Genetic analyses helped identify a new cryptic shark species of the genus Squatina from the Western Atlantic Ocean.
New study calls into question the importance of meat eating in shaping our evolution
A new study calls into question the primacy of meat eating in early human evolution.
Fast, cheap test can detect COVID-19 virus’ genome without need for PCR
Researchers have developed a new test for COVID-19 that combines the speed of over-the-counter antigen tests with the accuracy of PCR tests that are processed in medical labs and hospitals.
Study demonstrates accuracy of less invasive technique for monitoring wildlife health
A recent study finds a technique that uses dried spots of blood to measure health indicators in elephants is comparable to techniques that use larger blood samples and require immediate cold storage -- technology that is not always available when monitoring animals in the wild.
Overweight dogs respond well to high-protein, high-fiber diet
A study of overweight dogs fed a reduced calorie, high-protein, high-fiber diet for 24 weeks found that the dogs' body composition and inflammatory markers changed over time in ways that parallel the positive changes seen in humans on similar diets. The dogs achieved a healthier weight without losing too much...
Urban Britain’s potential as a ‘grow your own veggies’ nation
Scientists set out to discover if there is sufficient green space, such as private gardens, parks and other recreational areas, within our towns and cities to grow enough fresh food to feed local populations.
Hippos recognize each other’s voices, respond differently to calls of strangers
Hippopotamuses are rather vocal animals. Their 'wheeze honk' calls can be heard over long distances, leading researchers to suspect the calls play an important role in maintaining social groups. Now, a new study shows that hippos recognize each other's voices. They also respond less aggressively to the calls of a...
Cracking chimpanzee culture
Chimpanzees don't automatically know what to do when they come across nuts and stones. Researchers have now used field experiments to show that chimpanzees thus do not simply invent nut cracking with tools, but need to learn such complex cultural behaviors from others. Their culture is therefore more similar to...
Transparency in butterflies, from A-Z: It’s more of a superpower than we thought
Wing transparency as a flexible weapon for self-defense is one of many findings from a multi-year study spanning the physics, biology, ecology, and evolution of transparency in butterflies conducted by several groups.
Mange outbreak decimated a wild vicuna population in Argentina
Mange has decimated the population of wild vicunas and guanacos in an Argentinian national park that was created to conserve them, according to a new study. The findings suggest domestic llamas introduced to the site may have been the source of the outbreak. Cascading consequences for local predator and scavenger...