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Scent marking

A study found that scent marking increases males' mating and reproductive success, as females prefer to mate with males who deposit more conspicuous scent marks. However, surprisingly, female mice tend to socialize with lower-marking males, suggesting a complex relationship between scent marking and social behavior.

Fat and fit

Researchers found that fatter dormice increase metabolic rate more frequently and spend more time at normal body temperature during hibernation, minimizing negative effects. This strategy enables dormice to maximize total hibernation time while maximizing survival chances.

Misinterpretation of study

A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that cats from multi-cat households do not exhibit higher stress levels than those from single-cat households. The researchers discovered that a cat's personality, as classified by its owner, plays a significant role in determining its stress response to stroking.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Getting rid of unwanted visitors

Researchers discovered that Baka pygmies have a low incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection, contradicting the assumption of an ancient bacterial population. The bacteria instead appear to be recent re-infections from neighboring populations.

Personality differences

A study found that socially dominant red deer individuals have faster heart rates and higher body temperatures during winter, leading to greater body mass loss when food is scarce. In contrast, subordinate individuals are better adapted to survive harsh conditions by reducing their metabolism and conserving energy.

Kids reduce stress in goat herds

Research by Susanne Waiblinger found that introducing young dairy goats into the adult herd after parturition reduces social stress. Lactating mothers and their kids appear to be a calming influence on other goats, with reduced aggressive 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.

The more the merrier

A study found that female mice mate with multiple males when they produce similar levels of scent markings, indicating a preference for reducing the danger of infanticide. Litters sired by multiple males were larger than single-sired litters under intense competition among males.

More than just a kinase: CDK6 in cancer

A study by Karoline Kollmann and colleagues reveals CDK6's role in regulating tumour growth while also promoting blood vessel formation. The researchers found that a mutant form of CDK6 retains its ability to regulate expression despite losing kinase function.

Fishing for chips

A new study published in The Veterinary Journal found that high-quality microchip scanners can accurately read horse transponders, contradicting the claim that identification failure rates are too high. Researchers tested over 400 horses and found that even low-end scanners performed better than traditional branding methods.

Painting by numbers

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna discovered that 17 single-nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with female abdominal pigmentation in Drosophila melanogaster. These SNPs were found to lie in or near genes involved in pigment synthesis, suggesting a complex regulation mechanism controlling pigmentation var...

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.

Oh brother, where art thou?

The three-spined stickleback exhibits preference for joining shoals of relatives over unfamiliar individuals. Despite exposure to familiar and unfamiliar kin, the fish showed no preference for selecting group members based on familiarity.

Stopping the worm from turning

Researchers have discovered a new approach to control parasitic nematodes by targeting key developmental processes. The study, published in PLOS ONE, identified 22 proteins involved in the transition from third-stage to fourth-stage larvae, offering potential targets for new treatments.

Decoding the genome of the camel

The camel genome has been fully sequenced for the first time, providing insights into breeding strategies and adaptations to harsh desert environments. The research reveals a close genetic relationship between the Bactrian and dromedary camels, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Who's your daddy?

In a study on reed warblers, scientists found that males aggressively defend against potential infidelity but turn out to be caring fathers. The results suggest that females' perceived male weakness may reduce their investment in joint offspring.

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.

Sea level rise: Jeopardy for terrestrial biodiversity on islands

A new study finds that sea level rise will lead to significant habitat loss and threaten the survival of endemic species in Southeast Asian and Pacific islands. The researchers predict that even a one-meter sea level rise could result in the loss of up to 14.7% of all islands in the region.

Blowing in the wind: How accurate is thermography of horses' legs?

A recent study found that thermography of horses' legs is highly reproducible and less sensitive to camera position changes. However, gentle drafts can significantly affect temperature readings, rendering diagnoses unreliable. To achieve accurate results, veterinarians should perform thermography in draft-free surroundings.

Horses don't have stage fright -- but their riders do

Researchers studied stress in equestrian events and found horses remain unaffected by audience presence, unlike their riders. Riders exhibited increased stress levels when performing for spectators, indicating a significant difference in emotional response between horse and rider.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

In search of the big questions: Conserving the European Alps

A workshop with 15 European colleagues identified 50 most important questions for conserving biodiversity in the Alps. These questions focus on nature, management, and people, highlighting the importance of transdisciplinary work in addressing environmental problems.

Survival of the females

A study by Jana Beckelmann found that female horse embryos produce more insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) than male embryos, which may help explain the uneven sex ratio of equine births. This discovery sheds light on a previously unknown mechanism driving sexual dimorphism in horses.

What's in a genome?

A whole-genome sequence of the fruit fly Drosophila mauritiana has been completed, revealing high genetic diversity across its chromosomes. The researchers identified two large regions with conserved sequences and propose that these may be the result of intragenomic conflict, potentially acting as 'speciation genes'.

Fitness for toad sperm: The secret is to mate frequently

Researchers found that male toads storing sperm during the breeding season produced sperm with higher motility than those kept under natural conditions without females. Frequent mating also appeared to slow down sperm senescence, a process affecting sperm quality with age.

The colour of love: Zebrafish perform colorful courtship displays

Researchers studied zebrafish mating behavior and found that males change color during courtship, while females do not, supporting the hypothesis that body coloration plays a role in zebrafish courtship. The study also revealed differences in color properties between wild-derived and domesticated strains of zebrafish.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Crash landings

Swans are found to have more common hip joint problems than previously believed, with CT scans revealing lesions in all five examined birds. The injuries likely occur during landing on hard surfaces, and the study suggests that computerized tomography is a better diagnostic tool for avian patients.

'Cause my hair is curly

Researchers have identified the underlying mutation responsible for the Selkirk Rex cat breed's curly hair. The dominant SADRE gene is distinct from other breeds and allows for genetic diversity.

Directing change: How do they do it?

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna used fruit flies to study adaptation to changing temperatures, finding temporally heterogeneous trajectories of selected alleles. Genetic changes were widespread and rapid, with some genes adapting quickly while others showed little change.

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.

Of mice and men

Researchers discovered that inhibiting PDGFRB can prevent growth of this type of tumour, extending survival in mice and a human patient. The study found that imatinib treatment significantly improved the patient's prognosis.

Even Usain Bolt can't beat greyhounds, cheetahs...or pronghorn antelope

A study published in Veterinary Record compares the athletic abilities of humans and animals, finding that greyhounds, cheetahs, pronghorn antelope, and other species outrun and outmuscle top athletes. Human adaptations for endurance are impressive, but animals excel in speed, strength, and power.

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.

Bend or stretch? How stressful is hyperflexion of horses' necks?

A recent study has found that hyperflexion of horses' necks, when done without force or aggression, does not elicit a pronounced stress response. The study monitored hormone levels, heart rate, and body temperature in horses lunged with either hyperflexion or an extended head and neck position.

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.

Slaughtering animals without prior stunning should be curbed, if not banned

A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.

Jak of all trades? Not of leukaemia therapy!

Recent study finds that inhibiting JAK2 kinase does not benefit leukaemia patients, but blocking STAT5 signaling can prevent cell proliferation. This discovery challenges the approach to targeting JAK2 in CML treatment.

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.

How far is far enough?

Researchers developed a mathematical model to determine safe distances from residential areas for livestock farms, taking into account factors like odor emissions and wind conditions. The model aims to simplify current guidelines and regulations by providing a single, conservative estimate of separation distances.

The bigger picture of population genomics

Researchers have developed a software package called PoPoolation2 to compare population data, facilitating the study of evolution and adaptation. The tool uses next-generation sequencing methods to determine allele frequencies between populations, providing insights into evolutionary processes.

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.

Winter diets? The secret is to chill the extremities

Researchers found that red deer lower their heart rates in winter regardless of food intake, suggesting an internal programming mechanism. The deer's ability to regulate body temperature is crucial for conserving energy during the cold season.

The short goodbye: Weaning foals

Foals weaned in the presence of other mares show reduced stress levels and adapt faster to life without their mothers. Weaning methods can significantly impact stress hormone levels in foals, with gradual separation showing less stress than abrupt removal.

The mark of the beast: tradition or stress?

A recent study by Christine Aurich's group at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna found that short-term branding stress levels are comparable to microchip implants in foals. However, branding causes more prolonged tissue damage and alterations in body temperature, leading to increased welfare concerns.

Keeping pets sweet: Treating diabetes in dogs

A recent study developed a system to continuously monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs, revealing that none were receiving ideal treatment. The system provided valuable insights for improving treatment plans, including adjusting insulin doses and diets.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The American Society for Microbiology honors Andrea Endimiani

Andrea Endimiani has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on the impact of drug resistance traits on infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. He has also made significant contributions to understanding the prevalence of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in multiple US cities.

Vaccine linked to 'bleeding calf syndrome'

Bleeding calf syndrome affects new-born calves, caused by low blood cell counts and bone marrow depletion. A vaccine against BVDV has been linked to the condition through anti-MHC class I antibodies produced by mothers.

Females choose mates for their personalities, study shows

Researchers found that adventurous females prefer mates with similar outgoing personalities, regardless of physical attributes. This study provides evidence that compatible personalities play a crucial role in partner choice in non-human species.

No treatment is the best treatment -- diarrhea in young foals

Researchers found that diarrhoea is closely linked to changes in faecal bacteria, with the majority of foals developing the condition due to colonisation by E. coli and other bacteria. This suggests that horse breeders should not limit suckling time or use supplements to prevent diarrhoea.

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.

Many a mickle makes a muckle: How changes in animals' size and shape arise

Researchers have discovered that subtle genetic changes can significantly impact an organism's size and shape. The study, led by David Stern at Princeton University, found that five specific genetic changes contribute to the evolution of distinct morphologies in fruit flies. These findings provide insight into how individual mutations ...

A boring life -- the Asiatic wild ass in the Mongolian Gobi

The Asiatic wild ass is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. The species' range is limited to areas with low biomass production, forcing it into unproductive habitats. Conservation efforts could benefit not only the wild ass but also other rare mammals by opening up migration corridors.

Out of Africa -- how the fruit fly made its way in the world

Researchers studied fruit flies adapting from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe and found that a gene called crm regulates temperature-dependent traits. The study reveals that changes in this gene may have enabled the flies to survive in colder climates.

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.

Plant buffers can slow runoff of veterinary antibiotics

Researchers found that plant buffers can slow down the runoff of veterinary antibiotics in surface water, reducing transport by 58-72% for herbicides and 70% for antibiotics. The use of certain species like hybrid poplar can further enhance degradation of deposited antibiotics.

MU researchers use motion sensors to determine equine lameness

A new motion sensor system developed by MU researchers uses sensors on a horse's head, limbs, and tail to detect lameness. This system improves early detection and treatment outcomes for horses with lameness by removing human bias and increasing frequency of motion sampling.

If junk DNA is useful, why is it not shared more equally?

Recent research by Farlow and colleagues reveals a fundamental change in understanding the evolution of DNA, suggesting that DNA repair mechanisms may drive intron variation. The study proposes an alternative explanation for the observed range of intron numbers across species, providing a new perspective on the role of junk DNA.