What are ‘Iridophores’ and How Are They Keeping Chameleons Camouflaged?

Medicine & Technology Mar 11, 2015

In a new study published this week in journal Nature Communications, researchers with the University of Geneva in Switzerland revealed that crystals beneath the skin of chameleons are responsible for the species’ amazing ability to adapt its pigmentation to its surroundings. But many are left wondering—what exactly are “Iridophores” and how can chameleons use them to camouflage?

The Secret To a Chameleon’s Color Change—It’s Crystals

Mar 10, 2015

Ever wonder exactly how chameleons are able to change their spots and camouflage themselves under the bright forest canopy? Well you’re not likely to guess the intriguing method involved. It turns out that while the chameleons are docile and soft, for the most part, this interesting species has a lot more in common with diamonds than anyone ever thought.

Catalina Fox Populations—From the Brink of Extinction to Potentially Off the List

Mar 09, 2015

Though the Catalina fox species may be the smallest species of fox in the world, it appears that size may not have anything to do with their survival. And while the animal may have been endangered decades ago, locals and visitors to the island of Santa Catalina are realized that their abundant numbers may be a sign of drastic change.

Myanmar Bird Fools Scientists Who Thought That It Was Extinct

Mar 08, 2015

A bird that scientists believed to have gone extinct decades ago has been rediscovered in Myanmar, after a team of scientists used a recording of its distinctive call to track it down.

SeaWorld Researchers Change the Conversation—Saving Stranded Sea Lion Pups

Mar 08, 2015

Though animal rights activists have questioned the capacity of the aquarium and the living situation of the performers, SeaWorld researchers and trainers are proving that the company’s main concern is the health and well-being of the animals. And with a new decision that has suspended sea lion and sea otter shows in the weeks to come, SeaWorld’s employees are taking a stance for what they know is right.

Scientists Have Finally Determined the Weight of Famed Stegosaurus

Mar 06, 2015

Scientists, using a new 3-D scanning technique, have finally been able to make a reasonable estimate of the weight of the world's most famous Stegosaurus, Sophie.

Climate Change Helped Fuel Syrian Civil War

Mar 06, 2015

By now it is pretty clear that we are beginning to experience visible effects resulting from climate change. Melting ice sheets, extreme drought and even heavy rain and snowfall can all be attributed to climate change. But one of the most terrifying results of climate change is the increased threat of war. A new study has found evidence that climate change stoked the fires and helped plunge Syria into civil war.

Ancient Human Jaw Bone Evidence of Earlier Evolution

Mar 05, 2015

A fragment of a jawbone dating back 2.8 million years is evidence that humans evolved more than 400,000 years earlier than previously thought.

Arctic Ice Thinning Much Faster Than Scientists Thought

Mar 05, 2015

Scientists have discovered that Arctic sea ice, the ice that freezes and floats on waters in the Arctic, is thinning at much faster rate that they previously thought.

“Alien of the Deep” Makes Its Way to the Australian Museum

Mar 04, 2015

A rare sea creature found off the coast of Australia in January has finally made its way to the Australian Museum for study. The creature, a rare goblin shark often referred to as an "alien of the deep" was originally found off the coast of Australia by a fishermen that has since donated it to the museum.

Genes Show Where Penguins Called Home During the Ice Age

Mar 03, 2015

Surviving an Ice Age may sound like an easy task for a penguin. However, a new study of how climate change has affected emperor penguins over the last 30,000 years found that only three different populations of penguins survived during the last ice age, and the Ross Sea in Antarctica was likely the refuge for one of the populations.

‘Skeletorus’ and ‘Sparklemuffin’ Species Discovered—Seriously Colorful Spiders

Mar 02, 2015

Add two more to the list. Not the species list, silly; the list of creatures to avoid when I’m visiting down-under. As it is, Australia has some pretty interesting, and sometimes terrifying, species unique to that region of the world. But with a new study recently published in the journal Peckhamia, researchers are adding two new arachnid species to the list. And they’re quite the colorful bunch.

How the Oceans Could Be Our Salvation from Global Warming

Mar 01, 2015

A new study published in the journal Science brings us closer to understanding the role our oceans play and how they have influenced our climate. Scientists hope this knowledge will help them learn how the oceans can help us cool down the planet and neutralize global warming.

Leave it to the Limpets—Researchers Find New Strongest Natural Material On Earth

Feb 19, 2015

If you’ve ever been pulled out to sea by a riptide you know the true power of the oceans. When a tide changes, waves can crash down on the shores with immense power, and if you’re destined to live on these shores you’d obviously have to endure a lot. And in a new study published this week in the journal of the Royal Society Interface, researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the Queen Mary University of London are revealing just how much.

Life in The Cold—How Penguins Deal Without Sweet & Savory Sensations

Feb 17, 2015

What could be worse than living on a frozen tundra, you ask? Experiencing the world in only two tastes has got to be pretty rough. And when you’re noshing down on fish day in and day out, only being able to taste things that are salty or sour has got to be a bummer too. But sadly, this is the life of the penguin.