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 large-scale investigation reveals that Early British farmers prioritized dairy products and abandoned fishing, adopting a new diet around 6,000 years ago. The study suggests that the hazardous North Atlantic waters made fish an unsuitable food source until new technologies arrived.
A new beetle genus and species was discovered by Dr. Stylianos Chatzimanolis, named after Charles Darwin, based on a specimen collected in Argentina in 1832. Only two specimens of the species, Darwinilus sedarisi, are known, and most of its habitat has been transformed into agricultural fields.
Human remains in museums are being reevaluated due to changing ethical views on body ownership and cultural appropriation. The author argues that curators have an obligation to return bones to their original communities for burial, citing case studies such as Charles Byrne's skeleton.
A new genus of rove beetles, Morphogenia, has been discovered in the Brazilian Amazon, featuring remarkable sexual dimorphism between males and females. The study highlights the vast number of species within this group, with over 9,000 known species, yet much still to be discovered about their ecology.
The discovery of well-preserved pelves and partial pelvic fin material in Tiktaalik roseae reveals that the evolution of hind legs began as enhanced fins. This challenges the existing theory that large, mobile hind appendages developed after vertebrates transitioned to land.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the clymene dolphin, a small marine mammal, arose through natural hybridization between two closely related dolphin species. The research provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution and highlights the importance of continued monitoring for this threatened species.
A team of researchers has identified more than 180 species of fish that exhibit biofluorescence, a phenomenon where organisms absorb and emit light of different colors. The study reveals the widespread distribution of biofluorescence across marine fish species, indicating its potential use in communication and mating.
International team uncovers first record of dinosaurs from Saudi Arabia, featuring a sauropod and carnivorous theropod species. The discovery sheds light on the region's rare dinosaur fossil record.
New fossils from Belgium have revealed the earliest known ancestor of modern carnivores, with species such as lions, tigers and bears tracing their ancestry to primitive carnivorous mammals. The new specimens, including over 250 teeth and ankle bones, provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these iconic animals.
A recent study by Royal Holloway and the Natural History Museum revealed thousands of pieces of plastic submerged in the Thames Estuary, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. The discovery highlights the vast amount of hidden waste flowing through London, with potential impacts on wildlife in seas that rivers feed into.
Researchers discovered 45 trepanation procedures on human remains in Peru's Andahuaylas caves dating back to AD 1000-1250. The ancient practice was used to treat various ailments and conditions, with varying techniques employed by practitioners.
A 1.4 million-year-old fossil hand bone from East Africa has revealed a modern human-like hand anatomy, bridging the evolutionary gap between humans and their nonhuman primate ancestors. The discovery indicates that early humans possessed dexterous hands capable of precise tool use.
A study by Linda Henkel found that participants had worse memory for objects and specific details when taking photos compared to observing them. Additionally, the data showed that zooming in on a specific detail with the camera preserved memory for the object, not just the focused area.
Female lemon sharks born in Bimini returned to give birth on the same island 15 years later, confirming natal philopatry. Local and international conservation efforts can make a significant impact in recovering coastal shark populations.
A partial skeleton of Paranthropus boisei, a human ancestor characterized by its 'robust' jaw and skull bones, has been found in Tanzania. The find suggests that the species was more ruggedly built than previously thought and had strong forearms and powerful upper body.
A new fossil species, Niassodon mfumukasi, has been discovered in Mozambique, providing new data on the evolution of ancient mammal relatives. The fossil, dated to approximately 256 million years ago, belongs to a group of synapsids that dominated land communities during the Late Permian period.
A new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Siats meekerorum, was the apex predator of its time, competing with small-bodied tyrannosaurs for top roles. The giant carcharodontosaur lived alongside tyrannosaurs and filled a gap in the fossil record during the Late Cretaceous period.
A new, 30-foot-long dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, revealing a key gap in the fossil record of large predatory dinosaurs in North America. The discovery indicates that carcharodontosaurs dominated the ecosystem for longer than previously thought, before tyrannosaurs took over.
Using CT scans, researchers created a non-destructive method to separate fossilized bones from surrounding sediment. They then printed the bones using a 3-D printer, producing an accurate replica that could be shared with other research facilities.
The InforMath Collaborative brings together university researchers and staff from local art and science museums to design new programs that connect visitors with mathematics in creative ways. The initiative aims to change the way communities perceive mathematics and establish a research center for informal mathematics learning.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest known big cat fossil, a 4-million-year-old skull of a new species called Panthera blytheae. The find challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of big cats and suggests they evolved in central Asia before spreading to other regions.
A newly discovered species of tyrannosaur, Lythronax argestes, has been unearthed in southern Utah and possesses unique features that challenge previous timelines. The study indicates that tyrannosaurs likely evolved in isolation on the continent of Laramidia.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is testing a new approach to improve access to digital texts by using crowd sourcing and online gaming. The project aims to enhance texts from the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL), which contains over 40 million pages of scanned texts.
A team of bat biologists shed new light on the Mortlock Islands flying fox, revealing its first detailed observations of wild populations and a wider geographic distribution than previously thought. The species is facing threats from rising ocean waters brought on by climate change, posing a serious risk to its habitat and food resources.
A team of researchers has identified a new species of humpback dolphin swimming in the waters off northern Australia. The study, published in Molecular Ecology, analyzed physical features and genetic data to determine that the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin includes at least four member species, one of which is completely new to science.
A high school student's discovery of a baby Parasaurolophus skeleton has revealed new insights into the growth and development of this unique herbivorous dinosaur. The nearly complete fossil measures six feet long and is estimated to be only a year old when it died, growing to an adult measuring nearly 25 feet in length.
Researchers estimate 16,000 tree species in Amazonia, with 227 dominant species having 50% of the region's tree population. This study provides valuable information for conservation efforts and further research.
A total of 116 species of jewel-like beetles have been identified in the genus Baconia, known for their brilliant coloration and flattened body forms. The new species were discovered through studies of museum collections and fieldwork, shedding light on a previously underappreciated group of clown beetles.
Researchers uncover a wide variety of malaria parasites in West African bats, including those closely related to rodent-infecting pathogens. The study reveals two bat-infecting parasites that made evolutionary jumps from rodents into bats and then likely back again.
The enigmatic spider species Progradungula otwayensis has a unique web-weaving behavior, using fine fibers to catch prey. Its habitat specificity is crucial for conservation efforts, as it relies on the microclimate of old myrtle beech trees.
A new study reveals a direct correlation between ancient reef abundance and decapod crustacean diversity. Modern reef decline may lead to a 50% decrease in crustacean species, affecting human food sources and marine ecosystems. The study's findings suggest that reefs promote the evolution of diverse crustacean populations.
Four new species of 'legless lizards' have been discovered in California, including the silver-bellied A. alexanderae and purple-bellied A. grinnelli, with the first species added to the state's list from one to five. The discoveries highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity and the need for further surveys.
The Field Museum is receiving a $115,000 grant to digitize 75,000 fern herbarium specimens from the Americas and digitally photograph 7,000 fossilized ferns from North America. This project will also provide training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate interns to participate in collection digitizing activities.
Researchers observed orangutans planning their travel direction up to a day in advance and communicating these plans through loud calls. The males used specific long calls to announce changes in travel direction and even predicted the direction better than random until the next day.
Archaeological evidence suggests human colonization of the Faroe Islands took place between the 4th to 6th centuries AD, contradicting the traditional Viking narrative. This finding has implications for understanding the colonization of similar island groups worldwide.
The discovery of the olinguito reveals that the world is not yet completely explored, with many species still unknown to science. The team's findings also highlight the critical need to protect the cloud forests of Ecuador and Colombia, which are under threat from human development.
The discovery of the olinguito is the first carnivore species to be found in the Western Hemisphere in over 35 years. The animal was discovered in cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador through a combination of DNA testing, museum specimens, and field expeditions.
A new analysis of ostriches suggests that sauropod neck flexibility was probably lower than previously estimated due to the impact of soft tissues like muscle and cartilage. This reduced flexibility may have restricted the range of foods these dinosaurs could reach, leading to more active foraging.
A new study published in Nature reveals that at least a few non-avian dinosaurs had brains as large or larger than those of Archaeopteryx, indicating they may have had the neurological hardwiring necessary for flight. This challenges the idea that Archaeopteryx was uniquely transitional between feathered dinosaurs and modern birds.
A new weevil genus, Thunbergapion, has been discovered in a 1.8mm specimen collected by Carl Peter Thunberg in the Cape Colony of the Dutch East India Company. The species is thought to be relict, with its populations now limited to South Africa.
Scientists describe a new species of Hero Shrew with an interlocking spine that may represent intermediate character states between other shrews. The new species possesses features that enable it to position itself between palm trunks and access beetle larvae, providing a unique adaptation for survival.
A new horned dinosaur species, Nasutoceratops titusi, has been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. The species features an unusually enlarged nose region and exceptionally long, curving horns, with possible functions including visual signals of dominance and mate attraction.
A new study by Dr. Jordan Mallon reveals that large plant-eating dinosaurs specialized in eating different types of vegetation to coexist successfully. The research, which analyzed nearly 100 dinosaur skulls, supports the concept of niche partitioning and provides insight into the ecological roles of these ancient creatures.
Scientists have used live insect colonies to determine the conditions under which insects formed fossil traces on ancient bones. The study, led by Anna R. Holden, reveals that submergence occurred during warm to hot weather, with a minimum of 17-20 weeks.
Scientists have discovered a new species of burying beetle, Nicrophorus efferens, in the Solomon Islands Archipelago. The species was found after six specimens were identified as possibly new by PhD student Tonya Mousseau during a visit to the Bishop Museum.
Consumers prefer appetizers served first when dining with others, as the beginning of the experience influences their overall judgment. This study highlights the importance of considering social context in consumption experiences, such as restaurants and museums.
Researchers at Smithsonian Institution and Natural History Museum confirmed the origins of remora fish's sucking disc as a modified dorsal fin through detailed study of larval stages. The findings suggest that small changes in fin development led to the formation of the disc, disproving previous theories.
The discovery of Archicebus achilles represents a significant milestone in the field of paleoanthropology. Found to be approximately 7 million years old, this ancient primate fossil sheds light on the evolutionary divergence between the lineage leading to modern monkeys, apes and humans, and that leading to living tarsiers.
The oldest known fossil primate skeleton, Archicebus achilles, was discovered in central China's Hubei Province. The 7-million-year-old skeleton is crucial in understanding the evolutionary divergence that led to modern monkeys, apes, and humans.
The discovery of Archicebus achilles, a 55-million-year-old primate fossil, provides insights into the early evolution of humans and apes. The tiny skeleton, weighing around 20-30 grams as an adult, suggests that the earliest primates were small, day-dwelling tree-climbers.
A nearly complete, articulated skeleton of a new tiny, tree-dwelling primate has been discovered in China, dating back 55 million years. The fossil, named Archicebus achilles, is one of the most primitive primate fossils ever documented and provides valuable insights into the evolution of primates.
Paleoanthropologist Russell Ciochon and colleagues discover a new species of plant-eating lizard, Barbaturex morrisoni, which lived in Southeast Asia 40 million years ago. The giant lizard was one of the largest of its kind, with some specimens reaching six feet in length.
The UC Riverside FACES project uses facial recognition technology to analyze portraits of historical figures, including Dante, Lorenzo de' Medici, and Shakespeare. The researchers aim to develop an algorithm that can accurately identify subjects despite variations in facial expressions, aging, and artistic styles.
Researchers have successfully re-created the long-lost colors of treasured ivory carvings from ancient Phoenicia, using a non-destructive testing technology. The findings shed new light on the artistic techniques used by Phoenician craftsmen and could be applied to other valuable objects, such as the Elgin Marbles.
A new study reveals a previously overlooked diversity of small dinosaurs, including the smallest known plant-eating dinosaur species from Canada. The research team identified Albertadromeus syntarsus as a speedy runner that lived in what is now southern Alberta during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 77 million years ago.
A new method of sourcing artefacts in high definition improves our understanding of past human behaviour. By matching artefacts to specific quarries at volcanoes, researchers can reconstruct spatial resolution and gain a deeper insight into cultural significance.
The Calbug project is a citizen science initiative that allows volunteers to transcribe handwritten field notes from over a million insect specimens. This collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley's Essig Museum of Entomology and Zooniverse aims to process the voluminous records stored in natural history museums worl...
A new study links rapid climate change in South Africa to surges in cultural innovation among early modern humans, with evidence of symbols and personal adornments. The research suggests that population growth fueled cultural changes through increased human interactions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Service Research found that 'hedonizing' a service can increase customers' propensity to choose a flat rate. Researchers discovered that companies can improve customer spending patterns by making services more enjoyable, without negatively affecting willingness to pay.
A new species of bone-headed dinosaur, Acrotholus audeti, has been identified from Alberta, Canada, representing the oldest known bone-headed dinosaur in North America. The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of small plant-eating dinosaurs.