Primates, including humans, have notably larger brains compared to most other mammals. For decades, scientists have speculated that diet, particularly the consumption of fruit, played a crucial role in the evolution of these larger brains. A groundbreaking study from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute now suggests that … Read more
Animal ecology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals in their natural habitats, examining their behaviors, interactions, adaptations, and population dynamics within ecological systems. By understanding how animals interact with their environment and with each other, animal ecologists gain insights into the ecological processes that shape ecosystems and influence biodiversity. … Read more
Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals, their behavior, physiology, classification, evolution, and distribution. It encompasses a vast array of organisms, from microscopic protozoa to large mammals, and explores the diversity of life on Earth. Zoologists investigate the structure, function, ecology, and behavior of animals in order to understand … Read more
Even though there is evidence of certain self-medication behaviors in animals, so far it has never been known that animals treat their wounds with healing plants. Now, biologists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Germany and Universitas Nasional, Indonesia have observed this in a male Sumatran orangutan who sustained a facial wound. He … Read more
Location State/Country Maximum Duration of Totality Mazatlán Mexico 3 minutes 50 seconds San Antonio Texas 3 minutes 38 seconds Dallas Texas 3 minutes 25 seconds Little Rock Arkansas 3 minutes 22 seconds St. Louis Missouri 3 minutes 12 seconds Indianapolis Indiana 3 minutes 25 seconds Toledo Ohio 3 minutes 16 seconds Cleveland Ohio 3 minutes … Read more
A multinational team of animal behavior researchers has uncovered intriguing insights into the reproductive dynamics of glass frogs, shedding light on the intricate interplay between parental care and reproductive anatomy. Their groundbreaking study, published in the esteemed journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, unveils a compelling correlation between the involvement of male glass frogs … Read more
It is winter, the typical time for colds. What if you could simulate how the disease may spread? At the Cluster of Excellence Collective Behavior at the University of Konstanz, Julia Klein, a doctoral student in computer science, and colleagues investigated how using strict, rule-based methods can help better estimate the parameters for Markov chains. … Read more
Earth’s magnetic field is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in shaping the planet’s environment and protecting life from the harsh solar wind. Spanning thousands of kilometers into space, this invisible shield has intrigued scientists for centuries, and its understanding has evolved through various discoveries and theories. The Earth’s magnetic field … Read more
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more
A team of psychologists and animal behaviorists collaborated from the University of Turin, the University of Oulu, and Zoomarine Italia, Torvaianica-Pomezia, revealing intriguing evidence suggesting that the distinctive array of black dots on the predominantly white fronts of African penguins may serve as a means for them to distinguish one another. Published in the journal … Read more
The scientific community heavily relies on a complex network of satellites, ocean buoys, weather stations, balloons, and other advanced technologies to forecast weather patterns and assess the global impact of climate change on our planet’s landscapes, oceans, and atmosphere. However, according to researchers from Yale’s Center for Biodiversity and Global Change (BGC Center) and the … Read more
A team of biologists from the Australian National University, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Queensland and James Cook University, has made an intriguing discovery about male palm cockatoos. These birds are known for creating and using custom-made drumsticks to produce unique rhythms on tree branches in the wilds of Kutini-Payamu National Park, … Read more
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, in collaboration with scientists from Germany, Spain, and Austria, have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the early detection of African Swine Fever in wild boars. By utilizing lightweight accelerometer sensors, which measure subtle changes in movement, the team observed that infected wild boars exhibited a significant … Read more
Humans possess a natural inclination towards discovery and exploration. When confronted with unfamiliar objects or situations, we are driven by curiosity to learn and understand more about them. However, our closest living relatives, the great apes, do not exhibit the same level of curiosity. While captive chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans have shown interest in exploring … Read more
Dr. Andrea Harvey, a veterinarian and animal welfare scientist at the University of Technology Sydney, has developed a groundbreaking framework for assessing the mental and psychological well-being of wild animals. This pioneering study has the potential to revolutionize conservation efforts by shifting the focus from purely population numbers and reproductive success to the quality of … Read more
The brain uses neuropeptides, small proteins, in addition to neurotransmitters to send signals between neurons. Neuropeptides are larger than neurotransmitters and can travel far from their source neuron. Despite their importance, the way neuropeptides move around the brain and affect neurons has been poorly understood until now. On May 10, 2023, Salk scientists published a … Read more