Articles tagged with Museums
A large-scale genome analysis reveals that birds did not evolve from a common ancestor as previously thought, but instead underwent multiple adaptations to diverse environments. The study's results challenge current classifications and provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of birds.
Some African frogs have a unique defense mechanism where they puncture their own skin with sharp bones in their toes, creating claws capable of wounding predators. This unusual trait is found in at least 11 species and may be used infrequently, only when threatened.
The Hopi community of Orayvi split in 1906 due to the corruption of their ceremonial system, which failed to integrate outside pressure. The community divided by household rather than clan lineage, resulting in the establishment of new villages within a short radius.
Researchers analyze sodium content of grains from the Semarkona meteorite, finding higher-than-expected levels that contradict previous models. The discovery suggests dust clouds were denser than thought, leading to a new understanding of the solar system's formation.
New research suggests two well-known crystal skulls, one in the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution, did not come from ancient Mexico. The British skull was made in 19th century Europe, while the American one was created shortly before it was bought in Mexico City in 1960.
Researchers discovered extensive deep-sea coral habitats off the coast of North Carolina, containing commercially valuable fish populations and many newly discovered species. The reefs are important habitats for several species and contain historical data about changing ocean climate and productivity.
Researchers at the American Museum of Natural History contributed to a study analyzing over 2,300 species in Madagascar to develop a more efficient conservation plan for the country's unique biodiversity. A new phylogenetic tree of multicellular animals has also been redrawn by comparing genetic data from diverse animal phyla.
A team of Israeli and Palestinian archaeologists, guided by UCLA and USC experts, has reached the first-ever agreement on the disposition of the region's archaeological heritage. The 39-point document proposes repatriation of artifacts to their original state, protection of cultural sites, and equal access for scholars and the public.
Researchers discovered that ants have been farming fungus for approximately 50 million years, with four distinct agricultural systems emerging over time. These findings shed light on the evolution of agriculture and could lead to improved human agricultural and medical methods.
Ornithologists have discovered a new bird species, Zosterops somadikartai, or Togian white-eye, in the Togian Islands of Indonesia. The species is believed to be endangered due to its limited range and numbers.
A team of archaeologists from the Field Museum and Shandong University have conducted a 13-year survey of southeastern Shandong Province using the regional settlement pattern survey method. This approach reveals the overall layout of settlements, providing insights into population density, trade, and other factors. The research sheds n...
Researchers from Wheaton College and The Field Museum discovered how the ancient Maya created the renowned blue pigment Maya Blue. They found that the pigment was produced through a ritual combination of indigo, palygorskite, and copal incense, which was then used in sacrificial ceremonies.
Researchers have identified a remarkably well-preserved fossil of the most primitive bat species known to date, Onychonycteris finneyi. The discovery reveals that bats evolved the ability to fly before developing echolocation, providing conclusive evidence for this evolutionary order.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, has been recognized for his efforts to popularize science and technology through various outreach initiatives. He will receive the AAAS Public Understanding of Science & Technology Award, which acknowledges his dynamic leadership in engaging the public in science.
Scientists unveil Velafrons coahuilensis, a massive duck-billed dinosaur from Mexico's Cerro del Pueblo Formation. The discovery provides valuable insights into the region's ecosystem and mass death events, challenging previous understanding of West America's Late Cretaceous history.
A team of researchers from Penn State, Naval Research Laboratory, and Smithsonian Institution used spectroscopic analysis to determine that all blue diamonds have a red phosphorescent component. This unique property allows for the identification of individual blue diamonds, distinguishing them from synthetic or altered stones.
A recent study by Smithsonian researchers reveals that natural blue diamonds exhibit phosphorescence with components of both blue and red light. The study's findings provide a unique 'fingerprint' for individual blue diamonds, enabling scientists to identify them.
The Integrated Marine Program and College Training (IMPACT) Project has been successful in preparing low-income, first-generation students for postsecondary education. With a 95% success rate, the program helps students prepare for college through hands-on activities, lectures, and computer-based training.
Researchers have pushed back the known use of cacao by 500 years, tracing it to fermented beverages made from sweet pulp and seeds between 1400 and 1100 B.C.E. This discovery sheds light on the early development of chocolate culture in the Americas.
Fossilized body imprints of three previously unknown, foot-long salamander-like critters have been found in 330 million-year-old rocks. The imprints provide rare information about the animals' webbed feet, skin proportions and outer skin characteristics.
Researchers from the University of Utah and California's Raymond M. Alf Museum have unearthed a new duck-billed dinosaur species, Gryposaurus monumentensis, in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The creature is estimated to have grown up to 30 feet long as an adult and had over 300 teeth embedded in its thick skull.
A new dinosaur species, Cerasinops hodgskissi, has been identified from a 80-million-year-old fossil found in Montana, sharing characteristics with Neo-ceratopsian dinosaurs in North America and Asia. The specimen, weighing 30-40 pounds and standing 3 feet tall, was discovered by Jack Horner and Brenda Chinnery in 1983.
A new study by American Museum of Natural History paleontologists reveals that velociraptor, a close relative of birds, had feathers. The discovery supports the idea that many dinosaurs were feathered, and challenges the common perception of velociraptors as scaly creatures.
A fossilized whale skeleton found on California's Año Nuevo Island is the youngest and most complete known example of a whale fall in North America. The 11- to 15-million-year-old skeleton was home to multiple mollusks, challenging previous theories that large whales were necessary for these deep-sea communities to thrive.
Archaeologist Julie M. Schablitsky is leading an exploratory excavation of the grounds on John Paul Jones' boyhood home in Kirkbean, Scotland. The project aims to identify possible locations of outbuildings and cisterns using remote sensing techniques.
Research at the Natural History Museum found that men's facial attractiveness in the past was linked to their jaw size, cheek flaring and eyebrow shape. The study discovered that shorter faces between the mouth and upper lip created a more attractive appearance to potential mates.
A recent study by the Smithsonian found that ancient Mexicans used seven different cultivars of chili peppers, similar to modern varieties, dating back to A.D. 500-1500.
Researchers report that much of Tahiti's original genetic diversity still exists in remnant populations, offering a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts. The study suggests that targeted measures may preserve a representative fraction of the island's endemic tree snail genetic diversity.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) honored several individuals and groups in 2007 for their significant contributions to the field of biology. The Distinguished Scientist Award was presented to Simon A. Levin, Princeton University, for his research on biodiversity loss and environmental protection.
Smithsonian researchers discovered that chili peppers were cultivated and traded as early as 6,000 years ago across the Americas, contributing significantly to our understanding of ancient agricultural practices. The findings provide a new window into the past, allowing researchers to trace the history of chili peppers in the Americas.
Researchers found a distinctive, arboreal rodent in Peru's Manu National Park with long dense fur and a blackish crest. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of Neotropical arboreal rodents.
A team of researchers from Yale University and other institutions have discovered two 56-million-year-old fossils, including the most primitive primate skeleton ever described. The study reconstructs the base of the primate family tree, providing evidence that plesiadapiforms are the most primitive primates.
Paleogenetic research requires well-preserved archeological material, but treatment and storage conditions can deteriorate DNA. A new study shows that treating fossils like biological samples during excavation and after improves DNA amplification rates.
Researchers from WCS discover Jackson's mongoose, a rare and poorly-known carnivore, in Matundu Forest, Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting nearby forests to conserve this unique species.
Scientists have deciphered the meaning behind mysterious faces on South Pacific artifacts, revealing that they may represent sea turtles. The research, published in the Cambridge Archaeological Journal, suggests that these ceramic portraits and wooden bowls display ideas about human origins and the divine.
Chris Austin, an LSU molecular genetics lab expert, discovered a new lizard species in Borneo through extensive field research and DNA analysis. The species was confirmed by comparing its genetic variations with closely related species.
A 250M year-old mass extinction event led to a profound ecological shift in the world's oceans. Simple marine ecosystems were largely displaced by complex ones, reflecting a rise in mobile organisms with higher metabolism. This change has continued ever since, with current human activities potentially reversing this trend.
Researchers found that Mexican immigrants in the Chicagoland area possess a wealth of artistic and networking assets contributing to economic activity and community cohesion. Their participation in cultural activities stimulates economic growth, particularly in the music industry and service sector.
A global study has found that pinpointing rare bird species isn't a reliable way to assume where other endangered animals occur. The research gathered data on 9,626 bird species, 4,104 mammal species, and 5,619 amphibian species to show that closer examination is needed for conservation efforts.
A pig-sized, tusked creature discovered in Eritrea represents a missing link between ancient elephants and their modern counterparts. The finding suggests that mastodons and elephants originated in Africa, contradicting previous theories that placed their origins in Europe and Asia.
The discovery of Bubalus cebuensis, a new species of dwarf water buffalo, provides insights into island dwarfing and the evolutionary development of ancient mammals. The species is believed to have evolved from a large-sized continental ancestor to dwarf size in the oceanic Philippines.
Researchers at NYU and Pratt Institute discovered the mechanism behind ultramarine blue's fading, revealing that framework breakage releases color-forming molecules. This finding will aid in developing art conservation techniques to preserve cultural heirlooms.
A new species of hoofed mammal, Hemihegetotherium trilobus, has been discovered in Bolivia with distinctive three-lobed lower molar teeth. The animal is believed to have lived around 13 million years ago and was part of the notoungulate group, which dominated South America before its extinction.
The German Southwest is home to numerous groundbreaking research projects, including the development of mini ECG devices, astronomical top research, and innovations in industrial manufacturing. These projects demonstrate the region's strong focus on R&D, with a unique blend of academia and industry collaboration.
Researchers found 100,000-year-old shells with holes bored into their centers in Israel and Algeria, suggesting that beadworking was widespread long before the explosion of modern culture in Europe. The discovery supports the idea that modern humans developed behaviors gradually instead of emerging later in Europe.
Rochester Institute of Technology and color scientist Roy Berns have developed a practical approach to eliminate subjective lighting decisions when imaging artwork. The five-year project will create an instrument to capture geometric and spectral information of artwork, using mathematical models to predict properties.
The discovery of Gansus yumenensis, a loon-like ancient bird, sheds light on the early history of modern birds. Fossils found in China suggest that aquatic environments played a crucial role in the evolution of birds.
Researchers have long wondered how Chaco rulers controlled outlying communities, but a new book suggests that the Southwestern skies played a crucial role in establishing a 'line-of-site' system. The book explores Chaco's economy, politics, and history, shedding light on the culture's architecture and settlement patterns.
Researchers found evidence of ancient fig domestication at Gilgal I site, suggesting humans selectively propagated a parthenocarpic mutant around 11,400 years ago. This marked the beginning of agriculture and a significant change in human history.
The bones of the 'Hobbit' were found to be inconsistent with evolutionary theory. Microcephaly, or small brain size, is now considered a plausible explanation for the discovery.
Scientists describe new genus of African monkey, Rungwecebus kipunji, after analyzing physical characteristics and molecular samples. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of monkeys in Africa and Eurasia.
A team of international scientists has discovered a new African monkey genus, Rungwecebus kipunji, through collaborative research. The species, found in Tanzania's high-altitude forests, exhibits distinct physical characteristics and is closely related to baboons, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its vulnerable...
An international team of scientists has discovered a new primate genus, Rungwecebus kipunji, through genetic analysis and collaboration. The discovery highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and undergraduate involvement in biodiversity studies.
The newly discovered Rungwecebus monkey is a distinct genus, marking the first new species since 1923. The critically endangered monkey's habitat faces severe logging threats, prompting calls for global protection.
The study introduced a new method for accurately mapping species distributions, leading to significant advancements in understanding population dynamics and habitat requirements. This innovation has crucial implications for effective conservation strategies, enabling scientists to target specific areas for protection.
A study of zoo lions across the US found that cold temperatures contribute significantly to mane length and density, with up to half of the variation attributed to temperature. The research suggests that lion manes may not be as genetically determined as previously thought.
The newly discovered Triceratops skull provides valuable insights into the dinosaur's growth patterns, suggesting that its horns and frill had a purpose beyond sexual display. The fossil, estimated to be around three years old, shows significant changes in the development of its frill and horn shape from juvenile to adult stages.
A team of researchers has discovered evidence of cultivated corn in southern Peru dating back to around 3,600-4,000 years ago, challenging long-held beliefs about the origins of agriculture in the region. The discovery, made using microfossil analysis, also highlights the potential of this technique as a new tool for archeologists.
A two-week expedition to Saba Bank Atoll in the Caribbean has discovered over a dozen new species of seaweeds, including commercially valuable ones, and recorded 200 fish species, compared to fewer than 50 before. The atoll's unique marine life makes it a prime candidate for designation as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).
Researchers identified a new dinosaur species, Guanlong wucaii, as the oldest known cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex, pre-dating its branch by about 100 million years. The discovery sheds light on early evolution and geographical distribution of tyrannosaur ancestors.