligocene toothed baleen whale Coronodon from South Carolina, representing two new species and a young juvenile. The fossils provide key insights into the early growth and development of Neoceti whales.
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that a father's alcohol consumption before conception can lead to FAS-related craniofacial differences in offspring. The study challenges the existing dogma that only maternal alcohol exposure causes fetal growth defects.