Latest news with #ScienceAlert
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Mammals Have Evolved Into Anteaters at Least 12 Times Since The Dinosaurs
If you want to get by in this world, you could do a lot worse than developing a predilection for ants. In fact, ant-eating may be a dramatically overlooked recipe for success. According to new research, relying on ants as a sole food source has evolved at least 12 times in mammals since the reign of the dinosaurs ended some 66 million years ago. But it's not the ant-exclusive diet itself that is the wonder: it's that it always follows a similar blueprint. "It's not necessarily surprising that mammals would specialize on ant-eating, as ecological niches almost inevitably get filled," biologist Thomas Vida of the University of Bonn in Germany told ScienceAlert, "but rather that we see the same, or at least very similar, morphological adaptations across so many unrelated groups." It's one of the most striking examples of convergent evolution, in which dramatically different organisms can come to evolve similar features to solve similar problems. Related: Evolution Keeps Making Crabs, And Nobody Knows Why There are a lot of ants on planet Earth. A recent study estimated the number of individual ants at around 20 quadrillion, for a combined biomass of 12 megatons of dry carbon. That's more than all the wild mammals and birds combined, and around 20 percent of the human biomass. It wasn't always this way; just after the dinosaurs went extinct, ants represented less than 1 percent of the insect population, exploding around 23 million years ago at the beginning of the Miocene. Many animals happily include insects as part of their diet, including mammals. It makes sense: insects are plentiful, and full of nutrition. However, a diet that revolves exclusively around ants – a strategy called obligate myrmecophagy – is a little more rare. "One of the things my lab focuses on is how social insects like ants and termites have reshaped the history of life on the planet," entomologist Phillip Barden of the New Jersey Institute of Technology told ScienceAlert. "Ants in particular have altered the trajectory of evolution in lots of insect and plant lineages, but a lingering question that I've had is just how much mammals have had to reckon with the rapid ascent of ants and termites over the last 100 million years. I also just love giant anteaters." To investigate, Vida, Barden, and their colleague Zachary Calamari of City University of New York undertook a painstaking review of more than 600 published scientific sources to compile a database of the dietary habits of 4,099 mammal species. The researchers divided these animals into five different categories based on their diets: insectivores, carnivores, omnivores, herbivores, and the obligate myrmecophages. These were then mapped onto an animal family tree to observe how these dietary adaptations emerged over tens of millions of years. Myrmecophagy, the researchers found, emerged at least 12 times, with 2 more tentative instances that could not be confirmed. This includes animals such as anteaters, pangolins, echidnas, numbats, and aardvarks – a diversity that the researchers did not expect – across all three major mammal groups: placental mammals, marsupials, and monotremes. These animals all developed similar traits to optimize eating ants. "There are a few obvious things: their skulls and tongues tend to elongate, their teeth often get reduced, and they usually have strong claws/forelimbs for tearing into insect nests," Vida explained. "There are also some less obvious things, like their low body temperatures/slow metabolisms and their enzymatic adaptations towards digesting chitin, both of which are adaptations for surviving off of abundant, but low-energy food." The finding is reminiscent of the famous phenomenon whereby crab body plans keep emerging, with at least five separate crab evolutions throughout evolutionary history. Well, crabs are cool and all, but apparently ants are where the real party is at. Related: "Ants really seem to be engineers of convergent evolution," Barden said. "There are twice as many origins of ant- and termite-eating in mammals as there are origins of crab body plans. And that's not even counting the over 10,000 species of arthropods that mimic ant and termite morphology, behavior, or chemical signaling to evade predation or get access to social insect resources." Their work, the researchers say, lays a solid foundation for future studies of mammalian dietary strategies. Vida notes that their database will allow further investigations of fascinating dietary specializations, and to drill down into the origins of individual myrmecophagous species. There may even be some interesting discoveries waiting in comparative studies of insectivorous birds, reptiles, and amphibians. "The history of life is full of crossovers. Even very distantly related lineages – social insects and mammals last shared a common ancestor more than 500 million years ago – interact in ways that can kick off striking specializations over tens of millions of years," Barden said. "As we rapidly reshape our planet, it's important to remember that the loss of any one species may have lots of unexpected consequences." The research has been published in Evolution. Related News A Gaping Hole Full of Milky Blue Water Has Appeared at Yellowstone Cuisine Fad Unleashes Invasive Threat Into The US Wilderness Fig Trees That Grow Rocks From Carbon Discovered in Africa Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Dolphins vs Anaconda? Playful Amazon moment stuns scientists and redefining the understanding of wildlife behaviour
Source: ScienceAlert In August 2021, researchers in Bolivia witnessed a stunning and unexpected interaction between Amazon river dolphins (botos) and a massive Beni anaconda in the wild. This extraordinary event, documented near the Tijamuchi River, reveals surprising insights into the behavior of these elusive dolphins. Known for their intelligence and complex social dynamics, the dolphins' playful engagement with a large snake challenges our understanding of animal interactions in the Amazon basin. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious world of Amazon river dolphins and highlights the importance of continued wildlife observation in remote habitats. Amazon dolphins engage in rare, playful encounter with beni anaconda The Amazon river dolphins, known for their shy nature, usually remain hidden beneath murky waters, making sightings rare. During their research expedition, scientists observed a group of dolphins surfacing more frequently and for longer periods than usual. This unusual behavior caught immediate attention. To their surprise, the dolphins were not just surfacing to breathe—they were interacting playfully with a huge Beni anaconda (Eunectes beniensis), a snake species native to Bolivia. Instead of aggression, the dolphins displayed curiosity and amusement, overturning assumptions about predator-prey dynamics in the region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hear better, live easier Amplifon Book Now Undo Researchers documented the dolphins swimming together in synchronized movements, grasping the anaconda gently with their mouths. Far from hunting or harming the snake, the dolphins appeared to be engaging in playful behavior—an activity rarely recorded between such different species in the wild. Biologist Steffen Reichle from the Noel Kempff Mercado Museum of Natural History remarked, 'At first, we couldn't believe what we were seeing. It became clear they were playing with the snake, not trying to eat it.' This encounter highlights the dolphins' intelligence and their tendency to interact socially, sometimes with objects or even other animals. Play, learning, and possibly mating: Decoding dolphin-anaconda interaction This interaction is remarkable not only for its rarity but also because it offers valuable clues about the social nature and intelligence of Amazon river dolphins. Dolphins worldwide are known for playful and complex behaviors, but this instance of engaging with a massive snake is unprecedented in this region. The observation enhances scientific understanding of how these mammals navigate their environment and communicate socially through play. While the dolphins' playful engagement is evident, the motivation behind the behavior remains speculative. Some scientists propose that adult dolphins might be teaching younger members how to interact safely with their environment through educational play, which is crucial for survival in the wild. Another intriguing hypothesis suggests a possible sexual undertone to the behavior, noting that some male dolphins displayed excitement during the interaction—similar to other documented cases of object play related to mating behavior in dolphins. Although speculative, this theory adds depth to understanding dolphin social dynamics. How a dolphin encounter may have endangered a powerful predator The Beni anaconda, while typically a powerful and well-adapted predator, appeared vulnerable during the encounter. Researchers noted that the snake remained motionless and exposed at the surface for an extended period, likely due to the dolphins' actions. This prolonged exposure may have put the anaconda at risk, potentially contributing to its demise. The incident underscores the unpredictable outcomes when wild animals engage in unusual interactions. This extraordinary event between Amazon river dolphins and a giant Beni anaconda continues to intrigue scientists and animal lovers alike, offering a rare window into the rich behavioral complexity of wildlife in the Amazon. Also Read | Warning! DON'T Google 'Nazi' and 'LGBT' in Russia or you could be fined Rs 5,600; know why
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Copper for a smarter you? Study finds this mineral may boost brain health as you age
Copper may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering brain health, but this could change. A recent study discovered a surprising link between copper-rich diets and improved cognitive function in older adults. Researchers believe there could be a "sweet spot" for daily copper consumption. What did the study actually find? Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence PGDM Degree Design Thinking MCA Finance Digital Marketing MBA CXO healthcare others Data Science Data Science Cybersecurity Public Policy Operations Management Data Analytics Healthcare Leadership Technology Project Management Product Management Others Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details A new study from China's Hebei Medical University links higher copper intake in older adults to better cognitive function. While the results are preliminary, they provide new insights into aging and brain health. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,400 seniors in the United States and discovered that those who consumed approximately 1.22 mg of copper per day performed better on brain tests. More research is needed to confirm this link. ALSO READ: Salt Typhoon breach triggers nationwide alert — are US military networks compromised? Live Events The recent study found a significant correlation between older adults' diets and improved cognitive function. In a study conducted by a team from Hebei Medical University in China, which examined diet and health data for 2,420 adults in the United States who were 60 years of age or older, it was discovered that a higher copper intake was associated with improved cognitive function, as per a report by Science Alert. Although there was a threshold point beyond which more copper doesn't appear to provide any additional benefits, people with higher copper intakes scored significantly higher than those with lower copper intakes across a number of measures. How reliable are the results? "The current study indicates a potential association between dietary copper intake and enhanced cognitive function in American older adults, particularly among those with a history of stroke," the authors of the paper write. "An ideal copper intake level was proposed by dose-response analysis, with an inflection point of roughly 1.22 mg daily. Nevertheless, additional longitudinal research is required to validate these results. And that addresses some of the study's main shortcomings. ALSO READ: Harvest Rosemary the right way — keep your plant thriving all year with these easy tips The researchers estimated the participants' copper intake by asking them twice to report everything they had eaten in the previous 24 hours. Only a moment in time is provided, and self-reporting biases may be introduced. Studies that track participants over a number of years and take more precise measurements of their copper intake would be necessary to conduct additional research. Therefore, we cannot claim that there is a clear cause-and-effect link in this case. But the statistical strength of the association justifies more research. Furthermore, it is consistent with other research that found copper to be beneficial to the brain. We are aware that it guards against harm and facilitates neuronal communication and energy production in the brain. Therefore, the study's findings are not shocking. They do, however, assist in determining a "sweet spot" for copper consumption and quantifying the benefits of copper across a sizable aged population and a variety of cognitive tests. "Though copper is necessary for proper functioning of the brain, and deficiencies can lead to neurological disorders, excessive copper can be toxic, leading to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration," the investigators write. Where do we get copper in our diets? The daily dosage of 1.22 mg is comparable to a bowl of lentils or a handful of walnuts. Unbelievably, a variety of foods, such as oysters, potatoes, dark chocolate, wheat bran, and mushrooms, contain copper. Micronutrients like magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper are gaining attention due to their potential role in maintaining cognitive function as people age. This is in addition to what has already been found in research on diet and good aging. Though diet is by no means the only component, it is evident that our diet has a significant impact on the health of our brains. Improvements in the prevention and treatment of the brain issues that typically accompany aging can be facilitated by research such as this. FAQs How much copper could improve brain function? The study found that taking approximately 1.22 mg per day provided the most benefit. Where do I get copper from food? Lentils, dark chocolate, walnuts, and mushrooms are excellent sources.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Walking More Could Be the Key to a Healthier Back
You don't need a fancy chair, a pricey standing desk, or a trip to the chiropractor to protect your back. According to a new study out of Norway, the real game-changer might be as simple as walking. Researchers tracked the daily movements of more than 11,000 adults using wearable sensors to monitor how much they walked, and the results were eye-opening, according to Science Alert. Those who walked between 78 and 100 minutes per day cut their risk of developing chronic low back pain by 13 percent. People who walked over 100 minutes a day dropped their risk by 23 percent. And here's the best part: it didn't matter how fast they walked. Whether it was a slow stroll or a brisk pace, the total time on your feet was the key factor. Chronic back pain ranks among the top causes of disability worldwide, especially in our increasingly sedentary culture. Despite what the booming ergonomic industry might have you believe, sitting less and moving more could be one of the best ways to protect your spine. While exercise has long been recommended for managing back pain, this study, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights walking as a simple, effective way to prevent it before it starts. Even better, you don't need a complicated workout plan—just a commitment to making movement part of your daily routine. The study's lead researchers noted that daily walking appeared more impactful than walking speed or intensity. Whether it's a walk around the block, a stroll with your dog, or laps around the office, it all adds up. And the benefits of walking don't stop at back pain prevention. Countless studies link regular walking to improved heart health, better mental clarity, weight control, and even a longer life span. The takeaway? Walking isn't just good for your step count. It might be one of the simplest ways to keep your back healthy and pain-free. Sometimes, it really is the basics that make the biggest Walking More Could Be the Key to a Healthier Back first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 17, 2025
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Breaking: Major Antimatter Discovery May Help Solve Mystery of Existence
We're now a step closer to understanding how the Universe avoided an antimatter apocalypse. CERN scientists have discovered tantalizing clues of a fundamental difference in the way physics handles matter and antimatter. Experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have verified an asymmetry between matter and antimatter forms of a particle called a baryon. Known as a charge-parity (CP) violation, the effect has only previously been detected in another class of particles, called mesons. But experimental evidence in baryons, which make up the bulk of the Universe's matter, is something physicists have been long hunting for. "It shows that the subtle differences between matter and antimatter exist in a wider range of particles, indicating that the fundamental laws of physics treat baryons and antibaryons differently," Xueting Yang, CERN physicist and first author of the study, told ScienceAlert. Related: "The matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Universe requires CP violation in baryons, such that the discovery is a key step forward in testing how complete our current theory is, and in exploring whether new physics might be hiding in places we haven't looked closely enough before." To make the discovery, the team analyzed around 80,000 particle decay events in data gathered at the LHC between 2011 and 2018. Focussing on particles called lambda-beauty (Λb) baryons and their antimatter counterparts, the researchers searched for any hint of a difference in the way they decayed. If CP was symmetrical, both the matter and antimatter forms of the particle should decay into the same – if mirrored – products. However, the team found a 2.5 percent relative difference between the matter and antimatter baryon decays. "This may sound small, but the results are statistically significant enough," says Yang. "It shows that Λb and anti-Λb do not decay in exactly the same way, providing an observation of CP violation in baryons." Importantly, the find reached a statistical significance of 5.2 sigma. That means the chance that the observed effect comes from random fluctuations is just 1 in 10 million. The discovery has major implications for physics – including questions as fundamental as "why are we here?" Despite its eerie name, antimatter should be mundane. Its main difference from regular matter is having the opposite charge. But that seemingly minor detail means that if ever the two shall meet, they will annihilate each other in a burst of energy. In theory, the Big Bang shouldn't have favored one over the other, creating both matter and antimatter in equal amounts. And if that was the case, the entire contents of the Universe should have blasted itself into oblivion in the first few moments of existence, leaving the cosmos a profoundly empty place. Since that obviously didn't happen, it seems some unknown factor intervened so that slightly more matter was created than antimatter. Everything that exists today – from galaxies to grains of sand – are made of that tiny fraction that survived early annihilation. In a simple Universe, inverting both the charge and spatial coordinates of a particle – basically, whether it's matter or antimatter – shouldn't change how it behaves under the laws of physics. This concept is known as CP symmetry, and while it was once considered as immutable as the conservation of energy, some level of CP violation has been predicted by the Standard Model of physics since the mid-20th century. "CP violation is one of the essential ingredients needed to explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry. However, physicists estimate that the amount of CP violation in nature must be much larger than what's predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics," said Yang. "This strongly suggests that new physics beyond the Standard Model must exist, providing additional sources of CP violation. Studying CP violation in different systems, including baryons, provides an important test of the Standard Model and could offer hints of new physics beyond it." For instance, there was a chance that antimatter could be repelled by gravity rather than attracted – meaning it would fall upwards. To test the idea, CERN physicists previously conducted 'drop' tests and found that antimatter does fall down, like regular matter. In that respect, there was no CP violation. But the new detection reveals that something does cause matter and antimatter to decay in different ways. This long-awaited confirmation is exciting – but it's still not enough. "The CP violation observed in baryon decays – like in the new LHCb result – is consistent with Standard Model predictions, so it does not provide enough CP violation to solve the matter-antimatter puzzle on its own," says Yang. "But it opens a new window into how CP violation behaves in the baryon sector, which was largely unexplored." "Physicists are looking for new sources of CP violation, beyond what the Standard Model of particle physics predicts. Discovering such sources could lead to new physics." The research was published in the journal Nature. Related News The World's First Nuclear Explosion Created a Rare Form of Matter Sound of Earth's Flipping Magnetic Field Haunts Again From 780,000 Years Ago Extreme Conditions of Early Universe Recreated in Collider Experiment Solve the daily Crossword
