Articles tagged with Museums
The discovery of fossilized monkey teeth in West Turkana, Kenya, fills a 6-million-year gap in Old World monkey evolution. The newly found teeth, belonging to the species Alophia metios, have primitive dentition, lacking 'lophs,' and are believed to be adapted to a diet of hard fruits, seeds, and nuts.
Researchers found that feeling awe leads to a greater awareness of knowledge gaps and increased interest in science. In studies involving virtual reality videos, participants who experienced awe were more likely to seek out scientific information and visit science museums.
A team of German and Indonesian scientists has discovered 103 new species of Trigonopterus beetles in Sulawesi, Indonesia, with names inspired by Star Wars and Asterix characters. The study highlights the importance of international collaboration to uncover previously overlooked species in tropical regions.
Researchers propose using lichens to assess old-growth forest conservation value, offering a more nuanced approach to measuring biodiversity. This method, developed by Dr. Troy McMullin and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, uses suites of lichen species associated with old-growth areas to develop an index of ecological continuity.
A study of megalodon and its ancestor Carcharocles chubutensis found that the iconic shark's teeth took millions of years to evolve from three-pronged forks to broad, flat cutting tools. The transition was a slow process that occurred over 20-7.6 million years.
Researchers have uncovered three new species and subspecies of ancient mammals that once roamed the Cayman Islands. These mammals, including large rodents and a shrew-like creature, are believed to have gone extinct due to human arrival and introduced species.
The Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment journal publishes research on parasites hidden in museum specimens that can teach us about past and present diseases. A review reveals non-native species contribute to more plant and animal extinctions than native species.
Researchers used biomechanical modeling to determine that the Leptarctus primus skull is most similar to an American badger's, indicating a primarily carnivorous diet but also potential for omnivory. The study uses CT scans and virtual modeling to reconstruct feeding habits in extinct animals.
The collection of over 1,700 animal and plant specimens from Sir Charles Lyell's era provides insight into volcano formation and palaeontology. The data is now easily searchable for researchers worldwide.
A new study led by UCL and NHM found that bird skull shape is more influenced by shared ancestry and behavior than diet. Researchers tested 352 bird species, representing 159 out of 195 existing families, and discovered that birds who eat nectar or seeds exhibit the highest rate of cranial evolution.
A new UCL-led study has pinpointed the exact locations of two quarries in Wales that supplied the bluestones to Stonehenge. The discovery reveals how the stones were quarried and transported, challenging a popular theory about their transportation method.
Paleontologists discovered a new species of marsupial, Unnuakomys hutchisoni, which lived during the Late Cretaceous Period about 69 million years ago. The tiny creature, weighing less than an ounce, adapted to survive four months of winter darkness in the Arctic Circle.
A newly discovered species of marsupial, Unnuakomys hutchisoni, lived in Alaska's Arctic during the late Cretaceous Period, adding to the diversity of ancient life. The tiny animal, about thumb-sized, survived on insects and plants, and was found among a unique variety of dinosaurs and other animals.
A multidisciplinary team from Northwestern University has diagnosed metal soaps as the cause of destructive pimple-like protrusions in precious works of art. The tool enables researchers to monitor and understand what conditions make the protrusions grow, shrink or erupt.
The Art Institute of Chicago has made significant new research on five terracotta sculptures from the 12th to 15th centuries, confirming they were created as a group and date back over 800 years. The use of CT scanning and thermoluminescence testing revealed exceptional craftsmanship and uniqueness among the sculptures.
Computer scientists and conservators collaborate to preserve software- and time-based art using traditional conservation principles. The Guggenheim Museum's CCBA initiative has successfully restored artworks like Shu Lea Cheang's Brandon and John F. Simon Jr.'s Unfolding Object.
Scientists sequenced DNA from nearly 200 rabbits spanning 150 years and found that modern rabbits in Australia, the UK, and France have acquired resistance to myxomatosis through cumulative genetic changes. The team also discovered that this resistance relies on multiple mutations of different genes.
Archaeologists used a portable X-ray fluorescence detector to analyze ceramic pieces from the Java Sea Shipwreck, pinning their origins to specific kiln sites in southeastern China. The findings reveal complex trade networks between Asia and Africa in the 12th and 13th centuries, challenging traditional Eurocentric views of globalization.
A new fossil discovery reveals the earliest known passerine bird with a finch-like beak, which suggests a diet of small hard seeds. The bird, Eofringillirostrum boudreauxi, lived in what is now Wyoming during the Early Eocene period.
Six new species of Ancistrus catfish with unique features such as tentacles and armor-like plates have been discovered in the Amazon rainforest. The findings highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect these creatures and their habitats from threats like habitat destruction, deforestation, and gold mining.
A University of Oklahoma astrophysicist is using a new algorithm to model the early stages of planetary system formation and the impact of nearby stars on planets in binary systems. This research will be integrated into Oklahoma classrooms through the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
A team of researchers discovered that North American flying squirrels fluoresce pink under ultraviolet light, with the purpose still unknown. The discovery was made possible by a graduate student who helped develop a protocol to further investigate the phenomenon.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History announces a new Climate Change exhibit featuring multimedia displays, interactive stations, and real-time ocean monitoring data. The exhibit aims to educate visitors about the global impacts of climate change and provide solutions for reducing fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers from OU and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History are addressing the challenges of curating ancient biomolecules. The team is working toward the development and dissemination of best practices for museums in this field.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of fossilized shark teeth, Galagadon nordquistae, in the same rock as SUE the T. rex. The small shark lived in freshwater rivers and had distinctive shaped teeth similar to spaceships from the video game Galaga.
A newly discovered species of freshwater shark, Galagadon nordquistae, has been found with tiny 'spaceship-shaped' teeth, adding to the fossil record of this family in the Cretaceous. The discovery provides new insights into ancient aquatic ecosystems and sheds light on the diversity of sharks and rays during that period.
The stomach contents of Basilosaurus isis suggest it preyed upon smaller whales like Dorudon atrox. Fish remains also indicate that the ancient whale actively hunted its prey rather than scavenging.
Researchers urge scientists to utilize massive open-access data resources to address global biodiversity issues and forecast plant life's impact on a human-dominated planet. Big data can help make timely diagnoses and prescribe treatment plans for the planet.
Fossilized newborns and egg shells found together in 130-million-year-old Lebanese amber provide the first direct evidence of how tiny insects hatched in deep time. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of the hatching mechanism used by modern green lacewings.
Researchers found that genetics and vocal behavior show distinct patterns in two desert populations, suggesting speciation is underway. The study's findings indicate that dialect differences might indeed be indicative of new species.
Students from 28 schools and four countries contribute to a large-scale camera-trap study, collecting thousands of images of 83 native mammal species, including 12 threatened or endangered ones. The students' data is comparable to that of adult citizen scientists and professional researchers in nearby protected areas.
A UK-wide consortium led by the John Innes Centre aims to enhance surveillance and response to Xylella fastidiosa, a devastating bacterial plant pathogen. The £4.85m BRIGIT programme will improve diagnosis and detection methods, identify potential factors for its spread, and prepare to minimize its impact on the UK.
Scientists have discovered an ancient whale that lacked teeth and baleen, revealing a surprising intermediate step in the evolution of this innovative feeding strategy. The newly described fossil, Maiabalaena nesbittae, lived about 33 million years ago and likely had strong cheeks and a retractable tongue.
RePaint uses a combination of 3D printing and deep learning to authentically recreate paintings, regardless of lighting conditions. The system was tested on oil paintings and found to be more than four times more accurate than state-of-the-art physical models.
An Austrian-Danish research team discovered 44 new species of twirler moths in Europe, including 22 previously unknown species. The discovery highlights the need for further research into insect biology to identify their conservation status and preservation efforts.
A reconciliation ceremony between the Kwaio community and Australian scientists has set a foundation for peace, collaborative research, and healing of historical trauma. The partnership, which began in 2015, involves the protection of Kwaio land for research and conservation entities, emphasizing local cultural processes.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Children's Museum of Houston are exploring ways to create popular programs that engage children and parents in STEM fields. The program, called Teaching Together-STEM, aims to motivate parents to help their children become interested in science and math. The study will in...
Researchers found that female birds-of-paradise prioritize a combination of characteristics, including the number of colors on a male's plumage and his singing ability. The study also revealed that males who display on the ground have more dance moves than those in trees or forest understories.
Research highlights creative uses of biological collections to understand global change, including study of microbial diversity from museum specimens. Biological collections are threatened by digitization and destruction, but preserving them is essential for unlocking their hidden data and understanding the history of life on Earth.
Researchers have discovered a 31-km wide meteorite impact crater buried beneath the ice-sheet in northern Greenland, with evidence suggesting it formed after ice began to cover the region. The crater's well-preserved condition indicates it may be relatively young, with possible dating as recent as 12,000 years ago.
Analysis of ancient DNA from an extinct Jamaican monkey named Xenothrix has revealed its surprising connection to South America's titi monkeys. The study shows that island colonization can dramatically impact animal evolution, leading to unique characteristics like slow movement and few teeth.
A new study reveals that early access to high-prestige networks is key to an artist's success, with quality determined by display venues and art history ties rather than work itself. Researchers found a dense community of European and North American institutions exchanging artworks within their own high-prestige circles.
A team of scientists used CT imaging to identify a new Panamanian species of thorn snail, Carychium panamaense. The study revealed details about the snail's shell and its potential for conservation.
Researchers at Yale University discovered that birds inherited their egg color from non-avian dinosaur ancestors that laid eggs in fully or partially open nests. The findings suggest that egg colors evolved to camouflage eggs from predators and parasites.
Researchers at Washington State University have uncovered evidence of ancient tobacco smoking in the interior Pacific Northwest dating back over 1,200 years. The study's findings challenge long-held views on the region's pre-contact smoking practices and highlight the sophistication of indigenous cultures in managing plants and animals.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has announced the construction of a public museum dedicated to vision and eye health in San Francisco. The $12 million project will feature immersive exhibits, virtual reality headsets, and interactive screens showcasing the history of ophthalmology and its latest innovations.
A new study maps high-probability hot-spots for human-bear conflicts, helping wildlife managers mitigate mortality as bears expand their ranges. Conservation efforts in the Great Basin have led to an increase in bear population and geography, resulting in conflicts with humans.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has unveiled a free virtual reality app allowing users to explore the Dinaledi Chamber, where famous ancient human fossils were discovered. The app provides global access to researchers, students, and amateur explorers to experience this unique site.
A field study found that exposure to eyes increases donations by an average of $0.01 per patron, with a significant increase of $12 per week. The presence of eyes enhances people's reputational concern and motivates self-presentational behaviors.
A new study on Samuel Morton's 19th-century skull collection found that while Morton accurately measured brain size, his conclusions on racial intelligence were based on racist biases. The analysis of handwritten documentation revealed systematic underestimations of African cranial capacity due to inconsistent data collection methods.
A large-scale study using camera trap images from hundreds of citizen scientists reveals that suburban areas have a higher variety of mammal species than expected. The researchers found that some mammals, such as coyotes and bobcats, are adapting to urban environments, while others, like bears, are still found in nearby exurban areas.
The Image Permanence Institute will study the recovery of modern museum inkjet print collections affected by water disasters through freezing and freeze drying methods. The three-year project aims to determine if these methods are safe and effective for recovering damaged inkjet prints.
A catastrophic fire at Brazil's National Museum destroyed biodiversity and cultural artifacts, highlighting the need for improved museum infrastructure. Scientists are now calling on governments to safeguard collections before suffering further losses.
A new digital platform DIME has been launched in Denmark to register and make accessible the growing number of metal detector finds. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between amateur archaeologists and museums, allowing for a broader sharing of knowledge and promoting democratic cultural heritage management.
Researchers estimate only 3-4% of recorded fossil locations are documented in published literature, highlighting the need for museums to invest in digital preservation. The EPICC database compiles marine invertebrate fossils from the eastern Pacific, providing a vast resource for scientists.
A new plant species, Thismia kobensis, has been identified from a preserved specimen in a Japanese museum. The discovery suggests that this species may be extinct, as it was reported as extinct by Hyogo prefecture in 2010.
The study reveals 21 new parasitoid wasp species, updating the genus count to 27 and providing a systematic revision. The wasps' unique characteristics, such as large size and vivid coloration, suggest they likely parasitize orthopterans like grasshoppers and crickets.
Researchers will develop AR experiences varying in visual immersion and interactivity to understand their impact on learning and engagement. The project aims to dispel misconceptions using AR to provide additional information about the Tar Pits' history and discoveries.
Researchers sequenced eggplant and wild relative plastomes, finding a single event led to two lineages: one in Africa and the other in Asia. This dispersal resulted in the current wide distribution of eggplant relatives across Africa, linked to African elephant and impala seed dispersal.
Biological anthropologists from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered three previously unknown ancient primates in San Diego County. The fossils date back 42 million to 46 million years, with estimated weights ranging from 113 to 796 grams.