Articles tagged with Museums
Researchers studied miniature frogs from the genus Brachycephalus and found that their small vestibular system prevents them from maintaining balance. The tiny frogs can jump but struggle to control their trajectory mid-leap.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University discovered charcoal remnants from olive trees at the Chalcolithic site of Tel Zaf, indicating intentional cultivation around 7,000 years ago. This marks the earliest evidence of domestication of a fruit tree worldwide.
A giant tortoise from the Fernandina Island species, believed extinct for over a century, has been confirmed alive through genetic sequencing. The discovery opens up new questions about its evolutionary relationship to other Galápagos tortoises and provides hope for conservation efforts.
The Gloucester, a warship that sank in 1682 while carrying James Stuart, has been discovered off the Norfolk coast. The wreck is significant due to its age and political context, offering insights into 17th-century social, maritime, and political history.
A new study by an international collaboration of researchers highlights the legacy of colonialism in scientific practice across the Caribbean archipelago. The authors outline systemic issues related to perceptions and scientific practice, but also describe positive steps being taken in countries like Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas.
The first international study of its kind assesses the status of all reptile species, revealing that at least 2,000 species are threatened with extinction. The study found that 50% of turtle and crocodile species face extinction threats, while 30% of forest-dwelling reptiles and 14% of arid area reptiles are in danger.
The collaboration between public and private organizations has led to innovative applications in tourism and culture sectors. Visitors can interact with a humanoid robot and solve puzzles using Meta Quest visors connected to the 5G network, exploring artworks and moving virtual objects.
A team of ornithologists revised a Romanian museum collection, uncovering rare species and updated taxonomy. The study provides valuable information on the status of avifauna in the Carpathian basin during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Researchers found that fruit bats use echolocation during the day despite having excellent vision, suggesting a combination of both senses for enhanced navigation. This study highlights the importance of integrating different senses, like humans using visual and auditory information when crossing streets.
Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.
Scientists have discovered six new species of frog in Mexico's forests, with one being the country's smallest, the 13mm-long Craugastor candelariensis. The newly discovered species are known as 'direct-developing' frogs, emerging from eggs as perfect miniature frogs.
The article suggests that zoos and museums can share data and specimens to improve our understanding of animal life history, behavior, and health. This collaboration could provide valuable insights into species decline, disease pathogenesis, and conservation efforts.
A new paper published in BioScience proposes increasing collaboration between zoos and natural history museums to gain insights into animal life histories and behaviors. By sharing data, institutions can better understand biodiversity and advance research and conservation efforts.
A new study published in Integrative Organismal Biology sheds light on the evolutionary history and anatomical variation of archerfishes, a group of fishes known for their ability to spit water from their mouths. Researchers found that all species can shoot, but there are differences among them.
A genome-based study reveals how Amazonian rivers contribute to bird biodiversity by isolating populations and sparking speciation. The research highlights previously unknown species at risk of extinction due to dynamic river systems.
Researchers sequenced DNA from hundreds of bryozoan specimens to study their evolution. They found that species with brooding chambers had higher diversity, as these structures confer a clear benefit to the parent colony.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed AI-enhanced museum exhibits that increased learning and engagement for elementary school-aged children. The intelligent exhibits featured a virtual assistant, NoRilla, which interacted with visitors, asking questions and guiding them through scientific challenges.
A comprehensive study of 8,000 birds in Israel found significant changes in bird morphology over the past 70 years, likely due to global warming. Some species became lighter while others gained size, increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio to facilitate heat loss.
A study using century-old museum collections and modern data shows that about a third of bird species in Chicago are laying eggs nearly a month earlier than they did a hundred years ago. Climate change is believed to be the main culprit behind this shift, with rising temperatures affecting nesting habits.
Researchers found that Spinosaurus and its close relative Baryonyx had dense bones that would have allowed them to submerge underwater to hunt. In contrast, Suchomimus had lighter bones that made swimming difficult, leading the team to conclude that these dinosaurs likely waded instead.
Research finds that people from different countries and backgrounds prefer original color compositions in paintings, even those they've never seen before. The study suggests a common biological basis for beauty perception, contradicting cultural background and education.
Teenagers involved in arts activities are less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour up to two years later. They also exhibit better self-control scores and view antisocial behaviour negatively.
A series of studies on endangered species near the China-Vietnam border highlights the urgent need for coordinated approaches to prevent biodiversity loss. Climate change is expected to significantly impact habitats and species distributions, emphasizing the importance of transboundary conservation measures.
A new bird species, Fregetta lineata, was discovered in New Caledonia and is believed to be critically endangered. With an estimated population of 100 to 1,000 pairs, the species is already threatened.
A study reveals that new bird species arise in lowland habitats before moving higher into mountainous areas, where genetic differences accumulate. The research suggests that climate fluctuations, particularly during the Pleistocene era, contributed to the evolution of these high-altitude populations.
The discovery of Hanyusuchus sinensis, an extinct crocodilian species, sheds light on the evolution of modern crocodilians and their role in ancient ecosystems. Human migration and hunting led to its extinction, which may have influenced ancient Chinese myths and characters.
A new species of vampyropod cephalopod has been discovered in a 328-million-year-old fossil, providing evidence that the common ancestor of octopuses and vampire squids had 10 arms. The find pushes back the age of Vampyropoda by nearly 82 million years.
Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and USC have created over a dozen scientifically accurate virtual models of Ice Age animals using augmented reality. The team hopes this will lead to better paleoart and more accurate reconstructions of extinct species, bringing respect to the field of paleoart.
A new analysis of human remains provides the earliest DNA from sub-Saharan Africa, outlining major demographic shifts between 80,000 and 20,000 years ago. The study reveals people moved and settled in other areas, developed alliances and networks to trade and share information.
A three-year project funded by the National Science Foundation will use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify fossil shark teeth, including those of the extinct megalodon. The program aims to increase interest in STEM careers among middle schoolers.
A new study found that algae in common lichens can't adapt to temperature changes as fast as the Earth is warming, putting them at risk of extinction. The researchers' analysis suggests it could take hundreds of thousands or millions of years for these algae to evolve and adapt to modern climate change.
Researchers have formally recognised Mambawakale ruhuhu as a distinct species, representing an early member of the crocodile evolutionary lineage. The fossil, discovered in the 1960s, features distinctive characteristics including a large skull and narrow lower jaw.
A new study led by Hank Woolley finds that incomplete fossils can contain reliable phylogenetic information, increasing the scientific value of all specimens housed in collections. This increases the ability to include more of Earth's extinct biodiversity as we continue to study the past.
Researchers compared microscopic inner ear structures of two main bat groups, revealing extra neurons and specialized ear structures that align with a split in bat evolution. This discovery provides the first physical evidence to support genetic data on the split of bats into two major groups.
A new study reveals anatomic differences in the inner ear structures of two major bat groups, influencing the evolution of diverse echolocation and foraging forms. The absence of Rosenthal's canal in Yangochiropterans allowed for unique behavioral adaptations.
A team of Australian and international scientists has discovered a valuable new fossil site in New South Wales, containing exceptional examples of fossils from the Miocene epoch. The site, named McGraths Flat, provides insights into the history of the Australian continent and its ecosystems.
A new study reveals significant bias in fossil data due to colonial influences, with high-income countries contributing 97% of research. Local researchers are often devalued, leading to unethical practices and mistrust.
The article highlights the importance of addressing systemic racism in forensic sciences by engaging with descendant communities and institutions. Forensic researchers advocate for repatriation and interment of remains collected without consent, emphasizing the need for uncomfortable conversations and criticism on issues related to race.
Researchers from Egypt used 3D CT scanning to 'digitally unwrap' the mummy of Pharaoh Amenhotep I, dispelling a theory that 21st dynasty restorers reused old royal burial equipment. The study revealed that the priests lovingly repaired injuries inflicted by tomb robbers and preserved the pharaoh's jewelry and amulets.
Researchers created detailed distribution map of glasswing butterflies, showing highest diversity at high elevations. The study highlights pressing need for conservation efforts in mountainous regions threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
The study of four Baroque-era paintings reveals that flax fibres from fabrics a few hundred years old have undergone more degradation than those from thousand-year-old Egyptian mortuary linens. The researchers used various high-resolution optical analysis methods to analyse the fibre structure without degrading the samples.
A new species of opossum, Marmosa adleri, was discovered in a tropical forest in Panama and named after UW Oshkosh biologist Greg Adler. The novel species has distinctive characteristics, including a very long tail, and is considered one of the smallest measured of its subgenus.
A team of researchers has discovered a new object orbiting a Sun-like star that was missed by previous searches. The object is estimated to be between 10 and 20 times the mass of Jupiter and is thought to be a large planet or a small brown dwarf.
The Natural History Museum's digital collection has been downloaded over 28 billion times, contributing to advancements in food security, biodiversity conservation and medicine discovery. The museum's digitisation efforts are expected to have a tenfold return on investment, with benefits exceeding £2 billion over 30 years.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have found a unique 2,700-year-old leather scale armor in Northwest China that originated in the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The armor's design and construction indicate a technology transfer between West and East during the first millennium BCE.
The study found that many museums struggled to adapt their in-person programs to online format, leading to decreased engagement and revenue. However, some institutions successfully transitioned to virtual programming, offering creative and engaging content for underserved audiences.
A new study reveals that mother bats teach their pups to navigate by carrying and dropping them off at specific trees, allowing the pup to learn through repetition. The study found that pups gradually expand their navigation circles, learning to fly independently and finding food sources on their own.
The study found that indoor bars, private parties, and nightclubs were high-risk places for transmitting the Delta variant, with men being more susceptible. Previous infection conferred a 95% protective effect, while two doses of mRNA vaccines provided 67% protection against symptomatic infection.
A new marine reptile fossil from 130-million-year-old rocks in Colombia has revealed a unique dentition allowing it to eat large prey. The discovery clarifies the evolutionary tree of ichthyosaurs and tests new ideas on their evolution.
Researchers reconstruct Land of Israel climate at end of last ice age using plant remains, revealing significant temperature and precipitation differences that impacted the transition from hunter-gatherer to settled agricultural societies. The study provides insights into the region's flora and its response to past climate change.
The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute is upgrading its storage facilities to safeguard its massive mammal specimen collection. The $646,000 project will replace old wooden cabinets with modern stainless steel cases and aluminum drawers, ensuring the long-term preservation of over 279,000 specimens dating back to 1866.
Researchers used a new X-ray technique to identify substances quietly eating away at the Mary Rose's timbers, contributing to its decay. The technique, developed by Kirsten Marie Ørnsbjerg Jensen, allows for better preservation of cultural artefacts and archaeological relics.
A new study reveals that marine species in the Mediterranean are migrating tens of meters deeper to survive warmer temperatures. The research found that cold-water species deepen significantly more than warm-water species, with an average depth increase of 55 meters across the region.
A new genus and species of iguanodontian dinosaur, Brighstoneus simmondsi, has been discovered on the Isle of Wight. The herbivorous dinosaur is estimated to be around 8 meters in length and weigh 900kg.
Researchers discovered that sauropod dinosaurs had simple teeth despite being herbivores, with fast tooth replacement rates allowing them to eat a variety of plants. This unique adaptation allowed them to thrive alongside other plant-eaters without the need for complex teeth.
Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.
Researchers analyzed tree rings from Batavia's hull timbers to understand the VOC's 17th-century shipbuilding materials and global trade strategies. The study found that the Dutch successfully coped with timber shortages by diversifying sources.
Researchers discovered that a saber-toothed cat with congenital hip dysplasia was able to survive to adulthood due to likely social support. The study used 3D imaging to analyze the internal structure of the pelvis and femur bone, overturning previous interpretations of its death.
Twenty-five non-profits in East Tennessee have received $150,000 grants from UT-Battelle to support community programs. The grants will help fund initiatives in categories such as civic engagement, economic development, and STEM education.
A new study led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the extinct ground sloth Mylodon was an omnivore, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers analyzed amino acid nitrogen values in fossil samples to determine their diet, finding evidence of meat consumption.