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.
Researchers have discovered ancient domesticated caprines at Leopard Cave in Namibia, dated to the end of the first millennium BC. The findings provide new insights into the origins of domestication and herding practices in southern Africa.
Archaeologists and engineers at the University of Southampton are using advanced X-ray imaging technology to study Roman coins. The technique allows for non-invasive examination and identification of coins, which can also be used to read inscriptions and depict emperors' faces.
Archaeologists are uncovering the secrets of a mass sacrifice of over 200 warriors in a bog near Alken, Denmark. The dig aims to clarify the circumstances behind the ritual sacrifice and analyze the remains to shed light on the Iron Age culture.
A new species of phorid fly has been discovered, belonging to a family known for 'decapitating' ants. The tiny fly, Euryplatea nanaknihali, is 15 times smaller than a house fly and feeds on the heads of small ant species.
A three-year $900,000 grant was awarded to Drs. Brian Brown and Art Borkent to inventory all species of flies living in a 100x200 meter area in Costa Rica, estimated to discover at least 3,000 new species. This project aims to better understand the importance of insects in ecosystems and gauge the impact of habitat change.
Scientists are using hindcasting to develop more accurate models of ecosystem changes, leveraging UC Berkeley's vast museum collections to study past episodes of global change. This will inform policy-making and forecasting tools for the future.
The 37-million-year-old Afrasia fossil closely resembles Afrotarsius libycus, indicating that early anthropoids colonized Africa shortly before these animals lived. This discovery supports the idea that Asian anthropoids are the source of earliest human ancestors.
Researchers developed two collaborative games to teach phylogeny, a tree diagram representing evolutionary history. Phylo-Genie improved student scores on post-tests compared to pen-and-paper exercises, while Build-a-Tree demonstrated active prolonged engagement in informal museum settings.
A new doctoral dissertation published in Nature sheds light on the dynamics of the earth and crust formation before 3 billion years ago, revealing a significant shift in the Earth's dynamics. This new understanding has significant implications for future climate change.
A new study suggests that shifting exchange networks were instrumental in prompting the 'Maya collapse', with evidence pointing to a decline in inland centers and rise of coastal trade networks. Researchers used social network analysis to map obsidian transportation routes, revealing changes in trade patterns over time.
Scientists have found a 60-million-year-old giant turtle with a shell measuring 172 centimeters long, making it one of the largest turtles ever discovered. The turtle's massive size allowed it to thrive in its ecosystem, where other giant reptiles like snakes also existed.
A $373,256 grant will be used to re-curate and modernize the West Virginia Biological Survey Museum, which houses over 21,000 specimens. The project aims to preserve the nation's largest museum collection of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles from West Virginia.
UC Riverside scholars use cutting-edge technology to solve art historical problems, exploring the use of facial recognition in identifying centuries-old portraits. They aim to restore identities of subjects with sold portraits, shedding light on European political and religious history.
Scientists have identified sections in the DNA of living beings as 'DNA barcodes' that differ among species, allowing for fast and accurate identification. The project aims to collect over 5,000 plant samples using these markers to monitor environmental effects and track species.
Research found that ammonites made homes in unique environments surrounding methane seeps, forming integral part of interwoven communities. Isotope analysis revealed that these ancient mollusks spent their whole lives in these ecosystems.
A 2,000-year-old study reveals that indigenous people in the Amazon savannas farmed sustainably without using fire, conserving soil nutrients and organic matter. This labor-intensive approach to farming could be a model for modern raised-field agriculture, reducing carbon emissions and providing food security.
Scientists have discovered the first evidence of Pre-Columbian sources of palygorskite for Maya Blue. Researchers established a link between contemporary indigenous knowledge and ancient mines in Mexico's northern Yucatan Peninsula.
An international group of scientists proposes a plan to describe 10 million species in less than 50 years, leveraging worldwide collections and technological advances. This mission aims to chart the biosphere and understand the origin, organization, and sustainability of biodiversity.
A new, pitch-black wasp species has been discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia, belonging to the digger wasp family. The species differs from all known related digger wasps due to its unusual body size and long, sickle-shaped jaws.
Scientists discovered a 3-4 million-year-old toothed whale species, Bohaskaia monodontoides, that lived in warm water regions and shared features with belugas and narwhals. The fossil skull found in Virginia suggests its modern relatives' Arctic adaptations evolved recently.
The Planet under Pressure conference brings together 2,500 specialists to present scientific knowledge on the planet's state and potential solutions. Public events at science centers and museums worldwide will take place concurrently, giving the public a snapshot of the planet's state and scientific concern.
Gene Kritsky will give the Entomology Founders' Memorial Award lecture at Entomology 2012, honoring Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Dr. Kritsky's research has significantly contributed to understanding periodical cicadas and apiculture.
Two new horned dinosaurs, Unescoceratops koppelhusae and Gryphoceratops morrisoni, have been named based on fossils found in Alberta, Canada. The discoveries fill gaps in the evolutionary history of small-bodied horned dinosaurs.
Scientists discovered 13,435- to 13,738-year-old marks on a Jefferson's Ground Sloth femur, indicating prehistoric humans hunted or scavenged the animal. The findings are the oldest evidence of human activity in Ohio and provide new insights into the lives of prehistoric Ohioans.
Researchers from Binghamton University and Cardiff University have discovered the floor of the world's oldest forest in a cover article in Nature. The ancient site, dating back 385 million years, provides new insights into modern-day forests and their impact on climate change.
A UCR graduate student's research has rewritten the history books on Maya women, showing they played a central role in society before colonialization. Patel discovered artifacts and relics that reveal priestess oracles, female deities, and religious rituals, highlighting women's lost status under Spanish rule.
Researchers have reconstructed the giant prehistoric New Zealand penguin, Kairuku, from two separate fossils, providing new insights into its body shape and uniqueness. The reconstruction reveals a slender body, long flippers, and short legs, standing around 4-feet-2 inches tall.
The earliest known horse, Sifrhippus sandae, evolved to become smaller over time as the planet warmed. Scientists have now found that rising temperatures directly drove this 'dwarfing' phenomenon, with a one-to-one shift in body size. This study has implications for how animals may respond to future climate change.
Scientists have discovered that early horses, such as Sifrhippus, shrunk in size during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum due to rising temperatures. This study provides evidence of a one-to-one relationship between temperature change and body size evolution.
A new study reveals a significant decline in the genetic diversity of alpine chipmunks in Yosemite National Park due to climate change. The species' geographic range has shifted to higher elevations over the past 90 years, resulting in fragmented and genetically impoverished populations.
Researchers use DNA barcoding to identify parasitic worms in canned food, ruling out contamination and ensuring kosher certification. The study's findings confirm that the food remains kosher despite the presence of roundworms.
A bizarre 'tulip-shaped' creature, Siphusauctum gregarium, has been discovered in the Canadian Rockies from Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale fossils. The unique filter feeding system challenges current knowledge of animal evolution.
Chris Austin discovered two new species of frogs in New Guinea, one of which is the smallest known vertebrate, challenging previous thought that extreme body size is associated with aquatic species. The tiny frog Paedophryne amauensis occupies a unique habitat niche in tropical rainforests.
A new species of liverwort, Frullania knightbridgei, is discovered in New Zealand and described using revolutionary electronic publishing rules. The publication accelerates scientific discovery and description of new plant species, crucial for understanding early land plant evolution and conserving biodiversity.
A new study by NHM entomologist Dr. Brian Brown and others reveals the tiny but deadly phorid fly poses a significant threat to North American beekeeping. The research sheds light on hive abandonment behaviors seen in Colony Collapse Disorder, potentially providing a partial explanation for these catastrophic losses.
Researchers at TUM develop process to build high-quality polymer networks with strong covalent bonds, resulting in stable and durable molecule carpets. The method eliminates weaving mistakes by correcting bad bonds during self-organization.
A mysterious line dividing two millipede species in northwest Tasmania reveals a 'border control' mechanism that surpasses human capabilities. The boundary is approximately 230 km long and meets at only one point, with the millipedes rarely entering each other's territory.
Researchers have found two new species of the miniaturized frog genus Paedophryne in southeastern New Guinea. The tiny frogs have reduced digit sizes and inhabit leaf litter, reflecting their adaptation to a unique food source.
A new study from Montana State University has uncovered enormous bones of the sauropod dinosaur Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, which is now recognized as North America's biggest dinosaur. The giant vertebrae and femur measured up to 100ft long and weighed over 70 tons.
Researchers found highly acute vision in Anomalocaris, rivalling that of modern insects and crustaceans. The giant marine predator's compound eyes were exceptionally preserved, with each eye containing over 16,000 lenses.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough using century-old brain samples to detect mental illness. The goal is to create a simple blood test for conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD, which could lead to faster diagnoses and improved patient care.
A new species of horned dinosaur named Spinops sternbergorum was discovered nearly 100 years after its initial discovery in southern Alberta, Canada. The animal lived approximately 76 million years ago and weighed around two tons, featuring a unique bony neck frill with long spikes.
The EUROTAST project brings together young researchers to study the transatlantic slave trade's history and impact. The four-year project will explore captives' origins in Africa and physical quality of life, with a focus on interdisciplinary research and public dissemination.
Researchers use ancient species distribution to identify areas where vegetation resisted glaciations, providing insights into plant conservation and evolution. The study highlights the importance of mountain ranges like the Hengduan in preserving relic flora.
The EU-funded project ViBRANT has leveraged electronic infrastructures to accelerate biodiversity discoveries. Researchers from 17 European institutions have shared historical and newly collected data, enabling new insights into biodiversity.
Scientists discovered a 3-4 million year old fossil of a whale rib with three tooth marks from a large shark, indicating the whale survived the attack. The whale's death may have been unrelated to its injury and infection.
A recent survey of Pacific sea turtles has identified 16 species of epibionts, including crabs and barnacles, that live on their shells. These organisms can cause drag and transmit disease, highlighting the importance of considering their impact on turtle health and ecology.
Students from three schools will use robotic submarines to map and monitor shipwrecks scuttled by Lord Cornwallis during the Battle of Yorktown. The project aims to conserve these historical sites and introduce students to advanced robotics and marine science.
Paleontologist Guillermo Rougier and his team have reported the discovery of two skulls from the first known mammal of the early Late Cretaceous period in South America. The fossils provide a complete picture of the skull for the group, including extremely long canine teeth and a narrow muzzle.
A team of experts used cutting-edge diagnostic tools to analyze the ancient Egyptian mummy, discovering that it was a child from a wealthy family during the Roman period. The scans also found evidence of embalming techniques and the brain, heart, and lungs being left in the body.
A new species of gall maker was discovered in the aphid genus Aleurodaphis in China's Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. The species, Aleurodaphis sinojackiae, forms leaf galls on Jack trees and has distinctive wax gland arrangements, shedding light on the unique characteristics of this plant lice.
A Glasgow nostalgia event is exploring the role of nostalgia in shaping individual and community identities through a 'Glasgow Schooldays Remembered' event. Participants will share school-day memories and create photo-essays about their past, with the goal of preserving and passing on memories.
A recent study revealed that three European parasitoid wasp 'species' are actually seasonal forms of a single species. The researchers used museum collections and targeted fieldwork to confirm the findings, which were further supported by DNA sequence data.
A reconstruction based on the skull of Norway's best-preserved Stone Age skeleton, Viste Boy, has been scientifically rebuilt to study features of a boy who lived outside Stavanger 7,500 years ago. The model reveals a strong and muscular individual with scaphocephaly, challenging earlier theories about his health.
Researchers have determined the evolutionary family tree for the Hawaiian honeycreeper bird family, revealing they evolved from Eurasian rosefinches. The study used genetic data from 28 bird species to identify the ancestors of the 19 remaining species, which are facing significant extinction threats.
A small fossil fragment at London's Natural History Museum has been identified as part of the world's largest toothed pterosaur, reaching a wingspan of up to 7 meters. The discovery provides insight into patterns of evolution among extinct groups and sheds light on why some species achieved giant sizes.
Scientists have developed a fast and reliable scientific test to authenticate the age and authenticity of priceless silk tapestries and treasures. The new method tracks time-related deterioration in silk protein, providing accurate measures of age within 50-100 years.
A new study using cutting-edge technology finds that Tyrannosaurus rex grew more quickly and reached significantly greater masses than previously estimated. The team calculated the body mass of five specimens, including the iconic SUE skeleton, which weighed over nine tons.
A living species of aquatic beetle, Helophorus sibiricus, was discovered in 20-million-year-old sediments in southern Siberia. The fossil provides new data on the average duration of an insect species and suggests that some species may survive for millions of years.
Scientists have found two ancient specimens of caddisfly in 100-million-year-old Burmese amber, providing the first record of the Psychomyiidae family in the fossil record. The discovery sheds light on the diversity of caddisflies during the Cretaceous Period.