Octopuses prefer certain arms when hunting and adjust tactics to prey
Biologists investigated whether octopuses preferred certain arms over others when hunting, rather than using each arm equally. No matter what type of prey came by, each octopus attacked using the second arm from the middle. Read more
PetTrack lets owners know exactly where their dog is
PetTrack uses a combination of sensors to give the accurate, real-time indoor location of an animal. Read more
Novel baseline data on leopard seals, the mysterious apex predators of Antarctica
The combination of the extreme climate in Antarctica, the species' solitary habits and their lethal reputation makes leopard seals one of the most difficult top predators to study on Earth. Marine biologists have now gathered baseline data on the ecology and physiology of the leopard seal, the Read more
A small crustacean acts as the sea's bees
The crucial role of insects in the pollination of flowering plants is well known, but algal fertilization assisted by marine animals was hitherto deemed non-existent. A team has now discovered that small crustaceans known as idoteas contribute to the reproductive cycle of the red alga Gracilaria gra Read more
Flies, roaches not likely to spread COVID-19, study shows
Insects like biting flies and cockroaches are not likely to spread the agent of COVID-19 to humans, according to a recently published article. Read more
Burro-ing into the past
A new study reveals that introduced donkeys and indigenous pumas are helping to resurrect extinct food webs in Death Valley. Read more
Exploring factors that may underlie how domestic cats can live in groups
A new analysis explores relationships between domestic cats' hormone levels, gut microbiomes, and social behaviors, shedding light on how these solitary animals live in high densities. Read more
Effect of environmental contaminants on the health of pet cats
Exposure to persistent organic pollutants in pet cats lowers blood thyroid hormone levels and causes chronic oxidative stress, a new study finds. Read more
Introducing a protocol for using robotic pets in memory care
Researchers have developed a protocol for using robotic pets with older adults with dementia. The protocol uses a low-cost robotic pet, establishes ideal session lengths, and identifies common participant responses to the 'pets' to aid in future research. Read more
Cats injured in wildfires at risk of deadly blood clots
Cats injured in California wildfires are at risk of forming deadly blood clots, according to new research. Read more
Habitat shifts affect brain structure in Amazonian butterflies
Habitat differences help determine changes in the nervous system of tropical butterflies, scientists have found. Read more
Genetically-enhanced biocontrols can help fight large invasive mammals, study finds
Genome engineering using CRISPR offers novel solutions for controlling invasive alien species, but its efficiency for eradicating harmful vertebrates is yet to be tested. In a new study, researchers confirm that genetic biocontrols could rapidly eradicate animals like rats, mice and rabbits. Others Read more
Connecting the spots: First comprehensive review of national jaguar protection laws
Conservationists have conducted the first comprehensive review of national laws across the range of the jaguar (Panthera onca) to show opportunities for strengthening legal protections of the largest cat species found in the Americas. Read more
How bacteria adhere to cells: Basis for the development of a new class of antibiotics
Researchers have unraveled how bacteria adhere to host cells and thus taken the first step towards developing a new class of antibiotics. Read more
Largest study of domestic cat DNA identifies disease-causing variants in new breeds
Thirteen genetic variants associated with disease in cats are present in more pedigreed breeds than previously thought, according to the largest ever DNA-based study of domestic cats. However, these variants are declining in frequency in breeds that are regularly screened for the genetic markers. Read more
Cats' strange reactions to catnip make it a better insect repellent
Anyone who has seen a cat experience catnip knows that it makes them go a bit wild -- they rub in it, roll on it, chew it, and lick it aggressively. It is widely accepted that this plant, and its Asian counterpart, silvervine, have intoxicative properties, but this might not be the only reason that Read more
Primates and non-primates differ in the architecture of their neurons
High-resolution microscopy now enabled an international research team to enlarge the knowledge about species-specific differences of the architecture of cortical neurons. Read more
