Articles tagged with Bamboo
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that captive giant pandas experience gastrointestinal problems when switching from bamboo stalks to leaves, leading to reproductive issues. The researchers analyzed the bacteria in the pandas' poop and discovered a unique population of microbes associated with digestive dysfunction.
Experts are looking into alternative materials that can be used in building houses, focusing on local sources such as bamboo and straw bales, while also considering economic and environmental factors. Khanjan Mehta emphasizes the importance of scalability and finding suitable alternatives for cement, which is often scarce and expensive.
Scientists have finally understood the structure of a flexible plant virus that has resisted description for over 75 years, revolutionizing efforts to stop such viruses and potentially leading to new vaccine delivery methods.
A new study reveals that giant pandas have evolved underactive thyroid glands and other energy-saving traits to afford a bamboo diet, with daily energy expenditure 38% of average for terrestrial mammals. This allows them to thrive on low-nutrient plants despite not having stomachs designed for such food.
A University of Pittsburgh-led consortium has received a $200,000 grant to explore the use of bamboo as a safe and sustainable construction resource in urban areas. The research aims to reduce the environmental impact of housing while addressing global grand challenges of urbanization and resilience.
Giant pandas have a carnivore-like gut microbiota that can't efficiently digest bamboo due to the lack of genes for plant-digesting enzymes in their genome. Their gut diversity is also lower compared to other herbivores, leading to nutritional challenges and increased risk of extinction.
Bamboo landscaping popularity could lead to increased spread of hantavirus, as deer mice thrive on plant's seeds and reproduce rapidly, posing a risk to human health. Experts recommend changing U.S. and Canadian plant quarantine policies to prevent non-native bamboo invasions.
Researchers tracked 5 pandas for months using rare GPS collars, finding that they sometimes hang together and have complex social interactions. The data also revealed a panda's feeding strategy, showing that they return to core areas after being away for long periods of time.
Researchers found a brownbanded bamboo shark pup born after nearly four years of isolation from males, marking the longest documented case of sperm storage in any shark species. The discovery highlights the sharks' ability to store sperm for long periods, promoting genetic diversity and potentially helping wild populations.
A new study reveals that giant pandas are not as picky about their habitat as previously believed. The research, led by Michigan State University, found that pandas are willing to live in secondary forests, climb different slopes, and choose areas with varying amounts of sunshine.
Researchers from NUS observe a new reproductive mode in critically endangered white spotted bush frogs, breeding and laying direct-developing eggs in live bamboo. The discovery sheds light on the unique behavior of these frogs and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats.
A study recommends a systems approach to controlling fungal infections in lucky bamboo, including training and disease management at source and application of systemic fungicides. Latent presence of Colletotrichum dracaenophilum found in up to 43% of non-inoculated stalks.
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.
A Michigan State University study reveals that livestock, particularly horses, are devastating panda habitats by competing for food and resources. The research highlights the importance of addressing competition from livestock in sensitive ecosystems.
A research team from Michigan State University studied the recovery of forests and bamboo groves in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China, after a devastating earthquake. They found that many areas were on the road to recovery, with replanting efforts helping in areas with poor soil conditions.
African mountain bamboos have been identified as distinct genera, Bergbambos and Oldeania, with features significantly different from Asian counterparts. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of African bamboos, suggesting they may be remnants of the earliest temperate bamboos to spread to Asia.
Researchers from PNNL develop new algorithm to identify similar patterns in data, reducing processing time by seconds. A software called Bamboo is also presented, which translates MPI code to speed up data-crunching and reduce communication bottlenecks.
Scientists from Michigan State University predict climate change will kill off swaths of bamboo, making prime panda habitat inhospitable by 21st century. The study suggests proactive planning to protect areas with suitable food sources and creating natural bridges for pandas to escape bamboo famine.
A study led by Johns Hopkins behavioral neuroscientist Eric Fortune found that the brain prefers cooperative activity over solo ones, as demonstrated in plain-tailed wrens' duet songs. The research has implications for programming autonomous robots and understanding human social behavior.
Researchers confirm it is possible to make complex bamboo tools with simple stone tools, but find that prehistoric people preferred crudely made stone flakes instead. Bamboo knives were efficient for cutting meat but not hides, suggesting a preference for simpler tools.
A recent study published in Biology Letters indicates that giant pandas are associated with old-growth forests more than any other ecological variable besides bamboo. This finding suggests that conserving both bamboo and old-growth forests is crucial to protect this critically endangered bear species.
Researchers from National Taiwan University evaluated the cooling effect of trees and bamboo in Taipei, finding that foliage density is key to reducing temperature. The study identified top species like Chinese elm and Rose wood for their high cooling effects, while others were less effective.
The giant panda genome study has identified genetic traits that may aid in understanding the animal's unique bamboo diet and inform conservation efforts. The research found that pandas lack genes necessary for competing digestion of bamboo, suggesting a reliance on microbes to digest this staple food source.
Researchers have confirmed a new population of critically endangered greater bamboo lemurs in eastern Madagascar's Torotorofotsy wetlands. The discovery raises hopes for the species' survival and increases efforts to protect its habitat from destruction.
A prototype of a sturdy bamboo house was built in under two weeks with a modular design that can be adjusted for specific family needs. The structure is made from processed bamboo veneer sheets and is fireproof, insulated for heat and sound, and sustainable.
Researchers have developed solutions to improve bamboo fabrics' durability and hygiene, making them more suitable for consumer products. The new treatments significantly reduce bacterial growth and increase UV protection, opening doors for eco-friendly clothing options.
The discovery of a pygmy-sized giant panda skull in south China reveals that the modern giant panda has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. The ancient species lived on bamboo shoots and was adapted to eating bamboo early in its development, highlighting its unique dietary specialization.
Researchers identified a third native North American bamboo species, Arundinaria appalachiana, which differs from other two species in dropping its leaves in the fall. This discovery was made by Iowa State University botanists Lynn Clark and Jimmy Triplett, along with their colleague Alan Weakley.
Research by Andreas Hemp reveals a host of rare plants in Kilimanjaro's forests, contrary to previous thought, and explains the mountain's unique bamboo zone absence due to elephant lack. The complex links between plants and animals are showcased, highlighting human impact on forest diversity.
A recent study using DNA analysis from giant panda feces found the population underestimated by over 50% in previous surveys. The findings suggest a better chance of long-term viability for the species, but warn against complacency due to still-perilously low numbers.