How a sea animal with a "snot palace" could inspire better pumps
To build more efficient pumping systems, engineers might take inspiration from a tiny filter-feeding sea creature encased in a gelatinous structure known as a "mucus house" or "snot palace.".....»»
Fish on film: Uncovering the environmental drivers of black spot syndrome
For many researchers in biology and other natural sciences, dissecting specimens may not be desirable, though it is often necessary. This is because dissection means killing the animal a researcher is trying to study—a big issue, especially if the.....»»
Tiny worm makes for big evolutionary discovery: Scientists describe "Uncus," the oldest ecdysozoan
Everyone has a past. That includes the millions of species of insects, arachnids, and nematode worms that make up a major animal group called the Ecdysozoa......»»
In collective animal movements, speed matters—scientists use "force map" to investigate fish schools
Few things are as fascinating to look at a flock of starlings performing their aerial bird dance that is commonly seen, for example, above the West Pier in Brighton, UK, or in Rome when exiting the main train station, or a school of fish escaping a p.....»»
Saber-toothed kitten preserved in ice for 35,000 years
Found encased in ice in 2020 along the Badyarikha River in the Republic of Sakha, a northeastern region of Russia that borders the East Siberian Sea of the Arctic Ocean, a well-preserved specimen offers a rare opportunity to examine an extinct predat.....»»
How 70% of the Mediterranean Sea was lost 5.5 million years ago
The Mediterranean Sea dropped during the Messinian Salinity Crisis—a major geological event that transformed the Mediterranean into a gigantic salt basin between 5.97 and 5.33 million years ago......»»
Climate Change Is Altering Animals" Colors
Lizards in France have grown lighter in color and so are many insects and birds across the globe. The effects of a changing climate are plainly visible throughout the animal kingdom.....»»
California researchers discover mysterious, gelatinous new sea slug
More than two decades after spotting a mysterious, gelatinous, bioluminescent creature swimming in the deep sea, California researchers this week announced that it is a new species of sea slug......»»
Genes of ancient animal relatives used to grow a mouse: Study reveals hidden history of stem cells
An international team of researchers has achieved an unprecedented milestone: the creation of mouse stem cells capable of generating a fully developed mouse using genetic tools from a unicellular organism, with which we share a common ancestor that p.....»»
Can AI improve plant-based meats? Using mechanical testing and machine learning to mimic the sensory experience
Cutting back on animal protein in our diets can save on resources and greenhouse gas emissions. But convincing meat-loving consumers to switch up their menu is a challenge. Looking at this problem from a mechanical engineering angle, Stanford enginee.....»»
Fun Facts about Teeth across the Animal Kingdom
Anglerfish have invisible fangs, narwhal tusks are extra-long canines, and more facts from the weird and wonderful study of teeth will astound you.....»»
One or many? Exploring the population groups of the Antarctic blue whale using historical mark-recovery data
Hunted nearly to extinction during 20th century whaling, the Antarctic blue whale, the world's largest animal, went from a population size of roughly 200,000 to little more than 300. The most recent estimate in 2004 put Antarctic blue whales at less.....»»
Climate change: Women"s role in the economy is key to a just transition
The realities of climate change are hitting home for many people living in the Global South. Food security, water access and health have been jeopardized by increased temperatures, extreme weather events and sea level rise......»»
Survey provides a snapshot of scientific thought on animal emotions and consciousness
The journal Royal Society Open Science published a survey of 100 researchers of animal behavior, providing a unique view of current scientific thought on animal emotions and consciousness......»»
Researchers Give Animal Cells the Ability to Photosynthesize for the First Time
A Japanese team has developed a technique to insert chloroplasts isolated from algae into animal cells, a feat that could revolutionize sustainable energy and how artificial meat and organs are created......»»
Seaweed proteins could be the next sustainable food source
The protein in sea lettuce, a type of seaweed, is a promising complement to both meat and other current alternative protein sources. Seaweed also contains many other important nutrients, and is grown without needing to be watered, fertilized or spray.....»»
Fewer wells leaking methane in North Sea than expected
Less than two percent of the abandoned wells in the Dutch part of the North Sea are leaking methane originating from shallow gas accumulations. That conclusion was reached by researchers from NIOZ and TNO, in collaboration with the Dutch State Superv.....»»
Will we be able to continue living by the sea? Ocean experts explore considerations for governments
A publication recently launched by leading European Ocean scientists, titled Navigating the Future VI (NFVI), calls attention to the fact that we do not yet sufficiently consider how climate-induced changes in the ocean will impact how we live alongs.....»»
International team launch second attempt to drill deep for Antarctic climate clues
Kiwi climate researchers are part of an ambitious mission to recover critical geological records to help forecast future sea-level rise. The first team members have embarked on a 1,128 km journey across the Ross Ice Shelf to set up camp on the edge o.....»»
Research shows gender, nationality enhance rivalry perceptions
When a competitor and opponent have a common identity that's relevant to a particular competition, it will increase their perception of rivalry and inspire them to try harder, according to new Cornell University research......»»
When should you rescue a hedgehog? An expert guide
Hedgehogs are the most rescued wild animal in the UK. Here's our guide to help you know when they need to be rescued—and when it is best to leave them alone......»»