Articles tagged with Museums
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A newly-discovered fossil turtle, Eorhynchochelys sinensis, lived 228 million years ago with a beak but no shell. This find sheds light on the evolution of turtles and challenges traditional theories, supporting mosaic evolution and shedding new light on turtle ancestry.
Researchers from Kyoto University and ATR upgraded the interaction system for conversational android ERICA, giving her more dynamic speaking skills. The team focused on developing a system for 'attentive listening', allowing ERICA to engage in fluid dialogue with human subjects.
A Rutgers University-led study demonstrates that ordinary WiFi can be used to detect weapons, bombs, and explosive chemicals in bags at museums, stadiums, theme parks, schools, and other public venues. The system uses wireless signals to identify objects and materials, reducing security screening costs and manpower needed.
Researchers uncover evidence of prehistoric embalming process in ancient Egyptian mummy dating back to 3700-3500 BC. The 'recipe' contained antibacterial agents used in similar proportions as later Egyptian embalmers, revealing a wider geographical use of these balms.
A study using online citizen scientist observations and museum specimens predicts updated distribution ranges for the Northern black widow and Black purse-web spider. The models suggest that the purse-web spider's range may have shifted, while the black widow's range may have increased over time.
Researchers at the American Museum of Natural History have identified a unique enzyme responsible for the bioluminescence in Bermuda fireworms, which powers their dramatic mating display. The study also examines genes related to reproductive timing and changes in the animals' bodies before swarming events.
A team of paleontologists discovered dozens of hadrosaur and therizinosaur tracks in Denali National Park's lower Cantwell Formation, providing evidence that Alaska served as a gateway for dinosaur migration between Asia and North America during the Late Cretaceous period. The co-occurrence of these dinosaurs in Alaska challenges previ...
Researchers discovered a large bone belonging to the extinct marine mammal Paleoparadoxia, which lived in Japan and the western coast of North America 23-10 million years ago. The well-preserved fossil provides valuable insights into the locomotion of hind limbs.
Scientists are testing a NASA-coated material to reduce mercury vapor and other contaminants in the Smithsonian Institution's cultural artifacts and natural-science specimens. The Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) is being evaluated for its effectiveness in protecting the over 54-million collection items.
A new study reveals the largest dinosaur foot ever found, measuring nearly 1 meter wide, and confirms that brachiosaurs inhabited a huge area in North America. The discovery also sheds light on the range of sauropod dinosaurs during that time.
The newly discovered Akainacephalus species from Utah is found to be closely related to Asian ankylosaurids, contradicting the prevailing view of its North American origins. Its unique armor arrangement suggests a distinct provincialism in Laramidia during the Late Campanian stage.