Farm-bred octopus: A benefit to the species or an act of cruelty?
Sandwiched here between the Pacific Ocean and Kona Airport—atop a dusty volcanic desert—dozens of 50-gallon water tanks gurgle and bubble away; each home to a solitary, wild-caught octopus and a couple of floating, plastic bath toys......»»
Biologists identify traits correlating with all bird extinctions since 1500
Looking to inform the conservation of critically endangered bird species, University of Utah biologists have completed an analysis identifying traits that correlate with all 216 bird extinctions since 1500......»»
Scientists use acoustic data to track blue and fin whale occurrences in the Arctic
The long-term analysis of blue whale and fin whale vocalizations in the eastern Fram Strait offers valuable insights into seasonal and annual patterns regarding these species' occurrence in the region. For example, blue whales can primarily be heard.....»»
Brains grew faster as humans evolved, study finds
Modern humans, Neanderthals, and other recent relatives on our human family tree evolved bigger brains much more rapidly than earlier species, a new study of human brain evolution has found......»»
Study discovers how algae produce a hormone they use to communicate
A study at the University of Cordoba shows how algae produce auxin, a plant hormone, opening a path of communication with bacteria to generate synergies that could benefit agricultural production. The paper is published in the journal iScience......»»
X-ray measurements reveal an unexpected role for copper in photocatalysts
Copper is a promising catalyst for sustainably converting carbon dioxide into substances with more electrons (called reduced species). This is an important step in converting carbon dioxide into fuels. This reaction is often initiated by electrical e.....»»
First right whales of season gorge on critical food off Massachusetts, giving hope for a strong year
Scientists who study a critically endangered species of whale that lives off New England said encouraging early signs suggest the animals could have a strong season for feeding and breeding......»»
Study discovers formation of Criegee intermediates from photochemical oxidation of alkenes
Organic peroxy radicals (RO2) and Criegee intermediates (CI, carbonyl oxides) are key reactive species in atmospheric chemistry and play crucial roles in the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA)......»»
International team studies the migration of the American woodcock
The American woodcock, a plump harbinger of spring, is a well known shorebird found across eastern North America. The species is a popular game bird and has earned the admiration of hunters, birders and others through its spring display, whistling wi.....»»
Slender-billed Curlew may be extinct, marking the disappearance of a third bird species from the Western Palaearctic
A small team of conservationists, biodiversity specialists and bird researchers has found that it is likely a third species of bird has gone extinct in the Western Palaearctic—a large area of land spanning parts of North Africa all the way up to po.....»»
How to Create a Future of Cheap Energy for All
The WIRED & Octopus Energy Tech Summit in Berlin was bursting with innovative ideas for reaching net zero and on working together at an ever-greater scale......»»
Scientists develop method "tetraplex digital PCR assay" for detecting DNA of invasive snakes in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a pioneering tool to bolster Florida's defenses against invasive species: a DNA-based environmental monitoring test that can pinpoint where they've been, aiding eradication efforts......»»
Prototype lenses can block epileptic-seizure causing wavelengths
People with photosensitive epilepsy could benefit from a prototype pair of glasses with lenses that block out wavelengths that are known to cause seizures in some people......»»
Fossil discovery reveals giant worm lizard with snail-cracking jaws
An international team of researchers has discovered a new fossil worm lizard species in Tunisia. Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi is the largest known species of the Amphisbaenia group, with a skull length of over five centimeters......»»
More than 40% of coral species face extinction, according to new research
Following a global assessment, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has revealed that 44% of reef-building coral species globally are at risk of extinction. The announcement was made at the ongoing COP29 UN climate conference......»»
DNA-based methods found highly effective for identifying insect species
A team of researchers from Linnaeus University and Linköping University, extensively evaluated DNA barcoding and metabarcoding methods. A comprehensive study has demonstrated that DNA-based methods are remarkably reliable for identifying insect spec.....»»
Aquaculture researchers decode the genome of the African catfish to advance modern breeding approaches
Scientists at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf have decoded the genome of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), in collaboration with international partners......»»
Wild chimpanzees play as adults to better cooperate as a group, researchers suggest
Compared to children, adults don't play as much, but social play into adulthood is considered a universal human trait. Play has a role in building tolerance, cohesion, bonding, and cooperation. By comparison, play in adults of other species has been.....»»
Nature-based solutions are cheap and effective, and governments have the tools to make them a reality
As the world gathers in Azerbaijan for this year's annual UN climate conference (COP29), the urgency to act on climate change has never been greater......»»
Scientists uncover cross-species neural mechanism for early detection of life motion in visual processing
Visual systems of both humans and animals can detect life motion from the environment at the earliest stage of visual processing, research by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) uncovered......»»
Scientists develop culture system to unlock secrets of the skin microbiome
The human skin is home to a wide variety of bacteria. The composition of the community of bacteria—called the "skin microbiota"—has serious implications for skin health. A healthy balance between different species of bacteria on the skin often tr.....»»