Articles tagged with Museums
The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded grants to University of Houston faculty members Rex Koontz and Julie Tolliver. Koontz will oversee a collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston to expand its digital archive of Latin American art, while Tolliver will complete her book on Francophone independence literatures.
A new study by the American Museum of Natural History estimates that there are approximately 18,000 bird species worldwide, nearly twice as many as previously thought. The researchers used a combination of morphology and genetic studies to highlight birds with separate evolutionary histories.
A new study describes an early marsupial relative called Didelphodon vorax with the strongest bite force of any mammal ever recorded. It had a powerful bite and could eat a variety of foods, including small dinosaurs.
A significant decline in trapdoor spider populations has been reported across southern Australia, with some areas showing almost complete absence of the species. The decline is linked to intensive land clearing and soil disturbance around their burrows.
American scientists have identified two new basslet species in the Caribbean, characterized by distinctive hourglass-shaped markings. The discoveries were made using a submersible to collect specimens from deep reefs and are part of the Smithsonian's Deep Reef Observation Project.
A new study reveals that ice age vertebrate species in the eastern US responded to glacial cycles and global warming in different ways. The research found that about 75% of animals expanded their populations, while 25% contracted, suggesting additional complexity in climate change impacts.
A new species of assassin flies has been discovered in South Africa, along with the redescription of its genus. The study, published in African Invertebrates, reveals seven species within the genus and establishes a new tribe, shedding light on the unique adaptations of these predatory insects.
Researchers use advanced techniques to confirm the ancient queen's identity, shedding new light on Egyptian mummification practices. The team's findings support the idea that the mummified legs belong to Queen Nefertari, a favorite wife of Pharaoh Ramses II.
Research challenges traditional views in insect evolution, finding that female orchid mantises increase in size and color to gain advantage over large pollinators. This study suggests female predation strategy led to the differing male and female ecologies in the orchid mantises.
Researchers have identified bitumen from the Middle East in a 7th century ship buried at Sutton Hoo in the UK, indicating a previously unknown trade route. The presence of this rare material suggests that it was deliberately included in the burial chamber, possibly as an ornamental or prestigious raw material.
Monash University scientists have uncovered evidence of how baleen whales evolved from biting prey with teeth to filtering using baleen. The discovery sheds light on the complex evolutionary change that led to the rise of filter-feeding in these massive creatures.
Researchers analyzed incubation rhythms of 32 monogamous shorebird species across 729 nests, finding significant within- and between-species diversity. The study suggests that the risk of egg loss from predators is a key factor determining incubation bout lengths, with cryptic nest behavior influencing this relationship.
A team of scientists found that corals in the genus Orbicella have high genetic diversity, allowing them to adapt to environmental changes. This discovery predicts their potential survival under future climate change, making them a key species for conservation efforts.
The IPERION CH project brings together European researchers and institutions to create a single infrastructure for scientific research on cultural heritage. The initiative provides access to high-quality scientific instruments, innovative equipment, and unique data, making it easier for researchers to advance their projects.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered three new bird species in African forests, challenging the idea of low evolutionary diversification. The study's findings highlight the importance of continued exploration and sampling to fully document avian biodiversity.
Researchers analyzed diamonds from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and University of British Columbia, gaining a rare look at the processes that led to Earth's crust formation. The study reveals an incredible 3-billion-year journey through tectonic collisions and volcanic eruptions.
A team of paleontologists discovered a 40-million-year-old sirenian fossil in a Spanish paving stone, providing insights into the evolution of ancient marine mammals. The 'Girona Sea Cow' is believed to be one of the oldest sea cow fossils found in Europe.
A genetic survey of nearly 450 jaguar scat samples found moderate levels of variation, with low diversity in Mexico and Honduras. The study suggests limited gene flow between Selva Maya and Honduran jaguars, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to reconnect populations and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Recent genomic study provides evidence that land bridges likely connected the Americas millions of years earlier than previously thought. Army ants were chosen for their unique biology, which allowed researchers to rule out aerial and aquatic dispersal when studying colonization of Central America.
A new study finds that bird-like dinosaurs were social animals, living and dying together in groups. The discovery of a rare bonebed in Mongolia highlights the increasing trend of gregariousness in dinosaurs and emphasizes the need to protect against fossil poaching.
Fossils previously thought to be generic carnivorans are identified as earliest known members of the beardog family, offering a clearer picture of the species' phylogeny. The research reveals that beardogs may have originated in parts of what is now the southwestern U.S.
Two species of fossil carnivores, Gustafsonia and Angelacrtocyon, were reclassified as early members of the beardog family. These tiny creatures lived 38-37 million years ago in Texas and had features that suggest they may have eaten plants in addition to meat
Scientists have discovered a 54 million-year-old fossilized biting midge in amber, revealing an unusual vesicular structure at the front edge of its wings. This structure was likely used by the female midge to collect and spray pheromones for attraction, unlike modern biting midges that use simpler methods.
Research finds yellow-bellied kingsnake has three subspecies with distinct habitats on each side of the Mississippi, challenging long-held biodiversity theory. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding ecological environments in shaping species diversity.
Researchers studied placodont teeth to understand how evolution shaped traits for survival. They found that despite predictions, later placodonts developed unique and complex teeth structures, possibly similar to early human molars.
A comprehensive study of Hawaii's mesophotic coral ecosystems has documented vast areas of 100% coral cover and extensive algal communities at depths of 50-90 meters. The findings reveal unique species not found on shallow reefs, with significant implications for conservation.
Astrophysicists propose that inspiraling white dwarfs could produce a type of explosion that matches Type Ia supernovae. The model suggests that resonance in the binary orbit of the stars causes rapid jumps in energy that can lead to detonation.
Scientists have discovered a new species of butterflyfish in the deep reefs of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting and exploring poorly explored marine ecosystems.
Researchers have identified a new snake species, the 'ghost snake,' in Madagascar's Ankarana National Park. The snake's pale grey coloration and distinct genetic profile set it apart from other cat-eyed snakes found in the region.
A rare small-bodied pterosaur, a flying reptile from the Late Cretaceous period, has been discovered in British Columbia, Canada. The specimen is unusual as most pterosaurs from this time were much larger, but this new discovery provides crucial information about the diversity and success of Late Cretaceous pterosaurs.
A UT study suggests that Lucy, the famous human ancestor fossil, died after falling from a tree while attempting to break her fall. The fracture patterns on her skeleton indicate a high-velocity impact consistent with a four-part proximal humerus fracture.
The American Ornithologists' Union has recognized 33 individuals with Elective Membership for their outstanding contributions to ornithology. The newly elected members represent the global ornithology community and have been selected by their peers for their significant achievements in advancing bird conservation.
A fossil discovered in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has revealed a new genus and species of dolphin, Arktocara yakataga, which lived in subarctic waters around 25 million years ago. The finding confirms that the South Asian river dolphin belongs to one of the oldest lineages of toothed whales still alive today.
Researchers at LMU Munich have sequenced mitochondrial DNA from museum specimens of rare deer species, refining the evolutionary history of cervids. The study identifies novel relationships among species, including confirmation of a second muntjac species in Borneo and polyphyletic genera in New World deer.
A study published in PLOS ONE identifies three new cryptic species within the Tegu lizard family, including subtle differences in leg scale morphology and substantial genetic divergence. The discovery may aid conservation efforts for these heavily exploited species.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the Southern tidewater goby, found only in three small lagoons in San Diego County, is a critically endangered new species. The goby has distinct morphological differences from its northern population, including fewer pectoral fin rays and more neuromasts.
Scientists have identified a new species of beaked whale using DNA analysis, with eight known specimens found across the Pacific Ocean. The new species is darker and smaller than the more common Baird's beaked whale, and its genetic differences suggest it represents a distinct species.
A team of researchers from the British Museum and University of Leicester has discovered new evidence in the Caribbean that reveals a complex interplay between early European colonizers and Native Americans. The findings, published in Antiquity, provide a nuanced understanding of cultural identity formation in the Americas.
A team of paleontologists, including Denver Museum of Nature & Science curator Dr. Tyler Lyson, has discovered that the earliest turtle shells were not for protection, but rather an adaptation for burrowing underground. The broadened ribs in early proto turtles allowed them to dig and escape harsh environments.
Researchers found that chorus frogs now form hybrids across a broader area of Louisiana and Mississippi, with the hybrid zone expanding over time. The study's use of 40-year-old tissue samples preserved at the LSU Museum of Natural Science highlights the importance of museum collections in understanding biodiversity and speciation.
Despite living in close proximity, Peregrine falcon pairs in Chicago remain monogamous through the years, with only one case of infidelity detected. Researchers used DNA testing and observations to study the birds' mating habits, contradicting initial assumptions about their behavior.
A comprehensive checklist of Amazonian tree species has been compiled, revealing over 11,676 known species and approximately 4,000 rare ones yet to be discovered. The analysis, which utilized digitized museum collections data, suggests that the search for new tree species will continue for three more centuries.
Dr. Guanyang Zhang and colleagues describe 24 new assassin bug species from over 10,000 specimens, shedding light on the insects' behavior and taxonomy. The discovery highlights the importance of natural history collections in uncovering new species.
A new study reveals prehistoric sea worm Oesia built tube-like dwellings on the sea floor, inhabited by a filter feeder with gills. The findings confirm Oesia as a primitive hemichordate and provide evidence of a distant common ancestor shared with vertebrates.
A new project aims to gather and communicate information on the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Gulf of Mexico biodiversity. Researchers will survey biodiversity at 15 locations twice a year for two years, comparing data with pre-oil-spill records.
The Oaxaca Cave Sleeper is a new genus of cavefish discovered in Mexico, marking the first time such a species has been found in the Western Hemisphere. With only 13 individuals documented, this species highlights the vulnerability of cave-adapted fish due to habitat loss and environmental threats.
A new study of the 37,000-year-old Deep Skull fossil has overturned long-held views about the early history of South-East Asia. The research finds that the remains likely belonged to an older woman and closely resemble Indigenous people of Borneo today, rather than Indigenous Australians.
Nine massive neck vertebrae discovered in Texas reveal new details about the giant sauropod Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, shedding light on its relationships and migration to southern North America. The fossils are permanently exhibited at Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Key fossil discoveries in Africa confirm the co-existence of multiple early human ancestor species between 3.8 and 3.3 million years ago. The new review outlines a diverse evolutionary past, raising questions about how ancient species shared resources and adapted to their environments.
Scientists have developed a new method to classify praying mantises by analyzing female genital characters. The research identified a new species from Madagascar and resurrected the genus Ilomantis, which was previously extinct. The discovery is significant as it sets a precedent for using female specimens in insect classification.
A new marine reptile fossil, Sclerocormus parviceps, challenges the idea of slow evolution. The ichthyosauriform had a short snout and whip-like tail, suggesting rapid diversification at the end of the Lower Triassic period.
The Bell Museum has launched the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas, providing public access to hundreds of thousands of plant and animal specimens. The Atlas serves critical needs like guiding field surveys, conservation planning, and enabling research on biodiversity in Minnesota.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Spiclypeus shipporum, has been identified in Montana, featuring sideways-protruding horns and unique bony spikes. The fossil discovery provides insights into the Late Cretaceous period's dinosaur diversity and highlights the importance of dietary specializations.
A new species of horned dinosaur, Spiclypeus shipporum, has been identified with a unique 'spiked shield' on its head frill. The dinosaur lived around 76 million years ago and showed signs of arthritis and bone infection.
Berroqueña stone, traditionally used in Madrid's monuments such as El Escorial and Puerta de Alcalá, is proposed for Global Heritage Stone Province status. This recognition would promote trade and employment in rural areas of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.
A doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania has identified a new species of fossil dog, Cynarctus wangi, found in Maryland. The specimen, dating back to 12 million years ago, represents a distinct species from the extinct subfamily Borophaginae.
A new film series by Sarah Betcher explores Alaskan indigenous uses of wild plants for food, medicine and construction materials. The 'Ties to Alaska's Wild Plants' project documents Iñupiat traditions and aims to preserve traditional knowledge in the face of climate change.
A study using a custom-built 'shark-eye' camera reveals that biofluorescence makes catsharks more visible to neighbors of the same species at depths where they live. The researchers found that the contrast of patterns on the biofluorescent sharks increases with depth, suggesting they may use it to communicate with one another.
Researchers found that young birds can produce mature flight strokes despite underdeveloped muscles and wings. Leg-wing cooperation enables juvenile birds to flap like adults, improving traction as they climb.
A new DNA analysis suggests that North American mammoths interbred more frequently than previously thought, blurring the lines between species. The study found that woolly and Columbian mammoths could produce fertile offspring, contradicting historical notions of separate species.