Articles tagged with Museums
New fossil discoveries of over 300 million-year-old lampreys have upended the long-held theory on vertebrate origin, showing that ancient lamprey hatchlings were unlike their modern larvae counterparts. The findings suggest that extinct armored fishes might represent better candidates for the root of the vertebrate family tree.
A new study reveals that modern lamprey larvae are a relatively recent innovation, contrary to the long-held hypothesis. The fossil discoveries indicate that ancient lampreys resembled modern adult lampreys, with large eyes and toothed sucker mouths.
Researchers found a rib fragment of the Mount Holly mammoth, dating back 12,800 years, which overlaps with the arrival of early humans in the region. The discovery raises the possibility that humans may have seen or interacted with these animals.
A new study found that five strains of green algae consume live bacteria when hungry, but not dead ones. This behavior has large implications for the environmental study of green algae and may have been underestimated due to traditional methods used in research.
The study reveals that Plateosaurus trossingensis had a unique combination of features, with differences in characteristics attributed to natural variation between individuals and bone deformation during fossilization. The researchers found that there is no evidence for multiple species within the same genus.
The study documents the discovery of Purgatorius fossils, which are estimated to be 65.9 million years old, providing insight into primates' evolution and diversification after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. The findings suggest that primates likely emerged by the Late Cretaceous period and lived alongside large dinosaurs.
A team of researchers, including Graduate Center professor Stephen Chester, analyzed fossils of Purgatorius, the oldest genus in a group of early-known primates. The discovery provides insight into how life on land recovered after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs.
Researchers analyzed how Holocaust museums and monuments adapted their programs during the pandemic. They found that educators used social media tools, live streaming, and online discussions to preserve remembrance. The study suggests a new reality where digital memorials and online efforts complement physical trips to sacred sites.
The new Parasaurolophus skull reveals the structure of its iconic tube-shaped nasal passage, showing that the crest functions primarily as a sound resonator and visual display used to communicate within species. The discovery provides long-awaited answers about the evolution of this bizarre feature.
A 42-million-year-old partial skull discovered in West Texas sheds new light on the evolutionary history of caimans and their relationship with alligators. The fossil's braincase features suggest that it belonged to a caiman, contradicting earlier assumptions.
Scientists have found a new species of fleshy verdigris lichen, named Cora timucua, unique to North and Central Florida scrubland. The critically endangered lichen is considered possibly extinct, but researchers hope it may persist in undisturbed pockets of the state's dwindling pine scrub habitat.
Researchers describe a critically endangered bat species, Myotis nimbaensis, with bright-orange fur, found in the Nimba Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot. The discovery highlights the importance of sub-Saharan sky islands to bat diversity and conservation efforts.
Researchers have found that physical specimens of suspected wildlife hosts were rarely preserved, limiting our ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors recommend adopting vouchering practices and collaborating with museums to archive host specimens.
Researchers used micro-CT scanning and digital reconstructions to compare Tasmanian tiger and wolf skulls across development stages. The study reveals that Tasmanian tiger pups were more similar to wolf pups than other marsupials, with similarities established from newborns to adults.
Researchers have identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile, Paludirex vincenti, found in south eastern Queensland waterways millions of years ago. The species is estimated to be at least five metres long and was one of the top predators in Australia.
Biodiversity collections preserve specimens and capture microorganism communities, providing genetic clues for disease origin and understanding. The number of deposited specimens has declined dramatically since the late 1990s due to lack of museum requirements and open-data model.
Researchers found a non-destructive way to analyze bitumen in Ancient Egyptian embalming materials, providing insights into its origin and processing. The method revealed that a mummy in a French museum could have been partially restored with pure bitumen.
The newly discovered Carolina Sandhills Salamander boasts distinct genetic and physical traits, setting it apart from other two-lined salamander species. Its restricted range in the Sandhills region of North Carolina underscores the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.
Researchers found that biodiversity hotspots like the Amazon rainforest are formed through gradual accumulation of species over time, while coldspots provide more opportunities for rapid diversification. This study reveals a paradox in diversity formation, challenging previous assumptions.
A study published in Science finds that cold environments like deserts and mountaintops are more likely to host new species than tropical regions like the Amazon rainforest. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that diversity hotspots exist in warm, humid areas.
An international team of scientists has produced the first complete, species-level phylogeny of a major group of tropical birds known as suboscine passerines. The study used genetic markers scattered across the entire genome to describe the evolutionary history and create a framework for further questions about mechanisms that drive sp...
A team of researchers has rediscovered the Endodonta christenseni land snail, previously presumed extinct, on the remote Hawaiian island of Nihoa. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this species and its habitat from human disturbances and climate change.
Researchers used satellite-tracked buoys to simulate ancient ocean migrations. They found that the vast majority failed to reach the Ryukyu Islands due to adverse weather conditions, suggesting intentional navigation. The study provides evidence of Paleolithic people's bold exploration and migration.
The Imagining Futures project examines how cultural heritage and archives can enhance peace and prevent future conflict. The initiative will connect creators and institutions worldwide to co-create a new narrative, activating pasts and promoting co-existing memories.
African crested rats sequester plant toxins for chemical defense and form small family units, suggesting a monogamous lifestyle. The study provides insights into their social behavior and conservation implications.
A new study from the University of Bath and Natural History Museum found that dinosaurs were not declining in diversity at the time of their extinction. The researchers used statistical modelling to assess dinosaur family trees and found no evidence of decline, contradicting previous studies. If the asteroid impact hadn't occurred, din...
Scientists have discovered an extremely rare species of cymothoid, Elthusa splendida, from a museum shark specimen in the East China Sea. The find expands the species' range to almost opposite sides of the globe, with only five previously documented specimens.
A new species of Laoennea microsnail was discovered in a cave in Laos, with the species being 1.80 mm tall and named after Louis Renouard. The discovery highlights the importance of exploring biodiversity before it disappears, particularly in underexplored caves.
A team of researchers has discovered a new species of Polynesian sandpiper, the Prosobonia sauli, from fossilized bones found on Henderson Island. The bird is believed to have gone extinct soon after humans arrived on the island, which archaeologists estimate happened no earlier than the eleventh century.
Researchers discovered a new overlapping gene in SARS-CoV-2 that has the potential to encode a protein longer than expected by chance. The gene, ORF3d, has been independently identified and shown to elicit a strong antibody response in COVID-19 patients.
A new primate species, the Popa langur, has been discovered in central Myanmar, with only 200-250 individuals remaining due to habitat loss and hunting. Genetic analysis reveals it separated from known species around 1 million years ago.
The discovery of a new genus and species of albie, named Yaksha perettii, reveals that these tiny animals were sit-and-wait predators with a projectile firing of their tongue. This finds a whole new understanding of the entire lineage, providing insights into their hunting strategy.
The platypus fur exhibits biofluorescence under UV light, similar to other mammals like opossums and flying squirrels. Researchers discovered this phenomenon using museum specimens and propose it could aid these nocturnal animals in spotting each other.
Fossils found in Antarctica reveal the largest individuals of an extinct group of seabirds, which lived for up to 60 million years, dwarfing today's largest bird. The discovery sheds light on bird evolution and highlights the diversity of Antarctic birds during a warmer climate 50 million years ago.
Researchers are using fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging to map the distribution of compositional material in the Codex Cospi. The analysis aims to shed new light on the pictorial and technological practices developed by pre-Columbian artists.
The First Book of Breathing, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, was analyzed based on papyrus FMNH 31324. The composition was created through a careful exegetical process involving the selection and interweaving of Book of the Dead spells.
A new drill core analysis from the Smithsonian reveals a 400,000-year-old boom-bust landscape that drove early humans to abandon old tools, develop sophisticated technology, and broaden trade networks. The findings suggest climate variability was one of several environmental factors contributing to human adaptability.
A newly discovered gene in pyrosomes, an underwater colony of tiny animals, is believed to produce the organism's bioluminescence. The gene matches one used in biotechnology and has been found in other organisms that also glow.
A new display at Swansea University's Egypt Centre will showcase artefacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and other ancient civilizations to educate visitors about issues like identity, racism, and xenophobia. The exhibit aims to spark meaningful discussions on these topics, drawing from the rich material available in the ancient world.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a machine-learning model to predict how long individual visitors will engage with exhibits. The model achieved accurate predictions using only facial expressions and posture data, with better performance when visitors interacted with the exhibit for longer periods.
Researchers have verified the closest cousins of a semi-aquatic mouse thought to be extinct, including two new species discovered through DNA analysis and physical trait comparisons. The findings reveal that these mice are long-legged, use their whiskers to hunt aquatic insects, and have unusually large brains.
Researchers created the largest available timeline of reptile evolution using CT scans and fossil data from over 1,000 specimens. The study found that major transitions in evolution occurred through many small bursts of morphological changes over 50 million years, contradicting a widely held theory on rapid evolutionary bursts.
Birds with larger eyes are better adapted to dark environments, while those in agricultural settings often have smaller eyes. The study found that eye size is linked to habitat and foraging technique, suggesting it could help inform research on birds' sensitivity to bright environments.
The RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection is preserving a rare collection of Hebrew wood types used by the Jewish-American press at the turn of the 20th century. The collection includes sets from one of the longest-running Yiddish daily newspapers still in publication, The Forward.
Researchers found that species-rich sites can lead to biased measurements of biodiversity change. A systematic approach is needed to prevent such biases and ensure accurate conclusions. The study emphasizes the importance of choosing representative sampling sites to inform conservation efforts.
A new genus of mosasaur, Gnathomortis stadtmani, has been discovered with a formidable biteforce and transitional characteristics between earlier and later mosasaurs. The species is estimated to have swum in Colorado seas between 79-81 million years ago.
Researchers discover novel microfluidic reactor setup that mimics ancient underwater hydrothermal vents, allowing them to produce formic acid from CO2. The findings have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and green chemistry applications.
Research suggests that male butterflies use external mating plugs to enforce monogamy, while females counterattack by evolving larger or more complex organs to render the plugs ineffective. The study found no link between mating plugs and increased species diversity.
A new study reveals that American mastodons took frequent trips north when the climate changed, with northern populations being less genetically diverse and more at risk of extinction. The research suggests that examining how different species responded to climate change can provide valuable insights for modern conservation efforts.
A new study finds that reef-building corals are being driven to extinction by warmer, acidifying oceans, while softer-bodied relatives like sea anemones will adapt and thrive. The findings suggest a silver lining for the diversity of these animals, which may persist and diversify in the face of climate change.
The complete dinosaur skeleton of Scelidosaurus has been studied in detail, revealing new insights into its anatomy and relationships. The analysis suggests that Scelidosaurus was an early ancestor of ankylosaurs, a group of armored dinosaurs.
A new species of brittle star from the Cretaceous period has been identified as Ophiomitrella floorae, honoring Dutch metal vocalist Floor Jansen. The fossil was found in a shallow, warm sea that covered parts of present-day Netherlands during the Dinosaur Era.
A 480,000-year-old archaeological site in Sussex, England, has provided unprecedented insights into the life of a poorly understood human species. The site reveals that early humans engaged in cooperative activities and shared tools, suggesting highly social spaces for interaction and learning.
Researchers engineered a single-gene mutation in zebrafish, producing jawless mutants resembling ancient fish from the Silurian and Devonian Periods. The mutations allowed these modern fish to thrive despite their inability to close their jaws, revealing insights into developmental plasticity and evolutionary strategies.
A Purdue University startup has developed an augmented reality platform to help elementary students learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while collaborating remotely. The virtual STEM camp will provide hands-on challenges and projects for students aged 8-12.
Researchers analyzed lead white pigments on qeros, finding only three isotope signatures, two matching European lead paints, and one suggesting local manufacture in the Andes. This study provides new historical context for understanding the timeline and production of culturally significant items during the colonial period.
A new native Hawaiian land snail species has been discovered after a decade-long survey of the islands. The discovery brings a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, with scientists describing a small candy-striped snail that shows pronounced variation in coloring and is less than two-tenths of an inch long.
Research led by NC State University found that teen docents have a positive effect on visitors' experiences, learning, and information retention at informal learning sites. Children between 9 and 11 years old showed the largest impact, with higher information retention levels when interacting with a youth educator.
Researchers at McMaster University have traced the origins of old virus strains used as vaccination strains during the American Civil War, contributing to the eradication of smallpox. The study highlights the importance of understanding the history and evolution of viruses in vaccine development.
Researchers analyzed over 2,300 fossil bones and found over 400 marks left by insects and snails, shedding light on paleo diversity and climate of the Jurassic period. The high number of insect traces suggests that dinosaur carcasses remained unburied for an extended period, providing valuable insights into prehistoric stench.