Female small brown bats engage in mating during the fall season, yet do not achieve fertilization or pregnancy until the spring, resulting in a half-year gap where sperm is stored within the female’s reproductive system.
This phenomenon, known as sperm storage, occurs when female animals keep sperm alive in their reproductive tracts for extended periods, allowing for fertilization at a more opportune moment.
Various species, including insects, fish, birds, and mammals, utilize this strategy. For instance, female dogs can store sperm for about a week, while female chickens can retain sperm for nearly a year up to a month. Interestingly, female western rattlesnakes exhibit the remarkable ability to store sperm for up to six years.
Sperm are retained within specialized structures of the reproductive tract. In insects, for example, sperm are often found in the seminal vesicles. Conversely, birds and reptiles utilize sperm storage tubules, which are grooves located at the ends of their reproductive systems.
Even in humans, sperm storage occurs, with viable sperm able to survive for up to five days in a cervical pocket known as a cervical crypt.
The surrounding environment plays a critical role in keeping stored sperm viable. Epithelial cells that line these storage structures provide antioxidant-rich proteins that neutralize free radicals and prolong the lifespan of sperm.
Additionally, the local immune system effectively targets invading microorganisms while allowing the stored sperm to remain unharmed, which helps them remain viable until fertilization is required.
Small brown bats usually give birth to one pup – Credit: Getty
This strategy is prevalent across numerous species, indicating its evolutionary significance. For instance, if a little brown bat were to give birth in the harsh winter, it would face dire consequences due to food scarcity and cold temperatures.
By mating in the fall and entering hibernation, the female optimizes the timing of her pregnancy to ensure the best conditions for nurturing her young.
In humans, the evolution of sperm storage appears to enhance fertilization probabilities. Even intercourse occurring days before ovulation can lead to pregnancy, as the sperm remain primed for fertilization.
Moreover, in certain species, sperm storage may allow females to influence the sex ratio of their offspring.
For example, the queen bee of Western honey bees mates with multiple males and stores sperm, never mating again. Consequently, unfertilized eggs form males while fertilized eggs produce females.
In a more complex strategy, female yellow dung flies can “choose” which sperm to utilize from storage. When environmental conditions are harsh, they may opt for sperm from males with genes better suited for survival in challenging climates.
This adaptive behavior increases the likelihood of offspring survival, though the exact mechanisms behind sperm selection remain a mystery.
This article answers the question posed by Angela Jaiswal via email: “How do female animals store sperm long-term?”
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In a groundbreaking mouse study by scientists at the Dasman Diabetes Research Institute in Kuwait, rodents following a sucrose-free diet exhibited insulin resistance, gut bacterial imbalances, and early signs of fatty liver disease, all while maintaining similar body weights.
Rashid Ahmad and Fatema Burman have found that a sucrose-free, low-fat diet drastically alters gut microbiota diversity, decreasing beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and increasing pro-inflammatory species like Helicobacter gammanii, Odoribacter splanchnicus, and Alistipes spp. Image credit: Lourdes Alvarez.
“The complete removal of sucrose from a low-fat diet can unexpectedly compromise gut health, triggering inflammation and metabolic issues,” stated Dr. Rashid Ahmad, the study’s lead author.
Dr. Ahmad and colleague Dr. Fatema Burman analyzed the impacts of a low-fat diet devoid of sucrose against a low-fat control diet for two groups of mice over 16 weeks.
Their assessments included glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, metabolic hormone levels, gut microbiota health, and inflammation in the colon and liver.
Mice on the sucrose-free diet experienced impaired glycemic control, increased insulin resistance, gut microbial imbalances, intestinal inflammation, and signs of fatty liver disease, despite comparable body weights to the control group.
“Our findings indicate that eliminating sucrose from a low-fat diet can negatively impact gut microbiota and overall metabolic health,” Dr. Ahmad remarked.
“This research underscores the critical nature of balanced carbohydrate intake for maintaining intestinal and immune system balance.”
The effects of restrictive diets that exclude sugar from low-fat meals have remained unclear until now.
“This study might reshape dietary guidelines to emphasize the importance of a healthy gut microbiome rather than just focusing on carbohydrate reduction,” Dr. Ahmad added.
“These insights could lead to enhanced strategies for preventing and managing metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease, and chronic inflammatory conditions.”
The authors presented their findings on June 13 at the Endo 2026 Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
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Rashid Ahmad and Fatema Burman. Sucrose-free low-fat diet induces metabolic dysfunction through dysbiosis and colonic inflammation in mice. Endo 2026 abstract number ORF07-04
Physically, Homo sapiens may seem unremarkable in the animal kingdom. Yet, this species has ingeniously adapted to thrive across diverse habitats, from dense jungles to frigid arctic landscapes.
Alice Roberts, a remarkable figure in the realm of science, developed a keen passion for medicine, becoming both a surgeon and anatomist. Deeply intrigued by the evolutionary narratives of our primate relatives, she currently holds the position of Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham, UK. Her expertise spans anthropology, archaeology, and paleopathology.
With an impressive portfolio in television, she has starred in shows such as Digging for Britain and Pompeii’s Lost Documents, and authored multiple books. Among them, Humans: Evolution of the Species, explores the journey of human evolution through captivating illustrations and worldwide contributions, including insights shared by Michael Marshall about her latest work.
Michael Marshall: What key insights does this latest installment of our evolutionary journey shed?
Alice Roberts: My time at the University of Bristol significantly shaped my perspective on humanity. While teaching anatomy to students, I constructed a dissection room within my veterinary school, where I had an eye-opening experience examining a lamb’s heart.
This moment allowed me to understand the heart’s evolution from fetus to adult form, prompting me to view humans as merely another mammal—a realization that transformed my perspective entirely.
How should we consider the implications of our bodies being results of evolutionary processes, and how does this history manifest in our skeletons and organs?
Inside our cells, biochemical processes trace back to the earliest single-celled organisms that once thrived in ancient oceans. Our limbs connect us to the first amphibians that ventured onto land approximately 360 million years ago. By studying changes in our arm bones, we can unravel the story of our evolutionary lineage. This exploration can apply to various parts of the human body.
“
Arranging the skeletons of Homo floresiensis sent chills down my spine… so human, yet distinctly different. “
Can you provide examples of these similarities and distinctions?
I’ve often noted that if a medical student were presented with a female chimpanzee’s humerus, they might struggle to discern the difference. The size and shape of the bones closely resemble those of humans, retaining their functional capabilities. Upon closer examination, the similarities are intriguing, particularly in the structure of hands; human thumbs stand out as longer and thicker than those of chimpanzees.
It’s fascinating to hear paleoanthropologists confidently compare ape and human hands to classify Homo habilis. How do you view this?
Indeed, if chimpanzee hands closely resemble human hands, then examining other hominins becomes complex. Categorizing fossils can be challenging, especially when the record is incomplete. As someone passionate about data, I find the lack of clarity concerning categorization quite disconcerting.
Humans appear to possess a uniquely developed brain. How significant is this distinction?
The most distinguishing features of humans can be summarized succinctly: bipedalism, small teeth, and a large brain. While the correlation between larger brains and bipedalism is still under investigation, various theories abound. Some argue that the evolution of a larger brain coincided with bipedalism, while others suggest that enhanced cognitive functions arose as a result of the freedom provided by walking upright—allowing for tool use and expanded social networks.
Our body size is comparable to that of other great apes, yet the differentiation lies in the structure of our brains. Human brains not only exhibit greater size but also an intricate folding pattern that accommodates vast amounts of cortex. This distinction influences our interactions with the natural world around us.
The number of human species that existed alongside us has grown remarkably. How has this evolved our understanding of human evolution?
Initially, Neanderthals were the only known other group. Now, we recognize that they coexisted but were not our direct ancestors, as approximately 20 distinct hominin species have been identified, with new discoveries emerging each year.
My groundbreaking series from 2008, Incredible Human Journey, highlights this evolving narrative. During a visit to Indonesia, I encountered the fossil of Homo floresiensis—a shocking revelation that reshaped my comprehension of human ancestry.
“The Hobbit” – Original Homo floresiensis
Observing the skeletons of Homo floresiensis side by side was deeply impactful; their small skulls and brains still yielded evidence of stone tool use. This discovery contradicted the long-held belief that larger brains lead to tool-making capabilities, compelling me to reevaluate what it truly means to be human.
While Neanderthals and Denisovans vanished, our species endured. What accounts for our survival?
Unpacking this question requires probing tens of thousands of years of evolutionary history. Evidence suggests that modern humans possessed intricate social networks, allowing for enhanced resource distribution during hardships. This interconnectedness likely played a pivotal role in our survival.
Homo floresiensis had a small skull (top) and a small brain, yet still created stone tools
Tolo Balagar/Alamy
In the grand tapestry of evolution, will we see significant changes in the coming centuries?
Evolutionary changes are often catalyzed by drastic events, typically involving significant population declines, after which genetic diversity is crucial. In the near future, any observable changes in humans will likely pertain to immune responses rather than drastic physical transformations. We aren’t on the verge of growing additional limbs.
“
It’s a contradiction in my mind. While I challenge the notion of human exceptionalism, I acknowledge our uniqueness. “
A compelling and concerning aspect of our evolution lies in our capacity to manipulate our DNA. The ethical implications of this capability remain a significant question mark for our future.
Do your professional insights influence your fiction writing?
I’ve authored two children’s books set during the Ice Age, imagining the first encounters between modern humans and Neanderthals to invigorate history through storytelling. My debut adult novel, Queen of Goddesses, set for release in September, explores the saga of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of human history much like the complexities of evolution itself.
What is humanity’s relationship with nature? How should it evolve?
With billions of us on this planet, human culture indeed appears exceptional. Yet, if we adopt an evolutionary lens, we discern a lack of rigid separations between us and the rest of the natural world. Understanding our origins emphasizes that we are inherently connected to all species.
As we observe the impacts of our lifestyles on biodiversity, we must recognize our moral responsibility to mitigate our negative effects. Regardless of perceived separations from nature, we are deeply intertwined with it; our survival hangs in the balance of its preservation.
This is an edited version of a New Scientist video interview to be published on youtube.com/NewScientist on June 10th. Michael Marshall is a writer based in Devon, England.
What is the Weirdest Peeing Animal? The animal kingdom offers a variety of intriguing answers.
A male Amazon river dolphin can be seen lying on its back as it pees in an arc, allowing its urine to cascade near its head. This behavior is not just about competition; it serves as a rich flow of chemical information that other dolphins can detect while swimming.
Meanwhile, male porcupines mark their territory to signal to potential mates, assisting females in becoming sexually receptive. Likewise, Siberian chipmunks cleverly smear bits of snake urine on their fur, which helps them camouflage from predators.
In the grand scheme of things, despite the fascinating peeing habits across species, there can only be one ultimate champion of unusual urine production. As you might suspect, reptiles hold the title for producing solid urine.
When animals digest food, proteins and nucleic acids degrade, resulting in ammonia as a byproduct. This waste can be toxic and must be eliminated. Aquatic creatures, including most teleost fish, directly excrete ammonia into the water. In contrast, mammals convert ammonia into a less harmful substance called urea, which is then excreted in urine.
However, reptiles, insects, and birds take a different approach: they convert ammonia to uric acid. While uric acid isn’t toxic, its poor solubility in water means that their urine is often solid, semi-solid, or pasty in consistency.
Under a microscope, uric acid appears to consist of small crystals.
A 2025 survey published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society found that researchers collected urine pellets from over 20 reptile species for lab analysis. Each sample contained visible urate globules.
Reptiles don’t urinate liquid; instead, they excrete solid urate (shown left), made up of microspherical uric acid crystals (shown right) – Image credit: Journal of the American Chemical Society 2025, DOI: 10.1021/jacs/5c10139
Ball pythons, Angora pythons, and Madagascan tree boas all produce urate that forms microspheres with tiny irregularities. These microspheres range in diameter from 1 to 10 micrometers, roughly equivalent to the width of spider silk.
X-ray analysis has unveiled that each microsphere consists of even smaller nanoparticles of uric acid and water. These nanoparticles are remarkably tiny, boasting a large surface area relative to their volume, and bear a slight negative charge.
This combination enables the nanoparticles to interact with positively charged salt ions, aiding not only in regulating uric acid levels in these animals but also in maintaining salt balance. This adaptation likely evolved to help reptiles and other species in arid habitats conserve precious water resources.
Interestingly, humans produce small amounts of uric acid as well, which can accumulate. Excess can lead to complications in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, or in the joints, causing gout.
Investigating how reptiles process uric acid could pave the way for treatments for related human health issues in the future.
So while the urinary habits of baby reptiles may seem odd by human standards, they serve a purpose—and one day, we might all be thankful for these evolutionary developments.
This article addresses the curious question posed by Brendan Wood from Leicester: “What is the weirdest peeing animal?”
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New research reveals that a remarkable collection of over 700 Ediacaran fossils from the late Ediacaran period indicates that significant animal groups, including the early ancestors of vertebrates, began diversifying millions of years earlier than previously believed.
Restoration of the Egawa biota. Image credit: Xiaodong Wang.
The Ediacaran-Cambrian transition marked one of the most crucial turning points in Earth’s biological history.
However, the fossil evidence presents a fragmented view of this significant change, as Ediacaran biological communities are quite different from those of the Cambrian, leaving key moments of evolution elusive.
Dr. Gaorong Li from the University of Oxford states, “Our findings bridge a critical gap in the narrative of early animal diversification.”
“For the first time, we show that complex organisms typically associated with the Cambrian existed during the Ediacaran, indicating they evolved much earlier than fossil records previously suggested.”
In their study, Li and colleagues analyzed over 700 specimens from recently identified fossils in Yunnan province, China.
This fossil group, dating back 554 to 539 million years, is part of the intriguing Egawa biota.
Unlike many Ediacaran fossil sites that predominantly showcase traces of life on sandstone, these fossils are preserved as carbonaceous membranes, mirroring preservation styles found in renowned Cambrian sites like Canada’s Burgess Shale.
Dr. Luke Parry from the University of Oxford commented, “This groundbreaking discovery offers insight into a transitional phase in biological communities. The unique characteristics of Ediacaran life paved the way for the recognizable groups we categorize today.”
“Upon first examining these specimens, we recognized their uniqueness and the unexpected nature of our findings.”
The fossil group includes some of the earliest known relatives of deuterostomes, a category which now encompasses humans and vertebrates such as fish.
Among the specimens are ancestors of modern starfish alongside their close relative, the acorn worm (Ambulacraria), characterized by a U-shaped body attached to the seafloor with a stalk and tentacles for food capture.
Dr. Frankie Dunn from the University of Oxford noted, “It’s captivating that such exotic organisms thrived during the Ediacaran period.”
“We’ve discovered fossils that are distant relatives of starfish and sea cucumbers, and the search for more continues.”
The bicephalic fossils from the Egawa biota suggest that chordates (animals with backbones) also existed during this period.
Other noteworthy discoveries among the fossils include worm-like bilateral animals featuring complex feeding adaptations, as well as rare specimens believed to be early comb jellies.
Many specimens display unique anatomical features that do not correspond to any known Ediacaran or Cambrian species.
Dr. Ross Anderson from the University of Oxford stated, “Our findings suggest that the apparent scarcity of these complex faunas in other Ediacaran sites may highlight preservation discrepancies rather than an actual lack of diversity.”
“Carbonaceous compactions like those found in Egawa are uncommon in rocks of this age, indicating that similar communities may remain unpreserved elsewhere.”
For more on this pivotal discovery, refer to the research paper published in Science.
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Gaorong Li et al. 2026. Dawn of the Phanerozoic: The late Ediacaran transitional fauna of southwestern China. Science 392 (6793): 63-68; doi: 10.1126/science.adu2291
An artist’s reconstruction of an ancient marine ecosystem preserved in the Jiangchuan biota.
Wang Xiaodong
Recent discoveries of a vast array of exquisitely preserved fossils in China have led to new insights regarding the Cambrian Explosion, which is traditionally viewed as a rapid evolutionary event marking the emergence of complex life.
Spanning roughly 541 to 513 million years ago, the Cambrian Explosion is regarded as the period when most modern animal groups first appeared, alongside various now-extinct evolutionary experiments.
Previously, during the Ediacaran period, life was believed to be simpler. However, findings from a new fossil site in Yunnan, known as the Jiangchuan biota, challenge this view, presenting over 700 fossils dating back to 554 to 537 million years ago.
“Our findings indicate that Cambrian-like faunal assemblages did not appear out of nowhere but had a clear foundation and transitional morphology by the end of the Ediacaran,” states Gaorong Li, the lead researcher from Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
Ross Anderson, another team member and professor at the University of Oxford, noted that the surprisingly intricate nature of the fossils raises intriguing questions about whether the Cambrian explosion was a gradual process.
“We are beginning to construct a more complex understanding of the origins and timing of the explosion in animal diversity,” Anderson explains.
When Lee initiated investigations at the site in mid-2022, he anticipated finding algae.
Instead, researchers uncovered a variety of organisms called bilaterians, characterized by bilateral symmetry. Only a limited number of such specimens had previously been found during the Ediacaran; among these are two new species of deuterostomes, a key group that includes vertebrates, suggesting that this group was already diverse long before the Cambrian.
Cambroelnid fossil from the Jiangchuan biota and artist’s reconstruction.
Li Gaolong & Wang Xiaodong
Some fossils were identified as Cambroelniids, featuring coiled bodies and long, tentacle-like appendages not previously documented before the Cambrian period. Others closely resemble Cambrian creatures such as Margaretia, which resembles a tubular structure with an opening, creating the appearance of an organism living within a ventilation pipe, according to Lee.
Lee noted that the most common fossils discovered were animals with tubular appendages anchored to the seafloor, extending outward in search of sustenance—some reminiscent of sandworms depicted in the sci-fi series Dune.
“This indicates that these animals lived attached to the ocean floor while extending structures for foraging,” Lee explained. “Additionally, a species resembling a sausage-shaped worm with a short, thick, curved body displayed clear locomotion.”
Ultimately, these peculiar yet familiar organisms may represent “evolutionary experiments” from a period when life was exploring various body designs and ecological strategies.
“Although these creatures exhibit key features found in modern animals, like a mouth, intestine, proboscis, and pharynx, their structural arrangements differ considerably from those of contemporary animals,” Lee remarked. “In essence, their overall morphology is unusual, yet they possess fundamental biological modules common to modern fauna.”
Joe Moishuk from the Manitoba Museum states that the sudden appearance of numerous animal body plans in the early Cambrian fossil record has posed a longstanding dilemma for paleontologists.
“Strong evidence suggests that their ancestral forms should have been identified earlier, in the Ediacaran, while indications of this lineage have been accumulating over recent decades,” Moisiuk notes.
“Although the specimens are somewhat poorly preserved and missing certain details, several distinctly animal-like forms emerge.”
These fossils imply the existence of certain animal groups prior to the Cambrian; however, they do not contradict the occurrence of a Cambrian explosion, he asserts.
“Instead, the divergence of animal body plans likely unfolded over approximately 30 million years across the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary, providing a clearer temporal constraint on the genesis of this evolutionary radiation.”
Han Zeng, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences not involved in the study, underscored that finding complex animal fossils in pre-Cambrian sediments would signify a major advancement in paleontology.
“Over recent decades, a diverse array of carbonaceous fossils has emerged from similarly dated Late Precambrian shales in southern China. While most have been classified as algae or cyanobacteria, other specimens possess ambiguous animal characteristics,” Zeng elaborates. “Future research is crucial to clarify the biological relationships of these fossils. Should they prove to be animals, they could drastically alter our understanding of early animal evolution.”
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A virus traditionally affecting marine life is causing glaucoma-like symptoms in humans.
Virginie Vaes/Getty Images
A newly identified virus typically affecting marine animals has led to alarming glaucoma-like symptoms, including irreversible vision loss, in a handful of individuals in China. This marks the first documented instance of an aquatic virus infecting humans and resulting in serious health complications. The infections are believed to have occurred through consumption of raw seafood or handling aquatic creatures, with some evidence suggesting possible human-to-human transmission.
“It’s astonishing that this virus is capable of infecting invertebrates, fish, and mammals,” says Edward Holmes, a researcher at the University of Sydney. “I cannot recall any virus exhibiting such a broad host range.”
Cases of persistent ocular hypertension viral anterior uveitis (POH-VAU), characterized by inflammation and increased eye pressure leading to optic nerve damage, are escalating in China. To delve into the triggers behind this spike, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences in Qingdao evaluated 70 patients diagnosed with the condition between January 2022 and April 2025.
The research team tested these individuals for the latent and lethal nodavirus, which commonly infects various marine species; remarkably, all 70 tests returned positive. “Up to this point, viruses from aquatic animals have not been shown to cause illness in humans directly,” the researchers stated, though they declined to provide further commentary. Despite treatment aimed at reducing inflammation, a significant portion of subjects required surgical intervention, with one case resulting in irreversible vision loss.
In an effort to better understand the virus, the research team infected mice, which exhibited marked pathological changes in the cornea, iris, and retina within a month. They also observed that the virus could spread among mice sharing water.
Of those studied, more than half owned aquatic animals, highlighting a potential source for the infection. However, approximately 16% reported consuming raw seafood or had close ties with high-risk groups.
While there is no definitive proof of human-to-human transmission, an epidemiological study revealed a distinct subgroup of urban POH-VAU patients with no direct contact with aquatic animals or other risk factors, apart from close interactions with family members. These relatives, who are at a heightened risk for the latent nodavirus, have experienced hand injuries during handling of aquatic animals, implying that the virus may transmit within households, potentially via shared utensils.
To gauge the virus’s prevalence, researchers evaluated 523 captive and wild aquatic animals across Asia, the Americas, Europe, Antarctica, and Africa, concluding the global presence of this hidden and deadly nodavirus. They identified it in 49 species, including shrimp, crabs, fish, and barnacles, resulting in symptoms like lethargy and color loss; yet the reasons behind its ocular effects in humans remain unclear.
Holmes emphasized the potential ubiquity of this pathogen: “I suspect it is much more prevalent than currently recognized. I wouldn’t discount the possibility it first passed through another species, possibly a mammal.”
The virus may also propagate among marine organisms consuming infected animals. For instance, researchers found that farmed shrimp often consume frozen brine shrimp or Antarctic krill, potentially resulting in infections. Moreover, the introduction of this virus into warmer waters has led to increased infections in marine life, suggesting that Antarctic species may serve as reservoirs for pathogens without displaying illness themselves.
Researchers warn that the transmission of this elusive and deadly nodavirus from marine life to humans presents new biosecurity threats. Nonetheless, Holmes reiterates the absence of clear evidence for human-to-human transmission, stating, “This is not regarded as a contagious disease.”
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Ancient DNA extracted from vibrant feathers found in Peru has been linked to at least four distinct species of Amazonian parrots: the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), red and green macaw (Ara chloropterus), and mealy amazon (Amazona farinosa). These birds were reportedly transported alive across the Andes centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire, showcasing a complex network of long-distance trade that connected Amazonian communities, high-altitude routes, and the Pacific Ocean.
A pair of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) in Costa Rica. Image credit: Julio-César Chávez / CC BY 4.0.
Discovered in Pachacamac, Peru, an ancient parrot feather lies far beyond the natural habitat of these birds, which are native to the rainforest.
“Through the integration of ancient DNA sequencing, isotope chemistry, and computational landscape modeling, we tracked the movement of these birds across diverse terrains,” explained Dr. George Oler, a researcher affiliated with the Australian National University and King’s College London.
“Our models of ancient habitats confirm that the western Andes were equally inhospitable for these species a millennium ago. These parrots thrive solely in rainforest environments, typically spanning a natural home range of about 150 kilometers.”
“The evidence that they were found on the opposite side of South America’s tallest mountain range—over 500 kilometers away—indicates human involvement, as these birds do not fly over the Andes under normal conditions.”
“Our research illustrates that multiple species of Amazonian parrots were captured in their natural habitat, transported over mountainous pathways, and survived long enough to regrow feathers along the coast.” – Dr. Oler.
Through genome analysis, researchers identified the four Amazonian parrot species from feather assemblages: scarlet macaw, blue and yellow macaw, red and green macaw, and mealy amazon, all of which traditionally inhabit tropical rainforests hundreds of kilometers from the Pacific coastline.
The journey for these birds likely took weeks or even months as traders navigated rugged mountain terrain and steep plateaus.
“Our findings provide genetic and isotopic evidence showing that these parrots were not merely traded for their feathers but were actually transported alive across challenging landscapes to significant coastal ceremonial sites,” Dr. Oler asserted.
By investigating chemical signatures within the feathers, the team discovered that the birds’ diet had shifted to include C4 plants like corn and marine proteins, implying that they continued to live post-transport over the Andes.
“Our analysis indicates that the parrots were fed a nitrogen-rich diet similar to that of their captors, clearly illustrating long-term care after their removal from the rainforest,” Dr. Oler noted.
Landscape modeling tools further unveiled trans-Andean corridors and river routes that may have facilitated avian transport, revealing a sophisticated network of overland and river exchanges.
This bird species, valued for its striking plumage, held immense cultural significance in pre-Hispanic societies and was frequently featured in rituals and elite burial practices.
“This discovery challenges previous beliefs that pre-Inca societies were isolated or fragmented,” Dr. Oler remarked. “Instead, we uncover evidence of organizational networks, ecological understanding, and logistical strategies that connected vastly differing ecosystems long before formal imperial roads established these routes.”
For further details, refer to the original publication in the journal Nature Communications.
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G. Ola et al. 2026. Ancient DNA and spatial modeling reveal pre-Inca trans-Andean parrot trade. Nat Commun 17: 2117. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-69167-9
Dolphins are known for their playful behavior, often observed holding puffer fish in their mouths. When frightened, these fish inflate with seawater, resembling a spiky tennis ball, which the dolphins spin and toss into the air.
Experts suggest that this may be part of the dolphins’ innate playful repertoire, although the exact reason remains uncertain. It’s possible that young dolphins are honing their echolocation skills, locating pufferfish on the ocean floor and engaging with them like a cat teasing its prey.
Interestingly, dolphins seem aware of the fact that puffer fish contain tetrodotoxin, a potent toxin. If they intended to consume the fish, they would likely stop playing and eat them. Instead, they delicately hold the pufferfish in their mouths without causing damage.
Another intriguing theory is that dolphins might be seeking a mild high from the chemicals released by pufferfish. Their playful interactions could be a way to experience these effects in a safe manner.
Dolphins are known for their playful interactions with various marine species – Credit: Getty
Moreover, dolphins are also seen tossing octopuses before consuming them. This behavior has a practical advantage: it eliminates the choking hazard posed by the numerous suckers on the inside of their throat.
Some animal games remain a mystery. For example, killer whales, celebrated for their intelligence and social behavior, exhibited a peculiar trend in the 1980s off Washington state’s coast, where a pod began carrying dead salmon on their heads. This behavior initiated with a single female and soon spread to the rest of the pod.
Though this trend faded by 1988, it resurfaced in 2024, making dead fish hats fashionable once more among killer whales. This peculiar behavior raises questions: Are they saving treats for later, or is it a playful game with unknown rules?
This article addresses the question, “Are there any animals that use other animals for sport?” submitted by Jeanie Holmes.
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Octopuses in shallow waters, such as the common octopus, typically possess larger brains.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Research suggests that the large brains of octopuses are influenced more by environmental conditions than by social interactions.
It is widely accepted that larger mammalian brains correlate with social behavior, a theory known as the social brain hypothesis. The premise is that the more social connections a species has, the larger their brains must be to handle those interactions. This trend is evident among primates, dolphins, and camelids.
In contrast, cephalopods—like octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses—exhibit significant intelligence despite mostly living solitary lives, with limited parental care and minimal social learning.
To delve deeper into the reasons behind the substantial brain size of these creatures, Michael Muthukrishna and researchers from the London School of Economics analyzed data from 79 cephalopod species with available brain information. They quantified brain size based on the total volume of an animal’s central nervous system, considering that octopuses actually possess nine brains: one central brain and semi-independent brains in each of their eight arms.
“This species is a stark contrast to humans, showcasing unique appendages and behaviors,” Muthukrishna notes.
The findings revealed no direct correlation between brain size and sociability. However, they did uncover that cephalopods generally have larger brains when inhabiting shallow waters, where they encounter a wide array of objects to manipulate and use as tools, along with rich calorie availability. Conversely, species dwelling in featureless deep-sea environments tend to have smaller brains.
“The correlation is quite strong,” Muthukrishna states, “but it’s imperative to approach these findings cautiously,” as only about 10 percent of the existing 800 cephalopod species have brain data accessible.
“The absence of a social brain effect in octopuses is intriguing yet expected,” explains Robin Dunbar from Oxford University, who proposed the social brain hypothesis around three decades ago. He argues that because octopuses do not inhabit cohesive social groups, their brains lack the necessity to manage complex social dynamics.
Professor Paul Katz from the University of Massachusetts articulates the possibility that evolution may have led to smaller brain sizes each time cephalopods adapted to deep-sea environments. “It’s reminiscent of species dimensions reducing on isolated islands; the same could apply to species in the deep ocean,” he mentions.
Muthukrishna’s previous research proposed that brain size not only predicts the extent of social and cultural behaviors but also reflects ecological factors such as prey diversity. Thus, the parallel patterns between cephalopods, having diverged from vertebrates over 500 million years ago, and humans bolster the cultural brain hypothesis. According to Muthukrishna and colleagues, this hypothesis illustrates how ecological pressures and information acquisition lead to the development of larger, more complex brains.
“It’s not solely about social instincts when it comes to large brains,” Muthukrishna asserts.
“I wholeheartedly agree that exploring why humans possess large brains must be informed by our understanding of current species. However, unraveling the evolutionary history of large brains, particularly with cephalopods, is challenging, especially given the radically different predator-prey dynamics when their brains began evolving,” Katz explains.
Dunbar emphasizes that octopuses may require substantial brainpower for their independent-use of eight arms. “Understanding an octopus’s brain is complex due to its unique structure, but a significant part of its brain’s function is to manage its intricate body mechanics necessary for survival,” he states.
Furthermore, Dunbar notes that it is logical for larger brains to evolve in environments abundant in calories. “You can’t increase brain size without addressing energy consumption. Once you have a more substantial brain, its applications become vast, which is why humans can engage in writing, reading, and complex mathematics—skills not inherently present within our evolutionary contexts.”
Remarkably, the rat is observed attempting to resuscitate its unconscious cage mate by pulling its tongue and clearing the airway. In studies, researchers found that certain rodents, when interacting with anesthetized mice, exhibited caring behaviors such as pawing, grooming, and biting unresponsive individuals. This discovery indicates that empathetic behavior may be more prevalent in the animal kingdom than previously thought.
How high can you shoot?
Claryana Araújo-Wang/Botos do Cerrado Research Project/CetAsia Research Group
The male Amazon river dolphin (Inia geofrensis) was caught on camera urinating while rolling onto its back. This behavior is thought to communicate with other dolphins, similar to how land mammals employ scent marking. Other males might be drawn to the urine that falls into the water, interpreting it as a message.
Stay away!
David Ongley
This beautiful wren can be seen perched cautiously on a branch (Marlus cyaneus), evading the cuckoo—a notorious brood parasite. Scientists have discovered that over 20 bird species utilize similar “call” calls to alert nearby birds, as cuckoos secretly lay their eggs in other birds’ nests to shirk their parenting responsibilities.
Ali tries origami
Dr Chris Reid, Macquarie University
The weaving ant (Oecophila smaragdina) is depicted rolling up a piece of lined paper, using teamwork to lock it together in a long chain. Each ant grasps the abdomen of the ant in front, enabling the construction of nests from rolled leaves. Studies show that individual ants can pull nearly 60 times their body weight, while teams of 15 can generate forces exceeding 100 times their combined weight.
Never seen before
ROV Subastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute
For the first time, a living giant squid (Mesonihoteutis hamiltonii) was captured on film. While these mollusks are believed to grow up to 7 meters, the squid filmed was just a baby measuring 30 centimeters. This rare footage was obtained by a vessel from the Schmidt Ocean Institute while streaming live from the depths of the Southern Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands.
That’s my arm!
Sumire Kawashima, Yuzuru Ikeda/Ryukyu University
This octopus appears fooled into believing that a fake arm made of white gel is its own. While it’s well-known that humans can be tricked in a similar manner, scientists have discovered that octopuses share this intriguing behavior as well.
Gene-edited pigs exhibit resistance to swine fever
Simon Lillico
By making a few genetic modifications, pigs can be rendered entirely resistant to swine fever, a significant issue for farmers globally. This gene editing could also confer resistance to related viruses in cattle and sheep.
The widespread adoption of gene-edited pigs resistant to swine fever is expected to enhance animal welfare, boost productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower retail prices. “This will foster sustainable livestock production and promote the well-being of pigs,” asserts Helen Crook from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Swine fever is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to symptoms ranging from fever to diarrhea and miscarriage, often resulting in significant pig mortality.
While the disease has been eliminated in many regions, it can resurface. For instance, in 1997, the Netherlands culled 6 million pigs to contain an outbreak, and Japan has faced ongoing challenges since 2018.
Typically, when outbreaks occur, livestock are protected using vaccines containing live, weakened virus strains, which is a complex and costly process. “Vaccination demands extensive coordination and oversight,” mentions Christine Tate-Burkard from the University of Edinburgh, UK.
Countries utilizing vaccinations face restrictions when exporting to disease-free areas. Interruptions in vaccination programs can also lead to outbreaks, as seen recently in the Philippines, explains Tate-Burkard.
Nevertheless, the classic swine fever virus has a vulnerability. The viral protein bundles formed from long chains of amino acids must be cleaved into functional pieces, relying on specific pig proteins for this process.
By altering a single amino acid in this pig protein, referred to as DNAJC14, it may be possible to obstruct this cleavage. Tait-Burkard and colleagues employed CRISPR gene editing to create pigs with this minor modification.
Subsequently, the team sent some of these pigs to a secure facility, where Crook’s group introduced the live swine virus intranasally. All typical pigs fell ill, while the gene-edited pigs showed no signs of infection. There were no symptoms, antibodies, nor detectable virus.
“These pigs demonstrated complete resistance to viral replication and remained healthy and content throughout the experiment,” states Crook.
This research was partially sponsored by Genus, a major international breeding company currently evaluating the commercialization of these pigs.
Genus has previously developed gene-edited pigs resistant to another significant disease, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, which are already approved in the United States, Brazil, and other nations. The company awaits approvals in Mexico, Canada, and Japan—key export markets for the U.S.—before it can start selling semen to farmers.
When used to implement small changes that can naturally occur, gene editing often faces less stringent regulations compared to traditional genetic engineering. Japan has already sanctioned three types of gene-edited fish.
The UK is anticipated to begin approving gene-edited plants soon, although regulations for livestock are yet to be finalized. It is expected that these regulations will prioritize animal welfare.
The research team observed no adverse effects in the swine fever-resistant pigs, according to Simon Lillico and colleagues from the University of Edinburgh, although further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
He emphasizes that traditional breeding lacks such welfare considerations. “It would be beneficial to ensure a level playing field,” he remarks. “We are aware that some conventionally reared animals experience low welfare standards.”
A virus closely related to classical swine fever is responsible for causing bovine viral diarrhea in cattle and borderline disease in sheep. While these diseases are not lethal, they still impact welfare and productivity. The Edinburgh research team is presently examining whether modifications made to pigs will also benefit cattle and sheep.
A recent study reveals that certain optical illusions can deceive some animals, though not all. This emerging research may offer fresh insights into how perception influences survival and evolution in different species.
The optical illusion examined in this research is known as the Ebbinghaus illusion, where two identical circles appear different in size because one is encircled by a larger circle, while the other is surrounded by a smaller one.
When observing the illusion overall, the outer circle misleads our brain into perceiving the inner circle as a different size. However, focusing solely on the inner circles reveals that they are indeed the same.
Our susceptibility to this illusion hinges on how our brains interpret visual information, whether as a cohesive whole or detailed parts.
To investigate how various animals perceive their surroundings, scientists at the University of Vienna in Austria recreated the Ebbinghaus illusion using bait, arranging circles of differing sizes around a central bait area.
The two orange circles are identical, yet the left one seems smaller due to the larger circle surrounding it. Conversely, the right circle appears larger – Credit: Getty Images
Next, they observed the responses of two fish species: guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and ring doves (Streptopelia risoria).
The findings indicated that guppies are reliably deceived by optical illusions, similar to humans; they often preferred to consume fish flakes within a smaller circle, perceiving them as larger food items.
In contrast, ring doves exhibited varying responses; some birds chose millet seeds surrounded by a smaller circle, while others opted for those within a larger circle.
The researchers concluded that these choices highlight how each species is uniquely equipped to interact with its environment and tackle its challenges.
For instance, guppies inhabit shallow tropical rivers, where they encounter flickering lights, thick vegetation, swift predators, and numerous other guppies.
Guppies might be influenced by an illusion, suggesting they perceive their environment contextually rather than focusing on minute details – Credit: Getty Images
Researchers believe that for guppies, quick judgment of which fish are safe in a visually cluttered environment is crucial for survival. Thus, making rapid decisions could be advantageous.
Conversely, wood pigeons spend their lives on the ground, foraging for seeds. For them, noticing fine details could be more beneficial than analyzing the broader scene.
Nevertheless, scientists have observed that some pigeons react as if they are misled by a hallucination, indicating variability within species, much like humans.
Overall, the team concluded that optical illusions can provide a valuable lens through which to explore the diverse perceptions across species.
“The technology has arrived and is currently unfolding,” stated Susan Lieberman, vice president of international policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society. “There may be instances where genetically modified organisms can be cautiously and ethically tested and introduced into natural environments.”
He remarked that the new framework represents a “transformative advancement” that may enable conservationists to explore innovative solutions to climate change challenges and to assess new methods for disease control.
The IUCN consists of a vast coalition of conservation organizations, governments, and indigenous communities, boasting over 1,400 members from roughly 160 nations, convening once every four years. It stands as the globe’s largest network of environmental organizations and is responsible for the Red List, which monitors endangered species and global biodiversity.
This year’s conference took place in Abu Dhabi, where the vote favoring “synthetic biology” established a new framework for assessing genetic engineering initiatives and their potential implementation. This measure mandates that scientists evaluate such projects on an individual basis, maintain transparency regarding the associated risks and benefits, and adhere to precautionary principles relating to genetic engineering. This applies to a spectrum of organisms, including animals, plants, yeast, and bacteria.
Another proposal, which aimed to suspend the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, failed by a narrow margin of one vote.
Jessica Owley, a professor and director of the environmental law program at the University of Miami, noted that while the IUCN decision lacks legal force, it carries symbolic importance and could influence international policy.
“IUCN is a powerful and recognized entity in the conservation field. Their word holds weight, and governments pay attention. They play a significant role in various treaties,” she commented. “This can be viewed as groundwork for future legal language.”
Organizations advocating for a moratorium on the release of genetically modified organisms into the wild argue that there is insufficient evidence to prove it can be done safely and responsibly.
“We’re disappointed,” stated Dana Perls, senior food and agriculture program manager at the nonprofit Friends of the Earth. “Our focus should be on confined research that doesn’t turn our environment into a live experimental lab.”
As a potential example, she cited: genetically modifying mosquitoes to combat the malaria-causing parasite. The disease claims over 500,000 lives annually, prompting scientists to propose spreading this malaria resistance across broader mosquito populations through a method known as genetic drive.
Jane Goodall, a renowned researcher who studied chimpanzee behavior and social structures, later emerged as a prominent figure in the animal welfare movement, passed away on Wednesday.
At the age of 91, Goodall died of natural causes in California while on a speaking tour, as reported by the Jane Goodall Institute in a statement.
“Dr. Goodall’s contributions as an ethologist transformed scientific understanding, and she was an unwavering advocate for the preservation and rejuvenation of our natural world,” the statement added.
Jane Goodall participated in the TV special “Miss Goodall and The World of Chimpanzees” in 1965. CBS via Getty Images File
Hailing from the UK, Goodall gained recognition in the 1960s for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania. She meticulously documented their social interactions over several decades.
The foundation noted that she adopted an “unconventional approach” to chimpanzee research, “immersing herself in their environment to experience their intricate societies as neighbors rather than distant observers.”
Goodall’s research revealed that chimpanzees used sticks to fish for termites, challenging the prevailing notion that tool use was exclusive to humans. She also documented the chimps’ communication methods and complex social behaviors, including their meat-eating habits and occasional aggression.
“They are part of Elizabeth Freyman, a primate specialist and postdoctoral researcher at Brown University,” said:
Robert Seyfers, professor emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania who specialized in primate behavior, remarked that Goodall’s passing signifies “the end of an era.”
“Her thorough and detailed observations have resonated with our entire generation—myself included—and inspired many others interested in this scientific field,” Seyfers stated.
He noted that Goodall was among the first researchers to observe chimpanzees as individual beings with distinct personalities, unlike many of her contemporaries who lacked such observational training.
“Her insights into chimpanzee emotions were groundbreaking,” he conveyed, adding that Goodall was an “authentic chronicler” of animal behavior.
“Her goal was to help people comprehend chimpanzees in all their complexities,” Seyfers shared.
As Goodall’s career evolved, she became aware of the threats posed by habitat destruction and illegal trafficking to chimpanzee survival, leading her to prioritize conservation and animal welfare in her work.
The Jane Goodall Institute, which she founded in 1977, stated, “We entered the forest to study the extraordinary lives of chimpanzees, and she emerged from the forest to advocate for their protection.”
Jane Goodall in Paris during October 2024. Joel Saaget/AFP via Getty Images
Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, stated that Goodall “played a pivotal role in helping the organization end the confinement of chimpanzees in desolate metal chambers for testing.”
At just 26 years old, Goodall embarked on her first journey to Tanzania to study chimpanzees. She began her career without any formal scientific training. Louis Leakey, a notable Kenyan and British anthropologist, recruited her to document her findings on chimpanzees. Goodall later attained her PhD from Cambridge University.
During an interview on this year’s podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Goodall recounted to host Alex Cooper that her initial expedition was funded through a shoestring budget provided by philanthropists.
With funding for six months, the first four months yielded little success, as primates were too wary for her to observe closely. However, one chimpanzee eventually became accustomed to her presence, leading to her groundbreaking discovery of their use of tools.
“This discovery was exhilarating because, at the time, it was believed in Western science that tool-making was a human-exclusive trait. We defined ourselves as the only tool-using species,” Goodall recollected. “So, when I wrote to my mentor, Louis Leakey, he was thrilled.”
That revelation captured the interest and support of National Geographic, ultimately altering the trajectory of Goodall’s career.
As Goodall rose to prominence, she leveraged her visibility to bolster public interest in animal welfare and scientific exploration. She authored numerous books about her experiences with chimpanzees, including several aimed at children.
Primate specialist Freyman reflected that he dressed as Goodall for Halloween in fourth grade. He later mentioned receiving fan mail from children while interning at the Jane Goodall Institute in Washington, D.C., at the age of 19.
“I became a primatologist because I had a hero I admired,” Freyman, now 29, shared.
Correction (October 1, 2025, 11:38pm ET): Due to an editing error, earlier versions of this article referred to primate specialist Elody Freyman using “he.” Freyman is a woman.
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University have investigated the brain circuits that regulate the release of growth hormone during sleep. Their findings reveal new feedback mechanisms that keep growth hormone levels finely tuned. This discovery could lead to advancements in treating individuals with sleep disorders associated with metabolic issues like diabetes, as well as degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Sleep is known to promote tissue growth and regulate metabolism by partially promoting growth hormone (GH) release, but the underlying circuit mechanism is unknown. Ding et al. show how GH release, which is enhanced in both rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep, is regulated by sleep-wake-dependent activities of distinct hypothalamic neurons that express GH release hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SST). Arcuate nuclei SST neurons inhibit GH release by targeting nearby GHRH neurons that stimulate GH release, while periencephalic SST neurons project onto the median ridge to inhibit GH release. GH release is associated with significant surges of both GHRH and SST activity during REM sleep, while NREM sleep sees moderate increases in GHRH and reductions in SST activity. Furthermore, Ding et al. identified negative feedback pathways where GH increases the excitability of locus ceruleus neurons, leading to increased arousal. Image credit: Ding et al, doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.05.039.
“We have gained significant insights into this area,” said Xinlu Ding, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.
“We directly recorded the neural activity of mice to understand the underlying processes.”
“Our findings provide a foundational circuit to explore various treatment options moving forward.”
Neurons that manage growth hormone release during the sleep-wake cycle—specifically growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons and two types of somatostatin neurons—are located deep within the hypothalamus, an ancient brain region present in all mammals.
Once released, growth hormone enhances the activity of locus coeruleus neurons, a brainstem region involved in arousal, attention, cognition, and curiosity.
Dysregulation of locus coeruleus neurons is linked to numerous psychiatric and neurological disorders.
“Understanding the neural circuits involved in growth hormone release could ultimately lead to new hormone therapies aimed at enhancing sleep quality and restoring normal growth hormone levels,” explained Daniel Silverman from the University of California, Berkeley.
“Several experimental gene therapies have been developed that target specific cell types.”
“This circuit could serve as a new approach to modulate the excitability of the locus coeruleus, which has not been effectively targeted before.”
The researchers investigated neuroendocrine circuits by implanting electrodes into the mouse brain and measuring activity changes triggered by light stimulation of hypothalamic neurons.
Mice have short sleep bouts (lasting several minutes at a time) throughout day and night, providing ample opportunities to study fluctuations in growth hormone during the sleep-wake cycle.
Utilizing advanced circuit mapping techniques, researchers found that the two peptide hormones (GHRH and somatostatin) regulating growth hormone release operate differently during REM and non-REM sleep.
Both somatostatin and GHRH promote growth hormone release during REM sleep; however, somatostatin decreases and GHRH sees only moderate increases during non-REM sleep, which still results in growth hormone release.
Growth hormone release regulates locus coeruleus activity through a feedback mechanism, creating a homeostatic balance.
During sleep, growth hormone accumulates at a gradual pace, stimulating the locus coeruleus and fostering arousal, according to the new findings.
However, excessive activation of the locus coeruleus can paradoxically lead to drowsiness.
“This indicates that sleep and growth hormone form a delicate balance. Insufficient sleep diminishes growth hormone release, while excessive growth hormone may drive the brain toward wakefulness,” Dr. Silverman noted.
“Sleep facilitates growth hormone release, which in turn regulates arousal. This equilibrium is crucial for growth, repair, and metabolic health.”
Growth hormone functions partially through the locus coeruleus, influencing overall brain alertness during wakefulness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper balance for cognitive function and attention.
“Growth hormone is pivotal not only for muscle and bone development and reducing fat tissue, but it also offers cognitive benefits and can elevate overall arousal levels upon waking,” stated Dr. Ding.
New research by neurobiologists at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that the brain’s internal GPS changes as individuals navigate familiar environments. These findings shed light on the essential mystery of how the brain encodes and retains spatial memories, influencing scientists’ perspectives on memory, learning, and even aging.
Memories navigating familiar paths are more fluid than previously thought and activate different neurons on each journey. Image credit: Zeinab vessel.
“Our study confirms that the spatial memories in the brain are not fixed but rather dynamic,” stated Professor Daniel Dombeck from Northwestern University.
“You can’t simply point to a specific group of neurons and claim that their memories are located there.”
“We are uncovering the fact that memories shift between neurons over time.”
“The same experience triggers different neurons each time. It’s not an abrupt change; it evolves gradually.”
The hippocampus, situated deep within the temporal lobe, is integral for storing memories related to spatial navigation.
For many years, neurobiologists believed that the same hippocampal neurons encoded the same memory in a consistent location.
This led to the assumption that a person’s route from the bedroom to the kitchen would activate identical neuron sequences during a midnight quest for water.
However, about a decade ago, researchers studied the brains of mice traversing a maze.
Despite running through the identical maze daily, different neurons fired with each run, prompting scientists to question whether this outcome was an anomaly. Perhaps the mice’s experiences were affected by subtle environmental cues.
To delve deeper into these inquiries, Professor Dombeck and his team devised an experiment that meticulously controlled mouse sensory input.
The mice navigated a virtual maze on a treadmill, allowing precise measurements of their speed.
The maze was presented through a multisensory virtual reality platform developed by the researchers.
This setup ensured that the mice experienced the same visual stimuli and odors during all sessions, minimizing environmental variability.
After conducting multiple trials, the results indicated a different set of neurons activated each time, even in the highly controlled virtual setting.
This revelation confirms that the brain’s spatial mapping is inherently dynamic, constantly adapting, even in supposedly stable settings.
“Our findings suggest that memory is fluid,” commented Jason Climer, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“This ties into a broader question regarding modern AI and why the brain can learn and adapt in ways machines struggle with.”
“It may also be linked to natural forgetting, which is often overlooked but essential for healthy memory function.”
While there were few discernible patterns throughout the experiment, one consistent observation emerged. The more excitable neurons were more successfully activated, leading to stable spatial memory across multiple sessions in the virtual mazes.
Given that neuronal excitability diminishes with age, this finding aids in understanding how aging and related diseases impact the brain’s ability to form new memories.
“The small clusters of stable neurons are unique, and gaining insights into what makes them special could pave the way for new treatments for memory disorders,” stated Professor Climer.
“Memory impairment is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and presents significant challenges for individuals with various neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia.”
“By deepening our understanding of fundamental memory aspects, like temporal changes highlighted in our study, we can identify new targets for understanding brain differences in these patients and develop new treatment strategies.”
“Learning about how the brain deals with memory challenges can also inform improvements in computers and AI.”
Survey results were published in the journal on July 23, 2025, in Nature.
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JR Climer et al. The hippocampus expression drifts in a stable, multisensory environment. Nature Published online on July 23, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09245-y
University of Pennsylvania researchers used a deep learning tool named Apex to explore a worldwide venom dataset in search of new antibiotic candidates.
Guan et al. Vococcus is a rich source of previously hidden antibiotic scaffolds, showing that merging experimental validation with extensive computational mining can enhance the search for urgently needed antibiotics. Image credits: Guan et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-60051-6.
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, especially Gram-negative bacteria, underscores the critical demand for new treatments.
Venococcus represents a vast, largely untapped source of bioactive molecules with potential antibacterial properties.
In their recent study, researcher César de La Fuente and his team analyzed a comprehensive database containing 16,123 poison proteins and over 40 million poison-encoded peptides via a vertex deep learning model.
The algorithm successfully pinpointed 386 candidate peptides that differ in structure and function from known antimicrobial peptides.
“These poisons are evolutionary wonders, yet their antibacterial capabilities have not been thoroughly examined,” said Dr. de la Fuente.
“Apex can rapidly explore extensive chemical landscapes, identifying exceptional peptides that combat some of the most stubborn pathogens worldwide.”
From the potential candidates selected by AI, scientists synthesized 58 peptide variants for laboratory assessment.
Remarkably, 53 of these demonstrated efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, at doses safe for human red blood cells.
“By combining computational analysis with traditional laboratory techniques, we achieved one of the most thorough antibiotic studies to date,” noted Dr. Marcelo Torres, co-author of the research.
“The platform has mapped over 2,000 novel antibacterial motifs, enhancing its capacity to eliminate or suppress bacterial growth through short, specific amino acid sequences within proteins or peptides.”
“Our team is now advancing the top peptide candidates towards the development of new antibiotics, optimizing them through medicinal chemistry modulation.”
results will be published in the journal Nature Communications.
____
C. Guan et al. 2025. A global assessment of venom data for antibacterial discovery using artificial intelligence techniques. Nat Commun 16, 6446; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60051-6
This discovery implies that the first animals began emerging from the oceans around 400 million years ago and adapted to terrestrial life much quicker than previously thought.
Stuart Smida, a paleontologist from California State University, remarked, “I believed the transition from fins to limbs took more time.”
Before this, the oldest known reptile footprints were found in Canada and dated to 318 million years ago.
The ancient footprints were uncovered in sandstone slabs near Melbourne, revealing reptile-like feet with elongated toes and claws.
Scientists estimate that the creature was about 2.5 feet long (80 cm) and might resemble a modern monitor lizard. These findings were published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.
Co-authors and paleontologists, including Arlberg from Uppsala University in Sweden, indicated that the evidence showcases the identification of nails surrounding the footprint.
“It’s a walking animal,” he stated.
Located near Melbourne, Australia, sandstone slabs reveal fossil footprints of reptile-like creatures that roamed approximately 350 million years ago. The footprint is highlighted in yellow (front paw) and blue (back paw), indicating the movement of three similar animals, according to the researchers. Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki / Prof. Per Per Erik Ahlberg via AP
Only animals that evolved to live entirely on land developed the claws seen in these fossils. Earlier vertebrates, such as fish and amphibians, did not have hard claws and depended on aquatic environments for laying eggs.
In contrast, branches of the evolutionary tree leading to modern reptiles, birds, and mammals, known as amniotes, developed feet equipped with claws suited for traversing dry ground.
Smida commented, “This is the earliest evidence we’ve encountered of animals with claws.”
During the time these ancient reptiles existed, the environment was warm and humid, with expansive forests beginning to take shape. Australia was then part of the supercontinent Gondwana.
The fossil footprints tell a story of a day in the life, Ahlberg explained. A reptile fled across the ground before light rain; some rain droplets lightly obscured the tracks. Subsequently, two more reptiles dashed in opposing directions before the ground hardened and became covered with sediment.
Co-author John Long, a paleontologist at Flinders University in Australia, stated:
If it weren’t for Dutch settlers who introduced coffee trees to the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi around 300 years ago, the world might still overlook the Asian palm civet.
Prior to this, these long, short-legged mammals were feasting on the islands’ fruits, berries, small mammals, and insects. Yet, with the emergence of coffee plants, these cat-like creatures discovered a new delicacy.
Coffee cherries, the small round fruits found on coffee plants, enclose the beans we adore.
Curious locals sampled them and preferred the taste. When farm owners noticed that the beans passed through the animals unscathed, they instructed their workers to collect them—after all, waste was not an option.
Kopi Luwak coffee is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. – Photo credit: Getty
Then, an unusual phenomenon occurred. People began enjoying the coffee made from the civets’ recycled beans, noting its distinctive flavor featuring hints of chocolate, syrup, rusticity, and an earthy “jungle” undertone. Thus, Kopi Luwak coffee was born.
Although these civets remain in South and Southeast Asia, this rare coffee is now exported worldwide. Due to its unique production method, Kopi Luwak has become one of the priciest coffees available.
Prices for wild-sourced Kopi Luwak can range from $20 to $100 (approximately £15-80). But is it truly worth it?
In the wild, palm civets are believed to select only the ripest and finest coffee cherries. This selection enriches the flavor. As the beans traverse the animal’s digestive system, enzymes and stomach acids break down the cherry’s outer layer and digest internal proteins.
This process enhances the flavor and aroma of the coffee beans, appealing to aficionados, though it’s detrimental to the civets.
Palm civets are primarily solitary creatures, coming together only for mating. They establish territories and communicate through scent marking, using stimulating waxy substances from special glands near their feces, urine, and anus.
With their white masks amid dark fur, they blend seamlessly with the shadows of their forest habitats. Like all wildlife, they prefer to be left undisturbed.
However, the surging demand for Kopi Luwak Coffee has led to the establishment of civet farms in Asia. Here, these animals are often confined to small cages, deprived of proper nutrition and space, forcing them to live in poor conditions for the sake of luxury coffee. Wild civets suffer greatly in Indonesia.
While there are regulations regarding the number of civets that can be harvested from the wild in Indonesia, these rules are often overlooked by poachers and inadequately enforced. All this, just for a cup of coffee.
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On April 1, the Trump administration initiated its budget cuts, impacting Morgantown, W.Va. Federal scientists were focusing on health and safety concerns for American workers. That morning, hundreds of staff members at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health learned they had been laid off and would lose building access.
More than 900 lab animals remained on site. The institute managed to transfer approximately two-thirds (mainly mice) to a university lab, as reported by two recently terminated employees. Unfortunately, the remaining 300 animals were euthanized last week.
In recent months, the Trump administration aimed to reformat American research, resulting in mass firings of federal scientists, withdrawal of active research grants, and proposals to fund essential laboratory operations.
These actions have disbanded various research initiatives and significantly affected lab animals, crucial for much of the nation’s biomedical research.
“Many animals will face sacrifice—they will be terminated,” remarked a researcher on the potential use of non-animal alternatives at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Experts indicate that predicting the total impact is challenging, as much of the administration’s actions are embroiled in legal disputes. Furthermore, animal research is often discreet, leaving no clear count of animals in U.S. laboratories.
Numerous scientists are hesitant to discuss the fate of lab animals due to fears of backlash from animal rights activists or retaliation from employers or the administration. Many requests for interviews with research facilities remain unanswered.
“It’s a terrible situation for them,” Dr. Rock stated. “Retaining animals can incur high costs, while sacrificing them can provoke public outrage.”
Some animal rights advocates welcome the uncertainty, even if it leads to euthanasia. However, many researchers feel devastated by the dual loss—many animals could perish without contributing to scientific knowledge.
“We don’t engage with animals lightly,” said pulmonary toxicologist Kyle Mandler, recently laid off from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, part of the CDC. He was in the midst of research on harmful dust generated in certain construction materials. About 20 of his mice were euthanized last week, leaving his study incomplete and without data.
“Knowing that their lives and sacrifices were completely wasted is both depressing and infuriating,” he expressed.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not directly respond to inquiries regarding the seized Morgantown animals. However, an unnamed HHS official stated via email that changes at NIOSH are part of a “broader reorganization,” integrating multiple programs for a healthier U.S.
“Staffing and operational adjustments occur in phases,” the statement noted. “Animal care operations are ongoing, and HHS is committed to upholding all federal animal welfare standards throughout this transition.”
Sudden halt
In recent years, many countries, including the U.S., have shifted away from animal research due to its costs and ethical concerns, often poor relevance to human outcomes. This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed plans to phase out animal testing requirements for certain drugs, favoring three-dimensional human organ models made from lab-grown cells, like organoids and “organs on a chip.”
Experts agree these emerging technologies show great promise. However, for the time being, lab animals remain vital to biomedical research, with some arguing that certain data can only be gathered through animal studies.
“We aim to exit this realm,” stated Naomi Charalanbakis, director of science policy at a nonprofit advocating for the continuation of animal use in biomedical research. “But we’re not there yet.”
Research involving lab animals requires careful planning over years, stable funding, and skilled veterinarians and technicians for daily care. The Trump administration’s actions jeopardize all of this.
At the NIOSH facility in Morgantown, initial budget cuts encompassed animal care staff. “But they resisted, insisting they couldn’t leave while animals remained on site,” said a former lab technician.
After the Trump administration froze funding at Harvard this month, researchers developing a new tuberculosis vaccine faced the grim prospect of euthanizing rhesus macaques. This study and the monkeys were saved only after private donors stepped in to provide funding.
Animals involved in halted projects might be relocated to different labs, but others may be undergoing experimental treatments or exposure to pathogens or toxins. Many are retained to illustrate specific behavioral or health vulnerabilities, and lab animals, not being wild, cannot simply be released. Experts noted that the sudden influx of surplus lab animals may overwhelm the nation’s animal sanctuaries.
Anne Linder, associate director of the Animal Law and Policy Program at Harvard Law School, expressed concern that the fate of many lab animals would hinge on the “whims and temperament” of individual researchers and lab staff.
“In the absence of oversight, some decisions may be misguided, driven by harsh needs rather than the welfare of the animals involved,” she said in an email.
Cost reduction
Many researchers have expressed concerns regarding the National Institutes of Health’s attempts to impose severe caps on “indirect costs” related to scientific research, including those tied to maintaining animal care facilities.
A federal judge halted the NIH from implementing these funding caps, but the agency has appealed. Should these policies pass, the repercussions could be disastrous for institutions utilizing non-human primates in their research.
The Washington National Center for Research on Primates, located at the University of Washington, houses over 800 non-human primates. The indirect funding cap represents a loss of around $5 million annually, forcing the colony’s size to shrink, according to director Deborah Fuller.
“This could shatter the entire infrastructure we’ve established,” she cautioned.
If that occurs, the center will strive to find new homes for the animals, yet other research facilities share similar issues, and primate sanctuaries may struggle to accommodate the influx.
As a last resort, primates may have to be euthanized. “This is the worst-case scenario,” warned Sally Thompson Iritani, assistant deputy director of the university’s research department. “Even if it’s uncomfortable to consider, it’s a possibility.”
For some animal rights advocates, the reduction of federal animal research facilities is a cause for celebration. “For many of these animals, euthanasia before experimentation may be the best scenario,” noted Justin Goodman, senior vice president of the White Coat Waste Project, a nonprofit advocating for the cessation of federally funded animal research. (He did stress that finding new homes for lab animals would be preferable.)
Deluciana Winder, director of the Institute for Animal Law and Policy at Vermont Law School, hopes that these cuts could lead to the closure of the National Primate Center. Nevertheless, she expressed concern that reductions at the USDA could weaken already lax oversight of lab animal welfare.
Dr. Locke believes the crisis could serve as a “wake-up call” for the nation to pursue alternatives to animal research, albeit in a thoughtful manner.
“I don’t find it acceptable to cull millions of animals from research,” Dr. Locke stated. “It’s not socially or scientifically acceptable. We need to acknowledge that it’s a likely outcome.”
Washington – Early Man utilized animal bones to create cutting tools 1.5 million years ago on a regular basis.
A recent discovery of 27 sculptures and sharp bones from elephants and hippos in Tanzania’s All-Bai Valley site has extended the timeline for the use of ancient bones by around a million years. Researchers already knew that early individuals crafted simple tools from stones as long ago as 3.3 million years.
New discoveries of ancient humans published in Nature on Wednesday have shown that they had a more sophisticated toolkit, incorporating various materials, according to William Harcourt Smith, a paleontologist at the American Museum of Natural History. He was not involved in the study.
A well-preserved bone tool measuring up to 16 inches (40 cm) may have been created by fracturing the bulky ends of leg bones and chipping off the flakes from the remaining bone shaft using stones. Research co-author Ignacio de la Torre, a researcher at the Spanish National Research Council, explained that this technique was used to produce one sharp edge and one tip.
The bone tools were likely used as hand axes, handheld blades not attached to a handle, for the purpose of butchering animal carcasses.
These blades were ideal for removing flesh from elephant and hippo carcasses but were not utilized as spears or projectiles. “I don’t believe they were hunting these animals. They were likely scavenging,” he stated.
Numerous artifacts exhibit signs of being struck in order to remove more than dozens of flakes, indicating a sustained level of craftsmanship.
The consistent choice of bones – specifically large, heavy leg bones from a particular animal – and a pattern of uniform modifications suggest that early humans deliberately selected and crafted these bones, as noted by paleobiologist Milia Pacheco from the Federal University of San Carlos in Brazil, who was not part of the study.
The bones show minimal signs of erosion, trampling, or gnawing by other animals, ruling out the possibility of natural factors shaping the tools.
These bone tools date back over a million years, predating the emergence of our species, Homo Sapiens, by approximately 300,000 years.
According to Brianna Poviner, a paleontologist with the Smithsonian Human Origins program, when the tools were created, three types of human ancestors coexisted in the same East African region.
This tool could have been created and used by Homo Erectus, Homo Habilis, or Paranthropus Boisei. “It could have been any of these three, but it’s nearly impossible to determine which one,” Poviner mentioned.
There have been numerous ice age animals recovered from the world’s permafrost, ranging from woolly rhinos and wolves to urus, brown bears, and bison. Despite some being slightly damaged, they are often found in excellent condition.
One remarkable discovery was in 2017 when scientists excavated the remains of a small cave lion named Sparta from a frozen bank on the Siberian River. Although its golden fur was muddy and matted, its skin, soft tissue, and organs were all preserved. With closed eyes, it appeared more like a sleeping animal than one that had been dead for 28,000 years.
Another notable find was a two-month-old horse that died 35,000 years ago and was uncovered in Siberia in 2018. Though some fur was missing, the animal was largely intact, with hooves, skin, tail, and nostril hair preserved.
Various well-preserved woolly mammoths have also been discovered, some with grass in their mouths, milk in their bellies, and even dung on their bellies. While videos show people cutting into frozen mammoth carcasses and finding meat that looks fresh, the appearance can be deceiving.
Many animals found from the Ice Age are well preserved on the outside, but on the inside is a different story – Credit: Grafissimo
While these ice age animals and their tissues may appear well-preserved superficially, zooming in reveals a different story. The lack of antifreeze agents when freezing live cells causes ice crystals to form, leading to cell bursting.
Although tissues and organs may seem intact, the cells that form them are not. The damage to these cells has occurred over the thousands of years since the last ice age ended. While these ancient animals may seem well-preserved on a larger scale, they are damaged at a microscopic level.
The most well-preserved ice age beasts are likely those with intact cells, which died closer to the end of the last ice age and have been frozen since. One such candidate is a 9,000-year-old bison discovered in the Russian Far East in 2022, which may have cells viable for cloning attempts.
However, cloning attempts on ice age animals have so far been unsuccessful due to DNA deterioration after death. Despite the optimism, the chances of successful cloning are slim. For now, appreciating these mummified artifacts as they are offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past.
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Understanding time can be a complex concept. Einstein famously explained how time is relative, experienced differently based on the speed of an object. Let’s dive into the topic further.
Many animals have defied the odds and lived long, extraordinary lives. But which animal holds the title for the longest lifespan?
Scientists have studied longevity for years, with species on this list offering potential insights for longer, healthier lives. Let’s explore some of the world’s longest-living creatures.
Humans: Earth’s Longest-Lived Land Mammals
A photo of Jeanne Calment in 1995 at the age of 120. Photo courtesy: Pascal Parrot/Sygma/Getty Images
Jeanne Calment holds the record for the world’s longest-lived person, living an astonishing 122 years and 164 days. Born in 1875 in Arles, France, she claimed to have met Vincent van Gogh and humorously described him.
Calment credited her stress-free life and sense of humor for her longevity, even indulging in smoking after meals until she quit at 117. She outlived her daughter and grandson, passing away in 1997.
Glass Sponge: The Longest-Lived Aquatic Creature
Stalked vitreous cavernoma (hexatinerid) of Borosoma photographed at Maruru Seamount. Photo credit: National Marine Sanctuary/Wikipedia
The glass sponge, with its delicate appearance, can live up to 15,000 years, found in oceans worldwide at depths below 450 meters. Its unique ability to generate electrical impulses sets it apart from other creatures.
When threatened, the glass sponge’s flagella halt their beating, a survival adaptation distinct from other sponge species. Its shape remains unchanged when stimulated.
Cookie the Cockatoo: Earth’s Longest-Lived Bird
Cookie the pink parrot, photographed at Brookfield Zoo, USA, in 2008. Photo: Nimesh Madhavan/Wikipedia
Cookie the Cockatoo, a male pink parrot, holds the record for the oldest parrot, living until 83 years old before passing away in 2016 at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, USA.
Despite retiring from public life at 81 for health reasons, Cookie outlived other pink parrots by decades.
Naked Mole Rat: The Longest-Lived Rodent
Close-up of a naked mole rat (Heterocepalus glaber) in its underground burrow. Photo credit: Getty Images
Naked mole rats, resilient rodents, can survive 18 minutes without oxygen and show resistance to cancer. They live underground, protected from predators, and age differently than other mammals.
With accurate cell replication and DNA protection, naked mole rats can live for decades, with some reaching 37 years old.
Read more:
Ocean Quahog: The Longest-Lived Invertebrate
The oldest marine quahog is thought to be over 500 years old and is known as “Min”. Photo courtesy of Bangor University
The ocean quahog, an arctic clam species, holds the title for the oldest animal on Earth. A specimen found in 2006 off the coast of Iceland was estimated to be 507 years old by scientists.
Known as “Ming” or “Hafrun,” these clams display annual growth rings, allowing scientists to determine their age.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise: The Longest-Living Turtle
Adwaita, a giant Aldabra tortoise, rests in a cage at Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, India, on April 25, 2005. Photo by Deshakalyan Chowdhury/AFP/Getty Images
The Aldabra giant tortoise, native to the Seychelles’ Aldabra Atoll, is Earth’s longest-living turtle species. The oldest, Adwaita, lived an estimated 255 years before passing away in 2006.
Greenland Shark: Earth’s Longest Living Fish
Greenland shark or Greenland sleeper shark (Somniosus microcepalus) swimming along the St. Lawrence River estuary in Canada. Photo credit: Alamy
Greenland sharks, with slow metabolisms, inhabit cold oceans and have lifespans difficult to estimate due to their unique physiology. Carbon dating suggests ages between 252 and 512 years.
Bobi: The Longest-Lived Dog
A photo taken on February 12, 2023 shows Bobi, the world’s oldest dog according to Guinness World Records, at her home in the village of Conqueiros, near Leiria, Portugal. Photo by Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images
Bobi, a Rafeiro de Alentejo, achieved a remarkable 31 years before his passing, earning recognition as the longest-lived dog in history. Originally from Portugal, these dogs are known for their gentle nature.
aAt some point, most mobile games will die. Apple’s iOS software updates have removed thousands of App Store games over the years. Old games simply disappear unless developers make them compatible with all new devices and software. (Most games can’t or won’t devote such resources to it.) Also, in the case of live mobile games that encourage users to log in every day, the popularity of the game will inevitably decline and the developer will stop updating it, leaving the game sluggish and unplayable. Sometimes there is no warning. Games exist one day and disappear the next. A truly dark fate.
Mobile gaming has a high mortality rate. 83% of them Research shows that most games fail within the first three years. But maybe there’s another way. In 2017, Nintendo released a mobile version of its best-selling relaxing life simulation game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The service, called Pocket Camp, ran for seven years before Nintendo ended support for it last month. But instead of ending the game, the company released a complete version for £8.99 that packages years of content and allows players to transfer data to keep their memories or start anew. The game lives on.
Pocket Camp is an excellent replica of the console Animal Crossing games, closer to a Happy Home Designer spin-off with a lighter touch than the DS and Switch versions. Your super cute character will be in charge of the campsite and decorate it with furniture and cuteobjects. If your campsite is set up to their liking, the animals will come hang out and talk trash with you. You can gift them anything you find lying around, such as fruit, fish you catch, or, better yet, live insects. Guitar-playing dog KK Slider (who, interestingly, is a caricature of Kazumi Todaka, one of Nintendo’s composers) performs at a campfire concert.
The main difference between Pocket Camp and, say, Animal Crossing on Switch is that there’s no cold in Pocket Camp. Performing insignificant missions, collecting more materials, and crafting more things will always bother you. As is tradition in mobile games, you get some kind of reward every few minutes, and every action in the game is tracked in some kind of progression tree to encourage you to keep playing. Twelve currencies, tasks, locations, and seasonal events are possible at any given time. However, it is nevertheless surprisingly feature-rich. There are thousands of things to make and buy, and hundreds of animal villagers to befriend. It feels luxurious for £8.99.
Ironically, Pocket Camp would be significantly better without the insidious monetization that was used to power it. I’ve dipped in and out of this game over the years, especially when I was waiting for 2020’s New Horizons to come out, and I’ve always loved the ubiquitous countdown timer and the daily (or several) I always shied away from it because of the manufactured urgency of logging in. 1 day) Achieve your goals. Hurry up, it’s time to harvest the fruits! Look, this special event is almost over! Don’t you want limited edition items? Don’t you want to buy some leaf tokens to speed up the creation of all this? This is a standard issue in live mobile games, but even if the game itself has value, it can also be very annoying.
All of these monetization system traps still exist in Pocket Camp Complete. They are built into the game design. However, we now give away all leaf tokens, bells, and items that you previously had to wait for or pay for for free. This changes the pace of the game and allows you to play as many times as you like at once without any restrictions. Now, without warning, I can recommend the affordable Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
More developers should do this. Once you’re done with your live games, simply package everything up and sell it for a single price. This happens in the console world, where the “Game of the Year” edition delivers the old game and all its bonuses and extra content. In this way, those who were there for the first life of the game can somehow preserve it. And such games may find new players even in the afterlife.
what to play
Fashion forward…Infinity Nikki. Photo: Epic Games
dress up fairy tale adventure infinity nikki This game, released this week, is one I’ve had my eye on for a long time because there doesn’t seem to be anything else out there. There’s no combat here, but instead there’s music, fishing, balloon rides, and conversations with cats and frogs. Pink-haired Nikki is very fashion conscious and almost everything she does in her world earns her new components for various amazing outfits. It’s an interesting combination of saccharine sweetness and downright weird, and is actually similar to Animal Crossing.
Please note: This is a free-to-play game, so if you have teenagers who want to play, make sure their settings are locked, as you could actually drop hundreds of pounds on a virtual dress. Please check.
Available: PC, PS5, smartphone Estimated play time: 10 hours or more
what to read
Mobile games in particular have been accused of violating rules regarding the use of loot boxes. Photo: Blizzard Entertainment
The BBC estimates that 43 of the top 45 best-selling mobile games are break the rules Regarding disclosure of randomized information loot box in their advertising. Regulators have been slow to take action on these gambling-related features.
devolver digital has belatedly postponed some games to next year (including Baby Steps, which I’m really looking forward to). I exhaustedly applaud Devolver for the way they presented their presentation through a mock awards ceremony. 15th Annual Devolver Delay Awards 2024.
to celebrate PlayStation 30th anniversarySony has released a set of past PlayStation launch animations, including the PS1’s iconic and incredibly 90s theme. Kotaku has more.
Astro Bot is an upcoming platform game for PlayStation 5 by Team Asobi. Photo: Sony/Team Asobi
Now it’s my turn to ask a question instead of the reader’s. you.
We’re still looking for Pushing Buttons readers to submit their favorite games of 2024. That game will be featured in the final newsletter of the year. From Baldur’s Gate 3 to Astro Bot, send us a few sentences about what they mean to you. You will see results within a few weeks.
Please reply to this email or email pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) may drink you under the table
Vladimir Kazachikov/Shutterstock
One species of wasp, which often eats alcohol-containing foods, can retain alcohol at levels that other known animals cannot tolerate without causing side effects.
‘This is crazy,’ says study author Sofia Bucebuti at Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, Israel.
Oriental wasp diet (vespa orientalis) consists of ripe fruit containing nectar and grapes. This fruit contains sugar, which is converted to ethanol through natural fermentation over time.
While ethanol is highly nutritious for animals, it is also highly intoxicating. Even animals that routinely eat fermented fruit, such as fruit flies and shrews, cannot have more than 4% ethanol in their diet, Bucebuti and his colleagues say.
But when Bucebuti’s team fed the hornets nothing for a week other than various sugar solutions containing varying amounts of ethanol from 1 to 80 percent, the hornets seemed unaffected. Neither their behavior nor their lifespans changed. What makes this particularly surprising is that a solution containing 80% ethanol contains four times the alcohol content of what occurs in nature.
“We initially experimented with only 20%. [ethanol] And we are already surprised,” say study authors Elan Levin At Tel Aviv University, Israel. The 80% ethanol figure is “even more incredible.”
Analysis of the genomes of several wasp species suggests that the insects have two to four copies of the gene that produces NADP+, which helps break down alcohol. Researchers think this may help explain why the oriental hornet, and perhaps other wasp species, can process such large amounts of alcohol.
These findings “remind us that we’re not the only ones who like alcohol.” james fry at the University of Rochester in New York. However, because data from other animal studies are difficult to compare, researchers are not convinced that wasps are the only organisms that can process such large amounts of alcohol.
Wasps’ love of alcohol may give them a competitive advantage when it comes to eating nutritious, highly fermented foods, researchers say. Irene Stefanini At the University of Turin, Italy. She believes that the wasp’s resistance is probably related to the mutualistic relationship between the animal and fermenting brewer’s yeast. budding yeastWhich her study They have been shown to live in the intestines of wasps, survive, and even mate. Perhaps the wasp helps the yeast move from fruit to fruit, and the yeast helps the wasp find energy-rich food.
Questio Sympsonorum is one of more than 100 multicellular organisms during the Ediacaran period (635 to 538 million years ago), when the first complex macroscopic animals appeared on Earth.
The creature was up to 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) wide and likely moved along what was once the ocean floor.
Animals that burrowed into the sediment had not yet evolved, so this ocean floor was covered with a layer of microorganisms that formed a slimy organic mat.
“Questio Sympsonorum “It had some interesting characteristics that set it apart from other Ediacaran species,” said Mary Droser, a professor at the University of California.
“What's really interesting about this fossil is that it's essentially symmetrical, meaning the right side mirrors the left side, but there's also an asymmetrical element that forms an inverted question mark shape.”
“This kind of symmetry indicates some level of genetic complexity.”
“Humans are bilaterally symmetrical, but they have many asymmetries, such as the position of the heart and appendix.”
“Many other asymmetries like this have been found throughout the animal kingdom, and this appears to be one of the first organisms to organize it this way.”
Reconstructed by artists Questio Sympsonorum. Image credit: Walker C. Weiland.
more than a dozen specimens Questio Sympsonorum It was discovered in the Nilpena-Ediacaran National Park in South Australia.
“The unique trace evidence our team has discovered suggests that: Questio Sympsonorum “They ate ancient organic mats while on the move,” said Scott Evans, a professor at Florida State University.
“That the fossils are preserved directly alongside evidence of their behavior really speaks to the unprecedented nature of the fossil record at Nilpena. We can see how these animals got their food.”
“Nilpena is a site of great international importance, and there is no other place in the world like it,” said Stuart Paul, regional operations director for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
“In addition to learning about these amazing fossils located within the park, tourists can also visit a former blacksmith shop, where they learn what these creatures look like and how they were formed. One of the fossil beds is brought to life by an impressive audio-visual recreation of the story.
of findings Published in a magazine evolution and development.
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Scott D. Evans others. A new motile animal that influenced the evolution of axial polarity lived during the Ediacaran period of South Australia. evolution and developmentpublished online on September 3, 2024. doi: 10.1111/ede.12491
Marine biologists have discovered adult tubeworms and other extrusive animals beneath the ocean floor of the East Pacific Ridge, a volcanically active and rapidly spreading ridge with numerous hydrothermal vents.
East Pacific Rise, subseafloor vents on the seafloor surface and crust on the outskirts of Fava Flow. Image credit: Bright others., doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-52631-9.
The East Pacific Rise is a volcanically active ridge located where two plates meet at the floor of the Pacific Ocean.
It contains many hydrothermal vents, which are openings in the ocean floor that form where ocean water and magma meet beneath the Earth's crust.
“It was once thought that the ocean-floor crust beneath hydrothermal vents was inhabited only by microorganisms and viruses,” says researcher Monika Breit of the University of Vienna and colleagues.
“But there are animals on the ocean floor that look like giant tube worms. Liftia Pachyputira Thrive. “
“The larvae are thought to disperse into the water column, even though they have never been observed there.”
“We hypothesized that these larvae migrate beneath the ocean floor via vent fluids.”
Dr. Bright and his co-authors sailing on the Schmidt Oceanographic Research Vessel Falcor (also)used the remotely operated vehicle SuB-astian to undertake a series of dives into a hydrothermal vent site located at a depth of 2,515 meters in the East Pacific Ridge.
The vehicle's arm was used to expose part of the ocean's crust, which revealed a warm, warm habitat that is home to a variety of species previously found only on the ocean floor, including giant tube worms and migratory animals such as earthworms and snails. A fluid-filled cavity was revealed.
Larvae from seafloor communities can colonize these subseafloor habitats, demonstrating the complex connectivity between seafloor and subseafloor ecosystems.
An animal habitat has been discovered beneath the ocean floor of the Earth's crust, but its extent is currently unknown, raising the urgency of its protection against potential future environmental changes.
“The presence of adult tubeworms suggests that the larvae dispersed through the recharge zone of the hydrothermal circulation system,” the authors said.
“Given that many of these animals are hosts to dense bacterial communities that oxidize reduced chemicals and fix carbon, subseafloor expansion of animal habitats may be localized. and regional geochemical flux measurements.”
“These findings highlight the need to protect vents, as the extent of these habitats has not yet been fully determined.”
team's work appear in the diary nature communications.
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M. Bright others. 2024. Animals that live in the crust beneath the shallow ocean floor of deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Nat Commune 15, 8466; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-52631-9
The debate on whether cats or dogs are smarter has been ongoing for ages. Dogs typically have larger brains than cats, with more neurons in their cerebral cortex and brains overall. Golden Retrievers, for example, have been found to have 623 million neurons in their cortex compared to 429 million in small dogs and 250 million in cats.
It’s not just about the number of neurons, though. Dogs have been studied more extensively than cats, making their intelligence capabilities more well-known. Cats are harder to study due to their aversion to new environments like laboratories.
Researchers have categorized the intelligence of pets based on three main factors.
Social Intelligence
Social cognition, or an animal’s ability to understand the mental states of others, can be evaluated through unsolvable tasks. For example, when faced with a closed container, dogs are known to turn to humans for help, displaying referential signaling similar to pointing. Cats, on the other hand, are less likely to seek help but show some level of visual communication skills.
When it comes to “counting,” both cats and dogs can discriminate between quantities. Studies have shown that vision plays a crucial role in this ability, with neither species relying heavily on other senses.
Self-awareness
The mirror test, a common method for testing self-recognition, has shown that cats and dogs do not pass the visual test. However, studies have explored the olfactory version of the mirror test, with dogs showing the ability to recognize scents associated with themselves or other dogs.
Cats have also demonstrated the ability to distinguish their feces from others, indicating a level of self-awareness based on smell.
Final Verdict
Intelligence in pets is multifaceted and context-dependent. Cats and dogs exhibit intelligence in different ways, influenced by factors such as genetics, socialization, and training. While some dogs may excel in tasks like remembering toy names, each pet has its unique strengths.
Ultimately, both cats and dogs are intelligent creatures in their own right, deserving of love and appreciation for their individual characteristics.
In her laboratory, Jessica Nowicki can often be found pinching and plucking the legs of tiny female poison dart frogs, then returning the frog to its terrarium home with its male partner, waiting for signs that the male is sharing his pain — a grimace, a flinch, or a small leap toward his injured partner.
Nowicki, a neurobehavioral scientist at Stanford University, has yet to see such overt signs of anxiety, but she has found a similar phenomenon: When male frogs are reunited with a stressed mate, their stress hormones rise slightly, internally synchronizing with their partner’s emotional state.
This discovery, as per Nowicki’s new research in Royal Society Open Science, suggests that frogs possess the most primitive form of empathy. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of animal emotions, despite the inherent difficulties in their examination.
“The first step is to stop assuming empathy doesn’t exist,” Nowicki says, “and the second is to think more holistically about how we measure empathy.”
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It is extremely challenging for scientists to ascertain whether non-human animals feel empathy since animals do not communicate clearly and explicitly with humans, and they cannot self-report their emotions during tests.
Even among humans, it is not possible to definitively confirm that one person’s happiness matches another’s subjective experience of happiness.
“That does not mean emotions do not exist,” Nowicki explains, “it simply means they are empirically challenging to prove.” However, emotions also possess biological markers tied to specific chemicals in the bloodstream and distinct signals in the brain, which can be empirically tested.
However, few studies have investigated reptiles and amphibians in this context. Nowicki decided to examine poison dart frogs (Ranitomeya’s Copycat) due to their monogamous nature, where males and females support each other in raising offspring, which she believed might reveal emotional connections. She utilized a similar lab setup as in her 2016 prairie vole study.
Indeed, when her team stressed randomly selected female frogs and paired them with male frogs, nothing notable occurred. Yet, when they reunited stressed female frogs with female frogs, the male frogs’ corticosterone levels, a stress biomarker similar to cortisol, mirrored those of their female partners.
“I was amazed!” Nowicki remarks, interpreting this as evidence of frogs expressing emotional stress through empathy.
The fact that frogs only respond to their partners’ emotions, not others’, indicates that distress transmission is not mere automatic contagion. Dr. Inbal Ben Ami Bartal, who studies prosocial behavior in animals at Tel Aviv University, calls these findings “a good example of shared basic components of empathy across species.”
While the frogs did not exhibit the anticipated behavioral changes, the possibility of emotional contagion remains plausible. Amphibian responses may differ significantly from mammals, and maintaining an open mind when studying this question in amphibians is crucial, according to Dr. Ben-Ami Bartal.
Animal welfare researcher Dr. Helen Lambert concurs, noting that empathy, as a subjective experience, can manifest physically but remains unique to each individual.
These new findings “could indicate something more complex,” but further studies are needed to understand this in amphibians, asserts Lambert.
Adriane believes that the frog study did not precisely measure what it claims to, as pinching and prodding female frogs did not induce significant stress. While the male frogs had stable emotional states, a consistent emotional change would be required to prove empathy, she contends.
Additionally, the correlation in corticosterone levels between male and female frogs is not strong.
Yet, it remains essential to continue exploring these questions to understand whether empathy is unique to humans.
About our experts
Jessica Nowicki is a research scientist in the Stanford University Biological Laboratory, focusing on prosocial behavior in early vertebrates.
Her work has appeared in journals such as Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, and Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology.
Dr. Inbal Ben Ami Bartel is a researcher in the Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University, studying social neuroscience, prosocial behavior, and empathy.
Her research has been featured in publications like E-Life, Frontiers of Psychology, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Helen Lambert is an animal welfare scientist and the head of an animal welfare consultancy.
Her work has been published in journals like Applied Animal Behavior Science, Animal Welfare, and Animal.
TThe dark mouth of a well has always been a fascinating focal point of human fascination. It is seen as both the source of life-sustaining water and the entrance to dangerous secrets. Our fables are replete with scenes in which curiosity gets the better of crying children, who gaze up into a halo of light that is forever damp and out of reach. Animal Well is an indie game seven years in the making that throws you into one of Twilight’s labyrinths, a complex of caverns constantly dripping and darting with furry, luminescent creatures. The goal is unstated but clear: explore, map, emerge. It’s an instantly engrossing quest.
You play as a shapeless blob, not the most ambitious cipher ever, but what it lacks in limbs and such it makes up for in courage and ingenuity. At first, all you can do is bravely leap between rocks and scaffolding, but over time you’ll gain new tools, gadgets and abilities, gaining access to previously inaccessible passages and tunnels. Bit by bit, the map will fill up as you explore deeper into the cave system.
Dangling lightbulbs swaying in the underground breeze illuminate the surrounding scenery, but you have to look closely at each scene to notice the half-submerged gears, pulleys, and levers that open up the world. Animal Well It’s a game about exploration, with puzzles and secrets, where your ingenuity matches that of the game designers. And when you find the solution, everything falls into place, the world opens up a little, you can dive a little deeper, and that’s when you feel the thrill of it all. Animal Well Excellent.
In an era when major video game companies are focused on developing video games with leisure-time, sport-like features — seasons, passes, endless matches — what a treat to see a game this complex and restrained come along. This is a perfectly crafted contraption with a beginning, middle and end, designed to inspire joy and build culture — thankfully not shareholder value.
All three discoveries were made in the past five years, and the more scientists experiment with animals, the more they discover that many species have an inner life and may be sentient. It shows that. A surprising range of organisms show evidence of conscious thought and experience, including insects, fish, and some crustaceans.
That’s why a group of top animal cognition researchers has released a new statement they hope will change the way scientists and society view and care for animals.
Nearly 40 researchers signed the petition. New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness” was first presented Friday morning at a conference at New York University. This comes at a pivotal moment, as a plethora of research on animal cognition collides with debates about how different species should be treated.
The declaration says there is “strong scientific support” that birds and mammals have conscious experience, and that there is a “realistic possibility” that consciousness exists in all vertebrates, including reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It has said. The possibility extends to many organisms without backbones, including insects, decapod crustaceans (including crabs and lobsters), and cephalopod molluscs such as squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish, he added.
“If an animal has a real possibility of conscious experience, it would be irresponsible to ignore that possibility in decisions affecting that animal,” the declaration reads. “We should consider welfare risks and use evidence to inform our responses to these risks.”
Jonathan Birch, professor of philosophy at the London School of Economics and principal investigator of the Fundamentals of Animal Senses project, is also one of the signatories of the declaration. He said many scientists had previously thought questions about animal consciousness were unanswerable, but the declaration shows his field is moving in a new direction.
“This has been a very exciting decade for the study of animal minds,” Professor Birch said. “People are boldly going out there in ways that have never been done before, and are excited about the possibility that animals like bees, octopuses, and squids are somehow having conscious experiences.”
From “automaton” to perceiver
There is no standard definition for animal perception or consciousness, but these terms generally refer to the ability to have subjective experiences, i.e. the ability to feel and map the outside world, and to feel emotions such as pleasure and pain. Refers to ability. In some cases, it may mean that the animal has some degree of self-awareness.
In this sense, the new declaration goes against long-standing orthodoxy in historical science. In the 17th century, French philosopher René Descartes argued that animals are nothing more than “material automatons” without souls or consciousness.
Rajesh Reddy, assistant professor and director of the animal law program at Lewis & Clark College, said Descartes believed that animals “cannot feel or suffer.” “There was something stupid and anthropomorphic about feeling sorry for them or empathizing with them.”
In the early 20th century, prominent behavioral psychologists promoted the idea that science should study only observable behavior in animals. rather than emotions or subjective experience.. But in the 1960s, scientists began to reconsider. Research began to focus on animal cognition, primarily other primates.
Birch said the new declaration attempts to “embody an emerging consensus that rejects the 100-year-old view that there is no way to study these issues scientifically.”
Indeed, there has been a recent surge in new discoveries that support the new declaration. As scientists develop new cognitive tests and test existing tests on a wider range of species, there are some surprises.
For example, consider the mirror mark test that scientists sometimes use to see if animals recognize themselves.
The fish were placed in an aquarium covered with mirrors, but no abnormal reactions were observed. However, when the cover was removed, seven out of 10 fish launched an attack toward the mirror, indicating that they may have interpreted the image as a rival fish.
After a few days, the fish calmed down and attempted strange behaviors never seen before in this species, such as swimming upside down in front of a mirror. Afterwards, some spent an unusual amount of time in front of the mirror observing their bodies. The researchers then placed brown spots under the fish’s skin to resemble parasites. Some fish tried to scrape off the mark.
“They’re able to see wrasse perform a series of steps that you can only imagine seeing in incredibly intelligent animals like chimpanzees and dolphins,” Birch said. “No one in a million years would have expected a small fish to pass this test.”
Birch said these experiments are part of a growing body of animal consciousness research over the past 10 to 15 years. “You have a much broader canvas to study a much wider range of animals, not just mammals and birds, but also invertebrates like octopuses and squid,” he said. “And people are talking about this idea more and more in relation to insects.”
Reddy said researchers may soon need to completely reorient their research, as more and more species are showing these signs.
A new legal perspective
Reddy said the change in scientists’ understanding of animal sentience could have implications for U.S. law, which does not classify animals as sentient at the federal level. Instead, animal-related laws primarily focus on conservation, agriculture, or the treatment of animals by zoos, laboratories, and pet retailers.
“The law moves very slowly and follows society’s views on many of these issues,” Reddy said. “This declaration, and other measures to remind the public that animals are more than just biological automatons, could greatly increase support for increased protections.”
Helge Karl/Getty Images/iStockphoto
State laws vary widely. Ten years ago, Oregon passed a law recognizing that animals are sentient and capable of feeling pain, stress and fear, forming the basis of progressive judicial opinion in the state, Reddy said. he said.
meanwhile, Washington and California These are among the states where lawmakers this year are considering bans on farming octopuses, a species in which scientists have found strong evidence of sentience.
British law has recently changed to consider octopuses as living organisms, just like crabs and lobsters.
“Once you realize that animals are intelligent, the concept of humane slaughter starts to become important. You have to make sure that the methods you’re using on the animals are humane,” Birch said. says. “For crabs and lobsters, very inhumane methods such as dropping them into a pot of boiling water are very common.”
On April 8th, while most people in the United States will be staring into the sky (preferably wearing appropriate safety glasses), animals will have no idea what’s going on.
That’s natural, right? For animals, the sun constitutes their entire life. Without energy drinks and late-night TV to disrupt their sleep schedules, the sun is an all-in-one alarm clock, sleeping pill, and calendar for animals.
“Basically, everything we’ve ever heard about animal behavior during a solar eclipse can reasonably be considered anecdotal from a scientific perspective.” Professor Adam Hartstone Rose says the person who led the research. BBC Science Focus.
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Hartstone-Rose and his team observed the behavior of 17 species at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. This is the first time such a study has been conducted. What did they find? Now, how animals behave during a total solar eclipse varies dramatically, from not at all bothersome to downright weird…
Strange ways animals may react to solar eclipses
Heartstone-Rose said animals responded to celestial events in one of four ways. These include not responding at all, starting nighttime routines, showing anxiety, and exhibiting new behaviors.
“Most animals fall into a category that we call related to circadian rhythms. So basically, animals treat solar eclipses as if they were evening, then night, then morning; “I get into a routine,” he says.
Similar nighttime routines have been widely reported for other eclipses. As the moon passes in front of the sun, expect birds to quiet down and crickets and cicadas to become more active.
The next largest behavioral category was, somewhat sadly, anxiety-related behaviors. For example, evidence gathered by Hartstone-Rose and her research team suggests that if you’re near a giraffe during a solar eclipse, you should stay well away from them.
“During the peak of the eclipse, the giraffes started running around like crazy and in potentially dangerous ways,” Hartstone-Rose explains.
“Giraffes in the wild are very gentle animals. They’re a little bit wild and sensitive. They don’t do crazy things unless they have to, so when I saw giraffes running around…, only when startled by a predator, vehicle, etc.”
Thankfully, any disturbing behavior didn’t last long. “The good news is that all of the animal’s behavior returns to normal very quickly, literally within minutes.”
But what about these so-called “novel” behaviors? This is where things get weird.
The siamang is a type of gibbon that lives in the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Although they look cute, they are known to be very noisy and have large throat pouches.use their heads to help sing.
The research team recorded the calls of the siamang during and for several days before and after the eclipse, and found that it emitted a unique call during the totality. It was something they had never heard before.
“We were able to statistically show that vocalizations during a solar eclipse are much different than at any other time we’ve been able to record vocalizations,” Hartstone-Rose says. “That was pretty remarkable.”
read more:
The prize for the strangest solar eclipse behavior is… giant tortoise?
If anxious runs and strange songs weren’t enough, Riverbanks Zoo’s Galapagos tortoises took their reaction to the solar eclipse to a different level.
“Galapagos tortoises are not charismatic animals,” Hartstone-Rose says. “They’re like weird looking rocks that can live to be well over 100 years old.”
Galapagos giant tortoises began mating from the moment of totality. – Image credit: Getty
According to stereotypes, they are not particularly fast moving and the males Weight is over 227 kg making it the largest turtle species on Earth.
When the sun eclipsed the moon in 2017, Galapagos tortoises started doing something unexpected. They literally started breeding right before our eyes. “
Therefore, a solar eclipse may lift your turtle’s mood. Did anyone know?
How can I participate this time?
After 2017’s surprising discoveries, researchers hope to do even more this year.
Hartstone-Rose and a team of researchers plan to observe animal behavior at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. They will observe and compare some of the same species and new species from 2017.
But you don’t have to be a trained researcher to help scientists understand animal behavior during this once-in-a-lifetime event.
If you want to participate, just choose the animal you want to observe, whether it’s a dog, cat, domestic animal, or natural animal.
You don’t have to go down the path of perfection either. There will be at least a partial solar eclipse across the United States on April 8, and researchers want to know whether the severity of the eclipse affects behavior.
Before you worry that you’ll miss the eclipse itself because you’re too busy checking to see if your dog is scratching its ears, don’t worry. Data collection only takes a few seconds every few minutes, so you still have time to understand everything.
Why study animals during a solar eclipse?
While understanding how different animals behave during a solar eclipse may seem interesting to some, it is ultimately a pointless endeavor. Fair point. Although there is some method to madness.
First, Hartstone-Rose points out that it’s important to understand which animals exhibit anxiety.
“If solar eclipses are upsetting, or if the human response to solar eclipses is upsetting, that’s important information for us to know. For example, giraffes really If it runs around, it may be ethical to move the giraffe indoors during the next solar eclipse.
“At the end of the day, we don’t want them to hurt themselves.”
Even more poignantly, he thinks this could answer some of the big questions about our relationship with animals.
“One of the big questions, and anyone who has a pet dog or cat knows this, is what’s going on inside this animal’s head. Do you know? ? What is my dog thinking at any given moment? People have such questions not only about dogs, but about all their favorite animals.”
Perhaps by understanding how animals respond to one of the most unique and fascinating experiences on earth, we can move one step closer to solving the mystery.
About our experts
adam hartstone rose He is a professor of biological sciences at North Carolina State University. His research typically focuses on anatomical adaptations (e.g. feeding experiments), muscle examination (e.g. masticatory muscles), and analysis of bones and teeth in live animals. In 2017, he led a study on animal behavior during a total solar eclipse at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina.
The standard chicken egg available in stores is a remarkable natural gift, filled with nutrients and incredibly versatile for cooking. However, they all look the same, even the chocolate ones have the same size and shape.
Fortunately, there are numerous fascinating examples of eggs in nature. From baby toads emerging from their mother’s back like in a sci-fi movie to strange spiral structures washing up on shorelines, eggs have evolved unique methods for various creatures to reproduce and safeguard their offspring.
So, which animal lays the most peculiar eggs? Take a look at our collection.
1. Surinam toad
Surinamese toad eggs formed on the back of a female – Image courtesy of Getty
The Surinamese toad, a fully aquatic frog species primarily found in South America, exhibits a fascinating reproductive process. During breeding, the female releases 60 to 100 eggs, each of which is fertilized individually by the male. These eggs are then formed into a honeycomb structure and attached to the female’s back ensuring their protection until hatching, which typically occurs between 4 to 6 months later.
2. Stink bug
An adult female Antytheuchus stink bug guarding her eggs – Image courtesy of Getty
Stink bugs, also known as shield bugs, are insects with sharp teeth and a defensive spray. Female shield bugs lay eggs of various colors to aid in camouflage. This species produces colorful and intriguing eggs.
3. Whelk
Whelk egg case on the beach – Image courtesy of Getty
Whelks, large sea snails found around the UK coast, lay up to 2,000 eggs in a spongy ball or spiral structure. Once hatched, these unique structures float to the water surface and often wash up on beaches.
Check out the rest of the list for more bizarre eggs!
Late last year, UrgentSeas received an anonymous tip from a former Miami Aquarium employee about an animal tank kept away from public view. Advocacy groups investigated.
In November, they posted a short clip of what they found after flying a drone over the property. It was an old manatee living alone in a dilapidated private pool. Within a month, the video had been viewed millions of times and the outcry became so intense that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved Romeo the manatee and his companion Juliet to a sanctuary.
Over the past decade, drones have become an invaluable tool for activists and conservation groups. In 2013, the animal rights organization Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was launched. drone campaign Tracking illegal bowhunting in Massachusetts.
Since then, drones have been used to record factory farm pollution In the Midwest of the United States, there was an outbreak of sea lice in salmon pens in Iceland. Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon. Drones are popular because they are relatively cheap, easy to use, and can extend reach even in difficult or inaccessible terrain. It also provides a bird’s-eye view of the scale of problems such as oil spills and illegal logging.
When it comes to breeding marine mammals, an aerial view is extremely valuable and can reveal the cramped conditions and restricted lives of animals in aquariums.
In some cases, drones have captured the secret lives of hidden animals, such as Romeo the Miami manatee. “This is footage that people need to see to understand how cruel confinement really is,” said the drone pilot who shot the footage at the Miami Seaquarium, and who wishes to remain anonymous.
Another early adopter of drones is Sea Shepherd. Marine conservation groups have begun filming illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas.As technology advances, drones have become quieter and stealthier, he says. Simon Ager, long-time Sea Shepherd volunteer. This is critical for infiltrating ships and catching crimes in progress, he added.
“In my experience, drones have been ineffective because you can never get close to a ship where illegal activity is taking place. They see us coming, and they see us over the horizon. They will turn and flare up, and you guys will have nothing to go after them,” says Agar.
Sea Shepherd thermal drones monitor the porpoise sanctuary in the Gulf of California as part of an effort to protect the world's most endangered marine mammals from illegal fishing. Photo: Eli Hausman/Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Agel said off the coasts of Mexico and Ecuador, tuna fishermen are pulling up nets tangled with sharks and other unintended bycatch, or dumping miles of fishing line into the water, where more marine life is caught. I recorded how it looked like it was dying. Off the coast of the Galapagos Islands, he tracked a large flotilla of Chinese squid fishing vessels with a night-vision drone.That campaign was exposed. Environmental and human rights abuses are rampant on boardincluding slave labor and the dumping of unwanted catches.
Drones also allow activists to safely distance themselves from the dangerous situations they are filming. During an operation to save endangered porpoises in the Gulf of California, cartel-funded fishermen shot a Sea Shepherd drone out of the sky and threw petrol bombs at the ship.
“Conservation is a very dangerous profession, and more environmentalists are killed every year,” Ager said. “Drones are a great way to study something without putting yourself at risk and decide if it's worth the risk.”
The high seas are a near-lawless zone where drone rules and regulations are severely violated. The legal situation is different on land, where activists use drones to photograph zoos and aquariums. UrgentSeas pilots say they use the app to determine where they are allowed to fly their drones and do their best to follow the appropriate laws.
“Flying a drone is clearly something you shouldn't do,” she says. “You don't have to stand outside the facility and fly the drone. You might even hide in the bushes. You're watching the cars. It's kind of like a mission.”
Last November, the Miami Seaquarium filed for a non-disclosure order against Argent Seeds co-founder Phil Demers after drone footage of Romeo went viral. The move is part of a larger lawsuit the aquarium filed against animal activists in May 2023, alleging defamation, public nuisance and trespassing, many of which include flying drones and trespassing on property. It was from a recording.
Romeo, the Miami Aquarium's manatee, was moved to a swimming pool at the Tampa Zoo in Florida last December. Photo: Zuma Press Inc/Alamy
The Miami Seaquarium did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Guardian, but said in the complaint that Demers “repeatedly flew unmanned aircraft without authorization.” [Seaquarium’s] Accommodation is available during normal business hours. ”
As a relatively new technology, drones still exist in a legal gray area. “Drones, legal and privacy issues are new issues,” says Benjamin Christopher Caraway, an attorney with the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project in Colorado and Demers' attorney. There are several state torts and statutes regarding drones, but he has yet to see many cases heard in court.
Activists say drones are necessary for free speech and democracy, but opponents say they invade privacy and, in the case of aquariums and zoos, cause trouble to animals, customers and staff. .
Carraway hopes the drone law will address conflicting concerns in a nuanced way. “The whole concept of drones requires a significant update to the law and raises another question: the balance between legitimate interests and the public's right to know, privacy.”
Romeo the manatee rescued from the Miami Aquarium sticks his nose out of the water in his new home at the Tampa Zoo. Photo: Zuma Press Inc/Alamy
A trial involving Demers and the Miami Seaquarium is scheduled for May, but it is doubtful the facility will still be open by then. Last year's death of killer whale Lolita and news reports about Romeo's living conditions have added to public pressure on an already struggling aquarium. On March 7, Miami-Dade County issued an eviction notice, ordering the aquarium operator to vacate the county-owned property by April 21.
“The Dolphin Company has repeatedly failed to meet its contractual obligations under the lease agreement,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava said in a statement. “The current situation at Miami Aquarium is unsustainable and unsafe due to its failure to maintain the facility in good condition and its failure to demonstrate that it can ensure the safety and welfare of the animals in its care.”
UrgentSeas receives 5-6 tips from whistleblowers each month. Most are former or current employees of zoos and aquariums around the world. According to Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA, currently 56 killer whales They are in captivity all over the world.
UrgentSeas plans to document every facility with a drone (though the group encourages supporters to fly the drones themselves). “It’s the drone that shows us everything,” says his anonymous UrgentSeas pilot. “But it comes with a lot of risks.”
‘TToday is the first day of your new life on this pristine and beautiful island. Well then, congratulations! ” says benevolent raccoon landlord Tom Nook minutes into Animal Crossing: New Horizons. (Nook gets a lot of hate online, but there’s no denying he’s very welcoming.) Many players read this comforting message during a time of uncertainty and fear in the real world. Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released on Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2020., days before the UK entered its first Covid lockdown.
This was fortuitous timing. When we were all stuck at home, thanks to this game you can plant local fruit, take care of your flowers, see what’s on offer in the shops in town, and play with Tom Nook. I was able to repay a large loan (thankfully interest free) and escape. Chaos and daily death toll. We opened the gates to our island and welcomed friends and strangers into our pristine little world. When real life fell apart, we started anew glasses cat, Sheep in a clown coat and rhinoceros like cake.
Due to the sudden popularity of the game Nintendo Switch sales status surge amid pandemic shortages. new horizons sold 44.79 million units By December 2023 – almost 3.5 times more than any other game in the Animal Crossing series since 2001. This is his second best-selling Switch game to date after Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
“I visited a friend who was far away in real life”…Many people still play this game.
Player April said she and her partner Matthew have spent over 700 hours playing the game, turning their island into a collaborative…
There have been various conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19, from microchips in vaccines to the virus being engineered in a lab. A recent study is challenging these theories by suggesting that the virus is more likely of natural origin.
Researchers from the University of New South Wales in Australia argue that the current debate lacks consideration of non-medical evidence in determining the origin of the virus. They emphasize that their findings do not definitively prove the lab origin theory but rather suggest that such theories should not be dismissed too quickly.
Some scientists criticize the study’s methods for potential biases, and there is still no consensus in the academic community regarding the virus’s origin. The study highlights the need for further research and caution in drawing conclusions.
This study presents evidence supporting the hypothesis of a potential laboratory origin of COVID-19, including unique biological features not found in similar viruses and the proximity of a research facility studying bat coronaviruses to the initial outbreak site in Wuhan.
The study utilized a risk analysis tool to evaluate various criteria related to the virus’s natural or unnatural origin. The tool assigned scores based on evidence such as geographical distribution, virus strains, and transmission modes. The results indicated a higher likelihood of an unnatural origin due to specific biological risks and unconventional strains.
The researchers’ findings have sparked debates within the scientific community, with some experts questioning the tool’s subjectivity and potential for biased interpretations. While the study doesn’t conclusively prove the virus’s origin, it suggests that further investigation is necessary to understand the pandemic’s roots.
Experts like Dr. Jeremy Rothman, Professor Paul Hunter, and Professor Raina McIntyre have cautioned against jumping to conclusions about COVID-19’s origins and emphasize the need for thorough research to uncover the truth.
Deep within the dusty archives of natural history museums worldwide lies a collection of rare species gathered over centuries, yet unseen by the public eye. However, a new initiative is changing that, making over 13,000 specimens digitally accessible to all.
Over the past five years, the oVert collaboration, consisting of 18 institutions, has produced an impressive array of 3D reconstructions of vertebrate specimens. This involved conducting numerous CT scans of various vertebrate species in the collection, including amphibians, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Even a humpback whale was meticulously scanned to create a detailed 3D model.
This innovative approach not only expands research opportunities for scientists and researchers but also benefits educators and artists, who can utilize these resources to create accurate models of a wide range of species.
Scientists have already begun using data from the oVert project to uncover fascinating insights about the natural world, with the potential for even more discoveries as technology advances.
types of fish
Specimens (such as these different types of fish), once restricted to scientists studying them, are now available to everyone as 3D models. Photo credit: openVertebrate
Frog vestibular system
Vestibular system of pumpkin toad (brachycephalic animal) is the smallest vertebrate ever observed. Still, they take up proportionately more space in their heads than larger creatures, making them less able to balance while jumping. Photo credit: openVertebrate
Incredibly detailed animal scans
Scanned image of Hosmer spiny dragon (Egernia hosmeri) indicates the level of detail revealed in these animal scans. Photo credit: openVertebrate
structure hidden inside
CT scans allow scientists to study the internal anatomy of a specimen without dissecting it. This image of a hedgehog is a good example. Photo credit: openVertebrate
centipede too far
Using the oVert system, researchers were able to perform a digital dissection of a rimrock-crowned snake (Tantilla's politics) – North America's rarest snake. This individual died while trying to eat a centipede. Photo credit: openVertebrate
unprecedented diversity
The main goal of the oVert project is to image as much diversity as possible across the vertebrate tree of life, including fish, reptiles, and mammals. Photo credit: openVertebrate
evolutionary insight
Analysis of the overt specimen revealed that frogs have lost their teeth more than 20 times throughout their evolutionary history, more than any other vertebrate group. Photo credit: openVertebrate
digital museum
On the left, a scientist (Melonycteris melanops). The image on the right shows the same bat after a 3D scan. Photo credit: openVertebrate
frog flowchart
Researchers can use a variety of methods to reconstruct museum specimens as digital 3D models. Photo credit: openVertebrate
Spiny rat osteoderm
One of the researchers was conducting routine CT scans of spiny mice and was surprised to discover that their tails were covered with an internal covering of bone plates called bony plates. Until this discovery, armadillos were thought to be the only living mammals with these structures. Photo credit: openVertebrate
WASHINGTON — Tails were once a feature of our ancient animal ancestors. Why did they disappear?
Around 20 to 25 million years ago, during the split between apes and monkeys, the evolutionary branches of our family tree shed their tails. Scientists have been puzzled about the reasons behind this change since the time of Darwin.
Now, a group of researchers has pinpointed at least one crucial genetic mutation that played a role in this transformation.
“We identified a single mutation in a highly important gene,” explained Beau Xia, a geneticist at the Broad Institute and one of the authors of the study that was recently published in Nature magazine.
By comparing the genetic makeup of six types of great apes, including humans, and 15 species of tailed monkeys, researchers found significant genetic differences between the two groups. To test their hypothesis, they used the gene-editing tool CRISPR to alter the same genetic spot in mouse embryos, leading to the birth of tailless mice.
Xia cautioned that there may be other genetic factors contributing to the loss of tails.
An intriguing aspect of this evolutionary change is whether the absence of tails conferred an advantage to our ape ancestors and ultimately to humans. Was it a random mutation or did it serve a purpose in survival?
“It could have been purely coincidental, but it may have provided a significant evolutionary benefit,” suggested Miriam Konkel, an evolutionary geneticist at Clemson University who was not part of the study.
Various theories speculate on the advantages of being tailless. Some suggest that it may be linked to the development of upright walking in humans.
Rick Potts, who leads the Human Origins Project at the Smithsonian Institution and was not involved in this study, believes that the absence of tails in some apes could be due to their vertical posture even when still in trees. This transition might have been the initial step.
Although not all great apes are land dwellers, orangutans and gibbons are examples of tailless apes that continue to live in trees. Their movements differ significantly from monkeys, as they do not need tails for balance while moving among branches.
Study co-author Itai Yanai, a biologist at New York University, acknowledges that losing the tail was a major change. However, the true reasons behind it remain a mystery that can only be unraveled with a time machine.
Cutting, biting, slashing, and cannibalism are not words that we naturally associate with love. But there is beauty and splendor in the dark side of animal mating, too.
This article takes a closer look at eight of the strangest courtship behaviors in the animal kingdom.
Some male anglerfish often attach themselves to passing females, reducing them to little more than brainless sperm sacs. This is called “parabiosis,” where two organisms combine to develop a shared physiological system. Monkfish are the only known example of symbiotic symbiosis in nature.
Anglerfish develop symbiotic relationships in response to the vastness of the deep sea, where encounters between the sexes are rare and rare. A male bites the first female he encounters because it’s a safer choice than gambling with another female who may never arrive.
Biologists to investigate how anglerfish achieve symbiosis Dr. Thomas Boehm Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Germany tested the DNA of 31 specimens from 10 species of monkfish.
They discovered that the monkfish species, which are fused male and female, lack important immune system genes. Somehow they are compromising the immune system to allow parabiosis without suffering any negative effects.
Understanding how anglerfish manage this trick could facilitate future blood transfusions and organ transplants and have important implications for medicine.
Snakes have two penises instead of just one. These organs, known as hemipenes, allow male snakes to mate with snakes from various directions. This is especially useful for red-sided garter snakes, which form chaotic “mating balls” during mating season in which males outnumber females 100 to 1.
This situation occurs because male snakes wake up from hibernation before females, causing a temporary imbalance in the sex ratio.
To increase the probability of mating success, the hemipenes of many reptile species have evolved complex spines that lock into place during copulation. In red-sided garter snakes, the hemipenis has a large spine that is inserted into the female during copulation.
This finding suggests that by contracting the genital opening and vagina, females may be able to forcefully reject male advances and thwart an unworthy partner’s chances of success.
Earlier this year, scientists discovered a type of nudibranch (Siphopterone Maxig) It stabs the partner directly in the center of the head with poisonous spurs, in the throes of love.
This spur (attached to the penis), called a penile stylet, injects a complex cocktail of hormones directly into the lover’s brain, increasing the odds of a successful copulation.
This is just one of the many reproductive oddities that nudibranchs have evolved. Some nudibranchs even “kiss” their bodies mouth-to-mouth before transferring their sperm. After mating, sea slugs can also “cuddle” by wrapping their colorful bodies around each other.
“Maybe ‘hugging’ is akin to protecting your spouse,” he says. Cheyenne Tatean experienced sea slug observer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“The threat to their reproductive success is that their sperm gets digested by their partner before it can be used for fertilization. And ‘hugging’ gives sperm a chance to travel deeper within their partner’s reproductive tract. You can get it. ”
Most people think that sea slugs, like many invertebrates, are primitive lower orders of bony animals with large brains. Their rich and duplicitous sex lives suggest otherwise.
The case of male spiders is complicated. To prepare for sex, they must first ejaculate onto a small web and then collect the semen in a pair of syringe-like appendages near their mouth known as palps.
Locked and loaded, the male spider must approach the female and insert its antennae into the female’s reproductive passageway, being careful not to activate the predatory kill reflex. The female’s reproductive tract happens to be just a few millimeters from the venomous fangs.
To limit the chance of being eaten, male spiders have evolved complex dances to clearly communicate their sexual intentions.
Some offer gifts to the female to keep her entertained while the sperm transfer takes place. But male redback spiders go one step further: During mating, the male somersaults balletically into the female’s jaw, encouraging her to bite.
During courtship, some species of snails periodically fire chemical-tipped arrows at each other, like the garden snail pictured here.
And since snails have both female and male reproductive organs, these arrows (or “love darts”) often fly in both directions.
“The purpose of the love dart is not to kill the mate, but to introduce bioactive substances that affect the mate’s reproductive process,” states Dr. Joris M. Corne of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environmental Research.
The substances contained in love darts contain a rich cocktail of special compounds (known as allomones) that prevent sperm from being lost within the reproductive tract of a potential mate if mating takes place.
Each species of snail has its own unique shape. Some love darts are curved like a harpoon. Some have thorns. Some have diamond-shaped tips, like decorated spears.
Can misfires cause fatalities? “I’ve occasionally seen darts go straight into the recipient’s head, and the recipient survived.” says Joris M. Corne.
“Cannibalism has its advantages,” says Nathan Burke, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hamburg, who studies the mating strategies of praying mantises.
“It can lead to improved growth, condition and reproduction in cannibals. What makes many praying mantises and spiders different from other cannibals is that they also cannibalize in mating situations, usually eating the male. That means it’s only female.”
Burke is particularly interested in the wrestling matches that some praying mantis species engage in before mating. Wrestling matches involve violent grappling and violent contests between males and females who scrape their paws together.
If the female wins these struggles, the male will almost certainly be eaten. However, if the male wins, there is a good chance of mating.
Why sexual cannibalism is so rare among insects remains a subject of debate.
“The thing about praying mantises is that they are mostly sit-and-wait predators. They don’t move around looking for food, they patiently wait for food to come to them,” says Burke.
“This sit-and-wait lifestyle may be a pre-adaptation for sexual cannibalism.”
This may explain why cannibalism occurs in other sit-and-wait predators such as spiders.
A seed beetle’s penis, which has hundreds of sharp spines whose purpose is to scratch and tear the female’s reproductive organs, makes no sense at all.
After all, how does a penis gene that damages a woman’s reproductive tract spread throughout a population?
A female stag beetle that mated with a male with long spines produced sons with the same long spines. However, their daughters also appeared to have inherited some valuable traits.
On average, they were larger and produced more eggs during their lifetime.
About our experts
Dr. Joris M. CorneAssociate Professor at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environmental Research. His research focuses on simultaneous reproduction in hermaphrodites. His research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including PLoS ONE and Current Biology.
Dr. Nathan BurkeHe is an evolutionary ecologist and Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Hamburg, Germany. His research investigates sexual antagonism in the springbok mantis (Myomantis cafra).
Dr. Cheyenne TateI am a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She received her PhD from the University of Notre Dame in 2019.
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