To woo a mate, the Albert’s Lyrebird of Australia becomes a real song-and-dance bird. Each male first chooses a stage of entangled vines, then in performance he shakes the vines as part of his courtship footwork, synchronizing each shake with the beat of his striking song. To woo a mate, the Albert’s Lyrebird of Australia …
Lyrebird synchronizes elements of its mating dance Read More »
Hyenas are generalist predators (and scavengers) with a broad range of prey species. They are known for hunting (or scavenging) larger mammals such as antelopes and occasionally feed on smaller mammals and reptiles. Being flexible in the choice of prey is a strategy of generalists — and this even extends to small passerine birds, as …
Small birds spice up the already diverse diet of spotted hyenas in Namibia Read More »
A research consortium provides evidence that social behavior and social status are reflected at the molecular level of gene activation (epigenome) in juvenile and adult free-ranging spotted hyenas. They analyzed non-invasively collected gut epithelium samples from both high-ranking and low-ranking female hyenas and showed that rank differences were associated with epigenetic signatures of social inequality, …
Planets form in disks of dust and gas called protoplanetary disks that whirl around a central protostar during its final assembly. Planets form in disks of dust and gas called protoplanetary disks that whirl around a central protostar during its final assembly. Planets form in disks of dust and gas called protoplanetary disks that whirl around …
Astronomers conduct first search for forming planets with new space telescope Read More »
Ocean-atmosphere coupling, the exchange in energy between the ocean and atmosphere, influences teleconnection patterns, the climate effects across vast geographical areas. However, its impact outside the tropics is unclear. A group of researchers examined the effect of ocean coupling on atmospheric circulation patterns in the Northern Hemisphere. They found that extratropical ocean-atmosphere coupling enhances teleconnection …
Vaccination not only reduces the severity of TB in infected cattle, but reduces its spread in dairy herds by 89%, research finds. Vaccination not only reduces the severity of TB in infected cattle, but reduces its spread in dairy herds by 89%, research finds. Vaccination not only reduces the severity of TB in infected cattle, but …
TB vaccine may enable elimination of the disease in cattle by reducing its spread Read More »
Scientists have explored the puzzling world of rays that lived 150 million years ago and discovered a previously hidden diversity — including a new ray species. This study significantly expands the understanding of these ancient cartilaginous fish and provides further insights into a past marine ecosystem. Scientists have explored the puzzling world of rays that …
Rays were more diverse 150 million years ago than previously thought Read More »
Finding viable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics and microplastics has never been more important. New research shows that their plant-based polymers biodegrade — even at the microplastic level — in under seven months. Finding viable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics and microplastics has never been more important. New research shows that their plant-based polymers biodegrade …
As the total solar eclipse on April 8 draws near, the U.S. National Science Foundation will be celebrating this celestial occasion — which won’t be visible from North America again until 2044 — by sponsoring educational activities and experiments… As the total solar eclipse on April 8 draws near, the U.S. National Science Foundation will …
NSF supporting once-in-a-generation science enabled by total solar eclipse Read More »
A new equation shows a surprisingly simple relationship between pressure and the temperature needed to melt any solid substance into a liquid A new equation shows a surprisingly simple relationship between pressure and the temperature needed to melt any solid substance into a liquid A new equation shows a surprisingly simple relationship between pressure and the …
Physicists have worked out how to melt any material Read More »