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 study of 9500-year-old bone samples found that people from western Norway were genetically similar to those east of the Baltic Sea in Russia, while eastern Scandinavians were more similar to central and western Europe. The discovery highlights multiple waves of migration to Scandinavia.
The study provides a comprehensive dataset of mammalian traits in the Atlantic Forest, expanding possibilities for zoological and ecological research. The data aims to draw attention to the region's importance and encourage conservation efforts, highlighting the crucial role small mammals play in the ecosystem.
A rare 200-million-year-old ichthyosaur specimen of the new species Wahlisaurus massarae has been discovered in a UK private collection. This fossil is only the second known example of this species, previously discovered by Dean Lomax in 2016.
A study mapping China's 30,000 flowering plant species reveals a significant East-West divide in evolutionary relationships and biodiversity. The research highlights the need for conservation efforts in densely populated eastern China to protect threatened plant species and their animals.
Researchers studying a new species of parasitoid wasp discovered it has a unique saw-like spine structure that allows it to break free from its host. The wasp, Dendrocerus scutellaris, is likely an endoparasitoid, feeding on live insects.
Researchers studied angiosperm genera in China, finding that eastern provinces have a 'museum' of ancient plants, while western provinces are an evolutionary cradle for herbaceous genera. The study suggests conservation efforts should focus on connecting nature reserves across provincial borders.
Researchers have discovered that brittle stars use thousands of light-sensitive cells in their skin to navigate complex environments. The team found these photoreceptors on the entire body surface and embedded them in the skin, challenging a long-held lens-based hypothesis.
A study covering 300 million years of evolutionary history found that only a few extinct animals developed tail weaponized features. The researchers identified four essential traits: large body size, armor, herbivory, and thoracic stiffness. These conditions are rarely seen in living animals, explaining the rarity of modern tail weaponry.
Researchers have identified 18 new species of pelican spiders in Madagascar, known for their unique biology and hunting behavior. The discovery sheds light on the island's biodiversity and emphasizes the need to conserve its shrinking forests and unique species.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of giant extinct burrowing bat in New Zealand, dating back to the Miocene era. The fossilized remains of Vulcanops jennyworthyae were found near St Bathans, with estimates suggesting it was three times the size of an average bat today.
A new study reveals that treeshrews defy two widely tested rules governing geographical variation within species: the island rule and Bergmann's rule. In contrast to predictions, treeshrew populations exhibit no size difference between mainland and island habitats.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that art training improved medical students' observation and diagnostic skills. The study involved 36 first-year medical students who received six 90-minute art observation sessions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, resulting in significantly improved observational skills and empathy.
A new ancient dolphin species, Urkudelphis chawpipacha, has been discovered in Ecuador, with a fossilized skull featuring distinctive facial features. The species is believed to be an ancestor of the nearly-extinct Platanistoidea, or river dolphin, and may have lived during the Oligocene era.
A new study published in Science Advances suggests that the emerging snake fungal disease could infect all snakes globally, regardless of their ancestry or habitats. The disease, caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiodiicola, primarily affects snakes' skin, leading to lesions and potentially deadly outcomes.
Scientists have discovered a 508-million-year-old sea predator with a unique 'jackknife' head, shedding light on the evolution of spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs. The fossil's anatomy reveals a complex apparatus of appendages and jaws that made it an efficient predator.
Researchers have identified a 3.5-million-year-old bear from the Canadian High Arctic with a sweet tooth, determined by cavities in its teeth. The bear, Protarctos abstrusus, was slightly smaller than a modern black bear and had a flatter head.
The removal of water from the Colorado River has led to a loss of unique ecological species, which are now at risk of extinction. Hybridization between the native species and those in the surrounding estuaries poses a significant threat to their survival.
Scientists discovered tick fossils trapped in amber, providing direct evidence of ticks parasitizing dinosaurs. The ticks were found attached to a dinosaur feather and offered the first direct fossil evidence of ticks feeding on dinosaurs.
A new study identifies nearly 50 shifts from nocturnal to daytime behavior in butterflies and moths, challenging previous assumptions about their activity patterns. The research suggests that the earliest ancestor of butterflies and moths flew during the day, contrary to earlier thought.
A new study reveals that extinct marine reptiles called sauropterygians evolved similar inner ear proportions to modern aquatic reptiles and mammals. The research found that nearshore sauropterygians had ears similar to those of crocodiles, while fully-aquatic plesiosaurs had ears similar to sea turtles.
Scientists have filled in key clues on the evolution of animals transitioning to aquatic life using a newly discovered reptile fossil. The study suggests that Vadasaurus, an ancient creature with features well-suited for aquatic life, is linked to modern New Zealand species and ancient sea-dwelling vertebrates.
A new study found that artwork created by artists experiencing personal unhappiness, particularly during bereavement, can experience a significant decrease in value. Paintings created in the year following a friend or relative's death saw a 35% drop in value compared to other works.
The discovery was made possible by DNA sequencing techniques, revealing differences in the number of tentacles, bell size, and stinging cells between the two species. The newly recognized species may have implications for understanding jellyfish blooms and their impact on Eastern oyster larvae.
Researchers from University of Toronto and Georgian National Museum discover 8,000-year-old wine production in ancient Middle East, dating back to early Neolithic period. The discovery confirms the use of domesticated grapes (Vitis vinifera) for winemaking, pushing back the origin of practice by 600-1,000 years.
A new study analyzing the jaws of the extinct otter Siamogale melilutra found that its jaw bones were six times sturdier than expected, indicating a strong bite force. The discovery suggests that the massive otter may have been a top predator in its time, crushing shells and bones of birds and small mammals.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is sequencing 25 new UK species genomes to aid conservation and understand biodiversity. The results will be made publicly available and lead to future studies on the UK's rich species richness.
A 6,000-year-old skull discovered in Papua New Guinea may be the oldest known record of a person killed in a tsunami. The skull was found with geological characteristics matching ancient tsunami activity, suggesting it could belong to the world's earliest known tsunami victim.
A new study suggests that standard ways of measuring well-being and sustainability in communities may be missing critical information, leading to missteps in management actions. The authors propose alternative approaches using indicators grounded in the values of a particular community.
A nearly complete skeleton of a 76-million-year-old tyrannosaur was discovered in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The fossil is believed to be an individual of the species Teratophoneus curriei, with a relatively short head and estimated length of 17-20 feet.
Scientists have discovered a new species of jellyfish, the bay nettle jelly (Chrysaora chesapeakei), in the Chesapeake Bay. These jellies are smaller and have fewer tentacles than their ocean cousins, highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems.
Researchers found the common ancestor of apes to be small, probably weighing around 12 pounds, contrary to previous suggestions. This discovery has implications for understanding the evolution of human family trees and behavior such as suspensory locomotion.
A new study has re-examined a 1970s-discovered ichthyosaur, Protoichthyosaurus, and found major differences in its forefin structure compared to Ichthyosaurus. The discovery of fake fins added to some specimens led to the recognition of a new species, Protoichthyosaurus applebyi.
Researchers have analyzed DNA of living and dead Lord Howe Island stick insects, confirming their species identity and increasing likelihood of successful reintroduction. The study highlights the importance of museum collections in taxonomic validation.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to confirm that Ball's Pyramid stick insects are the same species as Lord Howe Island's, making them officially resurrected. The discovery provides hope for reintroducing the insect into its native home on Lord Howe Island.
Scientists discovered a prehistoric squid's remains in the stomach of a nearly 200-million-year-old newborn ichthyosaur. The young ichthyosaur was around 70 cm long and had a complete set of bones, making it exceptionally well-preserved.
A newly identified prehistoric marine predator has shed light on the origins of ancient reptiles. The Melksham Monster, a 10-foot-long animal that lived in warm seas during the Middle Jurassic, reveals an early rise of these distant relatives.
A new study recounts the life and work of Hisako Koyama, a pioneering female solar observer who created detailed sunspot drawings for over 40 years. Her archive was used to establish a continuous record of sunspots stretching back to 1610, shedding light on the solar cycle and its influence on Earth.
Researchers finally found a giant, tree-dwelling rodent after years of searching in the Solomon Islands. The newly discovered species, Uromys vika, is approximately 4 times larger than black rats and can weigh up to 2.2 pounds.
Exceptionally preserved trilobite fossils reveal that at least two species evolved a stomach structure 20 million years earlier than thought. This discovery contradicts previous assumptions about trilobite digestive systems and evolution, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history.
Scientists identified Painted Rocksnail as a distinct species despite mistaken identity for over 100 years. New study confirms its restricted range and implications for conservation efforts are significant.
A new study reveals a clear relationship between the frontal bones and forebrain as well as parietal bones and midbrain in dinosaurs and birds. The research used CT scanning techniques to analyze embryos of lizards, alligators, and birds, confirming the link found in reptiles.
Przewalski's horses have shifted their diet from desert shrubs and leaves in winter to herbaceous plants at all seasons, unlike their ancestors in the past. This change occurred after humans expelled them from steppe communities and forced them into near-desert habitats.
A computer algorithm developed by ITMO University's programmers analyzes Instagram photos taken in Saint Petersburg to identify popular locations favored by residents. The results provide insider information for tourists, offering a more authentic experience.
A recent study calls for the expedited sampling and digitizing of Arctic specimens on an international scale to fill gaps in biological diversity. The goal is to develop a comprehensive and accessible collection that can be used by researchers, educators, and the public to tackle conservation problems and promote STEM education.
A team of researchers has recovered the location of a nova that was first spotted by Korean astrologers in 1437, providing evidence for a long-term life cycle with multiple stages. The study supports the idea that novae undergo smaller-scale eruptions after fading to obscurity for thousands of years.
A 132 million-year-old plesiosaur fossil was discovered in northern Germany and identified as a new species, Lagenanectes richterae. The ancient creature had a long neck, short jaws with specialized teeth, and internal channels for electroreceptors.
The Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs' Moveable Museum travels across rural Mongolia, offering engaging exhibits and workshops to promote paleontology and protect local fossils. The museum aims to inspire local kids to become paleontologists and support conservation efforts.
Researchers have identified three new species of porcupine fish, expanding our understanding of these unique creatures and their role in ancient ocean ecosystems. The discovery sheds light on the impact of the Isthmus of Panama's formation on tropical biodiversity.
Researchers found intentional engraving on human bone from Gough's Cave, indicating a multi-stage cannibalistic ritual. The zig-zagging cuts hold symbolic connotations and represent an early example of cannibalistic funerary behavior.
Researchers have discovered the oldest Asian fossil of a hesperornithiform, a group of diving birds that adapted to ocean life. The specimen, named Chupkaornis keraorum, provides new insights into the early evolution of these birds and their adaptation to marine environments.
A study of over 2,500 people found that higher light intensity leads to worse decisions and increased inconsistency in monetary gambles. Luminance also influences risk attitudes, with individuals more likely to avoid known risks on high-light days.
A new public database, Genomic Observatories Metadatabase (GeOMe), provides contextual information for genetic data, enabling researchers to track biodiversity across time and location. The database aids in comparing biodiversity worldwide and tracking its impact on the planet.
A newly discovered armored dinosaur genus exhibits countershading, suggesting it faced predation stress from meat-eating dinosaurs. The 18-foot-long Borealopelta markmitchelli had reddish-brown-pigmented skin with countershading across its body.
The project aims to understand the evolution of frog eyes using genomic, morphological, physiological, and spectrophotometric data. Researchers will study how differences in habitat affect eye development and function in frogs, providing insight into vision evolution across life history transitions.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that shotgun sequencing, a favored method for measuring microbial biodiversity, is not as accurate as once thought. Amplicon sequencing, on the other hand, revealed more than twice the number of phyla and 27% more families in water samples from Brazil's major river floodplain systems.
Researchers have revised the understanding of a large group of Neotropical 'club-tailed' scorpions, revealing two new genera and three new species. The findings provide insight into the evolution and classification of these ancient arthropods, which are among the oldest living terrestrial species on Earth.
A new species of troodontid theropod has been identified and named Albertavenator curriei in honour of renowned Canadian palaeontologist Dr. Philip J. Currie. The discovery was made by ROM scientists who compared the dinosaur's skull bones to those of its close relative Troodon.
A rare fossil of Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi has revealed the animal's complete skeleton, providing a clear idea of its anatomy and probable lifestyle. The species is thought to have been adapted for life on land, contradicting earlier assumptions that it was aquatic.
A new extinct species, 'Archaeoteleia astropulvis', a 100-million-year-old fossil wasp, has been named after David Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding extant fauna to interpret fossils.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults rely more on top-down processing when viewing Van Gogh's paintings, focusing on less noticeable features after hearing descriptions. In contrast, children initially focus on standout features before being influenced by prior knowledge, making their attention shift to more subtle details.