Articles tagged with Museums
Scientists with the Smithsonian have documented a new species of bird, the Spectacled Flowerpecker, which is distinct from other flowerpeckers. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity in Borneo's forests and underscores the importance of conserving these ecosystems.
Archaeologists have analyzed King Apries I's palace fragments and found two unknown pigments: lead-antimonate yellow and lead-tin yellow. These naturally occurring mineral pigments were used in European paintings from the Middle Ages onwards, but their use in Antiquity has hitherto been unknown.
Researchers at the University of Washington have confirmed that piranhas and pacus lose and regrow all teeth on one side of their face multiple times throughout their lives. This unique system allows them to distribute stress over their teeth, enabling efficient chewing and potentially justifying the loss of a full set of teeth.
An international team is working to develop an ethical framework for ancient DNA research, incorporating diverse voices and expertise from Indigenous communities. The project aims to foster better collaboration and address concerns around the use of human genetic material.
A recent study published in Open Archaeology reveals that Tholos A at Apesokari, a Bronze Age circular tomb on Crete, was deliberately placed to control parcels of land and increase visibility from a specific path. The article's use of GIS analysis sheds new light on the role of burial sites and mortuary practices in Prepalatial Crete.
Researchers have discovered a new species of ten-foot-long crocodile in New Guinea, separated from another by the island's mountain range. The species, Crocodylus halli, was named after Philip Hall, who first investigated the reptile's lineage.
Scientists have discovered a 62-million-year-old bird species in New Zealand, which is one of the oldest named bird species in the world. The discovery of Protodontopteryx ruthae sheds new light on the evolution of seabirds and their adaptation to different environments.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that the Icelandic walrus went extinct shortly after Norse settlement around 870 AD, likely due to commercial hunting and ivory trade. The research used ancient DNA analyses and C14-dating to demonstrate the existence of a unique population of Icelandic walruses.
Scientists are exploring hundreds of years' worth of information on organisms and ecosystems using digital records of preserved plants and animals. Biodiversity databases are being used to track species populations, migration patterns, and ecosystem health, providing crucial information for conservation and public health research.
Scientists have reclassified a 226-million-year-old fossil beetle, Leehermania prorova, as a member of the skiff beetle family, pushing back the age of this group by 100 million years. The discovery was made possible by international collaboration and the analysis of its mandibles, antennal shape, and genitalia.
A new beaked whale species, Berardius minimus, has been discovered and confirmed in the waters off Hokkaido. The species exhibits distinct physical characteristics, including a smaller body size, shorter beak, and darker color compared to known species.
Researchers found sex biases in fossil and museum collections of mammals, with approximately 75% male bison specimens and 64% male bear specimens identified. The study suggests that larger male ranges may increase their fossilization potential, potentially leading to biased scientific analyses.
Scientists removed nearly 200 invasive red-eared sliders from a UC Davis Arboretum waterway to observe the impact on native western pond turtles. The study found that without competition, native turtles gain significant weight and improve health.
A new study on a 20-million-year-old fossil from South America reveals that the brain evolved repeatedly and independently in monkeys, with some early members having more complex brains than previously thought. The research also sheds light on the visual-olfactory trade-off in primate evolution.
Researchers used gene sequencing to discover new species, casting doubt on previously recognized species. The study aims to rewrite the horseshoe bat family tree, with implications for conservation and disease prevention.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin analyse fragile papyrus with nondestructive methods, detecting lead in blank patch and deciphering blurry image. A new technique allows them to study folded papyri without contact, opening doors for future studies on valuable finds.
Researchers successfully extracted and sequenced DNA from a 2,500-year-old Creighton's caracara femur, yielding 98.7% of the bird's mitochondrial genome. The findings reveal that the species is closely related to two remaining caracara species alive today.
A previously unrecognized species of medicinal leech has been discovered in North America, with specimens found in freshwater wetlands from Georgia to New York. The new species, Macrobdella mimicus, is less than 50 miles from the National Museum of Natural History and is closely related to other native leeches.
Researchers observe thousands of flashlight fish synchronizing their movement and facilitating schooling behavior in complete darkness. This study reveals a novel function for bioluminescence in the ocean, showing that fishes can school using only their natural light, without relying on ambient light.
A new species of giant penguin, Crossvallia waiparensis, has been identified from fossils found in Waipara, North Canterbury. The discovery adds to the list of gigantic, but extinct, New Zealand fauna and reveals a close Antarctic relative.
A new species of early dinosaur, Ngwevu intloko, has been discovered after being misidentified in the university's fossil vaults. The dinosaur is a bipedal sauropodomorph with a long slender neck and small head, measuring three metres from snout to tail.
The new bird, Heracles inexpectatus, is twice the size of the critically endangered kakapo and dwarfs its modern cousins. Fossil records show that it weighed around 7 kg and had a massive beak capable of cracking most food sources.
A new program aims to engage children in conversations about science through cooking, addressing food insecurity and filling the 'shallow end of the science pool'. The National Science Foundation has awarded $1.3 million to Kent State University researchers for their project.
A new predatory species, Cambroraster, has been discovered with rake-like claws and a pineapple-slice-shaped mouth, shedding light on early relatives of insects, crabs, and spiders. The species, named after its remarkable claws, was found in half-a-billion-year-old rocks from Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Researchers used parasitic bat flies to study buffy flower bat populations in the Bahamas, finding a single population of bats but two populations of their flies. The study suggests that ocean channels may not be universal barriers for bats, with limited gene flow over two years.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases an original lunar rock sample collected by Astronaut Alan L. Bean during the Apollo 12 mission, providing insights into the Moon's geology and formation. The exhibit highlights the importance of lunar samples in understanding the origins of our solar system.
Researchers discovered a tiny monkey species, Nanopithecus browni, 4.2 million years ago in Kenya's Kanapoi site, challenging previous assumptions about guenon evolution. The fossil, found near grasslands and open forests, provides insights into the complex history of Old World monkeys.
The oldest completely preserved lily, Cratolirion bognerianum, was found in Brazil with a 40cm length and well-preserved roots, flower, and individual cells. The discovery provides new insights into the diversity of tropical flowering plants 115 million years ago.
A new species of lizard, Indrasaurus wangi, was discovered in the stomach of Microraptor zhaoianus, revealing a unique diet and expanding Cretaceous diversity. The finding supports the interpretation that Microraptor was an opportunistic predator feeding on various prey.
The University of Vienna team uses a state-of-the-art electron microscope to demonstrate atom manipulation in graphene, revealing the locations of silicon impurities. A new online simulation game, Atom Tractor Beam, allows users to control the movement of these impurities using an electron beam.
A DNA test of a tooth fragment from Jeff Weakley's foot, retrieved after a 24-year blister, identified the blacktip shark species responsible for the 1994 bite. The study aims to improve bite mitigation strategies by providing more precise data on unidentified species.
Researchers found that solar storms become more complex as the Sun's 11-year activity cycle reaches its maximum. The study could help improve forecasting of potentially hazardous space weather events with devastating consequences for modern technologies.
Researchers have confirmed that narwhals and belugas can breed successfully, resulting in a male first-generation hybrid with a bizarre set of teeth. The hybrid's diet was found to be different from both species, suggesting a new phenomenon in the Arctic ecosystem.
Researchers built a phylogenetic tree based on DNA from newly collected anemone specimens to fill gaps in the origin of these species. They found that as a group, anemones independently evolved the ability to host clownfish three times throughout history, with two groups originating in the Tethys Sea.
Researchers at The Met and UNM unveil the groundbreaking study on daguerreotypes' properties, explaining how nanoparticles determine image tone and color. The breakthrough paves the way for novel approaches to color printing technologies and informs preservation protocols.
Biological scientist Deborah Matthews discovers four new species of plume moths in the Bahamas, expanding the island's known biodiversity. The discoveries add to the growing understanding of the importance of plume moths in their ecosystems.
New molecular evidence contradicts long-held views on sloth relationships, suggesting that tree sloths and extinct kin are more closely related than previously thought. The research uses both mitochondrial genome and protein collagen data to support convergent origins of adaptations in the six living tree sloth species.
A collaborative study analyzing ancient DNA from human skeletons in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia provides new insights on early human interaction. The research reveals that the spread of herding into East Africa involved groups with ancestry derived from northeast Africa, who mixed with local foragers between 4500-3500 years ago.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified two new dinosaur species in Thailand, both distant relatives of T. rex. The creatures were efficient predators with a more primitive structure than their tyrannosaur cousin.
A recent study has found that mites and ticks belong to the same evolutionary lineage, with over 42,000 mite species and 12,000 tick species described. This discovery expands our understanding of arthropod biodiversity and highlights the importance of genomic data in clarifying long-standing debates.
A new study by NYU researchers shows that children as young as three years old are willing to punish others' bad behavior, even if it costs them personally. The study found that rates of punishment increased with age and were influenced by factors such as group membership and authority.
Museum volunteers have discovered a new species of extinct heron, Taphophoyx hodgei, at the Montbrook fossil site in North Florida. The bird is believed to be most closely related to tiger-herons and was named after landowner Eddie Hodge, who has allowed researchers to excavate the site on his property.
A 330-million-year-old fossil discovered in Scotland reveals a unique dental pattern and deep lower jaw, allowing it to pierce and grind crustaceans. The discovery challenges the understanding of early tetrapods' dental evolution, showing an unprecedented level of adaptation.
Researchers found that echolocation was a major driver of skull shape evolution in bats from 58-34 million years ago. Diet played a more dominant role in shaping skulls starting around 26 million years ago, but not uniformly across all bat species. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary forces behind bat diversity.
A tiny millipede measuring only 8.2 mm was discovered in 99-million-year-old amber in Myanmar, drastically deviating from its contemporary relatives. The species, Burmanopetalum inexpectatum, is the smallest amongst its order and has been classified into a new suborder, showcasing the diversity of ancient arthropods.
Researchers recreated ancient brewing techniques to analyze ceramic beer vessels from Cerro Baúl. They found that the vessels were made of clay from nearby sources and that the beer was made of pepper berries, a drought-resistant ingredient. This steady supply of beer helped keep Wari society stable by forming unity among populations.
A study found that carnivores interact with each other more frequently when sharing green spaces in suburbs, contrary to previous theories. Preserving green space is crucial for wildlife species, providing cover, food, and navigation without human danger.
A new species of extinct sea cucumber named Sollasina cthulhu has been discovered, revealing a monstrous relative of modern sea cucumbers with long tentacles and an inner ring-like form. The fossil, 430 million years old, provides crucial information on the evolution of soft-bodied creatures.
Researchers constructed a massive family tree using DNA samples from 221 bird specimens, discovering two African species in a distinct new passerine family and five additional proposed families. This study reveals that global temperature changes and continent colonization were not the sole drivers of passerine diversification.
Paleontologists uncover part of a skull from the Liscomb Bonebed, revealing the presence of lambeosaurines in the Arctic during the Late Cretaceous. The discovery suggests that hadrosaurines and lambeosaurines may have had different habitat preferences.
Researchers from Polytechnic University of Valencia and Ingheritag3D have digitized the Nasrid sword attributed to Ali Atar, a 15th-century warlord. The study utilizes photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques to document the intricate filigree and ornaments on the sword.
A new study found that US museums have a lack of artistic diversity, with the majority of artists being white and male. The research suggests that museums can increase diversity without altering their collection missions or focus on specific time periods and regions.
The starry dwarf frog is the sole member of an ancient lineage classified as Astrobatrachinae. Its unique constellation-like markings and bright orange underbelly make it a fascinating discovery, providing insights into its deep evolutionary history.
The discovery of fossilized monkey teeth in West Turkana, Kenya, fills a 6-million-year gap in Old World monkey evolution. The newly found teeth, belonging to the species Alophia metios, have primitive dentition, lacking 'lophs,' and are believed to be adapted to a diet of hard fruits, seeds, and nuts.
Researchers found that feeling awe leads to a greater awareness of knowledge gaps and increased interest in science. In studies involving virtual reality videos, participants who experienced awe were more likely to seek out scientific information and visit science museums.
A team of German and Indonesian scientists has discovered 103 new species of Trigonopterus beetles in Sulawesi, Indonesia, with names inspired by Star Wars and Asterix characters. The study highlights the importance of international collaboration to uncover previously overlooked species in tropical regions.
Researchers propose using lichens to assess old-growth forest conservation value, offering a more nuanced approach to measuring biodiversity. This method, developed by Dr. Troy McMullin and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, uses suites of lichen species associated with old-growth areas to develop an index of ecological continuity.
A study of megalodon and its ancestor Carcharocles chubutensis found that the iconic shark's teeth took millions of years to evolve from three-pronged forks to broad, flat cutting tools. The transition was a slow process that occurred over 20-7.6 million years.
Researchers have uncovered three new species and subspecies of ancient mammals that once roamed the Cayman Islands. These mammals, including large rodents and a shrew-like creature, are believed to have gone extinct due to human arrival and introduced species.
The Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment journal publishes research on parasites hidden in museum specimens that can teach us about past and present diseases. A review reveals non-native species contribute to more plant and animal extinctions than native species.