Articles tagged with Museums
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.
Serguei Triapitsyn, an entomologist at UC Riverside, has discovered a new wasp species, Gonatocerus ucri, from the Russian Far East. The wasp is mostly brown in color and has long antennae and wings, with its host unknown but potentially beneficial insects.
Scientists have discovered new fossils showing that dinosaur predecessors were more widespread than thought after the mass extinction event. The findings suggest that archosaurs, a group including crocodiles and dinosaurs, diversified in Tanzania and Zambia before becoming more widely distributed.
A Canadian lynx, a carnivorous predator twice the size of a domestic cat, was found to have prowled the British countryside at the turn of the last century. The discovery provides evidence against a popular hypothesis that wild cats entered the country following the 1976 Wild Animals Act.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that Instagram users often upload many pictures from museums during visits, showing effort behind posts. The study indicates that smartphones have changed our way of sharing experiences, moving from physical documentation to digital sharing.
An audit of Australian millipede species records in two online databases found numerous errors, including duplicated records and incorrect locations. The study highlights the need for data aggregators like GBIF and ALA to collaborate with their providers to ensure accurate data publication.
The newly discovered Dahalokely tokana is an abelisauroid dinosaur that lived around 90 million years ago. Its fossils found in Madagascar preserve a mix of features from dinosaurs on both the island and the Indian subcontinent, sparking questions about its relationships to these ancient animals.
Researchers employ terahertz spectroscopy to uncover a hidden ancient Roman fresco beneath a 19th-century painting in the Louvre. This non-invasive technique may lead to wider application in art conservation and analysis of cultural artifacts.
Scientists analyzed patent medicines from the Henry Ford Museum collection to identify potentially toxic substances like arsenic, mercury and lead. The study found that some ingredients were actually healthy and mainstays in modern dietary supplements, while others posed significant health risks.
A team of specialists analyzed a 2,000-year-old bronze battering ram to shed light on how such an object was made in ancient times. The study found that the bronze alloy was composed of 87% copper, 6% tin, and 7% lead, with varying concentrations throughout the casting.
Historic records indicate a complex ritual system surrounding shark fishing and making gear from shark teeth. Researchers analyzed 120 ancient weapons, identifying eight shark species, including two previously unknown to the Gilbert Islands, now likely extinct.
The journal uses analytical chemistry, imaging, and mathematical modeling to analyze culturally important objects and buildings. The first papers in the inaugural issue discuss the analysis of a lost statue, ancient amber objects, and medieval coins.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History now features an interactive exhibit that showcases the evolutionary history of millions of species, allowing visitors to zoom and scroll through the Tree of Life. The DeepTree software and FloTree program enable users to explore evolutionary relationships and simulate evolution in action.
Researchers have found that sea snakes can rapidly evolve smaller heads to explore narrow burrows and avoid interbreeding with larger-headed ancestors. This process can lead to speciation and shape the population's size and appearance.
A study describes 9 new wasp species of the Paramblynotus genus from Africa and Madagascar, adding to the already rare Mayrellinid family. The discovery provides insights into the biology and ecology of these parasitoid wasps.
The Museum of Evolution at Uppsala University is digitizing Carl Thunberg's Japanese plants, made available for the world to study. The project will simplify access for researchers and promote democracy in botanical studies.
The American Chemical Society reveals that quartz-crystal skulls, once believed to be ancient relics, are actually post-Columbian fakes created in the 1860s. Experts used scientific instruments to expose their authenticity, tracing back to French dealer Eugène Boban who sparked public fascination with the fakes
A team led by Dr. Natalia Rybczynski has identified the first evidence for an extinct giant camel in Canada's High Arctic, dating back 3.4 million years. The discovery extends the range of camels in North America northward by 1,200 km and suggests a possible adaptation to polar environments.
A new study reveals slight declines in bee species in the northeastern US over a 140-year period, with only three species of bumble bees experiencing rapid population collapse. Other bee species, such as the oil bee, show more gradual declines or increases in proportion.
A new owl species has been discovered on the Indonesian island of Lombok, with a unique vocalization that distinguishes it from other owls. The species, named Otus jolandae, is endemic to Lombok and was confirmed through field work and comparisons to museum specimens.
Researchers from Carnegie Museum of Natural History joined an international collaboration to create the most complete picture yet of placental mammals' evolution. The study combined molecular and morphological data on over 83 species, revealing new insights into their ancestry and shedding light on extinct species.
A new study reconstructs the common ancestor of placental mammals using 'phylophenomics,' revealing they did not diversify into present-day lineages until after the K-Pg extinction event. The study combines genomic and phenomic data, visualizing a small, insect-eating animal as their common ancestor.
A new study recommends using air curtains and cooling layers to preserve China's Terracotta Warriors and other historic relics. The measures aim to prevent environmental degradation and protect the over 1,500 relics in large museums like the Qin Terracotta Museum, which attracts over 5 million visitors annually.
The Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts will facilitate interdisciplinary research partnerships in art studies and conservation, offering scientific tools and expertise to users across the country. The new center aims to accelerate discoveries by providing cutting-edge technological innovations.
A team of paleontologists has discovered a way to identify the sex of an ancient avian species, revealing that early birds began reproducing before they were fully grown. The study provides evidence for an important difference in when female avian species matured compared to modern birds.
Scientists re-examined a specimen stored in the Natural History Museum in London, which showed evidence of wild collection in northwestern Australia in 1901. The discovery challenges previous thinking about the species' recent distribution and offers insight into its possible ongoing presence in Australia.
Scientists studying a rare meteorite from the outer asteroid belt discovered it has a unique, diverse composition, shedding light on the asteroid's surface processes. The Sutter's Mill meteorite is an ideal sample for preparing cosmochemists for upcoming space missions.
A 44-member international team is conducting a comprehensive survey of fly species in a tropical cloud forest in eastern Costa Rica. The project aims to identify at least 3,000 new species and contribute to understanding complex ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Researchers uncover fossils of a previously unknown species, Nyasasaurus parringtoni, that is believed to be the earliest dinosaur or closest relative yet. The discovery pushes back the origins of dinosaur lineage by 10-15 million years and reveals characteristics common to early dinosaurs.
Paleontologists find varying evolutionary modes among morphological traits within fossil species, validating mosaic evolution. The study analyzes hundreds of sequences of fossil samples using model selection methods, revealing conflicting patterns of change.
After 121 years, researchers have correctly identified the 'grave robber' fossil as a unique branch in the evolutionary tree. The discovery pushes back the endpoint for the fossil's lineage by 45 million years and shows that this family of mammals survived the extinction event that marked the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.
A study found that it takes an average of 20.7 years for a newly collected species to be described, with some species taking up to 12 years. This long 'shelf life' poses a significant challenge for conservation efforts, which may come too late if not addressed promptly.
Researchers discovered uncommon features in Einstein's brain, which could explain his exceptional visuospatial and mathematical skills. The study found unusual characteristics in the prefrontal, somatosensory, and motor cortices.
Scientists discover ancient intermediate form of great white shark, which shows modern sharks descended from broad-toothed mako sharks. The discovery pushes the origin of great whites back 2 million years, challenging previous classifications.
Two fossils discovered in southwest Europe represent a new genus likely to be the oldest known members of the giant panda family. The fossils, dated to 11.6 million years ago, share characteristics with bears adapted to eating tough plant material like bamboo.
Researchers have revised the timeline of our solar system's formation using uranium and lead isotopes in primitive meteorites. The study reveals that chondrules formed during the first three million years, contrary to previous assumptions. This new understanding paints a more familiar picture of planetary system development.
The Climate and Urban Systems Partnership aims to educate Pittsburghers, New Yorkers, and other urbanites about how climate change will affect them. The partnership is developing city-specific educational programs about climate change in urban environments, including hands-on activities that connect with local organizations.
Researchers use atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique to create thin, transparent oxide films that protect silver surfaces from hydrogen sulfide, reducing the need for frequent polishing and coating applications. The new method has potential to preserve historically important artifacts without damaging them.
Researchers sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes from ancient Polynesian samples, revealing three individuals with no recent maternal ancestor in common. This suggests a diverse founding population and challenges previous theories about the pathways of great migration across the Pacific to New Zealand.
A fossilized graptolite has provided evidence that early organisms developed specialized roles and cooperated to construct their homes, much like modern builders. The ancient animals displayed complex structures, including slender branches and hourglasses, indicating an elaborate division of labor.
Researchers found that the northern map turtle population in Missouri has not recovered from a 50% decline caused by harvesting in the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of monitoring river turtles as indicators of water quality, which affects both humans and the environment.
A novel genetic study led by CU-Boulder postdoctoral researcher Jessica Metcalf has clarified the native diversity and distribution of cutthroat trout in Colorado, revealing a single surviving population outside its native range. The study also confirmed the extinction of two previously unknown cutthroat strains, including one from the...
Scientists at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility used X-ray analysis to identify a hitherto unknown degradation process at the interface between paint and varnish. The study found that the presence of lead-based siccative in the varnish led to the formation of anglesite, an opaque compound causing discoloration.
Researchers have discovered a small wasp that hunts and paralyses redback spiders, reducing their population. The Agenioideus nigricornis wasp, previously forgotten for over 200 years, is widespread across Australia and plays a crucial role in controlling the redback spider population.
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has passed an amendment allowing purely digital publications to meet its requirements. This change aims to speed the process of publishing biodiversity information, improve access, and reduce the 'taxonomic impediment' hindering cataloguing. The new rules open the door to e...
A group of Pyrgodesmidae millipedes previously unknown in Australia has been discovered on museum shelves. The study reveals dozens of native species across over 2000 km of eastern Australia's warm forests.
Two groups of blind cave fishes from Australia and Madagascar are each other's closest relatives, descending from a common ancestor separated by continental drift nearly 100 million years ago. The study identifies new species that add to existing biological evidence for the existence of Gondwana.
Scientists warn that the famous Swedish warship Vasa is deteriorating due to significant loss of strength in its wooden hull. The study found that the ship's wooden structure weakened by up to 80 percent, potentially threatening its preservation for future generations.
The American Chemical Society is honoring the 25th anniversary of National Chemistry Week with a symposium. The event aims to promote awareness of chemistry's value in everyday life through hands-on science events and demonstrations. The week-long celebration will feature presentations by prominent chemists, including ACS President Bas...
The invasive Ophiothela mirabilis has established populations in the Atlantic, threatening coral reefs near Brazilian and Caribbean ports. Its ability to clone itself increases its proliferating capacity and dispersal, altering the ecology of Atlantic coral reef habitats.