Articles tagged with Skull
A recent study by evolutionary biologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a mutation in a single gene during development can lead to different consequences, including changes in jaw shape and feeding strategies. This genetic variation predicts differences in feeding mechanics and alters skull structure.
The Caribbean monk seal's extinction has been reclassified, with its DNA analysis revealing a closer relationship to the Hawaiian seal. The study led to the creation of a new genus, Neomonachus, highlighting the importance of conserving these endangered seals.
A Case Western Reserve University student and his mentor have discovered an ancient kitten-sized predator that lived in Bolivia about 13 million years ago. The animal would have been about the size of a marten and probably filled the same ecological niche as larger sparassodonts.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that helmet therapy does not improve outcomes for healthy babies with positional skull flattening. In the six-month trial, there was no significant difference in skull shape between children treated with helmets and those who received no treatment at age two years.
Scientists reconstructed the skull of Nimbacinus dicksoni and found that it had a high bite force for its size, suggesting it could hunt vertebrate prey exceeding its own body mass. The research suggests that Nimbacinus dicksoni was an opportunistic hunter with potential prey including birds, frogs, and other marsupials.
Researchers found that red panda skulls are better at distributing mechanical stress during chewing, while giant panda skulls can withstand greater forces. These differences reflect distinct bamboo feeding preferences, with the giant panda eating harder and larger pieces of bamboo.
The study found evidence of severe Chagas disease and suggests that the young Incan girl may have been victim of ritual homicide. The analysis of her mummy revealed massive skull and face trauma, indicating a pre-mortem injury, which is similar to previously described South American mummies.
WSU researchers Ioannis Kareklas and Darrel Muehling found that young drivers who view PSAs featuring graphic images of death experience lower attitudes towards texting while driving. The study suggests using emotional appeals, such as the fear of death, to persuade drivers to stop texting and driving.
A new study from the University of Surrey has identified specific effects of Chiari malformation on toy dog breeds' skulls and brains. The condition causes changes in brain shape and can lead to severe symptoms like paralysis and headaches.
Fossil evidence reveals the step-by-step assembly of the face during the evolutionary transition from jawless to jawed vertebrates. The Romundina skull shows primitive and modern features, shedding light on the origin of the jawed vertebrate face.
Researchers used micron resolution X-ray imaging to study the skull of Romundina, an early armoured fish with jaws. The study shows that the face assembly during the evolutionary transition was a gradual process, with key features emerging before the final shape of the jawed vertebrate face.
Human remains in museums are being reevaluated due to changing ethical views on body ownership and cultural appropriation. The author argues that curators have an obligation to return bones to their original communities for burial, citing case studies such as Charles Byrne's skeleton.
Johns Hopkins surgeons have developed a new technique to replace bone removed from the skull after brain surgery, resulting in fewer complications than standard restoration. The approach causes less harm to the brain and reduces infection risk by providing access to blood supply from both top and bottom.
A new approach combines evolutionary and engineering analyses to identify biom Mechanical functions favored by natural selection in diverse species, including New World leaf-nosed bats. The study reveals three optimal snout shapes favored by natural selection, with mechanical advantage being more important than structural strength.
A study from North Carolina State University finds that CT scan data can be incorporated into a forensic database to determine the ancestry and sex of unidentified remains. This may also have clinical applications for craniofacial surgeons.
A rare mummified specimen of the duck-billed dinosaur Edmontosauraus regalis has revealed a fleshy comb on its head, similar to a rooster's red crest. This discovery dramatically alters our understanding of these gentle giants and raises the possibility of similar crests among other dinosaurs.
A new study reveals that high school athletes playing at higher elevations suffer fewer concussions than those closer to sea-level. The researchers analyzed concussion statistics from athletes playing multiple sports in 497 high schools and found a significant decrease in concussion rates among all sports played above 600 feet.
A new study published in PNAS sheds light on the functional importance of dinosaur beaks, revealing they helped stabilize the skull structure during feeding. The research, led by Drs Stephan Lautenschlager and Emily Rayfield, used CT scanning and computer simulations to analyze a therizinosaur's beak.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest known big cat fossil, a 4-million-year-old skull of a new species called Panthera blytheae. The find challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of big cats and suggests they evolved in central Asia before spreading to other regions.
A newly discovered species of tyrannosaur, Lythronax argestes, has been unearthed in southern Utah and possesses unique features that challenge previous timelines. The study indicates that tyrannosaurs likely evolved in isolation on the continent of Laramidia.
The discovery of Dmanisi's unique skull sheds light on early human evolution, suggesting that Homo erectus was a single species with diverse individuals. The analysis of five well-preserved skulls reveals that the variation within the species is more significant than previously thought.
Archaeologists at the University of Bonn have discovered a 1,400-year-old mass grave containing 24 skeletons from the Maya civilization. The remains show signs of violent death and dismemberment, including decapitation and hatchet marks.
UC Riverside researchers have created a novel transparent skull implant made of yttria-stabilized zirconia, allowing doctors to aim laser-based treatments without repeated craniectomies. This technology has strong potential for positive impact on patients with life-threatening neurological disorders.
Researchers analyze dinosaur skulls using 3D geometric morphometrics and conclude that three previously identified species are actually one. The study reveals that differences among specimens arose from the burial and compression process, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in taxonomic classifications.
Researchers are testing a skull-based connector behind the ear for powering heart pumps, aiming to reduce infections at the abdominal site. The study compares two similar devices with internal power cords routed through the neck or behind the ear, seeking better infection prevention and quality of life for patients
A new study by Dr. Jordan Mallon reveals that large plant-eating dinosaurs specialized in eating different types of vegetation to coexist successfully. The research, which analyzed nearly 100 dinosaur skulls, supports the concept of niche partitioning and provides insight into the ecological roles of these ancient creatures.
A study published in Traffic Injury Prevention found that bicycle helmets certified to Australia's national standard significantly reduce linear and angular head accelerations and impact force. Helmet use greatly reduces the risk of head, skull and brain injury by up to 9.5 times.
A study of 16 newborns with posterior fossa subdural hematoma (PFSDH) found that most infants survived and had relatively minor neurological abnormalities, even in severe cases. Surgery was successful in eliminating the hematoma and normalizing intracranial pressure.
A University of Alberta researcher has discovered that there were four distinct species of ankylosaurs instead of one, shedding new light on the lives of these ancient creatures. The study, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that three of the species coexisted in what is now Dinosaur Provincial Park in southern Alberta.
A new species of bone-headed dinosaur, Acrotholus audeti, has been identified from Alberta, Canada, representing the oldest known bone-headed dinosaur in North America. The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of small plant-eating dinosaurs.
Two studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine show that most children hospitalized with isolated skull fractures can be safely discharged home, potentially saving the healthcare system millions of dollars. New weight estimation devices, such as the Mercy TAPE, also provide more accurate pediatric weight estimations.
Researchers propose a new theory of evolutionary development, suggesting that complex structures may emerge through the process of 'complexity by subtraction', where parts are lost or simplified over time. Computer models and trends in skull evolution support this idea, which challenges traditional incremental evolution.
Scientists have measured the nerves in crocodilians, which are sensitive to changes in their environment. This new measurement will aid biologists in understanding how ancient animals interacted with their surroundings. The research also aims to trace the evolution of this nerve and its relation to animal ecology.
A new find in a 246-million-year-old sediment layer reveals the skull of a juvenile placodont, confirming its European origin and providing insight into the group's early evolution. The discovery highlights the significance of crushing dentition in placodonts, with pointed teeth appearing earlier than previously thought.
A study has uncovered a rare congenital deformation in an early human skull from China, suggesting high levels of inbreeding among our ancestors. The finding provides valuable insights into human evolution and population dynamics, revealing unusual population dynamics likely caused by high levels of inbreeding.
The American Chemical Society reveals that quartz-crystal skulls, once believed to be ancient relics, are actually post-Columbian fakes created in the 1860s. Experts used scientific instruments to expose their authenticity, tracing back to French dealer Eugène Boban who sparked public fascination with the fakes
The University of Leicester has discovered the remains of King Richard III using a wealth of evidence including DNA, radiocarbon dating and skeletal analysis. The skeleton was found in Leicester city centre and matches two of Richard III's maternal line relatives, confirming his identity.
Researchers used electric stimulation to release an opiate-like substance that reduces pain in the brain. The study found a significant improvement in patients' threshold for cold pain, but not their clinical pain levels. Repeated sessions are required for lasting effects.
Researchers found that therizinosaurs had well-developed sensory abilities, including smell, hearing, and balance, which may have affected their behavior as herbivores. The study used high-resolution CT scanning and 3D computer visualization to analyze the brain and inner ear anatomy of a 90-million-year-old therizinosaur fossil.
A rare rhino fossil, 9.2 million years old, has been discovered in Turkey, providing insight into the prehistoric Eastern Mediterranean region. The fossil, a skull with unusual features, is believed to have been 'cooked to death' in temperatures approaching 500°C.
A study has identified two genetic factors linked to sagittal craniosynostosis, a condition causing premature skull closure. The findings may lead to prenatal screening and diagnostic tests or early interventions to prevent the condition.
A new species of coelacanth, Reidus hilli, has been identified in Texas, revealing a previously unknown family and providing insights into the evolutionary history of this ancient fish. The discovery sheds light on the diverse history of coelacanths, which have remained largely unchanged for 400 million years.
Researchers created a simplified model of the brain and skull inside a helmet during a collision, illustrating how fast vibrational motion translates to sloshing brain motion. The study aims to improve helmet design for better brain protection, with potential futuristic helmets that crumple on impact like plastic car bumpers.
Extradural brain stimulation has been shown to be safe and effective in improving movement disorder symptoms for patients with Parkinson's disease. The technique, called EMCS, provides a less-invasive alternative to electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS) and led to small but significant improvements in voluntary movement control.
A 2-year-old hominin child's skull fragment unearthed in Tanzania shows signs of anemia-induced porotic hyperostosis due to a diet lacking in meat. The discovery suggests that meat consumption became essential for proper functioning, leading to brain development and evolution.
A 1.5-million-year-old skull fragment from Tanzania shows signs of anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency, suggesting regular meat consumption in early hominids was common. The discovery supports the idea that early human ancestors were hunters and had a physiology adapted to regular meat consumption.
Archaeologists from the University of Leicester have uncovered human remains consistent with battle wounds, but not fitting the Tudor description of King Richard III as a hunchback. The discovery marks a significant shift to laboratory analysis to confirm the identity of the skeleton.
A 63,000-year-old skull found in a cave in northern Laos is the oldest modern human fossil discovered in Southeast Asia. The discovery challenges previous theories on modern human migration, suggesting that ancient wanderers left Africa and inhabited diverse habitats earlier than thought.
Researchers from University of Zurich detect presence of os interparietale in over 300 species using micro-CT imaging, resolving previous assumptions about its existence and evolutionary history. The discovery sheds new light on human anatomy and refutes earlier theories.
A team of researchers has discovered the eating habits of Diplodocus, a giant herbivorous sauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic period, using a three-dimensional model of its skull. The study found that branch stripping was the most stress-free eating behavior for the dinosaur.
A team of international researchers used CT scans and biomechanical modelling to understand how Diplodocus fed on tree branches. They found that combing and raking of leaves was a stress-free feeding behaviour for the skull bones and teeth, contradicting previous hypotheses.
Researchers found PHF21A gene mutated in patients with Potocki-Shaffer syndrome, leading to malformations and intellectual disability. The gene plays a crucial role in neuron survival, and its suppression can lead to brain cell death.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee found that US skulls have increased in size by 200 cubic centimeters since the mid-1800s, with average height from base to top increasing by eight millimeters
Researchers at UCLA have mapped the damaged connections in Phineas Gage's brain, revealing widespread damage to white matter pathways. The study, published in PLoS ONE, suggests that the disruption of these connections had a significant impact on Gage's personality and behavior.
A team of researchers has discovered that the Taung fossil's persistent metopic suture may have evolved as an adaptation for giving birth to babies with larger brains, allowing for rapid brain growth after birth. This finding suggests a complex interplay between childbirth and upright walking in the evolution of human brain size.
Researchers found significant variation in craniofacial characteristics, with Lisbon females exhibiting broader noses and eyes spaced further apart than Coimbra females. The difference suggests genetic variations rather than dietary or nutritional influences.
Scientists discovered a 3-4 million-year-old toothed whale species, Bohaskaia monodontoides, that lived in warm water regions and shared features with belugas and narwhals. The fossil skull found in Virginia suggests its modern relatives' Arctic adaptations evolved recently.
A recent study published in PloS ONE suggests that immediate skull reconstruction following traumatic brain injury can exacerbate brain damage. In contrast, delaying surgical repair for two days resulted in reduced secondary brain swelling and damage in animal models.
New research suggests Triceratops and Torosaurus should be classified into two distinct groups, based on morphological and computational analysis of 35 specimens. The study found evidence that some Torosaurus skulls were immature, contradicting previous hypotheses.
Researchers develop new forensic identification technique that compares skull with pictures of living subjects to identify corpses, reducing cost and time compared to DNA analysis. The study refines reference points for face morphology analysis, enhancing accuracy and reliability.