Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Biology: Zoology
Published

What shapes a virus's pandemic potential? SARS-CoV-2 relatives yield clues      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Two of the closest known relatives to SARS-CoV-2 -- a pair of bat coronaviruses discovered by researchers in Laos -- may transmit poorly in people despite being genetically similar to the COVID-19-causing virus, a new study reveals. The findings provide clues as to why some viruses have greater 'pandemic potential' than others and how researchers might go about identifying those that do before they become widespread.

Biology: General Biology: Genetics Biology: Zoology
Published

How an emerging disease in dogs is shedding light on cystic fibrosis      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A canine gallbladder disease that involves the accumulation of abnormal mucus similar to that seen in human cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is caused by improper expression of the gene associated with CF in humans. The finding could have implications for human CF patients as well as for animal models of CF.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering: Robotics Research Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

Shape-shifting 'transformer bots' inspired by origami      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Inspired by the paper-folding art of origami, engineers have discovered a way to make a single plastic cubed structure transform into more than 1,000 configurations using only three active motors.

Biology: Botany Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Zoology Ecology: Nature Paleontology: Fossils Paleontology: General
Published

Scientists untangle interactions between the Earth's early life forms and the environment over 500 million years      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The atmosphere, the ocean and life on Earth interacted over the past 500-plus million years in ways that improved conditions for early organisms to thrive. Now, an interdisciplinary team of scientists has produced a perspective article of this co-evolutionary history.

Biology: Botany Biology: Zoology Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: Invasive Species Ecology: Nature Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geography
Published

Climate is most important factor in where mammals choose to live, study finds      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Using data from 6,645 camera traps across the United States, researchers mapped populations of 25 mammal species. They determined that climate, not human activity, was the primary factor in mammals deciding where to live.

Biology: Zoology Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: Extinction Ecology: Nature Environmental: Biodiversity Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Earth Science Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geography
Published

Thousands of birds and fish threatened by mining for clean energy transition, study finds      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Our increasing demand for metals and minerals is putting over four thousand vertebrate species at risk, with the raw materials needed for clean energy infrastructure often located in global biodiversity hotspots, a study has found.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer Science: General
Published

Generative AI pioneers the future of child language learning      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers create a storybook generation system for personalized vocabulary learning.

Anthropology: General Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Evolutionary Biology: Zoology Ecology: Extinction Ecology: Nature Ecology: Trees Offbeat: General Offbeat: Paleontology and Archeology Offbeat: Plants and Animals Paleontology: Early Mammals and Birds Paleontology: General
Published

The ancestor of all modern birds probably had iridescent feathers      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Birds tend to be more colorful in the tropics, and scientists wanted to find out how they got there: if colorful feathers evolved in the tropics, or if tropical birds have brightly-colored ancestors that came to the region from somwhere else. Scientists built a database of 9,409 birds to explore the spread of color across the globe. They found that iridescent, colorful feathers originated 415 times across the bird tree of life, and in most cases, arose outside of the tropics -- and that the ancestor of all modern birds likely had iridescent feathers, too.

Biology: General Biology: Zoology Ecology: Endangered Species Ecology: Extinction Ecology: General Ecology: Invasive Species Ecology: Nature Ecology: Research Geoscience: Geography
Published

New Zealand's flightless birds are retreating to moa refuges      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have found New Zealand's endangered flightless birds are seeking refuge in the locations where six species of moa last lived before going extinct.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Zoology Offbeat: General Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published

Exploring consciousness with eureka moments      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

We all know what it's like when the penny suddenly drops. Animals too experience such moments of insight. They could prove useful for research of consciousness.

Biology: Zoology Offbeat: General Offbeat: Paleontology and Archeology Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published

Rock art and archaeological record reveal humans' complex relationship with Amazonian animals      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Rock art explored by archaeologists in the Colombian Amazon has provided an insight into the complex relationship between the earliest settlers on the continent and the animals they encountered.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Zoology
Published

Size doesn't matter for mammals with more complex brains      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Mammals that have evolved more developed brains tend to have a smaller size difference between males and females of that species, according to new research.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Biology: Zoology
Published

How evolution tamed a deadly virus and why we should still worry      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Over the last century, a once-deadly mosquito-borne virus has evolved so that it no longer sickens humans. New research shows that changes in the virus's ability to target human cells paralleled the decline in illness and death. The findings offer important lessons in virology that may help guide better preparedness for future outbreaks of other viral diseases.

Biology: Zoology Offbeat: General Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published

Hens blush when they are scared or excited, study finds      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Hens fluff their head feathers and blush to express different emotions and levels of excitement, according to a new study.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Biology: Zoology
Published

Proof-of-concept study to find functional cure for HIV      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers conducted a breakthrough proof-of-concept study that found an HIV-like virus particle that could cease the need for lifelong medications.

Biology: Zoology
Published

See less to move better: Dynamic schooling of fish by visual selection and focus      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Sometimes less is more. Researchers accurately modeled dynamic fish schooling by incorporating the tendency of fish to focus on a single visual target instead of the whole school, as well as other visual cues.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Zoology Ecology: Endangered Species Environmental: Water Geoscience: Oceanography
Published

Researchers record images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have captured what they believe is the first ever video of a shark or any large marine animal being struck by a boat.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Published

Researchers leveraging AI to train (robotic) dogs to respond to their masters      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

An international collaboration seeks to innovate the future of how a mechanical man's best friend interacts with its owner, using a combination of AI and edge computing called edge intelligence. The overarching project goal is to make the dog come 'alive' by adapting wearable-based sensing devices that can detect physiological and emotional stimuli inherent to one's personality and traits, such as introversions, or transient states, including pain and comfort levels.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer Science: General
Published

New video test for Parkinson's uses AI to track how the disease is progressing      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

An automated assessment technique that uses artificial intelligence could revolutionize the management of Parkinson's disease.