New method predicts disease spread more accurately with limited data

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

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

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

African penguins use unique dot patterns to recognize each other

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

Animals as weather stations: A new way to monitor climate change

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

Male palm cockatoos use custom-made drumsticks to tap out unique rhythms to attract females

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

Accelerometers can detect African swine fever in wild boars

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

Social cues and abundant food can lure orangutans to explore novelty

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

New research sheds light on the mental experiences of wild animals

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

New study sheds light on neuropeptide influence in the brain and behavior

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