Vertebrates

‘Last titan’: Southeast Asia’s biggest dinosaur discovered

The life story of the critically endangered Rice's whale, estimated to have just 50 remaining adults, is evidenced in new analysis of the hormones it stores in its baleen throughout its life

Anglers and scientists partner to study British Columbia’s salmon food chain

New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development

Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.

“Citizen scientist” high school teacher recorded 5 years of migration data for Black Skimmer birds in the Eastern US, documenting the farthest dispersal for breeding for the species

A high school teacher participated in a citizen science project to record migration data for Black Skimmers in the Eastern US. The study documents the farthest dispersal for breeding among this species, providing valuable insights into its movements.

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

Birds caught stealing from their neighbors

A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.

Birds that put more energy into parenthood age faster

Researchers found that birds that put more energy into raising their young live shorter lives. After selective breeding, females who produced larger eggs aged faster and died about 20% younger than those that laid smaller eggs.

The oldest breath: A 300-million-year-old mummy reveals the origins of how amniotes breathe

Researchers uncover 289 million-year-old mummy of lizard-like creature Captorhinus aguti, preserving skin, cartilage, and protein remnants. The find reveals the oldest example of costal breathing system in amniotes, shedding light on early reptile evolution.

Two new gecko species discovered in Vietnam, one named after herpetologist professor Dr. Thomas Ziegler

Researchers have discovered two new species of half leaf-fingered geckos, one named after Prof. Dr. Thomas Ziegler, from Son La Province in northwestern Vietnam. The new species highlight the importance of conservation efforts for Southeast Asia's imperiled ecosystems.

The polar bear ‘umbrella’: How protecting one species saves many

A new study reveals that protecting polar bear habitat naturally safeguards the resources they rely on to survive, providing critical benefits to the ecosystem. By analyzing tracking data from 355 bears, researchers identified a high-use area near Cape Churchill, Manitoba, highlighting it as a prime location for a Marine Protected Area.

Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria

Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler's gut bacteria, finding that immune genes influence which microbes thrive, and that this relationship affects host health and survival. The study suggests a two-way relationship between immune genes and gut bacteria, with potential benefits for human health and disease prevention.

Could ultrasound help save hedgehogs?

A new study reveals that hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound, up to 85 kHz, which could be used to design sound repellents for cars to deter them from roads. The findings suggest a potential solution to reduce hedgehog deaths, which are a major cause of road traffic accidents.

“Peculiar” ancient ancestor of the crocodile started life on four legs in adolescence before it began walking on two

A new study reveals that the ancient reptile Sonselasuchus, a relative of the crocodile, began life on four legs before learning to walk on two. The discovery was made by analyzing the proportions of the limb skeletons of different animals, suggesting that the creature's bipedal stance may have resulted from differential growth patterns.

The earliest known bird had complex tongue bones and fleshy “teeth” on the roof of its mouth—which might have helped it snag the food it needed for flight

The earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx, had unique mouth features such as oral papillae, tongue bones, and bill-tip organs. These structures suggest that early birds evolved specialized ways to find and digest food efficiently, which is key to flight. The discovery provides new criteria for identifying dinosaur fossils as birds.

Some dogs can learn new words by eavesdropping on their owners

Researchers found that Gifted Word Learner dogs can quickly learn hundreds of toy names through natural play sessions with their owners. These dogs excel in learning both directly and from overheard speech, similar to human infants.

Revealing the diversity of olfactory receptors in hagfish and its implications for early vertebrate evolution

Researchers identified 48 OR genes, 2 V1R genes, and 135 V2R genes in hagfish, indicating functional roles in smell perception. The discovery overturns the assumption that true V2Rs evolved only in jawed vertebrates.

New species of tiny pumpkin toadlet discovered in Brazil highlights need for conservation in the mountain forests of Serra do Quiriri

A new species of Brachycephalus, a tiny pumpkin toadlet, has been discovered in the Serra do Quiriri mountains of southern Brazil. The discovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts in these fragile ecosystems.

Penguins starved to death en masse, study warns, as some populations off South Africa estimated to have fallen 95% in just eight years

Penguin populations off South Africa have declined drastically due to collapsing food supplies, with some species facing an estimated 62,000 breeding individual losses. The study suggests that sardine biomass has fallen below a quarter of its peak levels in 17 years, posing a significant threat to the long-term survival of these birds.

Preempting a flesh-eating fly’s return to California

Researchers are tracking the New World screwworm's potential return to California, deploying traps baited with a lure that attracts the fly. Early detection is critical to preventing an outbreak, particularly among farm animals vulnerable to wounds. The project aims to raise awareness and prevent infestations if the fly were to reappear.

Fossils reveal anacondas have been giants for over 12 million years

A University of Cambridge-led team analyzed giant anaconda fossils to determine their maximum size occurred 12.4 million years ago. The study found that ancient anacondas were four to five metres long, matching the size of modern anacondas, suggesting they have remained giants due to a suitable environment.

Evolving a flight-ready brain – New study shows brain evolution in pterosaurs and birds took different paths

Researchers discovered a new 233-million-year-old nonflying relative of pterosaurs that provided breakthrough insights into the evolution of flight in these animals. The study found that pterosaurs evolved their own 'flight computers' from scratch, with unique brain structures and smaller brain sizes compared to birds.

Newly discovered predatory “warrior” was a precursor of the crocodile – and although it lived before the early dinosaurs, it looked just like one

A newly discovered carnivorous lizard, Tainrakuasuchus bellator, lived 240 million years ago and resembled a dinosaur due to its armour-plated body. The species was among the top predators of its time in Brazil during the Triassic Period.

Three new toad species skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets

Researchers have identified three new species of tree-dwelling toads from Africa that skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets. This rare reproductive strategy is found in less than 1% of frog species, making these toads exceptionally interesting.

Island reptiles face extinction before they are even studied, warns global review

A new study reveals that island reptiles are more threatened with extinction than mainland species, yet remain largely ignored by researchers. The study found that 30% of island-dwelling reptiles are threatened, while only 6.7% of reptile-focused research publications have studied them.

Polar bears act as crucial providers for Arctic species

A new study reveals that polar bears act as crucial providers for Arctic species, leaving behind millions of kilograms of prey annually. This carrion provides a vital energy source for a wide network of arctic scavenger species, including Arctic foxes and ravens.

Calm red brocket deer can learn to "Come" and other commands - but the flightiest, most restless individuals struggle

Researchers assessed the impact of reactivity in red brocket deer on training efficiency, finding that calm individuals can learn commands like 'Come'. In contrast, more restless individuals had difficulty learning and following instructions.

DNA evidence closes gaps in global conservation databases for Amazon wildlife

Recent studies using portable nanopore sequencing technologies document and sequence Amazonian wildlife, increasing representation of Peruvian species in global genetic libraries. This initiative empowers conservationists to generate their own data, making informed decisions to combat species extinction.

From mosasaurs to snakes and lizards, “megafilters” shape reptile fossil collections

A new study explores why certain parts of reptiles, such as lizard jaws and snake vertebrae, are more likely to be preserved as fossils. The research reveals that physical characteristics like bone density and body size, as well as the environment in which the animals lived and died, are major predictors of fossil completeness.

UGA ecologists document two new species of bass

Two new species of black bass, Bartram’s and Altamaha bass, have been documented by UGA ecologists. These fish have distinctive physical characteristics, such as patterned dark brown blotches on their sides and carmine-red eyes with a black pupil ringed by a thin gold margin.

Robots offer clues to the impressive robustness of eel locomotion

A team of researchers has developed a mathematical model that integrates sensory feedback to enable eel-like robots to swim and crawl on land. The study shows how multisensory feedback enables eels to adapt their movement patterns after spinal cord injury, providing insights into the evolutionary transition of vertebrates from water to...

Fossil fish sheds new light on extra teeth evolution to devour prey

Researchers discovered a 310-million-year-old fossilized ray-finned fish, Platysomus parvulus, which had a unique 'tongue bite' mechanism to devour prey. This ancient fish's internal anatomy revealed a sophisticated arrangement of tooth plates and gill skeleton, providing insights into the evolution of fish feeding strategies.

Can clownfish adapt to rising sea temperatures?

Researchers at OIST identified biological processes that support young clownfish adaptation to climate change and warming seas. Exposing juvenile fish to raised water temperatures showed significant changes in liver and pancreas, reducing insulin secretion and increasing oxidative phosphorylation.

Specially adapted drones successfully use a "tap and go" approach to apply monitoring tags to whales, speeding up the process and avoiding human interference

Researchers have developed a 'tap-and-go' approach using specially adapted drones to apply monitoring tags to whales. This innovative method significantly speeds up the process while minimizing human interaction with the animals.

Lake sturgeon thriving in Coosa River

A study from the University of Georgia finds that lake sturgeon are reproducing on their own in the Coosa River, with some fish estimated to be over 2 years old. This marks a significant step forward in the reintroduction project, which aims to establish a self-sustaining population of these ancient fish.

How ‘scrumping’ apes may have given us a taste for alcohol

A new study has coined the term 'scrumping' to describe great apes' fondness for eating ripe, fermented fruit from the forest floor. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have played a significant role in the evolution of human alcohol tolerance.

Great Tits show early signs of splitting up: Oxford researchers uncover social clues to bird 'divorce'

Wild great tits exhibit clear behaviors signalling 'divorce' long before the breeding season, according to a study by Oxford researchers. The team used data from the Wytham Woods great tit project and found that faithful birds visited feeding stations with their partners more often than those that went on to divorce.

Regrowing hearing cells: New gene functions discovered in zebrafish offer clues for future hearing loss treatments

Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research identified two distinct genes that regulate regeneration of sensory cells in zebrafish. The discovery may guide future studies on hearing loss and regenerative medicine in mammals, including humans.

World Snake Week is here

Cal Poly biological sciences Professor Emily Taylor is co-organizing the worldwide awareness week for snakes, highlighting over 3,500 globally significant species. The event promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and snakes, educating people about their importance in food webs and disease control.

Deep dive into the ‘mighty bite’ of mysterious ancient fish

A new study in iScience journal reveals new insights into the lives of 380-million-year-old lungfish, shedding light on their diet and predatory powers. The research uses high-tech examination of fossilized jawbones to evaluate how multiple species co-existed in a tropical prehistoric ecosystem.

Safely navigating treetops thanks to a scaly tail

Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.

Chicago’s rodents are evolving to handle city living

Researchers found that chipmunks' skulls became larger but teeth shorter due to increased human food availability. Voles' auditory bullae decreased in size possibly to dampen environmental noise. These changes demonstrate the profound impact of humans on wildlife and their environment.

Loss of hard chorion: An evolutionary dead-end for parental egg-care fish

A comparative whole genome analysis of 240 fish species found a strong correlation between loss of the chorion-hardening system and parental egg-care. The team's findings suggest that the loss of key genes, such as alveolin, contributes to this evolutionary bias.

First ancient flying reptiles were winners of increasing Triassic humid environments

A new study reveals that lagerpetids, relatives of pterosaurs, were able to tolerate a wide range of climate conditions and distributed widely across the globe. In contrast, pterosaurs initially required more humid tropical conditions to fly.

’Round midnight: Late-night romance among medaka in near natural setting

Medaka fish engage in courtship and spawning at midnight to 4 a.m., with peak activity between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Researchers conducted continuous observations in an outdoor setting to gain insights into their natural behavior.

Study finds birds nested in Arctic alongside dinosaurs

Scientists have discovered fossils of multiple bird species in the Arctic, including diving birds and gull-like birds, that were breeding during the time of the dinosaurs. The findings push back the known record of birds nesting in polar regions by 25-30 million years.

University of Oldenburg celebrates sensational success after securing funding for three Clusters of Excellence

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.

For the first time, all avian evolutionary relationships revealed

Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have created a complete evolutionary tree of bird species by combining data on 9,239 species. The resulting database can be easily shared and updated as new studies are published.

Suspected fibrocartilaginous embolus in Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus)

An 11-year-old Asian small-clawed otter developed left-sided paralysis after a fall, but improved with treatment for a suspected fibrocartilaginous embolus. Follow-up MRI showed a diminished lesion one year later.

Cartilage and bone development: three paths to skeleton formation

A study by researchers at the University of Basel has identified three distinct groups of precursor cells that give rise to different parts of the skeleton in vertebrates. These cells use unique regulatory mechanisms to drive their developmental programs, leading to a more complex and flexible skeletal system.

When birds lose the ability to fly, their bodies change faster than their feathers

Researchers compared feathers and bodies of flightless birds and their flying relatives, finding that some features change relatively quickly. The study sheds light on evolution of complex traits that lose original function, and could help reveal which fossil birds were flightless.

Fossil predator is the oldest known animal with “saber teeth”

A fossil therapsid was found in Mallorca with a skull hole for the jaw muscle and structures that evolved into mammals' middle ear bones. The discovery changes scientists' understanding of when therapsids evolved and tells us about where we come from.

Unique motor control system of frogfish's specialized 'fishing rod' discovered

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique motor control system in frogfish's first dorsal fin, enabling their 'fishing' behavior. The study reveals how motor neurons changed location as their function shifted from swimming to hunting.

That’s no straw: Hummingbirds evolved surprisingly flexible bills to help them drink nectar

Researchers discovered that hummingbird bills are surprisingly flexible and play an essential role in drawing up nectar. The bird's intricate bill movements, combined with its lapping mechanism and Poiseuille flow, make it a rare example of using both fluid collection methods.

Researcher earns NSF grant to study urban amphibians

A Kennesaw State University researcher has received a National Science Foundation grant to study the evolution of salamanders' behavioral habits in urban streams. The study aims to broaden research participation at minority-serving universities and will provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience conducting field research.

Sweet tooth- Ethiopian wolves seen feeding on nectar

Researchers observe Ethiopian wolves foraging on nectar-rich flowers, exploiting a novel plant-pollinator interaction. This behavior is significant as it highlights the complexity of interactions between species in the highlands ecosystem, threatening these rare canines.

UTA researchers begin quest for rare lizard

Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington are conducting a DNA analysis project to determine the genetic differences between the rare Dixon's whiptail and the common checkered whiptail. If the two species are found to be distinct, Dixon's whiptail may become eligible for endangered species protection.

Zeroing in on the genes that snakes use to produce venom

Scientists developed VenomCap to analyze venom genes in snakes, shedding light on snake evolution and developing effective treatments for deadly snake bites. The technique enables quicker analysis of thousands of venom-making genes, paving the way for improved antivenom development and global public health.

Scientists find new epigenetic switch

Researchers have identified a new epigenetic mark, 5-formylcytosine, which plays a crucial role in activating genes during early embryonic development. This discovery sheds light on the regulation of gene expression in vertebrates and has implications for our understanding of human development and disease.

Don’t judge a fossil by its teeth: despite its toothy beak, this ancient bird ate fruit, not fish

A new study finds that the ancient bird Longipteryx ate fruits, contrary to previous hypotheses that it feasted on fish or insects. The discovery was made by analyzing fossilized seeds in the bird's stomach, which suggest a mixed diet including fruits and possibly insects when they were not available.