Arizona State University researchers have found that larger tropical stingless bee species fly better in hot conditions than smaller bees do. Larger size may help certain bee species better tolerate high body temperatures. The findings run contrary to the well-established temperature-size "rule," which suggests that ectotherms -- insects that rely on the external environment to...
Smell and behavior: The scents of taking action
In all animals, including humans, smell -- the oldest of the five senses -- plays a predominant role in many behaviors essential for survival and reproduction. It has been known since ancient times that animals react to odours.
Yet researchers are just beginning to elucidate the neural pathways and mechanisms responsible for odour-induced behavior. . A...
Fruit fly study challenges theories on evolution and high-carb diets
A single mitochondrial DNA mutation common in animals could play a role in obesity and other health problems associated with a diet high in carbohydrates.
This was one of the implications of research led by UNSW scientists who looked at how different diets affected fruit fly populations. The researchers observed a surprising difference between two sets...
A black bear playbook: Conservationists predict bear/human conflict hot-spots in new study
A new study by WCS, American Museum of Natural History, and other partners uses long term data on bear mortality to map high-probability hot-spots for human-bear conflicts. The authors say this is a critical tool for wildlife managers to reduce mortality of bears as they recolonize their former range in the Great Basin and in...
Baby's tears and mom's libido
A substance in young mice's tears makes female mice more likely to reject male sexual advances. This research is part of ongoing efforts at the University of Tokyo to understand how animals communicate using chemicals called pheromones.
Direct connections between human and mouse behavior cannot be made because pheromones are highly species specific.
"If humans can detect...
New species of ‘missing link’ between dinosaurs and birds identified
Known as the 'Icon of Evolution' and 'the missing link' between dinosaurs and birds, Archaeopteryx has become one of the most famous fossil discoveries in Palaeontology.
Now, as part of an international team of scientists, researchers at The University of Manchester have identified a new species of Archaeopteryx that is closer to modern birds in evolutionary...