zoology

A neuropeptide helps starfish shed their arms to escape predators, providing clues about the mechanisms regulating self-amputation.

The sequenced genome of the brittle star revealed unique gene arrangements and provides insights into ancient genes involved in limb regeneration.

Transcriptomic studies of the shrew’s remarkably plastic brain could provide new insights into neurodegenerative diseases.

When multiple elephants were found dead in a national park in India, microbiologists turned to investigate their prime suspect: fungi. 

Zymo Research, Unravel Biosciences, and Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute team up to combat increasing cases of domoic acid poisoning in sea lions.

Sticky spider-web traps are promising non-invasive and cheap tools for terrestrial vertebrate monitoring.

While covid has caused illness and millions of deaths among humans, multiple nonhuman animal species have turned out to be susceptible to it, too.

Scientists have perfected the recipe to convert giant panda skin cells into stem cells to study the animal’s biology and aid its conservation. 

Biochemist Matthew Harrington investigates how bivalves produce underwater superglue.

A series of rodent experiments showed that even with abundant food and water, personal space is essential to prevent societal collapse, but Universe 25's relevance to humans remains disputed.

The marmot social microbiome is unlike that of other mammals, adding a new perspective to wildlife conservation efforts.

The innate genetic program that controls migratory behavior in birds is shrouded in mystery, but scientists are closer to understanding how genetic variation influences their routes between Europe and Africa.

The distribution of flu virus receptors in cow mammary glands helps explain the high H5N1 viral loads in milk, but it also raises concerns about risks to human health.

Scientists itch to decipher the cues that make some people mosquito magnets.

Some species remove up to 90 percent of their genomes during development, but why or how this happens is still a mystery.

Removing parts of the genome is a key step in some species’ development.

Jamie Foster’s space-faring squid and its symbiotic bacteria illuminate host-microbe communication.

A simple rainforest leaf swab revealed DNA from dozens of animal species, possibly improving biodiversity monitoring in the future.

Rice University researchers claimed the Ig Nobel Prize for upleveling biorobotics by transforming deceased spiders into robotic grippers.