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51+ min ago (864+ words) In a groundbreaking study, researchers Papachristos, Miller, and Klasson delve into the intricate dynamics of Wolbachia, a ubiquitous genus of bacteria, within the evolving populations of Neotropical Drosophila. This intricate relationship between host and symbiont challenges our understanding of evolutionary processes and adaptability in response to genomic shifts. The findings illuminate the co-speciation processes that [] In a groundbreaking study, researchers Papachristos, Miller, and Klasson delve into the intricate dynamics of Wolbachia, a ubiquitous genus of bacteria, within the evolving populations of Neotropical Drosophila. This intricate relationship between host and symbiont challenges our understanding of evolutionary processes and adaptability in response to genomic shifts. The findings illuminate the co-speciation processes that shape the evolutionary path of these organisms and elaborate on how lifestyle transitions drive genomic consequences, underscoring the significance of microbial symbiosis in the natural world. Wolbachia is renowned for…...

1+ hour, 7+ min ago (851+ words) Climate records from cave stone and elephant teeth reveal how severe drought pushed Homo floresiensis toward extinction. (CREDIT: Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0) "The ecosystem around Liang Bua became dramatically drier around the time Homo floresiensis vanished," said UOW Honorary Professor Dr. Mike Gagan, the study's lead author. "Summer rainfall fell and river-beds became seasonally dry, placing stress on both hobbits and their prey." The prey in question was a dwarf elephant called Stegodon florensis insularis. Weighing as much as a small car, these animals would have needed a steady supply of water. When rains weakened, elephants likely clustered around the few remaining sources. Humans would have followed. Both groups were tied to the same lifelines. To uncover what the climate was like tens of thousands of years ago, scientists turned to an unlikely record keeper: a stalagmite growing in Liang Luar…...

4+ hour, 27+ min ago (176+ words) The Science of It: Celebrating Prehistoric Pals A new month brings a brand-new focus at the Orlando Science Center, and this time, it's all about paleontology. To celebrate, WESH 2's Marquise Meda stopped by Dino Digs to highlight a prehistoric birthday and the hands-on experiences waiting for visitors. The segment also showcased real paleontology tools used in the field, from multifunctional shovel-pick combos to chisels and rock hammers. Spike and Mary walked through impressive fossil pieces as well, including the beak of an adult Triceratops and a massive T-Rex tooth that still makes Spike a little nervous. Visitors can look forward to even more prehistoric fun later this month. On December 2728, the Orlando Science Center will host Fossil Fest, a special two-day celebration featuring themed programming, fossil exploration, and a good chance of seeing Spike roaming the halls. With hands-on…...

4+ hour, 28+ min ago (93+ words) [ Neanderthal communities in prehistoric Europe. How were they linked? (Illustrative) (photo credit: PIXABAY)]Research focused on human remains found at the Troisi'me caverne of Goyet, a cave site in present-day Belgium that contains one of the largest known assemblages of Neanderthal bones in northern EU. Neanderthals were selectively targeted for cannibalism in Ice Age Europe, study reveals - study Research focused on human remains found at the Troisi'me caverne of Goyet, a cave site in present-day Belgium that contains one of the largest known assemblages of Neanderthal bones in northern EU....

7+ hour, 13+ min ago (475+ words) Deep in the mountains of southern Brazil, a bright orange frog, just over a centimeter long, hops into the spotlight. The tiny pumpkin toadlet is a whole new, toad-like species of frog, never formally described before. The highly endemic miniature frog is only found in a very small sliver of mountainous forest, where it inhabits the leaf litter. To ensure its future " and safeguard its endangered relatives " conservationists want the region protected from human exploitation. Related: Frogs Glow at Twilight, Perhaps to Find Each Other in The Shadows The species lives more than 750 meters (about half a mile) above sea level, within the Serra do Quiriri mountain range in the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. It belongs to the Brachycephalidae family, scientists say, and two of its orange relatives live nearby in other small slices of the Serra…...

8+ hour, 29+ min ago (502+ words) Ancient footprints, preserved in mud and dating back tens of thousands of years, the details are waiting to be uncovered. Ancient footprints discovered in White Sands, New Mexico, are challenging long-held beliefs about when humans first arrived in North America. These prints, preserved in ancient mud, date back to the Last Glacial Maximum, around 23,000 years ago, far earlier than the conventional Clovis-first theory suggests. The footprints found at White Sands are not just any set of tracks. They were discovered in the bed of an ancient lake in New Mexico, a location that was once much wetter than it is today. The footprints appear to be from humans who walked across the mud around 20,700 to 22,400 years ago, a range confirmed by radiocarbon dating of plant seeds, pollen, and the mud itself. According to the research, published in the journal'Science Advances…...

10+ hour, 5+ min ago (501+ words) Home " News " The Fish With Teeth Like a Human The most astonishing feature of the sheepshead fish is its teeth, which closely resemble those of humans. The fish's front teeth are flat and broad, suited for grasping and biting, much like a human's incisors. Additionally, they have molar-like teeth at the back of their mouths, designed for crushing and grinding hard-shelled prey. The sheepshead's unique dentition is not merely a cosmetic oddity but a vital adaptation for its diet. These fish consume a varied menu, including barnacles, crabs, oysters, and other shellfish, necessitating strong and durable teeth capable of breaking through tough exoskeletons. This dental arrangement allows them to exploit a niche that few other fish can access. Sheepshead fish are typically found in brackish coastal waters, favoring environments rich in structures like piers, jetties, and rocky reefs where their…...

10+ hour, 23+ min ago (961+ words) Back in September, Malinda Barberio received an email from someone claiming to have a Wollemi pine." No way, thought Barberio, the University of Colorado Boulder greenhouse manager. "Because I know what they are," she said." She knew the Wollemi pine to be extremely rare, previously thought to be gone with the dinosaurs, which are believed to have munched on the fern-like leaves. Then came a 1994 discovery in a remote Australian canyon. Then came a conservation effort around the prehistoric trees, which slowly reached some of the finest botanical gardens and research centers around the world." As well as someone's backyard in Boulder? No way, Barberio thought as she read that email." Now the greenhouse on 30th Street is home to what the university has called a "dinosaur tree." That woman, CU Boulder alum Judy McKeever, had emailed about donating the Wollemi…...

10+ hour, 23+ min ago (241+ words) Home " News " Largest Bearded Dragon Ever Recorded Sebastian: Sebastian, a legendary male bearded dragon, set the bar high, measuring an astonishing 28 inches (71 cm) and weighing 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg) at the time of his demise. His size remains unmatched, making him an iconic figure in the world of reptile enthusiasts. Hulk and Other Notables: Hulk, another giant in the bearded dragon realm, boasted impressive measurements of 24 inches (61 cm) in length and 2.2 pounds (1 kg). Joining the ranks of Sebastian and Hulk are Long John Silver, Yeti, and Bob, each with their own substantial dimensions, contributing to the fascination surrounding these oversized reptiles. Other Unique Breeds: Apart from German Giants, the world of bearded dragons includes other unique breeds like Leatherback, Dunner, and Witblits. Each possesses distinct traits resulting from selective breeding, showcasing the diverse and captivating nature of these reptiles. General Care Tips: Caring for…...

10+ hour, 27+ min ago (52+ words) Montana Tech's new dinosaur book by Jack Horner and Ray Rogers explores the state's fossil treasures. Book signing event Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Montana Tech's new dinosaur book by Jack Horner and Ray Rogers explores the state's fossil treasures. Book signing event Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m....