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Categories: Biology: General, Offbeat: Paleontology and Archeology
Published Much more than waste: Tiny vesicles exchange genetic information between cells in the sea
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers take a look at data that has so far been mostly discarded as contamination, revealing the previously underestimated role of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These are important for the exchange of genetic information between cells and thus for the microbial community in the sea.
Published New study reveals that bees cannot taste even lethal levels of pesticides
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research has revealed that bumblebees cannot taste pesticides present in nectar, even at lethal concentrations. This means bumblebees are not able to avoid contaminated nectar, putting them at high risk of pesticide exposure and posing a threat to crop pollination.
Published Bear genes show circadian rhythms even during hibernation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The internal clocks of grizzly bears appear to keep ticking through hibernation, according to a genetic study. This persistence highlights the strong role of circadian rhythms in the metabolism of many organisms including humans. The genetic study confirmed observational evidence that bears' energy production still waxes and wanes in a daily pattern even as they slumber for several months without eating. The researchers also found that during hibernation the amplitude of the energy production was blunted, meaning the range of highs and lows was reduced. The peak also occurred later in the day under hibernation than during the active season, but the daily fluctuation was still there.
Published New study reveals huge potential for future waves of invasive species
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Human trade and transport have led to the intentional and accidental introductions of non-native species outside of their natural range globally. These biological invasions can cause extinctions, cost trillions, and spread diseases. A study has investigated how many of these non-native species already exist worldwide and which species groups are particularly prone to become non-native.
Published Hormones have the potential to treat liver fibrosis
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered previously unknown changes in a specific type of liver cells, potentially opening avenues for a new treatment for liver fibrosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Currently, there are no drugs available to treat liver fibrosis.
Published Birds set foot near South Pole in Early Cretaceous, Australian tracks show
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The discovery of 27 avian footprints on the southern Australia coast -- dating back to the Early Cretaceous when Australia was still connected to Antarctica -- opens another window onto early avian evolution and possible migratory behavior.
Published More than meows: How bacteria help cats communicate
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Many mammals, from domestic cats and dogs to giant pandas, use scent to communicate with each other. A new study shows how domestic cats send signals to each other using odors derived from families of bacteria living in their anal glands.
Published Forget social distancing: House finches become more social when sick
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Social distancing when sick has become second nature to many of us in the past few years, but some sick animals appear to take a different approach. A new study of house finches uncovered a surprising result. Unlike other social animals who passively or actively isolate themselves when sick, this gregarious backyard bird species gravitates toward healthy flock mates when they are sick, even more so than healthy birds do.
Published Plants that survived dinosaur extinction pulled nitrogen from air
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Ancient cycad lineages that survived the extinction of the dinosaurs may have done so by relying on symbiotic bacteria in their roots to fix atmospheric nitrogen. The finding came from an effort to understand ancient atmospheres, but became an insight into plant evolution instead.
Published How bacteria recognize viral invasion and activate immune defenses
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Bacteria have an array of strategies to counter viral invasion, but how they first spot a stranger in their midst has long been a mystery.
Published Multiple evolutionary trajectories in aquatic crocodiles
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In the geological past, several groups of crocodiles evolved towards a morphology adapted to marine life. However, the extent of these adaptations and their evolutionary trajectories remained unknown. An exhaustive study of their morphology has now shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms at work, thanks to three-dimensional reconstructions.
Published Pseudoscorpions of Israel: Two new family records discovered
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A recent study has unveiled two previously undiscovered families of Pseudoscorpions in Israel. Positioned at the convergence of three continents, Israel's distinct biodiversity has undergone systematic revision, resulting in an updated checklist featuring 61 pseudoscorpion species across 28 genera and fourteen families. This pioneering research includes the introduction of the first illustrated identification key, based on morphological characters, accompanied by distribution maps. Notably, the study highlights the discovery of two new family records in Israel -- Syarinidae and Cheiridiidae -- both with a cosmopolitan distribution, including in the Mediterranean region. The findings significantly enhance our comprehension of regional biodiversity, offering crucial resources for forthcoming ecological, taxonomical and conservation endeavors. Furthermore, several undescribed species identified in this paper will be comprehensively described in separate publications, further advancing the field of pseudoscorpion taxonomy.
Published New scientific study reveals the crucial role of herbivorous fishes and sea urchins in restoring Caribbean coral reefs
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study presents crucial findings on the feeding preferences of herbivorous fishes and the sea urchin Diadema antillarum in Little Cayman. The study sheds new light on the dynamics of these herbivores and their impact on the resilience of Caribbean coral reefs.
Published Surveilling wetlands for infectious bird flu -- and finding it
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Recently, morning omelets and holiday dinners have gotten more expensive. One likely cause is bird flu, outbreaks of which led to the deaths of millions of chickens and turkeys from infection or culling in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and which still demands rigorous monitoring of wild populations. Now, researchers have developed a method that detected infectious bird flu virus in wetlands frequented by waterfowl.
Published Colliding ribosomes activate RNA repair
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers discover how ribosomes contribute to the recognition and removal of RNA crosslinking damage.
Published Unexpected discovery opens bioengineering opportunities for human and plant health
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An unexpected genetic discovery in wheat has led to opportunities for metabolic engineering of versatile compounds with potential to improve its nutritional qualities and resilience to disease.
Published Genetic discovery promises high-iron vegetables and cereals
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A genetic breakthrough has opened new opportunities for iron-fortified vegetables and cereal crops to help address the global health issue of anemia.
Published Novel C. diff structures are required for infection, offer new therapeutic targets
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Newly discovered iron storage 'ferrosomes' inside the bacterium C. diff -- the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections -- are important for infection in an animal model and could offer new targets for antibacterial drugs. They also represent a rare demonstration of a membrane-bound structure inside a pathogenic bacterium, upsetting the biological dogma that bacteria do not contain organelles.
Published New deep learning AI tool helps ecologists monitor rare birds through their songs
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have developed a new deep learning AI tool that generates life-like birdsongs to train bird identification tools, helping ecologists to monitor rare species in the wild.
Published Previously unknown luminescence revealed in ten deep sea species and an order of sea cucumbers
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers present evidence of previously unknown luminosity in 10 deep-sea species, suggesting underestimated diversity. These new discoveries include a member of the order Molpadia, which was previously thought not to be luminescent. The authors stress the importance of considering the ecological role of bioluminesence and the need for conservation.