Articles tagged with Museums
A study published in PLOS One has confirmed the utility of superworm larvae for cleaning museum specimens. The larvae efficiently remove flesh from skeletons without causing damage, making them an environmentally friendly and safer option than existing methods.
The restitution follows several years of collaborative provenance research under the Benin Initiative Switzerland, which showed that the objects were most likely looted from the Kingdom of Benin during the British attack in 1897. The returned artefacts will be displayed at the National Museum in Lagos and temporarily stored in Edo State.
Researchers have digitally preserved the vaquita by scanning a complete skeleton and creating interactive 3D models. The technology enabled the team to capture microscopic skeletal details and make the information accessible to anyone, with the resulting models being made freely available through MorphoSource.
The Ipiranga Museum in São Paulo will utilize 3D laser scanning technology to create a digital model of the renovated building and establish an information management system for preventive maintenance. The project aims to analyze the behavior of the building following restoration work, identify anomalies, and prevent costly interventions.
The symposium aims to consolidate and expand partnerships in strategic areas such as energy transition, artificial intelligence, and health. The event will facilitate cooperation among researchers from São Paulo and the UK, with a focus on joint funding opportunities.
Scientists analyzed vast botanical data to understand why some exotic plants become invasive pests. They found that the timing of flowering is crucial and depends on climate conditions, with native species adapting to local environments and invasive species thriving in milder regions.
A recent study has identified five distinct species of pit vipers in the Himalayan region, including three new to science. The research combined fresh and historical DNA data with morphological and skeletal analysis, revealing deep evolutionary lineages and distinct ecological characteristics.
A study published in Insect Systematics and Diversity documented over 100 species of Platydracus beetles, with more than half being new discoveries. The findings highlight the vast gaps in known biodiversity, even among well-studied groups like rove beetles.
A free self-efficacy survey has been developed for informal science educators, aiming to fill the gap in evaluation systems that leave them struggling to improve. The survey assesses pedagogical success using widely used measurements and provides a way for educators to identify areas needing support.
A new study from Nagoya University and Gifu University found that multisensory museum experiences can engage visitors with culturally significant heritage. By incorporating sensory elements like smell and touch, visitors can form personal connections to the artifacts, leading to deeper engagement and conservation efforts.
After the pandemic, most museums continued offering online programs, with a focus on school programs for K-12 students. The shift was driven by partnerships between museums and public schools in need of digital content.
A Brazilian research team used non-formal education methods in science museums to improve high school students' interest and confidence in chemistry. The interactive exhibition explained advanced oxidation processes, increasing students' sense of competence and positive perception of the discipline.
Recent advances in biomolecular archaeology enable museums to convert molecular data into accessible olfactory recreations. The Max Planck Institute research team developed a workflow for translating ancient chemical signatures into visitor-ready fragrances.
The 'Wakuwaku Aira Dinosaur Museum Exhibition' drew 11,580 visitors to Aira Square in Aira City. The exhibition featured a reconstructed tyrannosaurid skeleton and recreated excavation site from Mongolia, as well as hands-on learning opportunities for children.
A new species of ancient sea cow has been discovered in Qatar, revealing that sea cows have shaped the Arabian Gulf's seagrass ecosystems for over 20 million years. The fossil site, Al Maszhabiya, yielded more than 170 different locations containing sea cow fossils.
Most museum staff support behind-the-scenes tours to educate the public about their work and promote biodiversity. The tours can help improve teaching and public speaking skills, while also fostering a sense of reciprocity and responsibility among staff.
A new study found that less educated and lower-income neighborhoods are consistently farther away from cultural institutions, such as elite universities and museums. The researchers measured straight-line distances and expected travel times between neighborhoods and eight amenities of cultural capital to quantify the geographic barriers.
Chameleons have two long, coiled optic nerves that enable their remarkable ability to look in two different directions at once. Researchers used CT scanning technology to visualize the hidden structure, revealing a unique trait not seen in any other lizard.
Researchers have created a statistical model using 20 years' worth of sentinel chicken data to predict elevated West Nile virus activity up to six months in advance. This breakthrough could lead to proactive preventative measures and improve disease outbreak response.
A study by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers found that 79% of endemic ant species in Fiji are declining over the past few hundred years, coinciding with European contact and modern agricultural techniques. In contrast, non-native ant species are exploding in population.
A world-first study has mapped the global distribution and evolutionary relationships of brittle stars, revealing their quiet migration across entire oceans over millions of years. The research highlights the interconnectedness of deep-sea communities, particularly at temperate latitudes.
A Smithsonian-led team has discovered North America's oldest known pterosaur, dating back to the late Triassic period around 209 million years ago. The fossilized jawbone of the new species was found alongside hundreds of other fossils, including a turtle with spike-like armor and an ancient frog relative.
Russian leaders use museums and digital collections to portray Ukraine as inseparable from Russia, framing the invasion as a fight against Nazism and NATO. Researchers urge prioritizing non-Russian sources for balanced approaches.
A new study examines the self-efficacy of informal educators in leading youth civic engagement projects. The research found that despite an initial increase in confidence, many educators reported a decrease in self-efficacy after participating in professional development initiatives aimed at addressing environmental issues.
Engaging with art is shown to enhance abstract thinking and promote a broader mindset. Participants who focused on the beauty of ceramics scored higher in abstract thinking than those who simply matched line drawings. This effect was greater among those with an artistic hobby.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found a gene mutation in bed bugs that may contribute to their resistance to insecticides. The researchers, led by Warren Booth, discovered the mutation in 134 unique populations of bed bugs collected from North America between 2008-22.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is hosting a family-friendly event to demonstrate military medical innovations, including virtual reality and medical simulation. The exhibit features devices developed to combat COVID-19 and protect against deadly insects.
A new systematic review found that viewing art can improve eudemonic wellbeing and boost personal growth. The benefits were observed in various locations, including museums, galleries, clinics, and hospitals, as well as through virtual reality.
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.
Researchers have discovered footprints of ankylosaurid armoured dinosaurs, known as Ruopodosaurus clava, in the Canadian Rockies. The 100-million-year-old fossilized footprints provide evidence that tail-clubbed ankylosaurs were alive and well in North America during a previously unknown period.
A study from the University of Georgia used museum specimens to track the spread of Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, a parasite affecting millions of monarchs during their annual migration. The research found evidence of infection in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with limited species affected.
A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has confirmed that the Leyte Chorus Frog is a hybrid of two species with overlapping ranges whose intermingling was driven by deforestation. The discovery sheds new light on the impact of human activities on the environment and highlights the importance of conservation efforts.
Thorny skates exhibit a unique size discrepancy, with small and large varieties coexisting along the North American coast. A new study reveals that COVID-19 restrictions led to an abundance of genetic data, allowing researchers to uncover the secret behind the size difference.
The Cuban blue-headed quail dove is an enigmatic bird species with a perplexing evolutionary history. Its DNA analysis reveals it to be more distinct from other doves than previously thought, dating back at least 50 million years.
A team of archaeologists and Indigenous scholars calls on museums to better care for animal remains, recognizing power imbalances and respecting Native American traditions. The approach emphasizes self-reflection, lifelong learning, and partnering with Indigenous groups to rethink catalogue, storage, and display methods.
A new analysis reveals that nearly half of the genus Heliconia, a group of tropical plants related to birds-of-paradise and bananas, are threatened with extinction. Many imperiled plants are not found within protected areas or botanical gardens, making additional conservation action crucial.
The Libroscope initiative seeks to unlock and link data from scientific literature to support understanding of biodiversity. By 2035, the power of biodiversity knowledge will be fully leveraged within an open science framework.
A study of Viking skulls using CT scans reveals a range of diseases including sinus and ear infections, osteoarthritis, and dental diseases. The results provide greater understanding of the health and wellbeing of the Viking population.
Researchers from UCL and the University of Ljubljana conducted a systematic study on the smells of nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies, identifying materials used in mumification and evolution of practices. The study also provides insights into how museums conserve remains and preserves their olfactory heritage.
A rare underwater fossil bed discovered by collectors in Florida's Big Bend region has preserved a unique window into the past. The site, dating back to the middle Irvingtonian North American land mammal age, offers insights into evolutionary transitions and speciation.
Researchers have found biofluorescence in 37 of the 45 known birds-of-paradise species, suggesting it plays a crucial role in male-male interactions and mating displays. The phenomenon is most prominent in males' bright plumage and skin areas highlighted during courtship displays.
A Tel Aviv University study found urban bats have shorter pregnancies and start reproducing earlier due to favorable temperatures and food abundance in cities. This is the first study linking urban living to mammalian reproductive patterns.
A new study of Colorado grasshoppers found that certain species can thrive in a warming world by taking advantage of earlier springs, while others decline in size as vegetation dries up earlier. The research provides insight into how insects respond to climate change and how to predict winners and losers.
Scientists have discovered complex structures and compounds in asteroid Bennu samples that suggest extraterrestrial brines played a crucial role in the development of organic compounds. The findings indicate that similar brines may still exist on other asteroids and dwarf planets, holding secrets to understanding life's origins.
A report by Tel Aviv University highlights the establishment of new museums in Muslim countries, including Indonesia, Dubai, and Albania, which showcase the Holocaust and heroism. These museums provide a counter-narrative to antisemitic propaganda and promote education and awareness about the Holocaust.
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 team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University, San Diego Natural History Museum, and SeaWorld San Diego collaborate to digitize a rare vaquita skeleton, providing a valuable resource for conservation efforts. The scans resulted in three terabytes of data and will be used to create replicas for public display and education.
Researchers found a correlation between silica content and volcano tremor strength, suggesting that more viscous magma causes increased tremor amplitude. The study highlights the potential of combining petrological data collection with geophysical data to improve eruption forecasting.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on University, Memory and Reparation will address the connections between academic research and reparation processes. Internationally renowned researchers will participate in discussions on the role of universities in promoting the right to memory and social reparation.
A new study reveals the oldest known example of an evolutionary arms race in fossilized shells from the Cambrian period. The researchers found that a small shelled animal distantly related to brachiopods and an unknown marine animal were engaged in a microevolutionary arms race, with each species adapting and evolving in response to th...
Researchers at OIST have developed a customizable method for studying detailed dental characteristics of living fish and vertebrates without harming them. This approach allows for non-destructive examination of tooth replacement and development over time, revealing valuable information on feeding habits and comparative anatomy.
Scientists at La Brea Tar Pits have identified a mysterious fossil seed, unlocking key findings on past environmental changes and megafaunal extinction. The discovery highlights the vulnerability of junipers to modern climate change and informs conservation efforts.
Over 260 young scientists from around the world have signed a declaration at Wenzhou, China, to promote sustainable innovation. The Wenzhou Declaration emphasizes the importance of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to tackle global challenges and create a resilient future.
The Field Museum has digitized over a quarter-million specimens and records thanks to its Collections Club, a community science program. This effort provides valuable data for researchers worldwide, with over 3,800 volunteers contributing more than 13,500 hours.
A new study has uncovered a rare plant fossil with unusual flowers, fruits, and stems that does not belong to any living family or genus. The discovery suggests there may be more diversity in the fossil record of flowering plants than previously recognized.
A new study enhances phenology predictions using a 150-year-old dataset, revealing that plant species in the US are flowering three to four weeks earlier. The research used historical observations from a rediscovered 19th-century report to improve forecast accuracy.
The exhibition, Fault Lines, examines interactions between Indigenous communities and colonial institutions in the Pacific region. It features newly commissioned artistic responses and historic artefacts to examine the enduring legacies of cultural extraction and destruction during the colonial era.
A Florida Museum curator was part of an international team that won first place and $5 million in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team developed a monitoring device equipped with lights, audio recorders, cameras, insect traps, and collection reservoirs to survey a 100-hectare test plot of tropical rainforest.
Scientists will present new research on bio-inspired floating offshore wind farms, harbor seals' whisker sensing abilities, and Manu jumping. The conference features over 300 sessions and nearly 2,800 presentations.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrated that bats can navigate great distances in open areas with their eyes closed, using only echolocation. The study found that bats create an acoustic map of their environment, relying on distinct echoes to guide their flight paths.