A new study suggests that Mars may have once had an active carbon cycle, which could explain why the planet was warmer and wetter billions of years ago. Researchers analyzing data from NASA’s Curiosity rover found evidence of carbonate minerals, indicating that Mars once had a thicker carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere capable of supporting liquid water. ...
The invasive Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has been confirmed in the Lower Columbia River, sparking concerns among scientists and wildlife officials. Known for their hairy, mitten-like claws, these crabs have caused environmental disruptions in other regions, notably in California’s San Francisco Bay, where they contributed to riverbank erosion and infrastructure damage. Their arrival in ...
Harriers, a group of hawks found across multiple continents, have evolved owl-like hearing to locate prey hidden in tall grass. A new study reveals that these raptors possess enlarged ear openings and specialized brain structures, allowing them to detect sounds with remarkable accuracy. How Harriers Use Sound to Hunt Unlike most hawks that rely primarily ...
A groundbreaking study has used DNA metabarcoding to analyze the diet of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), uncovering surprising prey species. This method provides a more precise understanding of their feeding habits, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts. Unexpected Prey Discoveries Researchers collected fecal samples from seven different landscapes in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, ...
Fringe-lipped bats (Trachops cirrhosus) have developed an extraordinary ability to eavesdrop on frog mating calls to locate prey. However, new research reveals that these bats must learn to distinguish between palatable and toxic frogs over time, refining their hunting strategies through experience. How Bats Use Frog Calls These bats rely on sound rather than visual ...
Marine researchers at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have captured an extraordinary moment in shark behavior—a nurse shark unknowingly filmed a great white shark off the coast of Boynton Beach, Florida. The footage, recorded using a fin-mounted camera, provides a rare shark’s-eye view of an interaction between two vastly different species. How the Footage Was Captured ...
Scientists observed cuttlefish engaging in tentacle waving, a behavior that may serve as a form of communication. This discovery suggests that cuttlefish use visual and vibrational signals to interact, expanding our understanding of cephalopod intelligence. How Cuttlefish Use Tentacle Waves Researchers studied common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis), identifying four distinct arm ...
Arctic sea ice is disappearing at an alarming rate due to climate change, with scientists predicting the first ice-free summer could occur before 2030. In response, researchers are testing innovative technologies to slow ice loss and potentially regrow Arctic sea ice, raising questions about the feasibility and ethics of climate intervention. The Technology Behind Ice ...
Marine conservation is often seen as an ecological necessity, but new research suggests it’s also an economic powerhouse. Kristin Rechberger, founder of Dynamic Planet, argues that protecting coastal waters is one of the most overlooked yet high-impact investments for both nature and local economies. Through the Revive Our Ocean initiative, communities worldwide are proving that ...
A groundbreaking study reveals that orangutans living in zoos engage in more frequent and complex object exploration than their wild counterparts. By analyzing over 12,000 instances of exploratory object manipulation (EOM), researchers found that zoo environments foster greater curiosity and problem-solving behaviors in orangutans. Comparing Wild and Zoo-House Orangutans The study, conducted at the Suaq ...
