Nassaria exquisita

<p>In 2018, underwater photographer Ryo Minemizu spotted an alien-like sea creature swimming off the coast of Okinawa. When the images were posted online, hundreds of exports struggled to identify the bizarre animal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Minemizu collected a single sample of the animal and stored it in a formaldehyde solution at room temperature. Two years later, an international team of scientists performed morphological and genetic studies to identify the area creature, which was about the size of a ladybug.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts, led by neurobiologist Igor Adameyko of the University of Vienna, have finally solved the mystery. The team determined that the animal, Cercariae, was actually a colony of two types of parasitic worms swimming as one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cercariae-parasitic-flukes">Cercariae - Parasitic flukes</h2>



<p>"After microscopy-assisted exploration of the unstained specimen, we established that the aggregate is composed of two types of cercariae, which are henceforth referred to as the “sailors” (large ones) and the “passengers” (small ones)," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The single aggregation we studied included about 20 sailors and over 1,000 passengers. Passenger cercariae were arranged in a hemisphere, with their tails forming the bulk and their bodies at the periphery. The tail tips of the sailor cercariae were anchored at the flattened side of the hemisphere, resembling snake hair on the Gorgon’s head."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The passengers were much smaller volume-wise, as compared to large sailors. The aggregate resembles a colony, being finely structured and optimized for functional performance at different levels."</p>



<p>According to the researchers, the parasites had essentially created a prey-like swimmer that would infect the intestines of an unsuspecting host (see <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/strange-sea-creature_credit-Ryo-Minemizu_2medium.jpg">image</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-aggregation-nbsp">Moving aggregation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"It is the sailor cercariae that provide the movement of the aggregation by wiggling their huge tails with wide lateral fin-folds," explained the experts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"At the initiation of swimming, only one or few sailors start to wiggle tails, and the others join them soon after. Sailors have different collective activity regimes, as they can beat their tails in synchrony, causing pulsing or jumping movements of the aggregate, or asynchronously via alternating beating, which provides for a smooth motion without jumping patterns."</p>



<p>"The beating activity of sailors involves coordinated relaxation phases that occur in cercariae located exclusively at one specific side of the aggregate. When some of the sailor cercariae do not move, they are stretching behind, and their tails appear relaxed. Thus, the activity of sailors on one side and their inactivity on the opposite side can define the directionality of swimming."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Altogether, the aggregate acts like a heteromorphic colony with integrated structure and coordinated behavior. We should note that studying a single specimen does not allow us to estimate the variations in locomotion patterns or in proportion between sailor and passenger cercariae."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cercariae-have-astonishing-strategies">Cercariae have astonishing strategies </h2>



<p>The researchers pointed out that parasites have evolved a variety of astonishing strategies to survive within their hosts. </p>



<p>They noted that the discovery described in this study provides a unique example of how morphologically and functionally heterogeneous individuals of the same species cooperate to build colonial organisms for the purpose of infection.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01170-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Ryo Minemizu</p>



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Bizarre sea creature, Cercariae, is actually a colony of hundreds of parasitic worms

In 2018, underwater photographer Ryo Minemizu spotted an alien-like sea...

German,Shepherd,Smiling,And,Looking,Happy,Standing,On,Top,Of

<p>Gut microbes from wild wolves might be the solution for a severe gastrointestinal problem prevalent among domestic dogs. This new research from <a href="https://osucascades.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University – Cascades</a> is a significant stride towards resolving canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).</p>



<p>Canine IBD is a chronic disorder marked by symptoms like vomiting, diminished appetite, weight reduction, flatulence, stomach rumbling, and abdominal pain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-cure-for-canine-ibd">No cure for canine IBD</h2>



<p>Bruce Seal, from OSU-Cascades’ biology program, shed light on the gravity of this issue, stating, “At present there is no known cure for this ongoing dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract, and there are limited options for treatment.” </p>



<p>The root causes span from an animal's genetics and environmental factors to the immunological state of the GI tract and notably, an altered gut microbiome.</p>



<p>This study is the result of a partnership between scientists at OSU-Cascades and Oregon State’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. It signifies a move towards a food supplement or additive that can guide a domestic dog's gut microbiome back to its ancestral state, resembling that of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-wolves-have-social-learning-ability-and-can-remember-where-people-hid-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wolf</a>.</p>



<p>“The modern dog diet, high in carbohydrates, does not mirror a wolf’s diet. For instance, starches in processed dog food are indigestible, adversely affecting the microbial community in a dog's GI tract and consequently its gastric physiology,” Seal emphasized, shedding light on the drastic shift from the dietary habits of their wild ancestors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



<p>The crucial data for this research came from the gastrointestinal content of a deceased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eastern-wolves-and-grey-wolves-evolved-separately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wolf</a>, which had tragically died from car-inflicted injuries. This specimen allowed the scientists to isolate 20 unique gut bacteria. </p>



<p>Preliminary genetic examinations hinted at their probiotic properties. The study zoomed in on a newfound <a href="https://microbialcellfactories.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12934-016-0603-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paenibacillus</a> strain, completing its whole genome sequencing.</p>



<p>Seal elaborated on the significance of this bacterium: “It encodes enzymes adept at digesting complex carbs such as starches. Moreover, it possesses gene systems that express antimicrobials.” </p>



<p>These non-toxic, spore-forming bacteria have the potential to foster anti-inflammatory responses in the gut and restrict pathogen growth. Seal concluded, “Considering all these factors, this bacterial isolate might emerge as an invaluable probiotic for our domesticated canine companions.”</p>



<p>In a promising direction, Seal divulged that the team is gearing up to undertake whole genome sequencing for another four or five bacterial species among the isolated 20.</p>



<p>The full study from the was published in journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applmicrobiol">Applied Microbiology</a>.</p>



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Wolves have gut bacteria that can help dogs with canine IBD

Gut microbes from wild wolves might be the solution for...

<p>Waters near the Antarctic contain high levels of dissolved salt and can remain just above, or even below, freezing points. However, certain organisms, like Antarctic octopus species, have evolved to thrive in these challenging conditions. This cold environment would be fatal to species accustomed to the warmer climes of the north. However, nature has a way of adapting to extremities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.mbl.edu/">Marine Biological Laboratory</a> (MBL) has investigated the cold adaptations of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-social-mdma/">octopus</a> species residing in the Southern Ocean, a region surrounding Antarctica.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts examined how extreme cold had influenced a pivotal enzyme in the octopus’s nervous system, offering new insights into the vast array of adaptations that enable life in extreme settings.</p>



<p>“We looked in real detail at a very important enzyme for the nervous system, the sodium-potassium pump, and we asked, ‘Where do we see most of these sites of adaptation?,’” said Joshua Rosenthal, a senior scientist at MBL.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enzyme-activity-nbsp">Enzyme activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For all living organisms, temperature plays a significant role since enzymes, which initiate myriad biochemical reactions, rely on thermal energy or heat. As temperatures drop, enzyme activity diminishes, coming to an eventual standstill.</p>



<p>Unlike some animals, such as humans, that can generate heat internally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-garden-thermal-springs-accelerate-octopus-egg-hatching-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a> lack this capability. </p>



<p>Yet, these marine creatures have managed to exist in Antarctic waters, where the cold reduced the rate of their enzymatic reactions up to 30-fold. This poses a challenge for their nervous systems, which depend on a series of well-synchronized reactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When you slow them all down to such a degree, it’s a big question: How do they adapt?” Rosenthal pondered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-octopus-cold-adaptation">Antarctic octopus' cold adaptation</h2>



<p>While scientists have previously explored cold adaptation in numerous proteins, they often overlooked those embedded in cellular membranes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These proteins are crucial for tasks like ion transport within cells. The focal protein of this study, the Na+/K+-ATPase, plays a role in maintaining electrical gradients essential for neuron communication.</p>



<p>In past studies, Rosenthal, alongside Miguel Holmgren from the <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke</a> and a summer Whitman investigator at MBL, discovered that the sodium-potassium pumps of an Antarctic octopus (genus<em> Pareledone</em>) were less hindered by cold compared to those of the two-spot octopuses (<em>Octopus bimaculatus</em>) living in temperate regions, such as near California.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amino-acid-variations">Amino acid variations</h2>



<p>The researchers compared the amino acid composition of the two pumps to identify differences. They pinpointed specific amino acid variations, assessing their significance by exchanging them between pumps. This exchange revealed three pivotal variations enabling the pump to function efficiently in nearly freezing conditions.</p>



<p>One specific variation, termed L314V, emerged as particularly crucial. Modifying this amino acid could eliminate the pump’s cold-resilient nature.</p>



<p>Upon examining these variations within the pump’s structure, the scientists found them located at the protein’s edge, adjacent to the lipid-rich membrane. For instance, the L314V variation might optimize the pump’s movement against the membrane, thus enhancing its efficiency.</p>



<p>“It makes sense to us” that the interface between the protein and the membrane would be a site for such adaptations, Holmgren explained. “Once we have studied more membrane proteins, I think we will see more examples of this.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Tom Kleindinst/Marine Biological Laboratory</em></p>



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Antarctic octopus has special cold adaptations in their nervous systems

Waters near the Antarctic contain high levels of dissolved salt...

<p>During a recent deep-sea dive off the coast of Hawaii, scientists encountered a rare and mesmerizing ocean creature known as the “Dumbo octopus."&nbsp;</p>



<p>This remarkable sighting occurred approximately a mile below the ocean's surface, on an unnamed seamount located within the <a href="https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papahānaumokuākea</a> Marine National Monument.</p>



<p>The expedition was funded by the <a href="https://nautiluslive.org/video/2023/09/27/cute-dumbo-octopus-eyes-rov-hercules">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association</a> (NOAA).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dumbo-octopus">Dumbo octopus</h2>



<p>The Dumbo octopus, also known as Grimpoteuthis, belongs to the umbrella <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/">octopus</a> family. The nickname "Dumbo" comes from its resemblance to the character in Disney's 1941 film, due to the prominent ear-like fins situated on top of its head. The octopus utilizes these fins to gracefully propel itself through the water, as it searches for food.</p>



<p>The Dumbo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-garden-thermal-springs-accelerate-octopus-egg-hatching-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus</a> is usually found in the deep waters of the central Pacific at depths ranging from 1,300 to 13,000 feet. However, some of these intriguing animals have been found as deep as 23,000 feet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because they live in such deep, dark environments, their coloration can vary, often appearing in shades of red, pink, brown, or white.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-footage-nbsp">Fascinating footage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The footage of the Dumbo octopus was captured by the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, providing a unique opportunity to observe the creature as it effortlessly drifts in the ocean's depths.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="9KGzHmAd5J-3029266-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>The crew aboard the E/V Nautilus was fortunate enough to witness not just one, but five of these creatures in a single night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-beautiful-experience">A beautiful experience</h2>



<p>Jaina Galves, a video engineer intern who played a role in this discovery, shared her excitement about the experience.</p>



<p>“Each time, you’re kind of just roaming around with the ROV,” said Galves. “Somebody’s like, wait, what is that in the corner, and then everybody starts to gasp, everybody starts to freak out. And everybody’s like Dumbo octopus!"</p>



<p>"So we take the ROV over, we go, and we follow them. They move very slowly and very gracefully, so we get to follow them for quite a while.”</p>



<p>“It depends on what we’re doing and how long we can hang out. But for one of them, we just got to stay for quite a while. Just watched it kind of glide through the water, and it was beautiful.”</p>



<p>Galves told ABC News: “When I saw it on the screen, I couldn’t even say anything. My jaw was just on the floor.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



<p>Overall, scientists have discovered more than a dozen species of dumbo octopuses. The largest individual captured on film was nearly six feet long, according to the environmental group Oceana, but most are much smaller, with an average length of 8 to 12 inches.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



<p>Dumbo octopuses are characterized by their unique umbrella-shaped appearance when their arms are spread. They possess a soft, gelatinous body, which is an adaptation to the deep-sea environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-octopuses-smart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a> feed on crustaceans, benthic worms, and other small organisms found on the ocean floor. They often swallow their prey whole.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-nbsp">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Unlike many other octopus species, Dumbo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-octopuses-dream-a-recent-study-shows-octopuses-sleep-is-very-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a> do not have a defined breeding season. They can lay eggs at any time, and the young are developed enough to survive on their own immediately after hatching. While their exact lifespan is unknown, it is believed to be about 3 to 5 years.</p>



<p>The species is known for its gentle and passive demeanor, and since it inhabits regions difficult for humans to access, it has not been extensively studied, and much about it remains a mystery.</p>



<p>The E/V Nautilus, owned by the nonprofit organization <a href="https://nautiluslive.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Exploration Trust</a>, is currently exploring the expansive Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This protected marine area spans over 500,000 square miles in the Pacific, making it larger than all U.S. national parks combined.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Video and image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute</p>



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<p>.</p>

Rare "Dumbo octopus" captured on film and video in Hawaii

During a recent deep-sea dive off the coast of Hawaii,...

Woman,With,Her,Dog

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/">George Washington University</a> have explored the unspoken language of loyal companionship shared between humans and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer-than-large-breeds/">dogs</a>. The study reveals intriguing insights about how dogs' facial markings can be indicative of the depth of their bonds with their human owners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canine-communication-nbsp">Canine communication&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Over 65 million households in the United States currently enjoy the love and dedication of canine companions, as reported by Statista. These beloved pets are famous for their affectionate and loyal nature. Yet, the essence of the powerful connection formed between humans and dogs has remained a mystery.</p>



<p>The new study sheds light on this mystery by delving into the possible implications of dogs’ facial markings on human-canine relationships.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The report suggests that dogs with simpler facial markings, such as those with a single color or without any patterns and spots, tend to be more expressive when interacting with humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-dogs-facial-markings">Studying dogs' facial markings</h2>



<p>Expressiveness in dogs refers to the various ways dogs communicate with both humans and other animals through physical gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and body language.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This ability plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining strong bonds between dogs and their owners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For the investigation, the researchers observed 100 dogs along with their respective owners across four different scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each dog's behavior was scrutinized using the Dog Facial Action Coding System (DogFACS). This innovative system enables researchers to quantify and evaluate the dogs’ facial markings and expressions.</p>



<p>The results showed a remarkable degree of accuracy among owners of middle-aged dogs (aged two to seven years) in interpreting their pets' expressiveness, particularly if the dogs had simple facial markings.</p>



<p>Participants were also surveyed about various dog demographics and their aptitude at discerning their pet’s expressions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-welfare">Dog welfare</h2>



<p>“As dogs become more and more integrated into human society, it’s important that we understand how they communicate with us and how we can better communicate with them,” said study lead author Courtney Sexton.</p>



<p>“If we think about this in terms of welfare contexts, or dogs in shelters, or working dogs and service animals, or interactions with dogs in your neighborhood or people at a dog park, knowing what dogs are trying to tell us and what they might be thinking or feeling can really enhance both their experience and ours when we’re together.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers noted that senior dogs tend to be less expressive toward their human partners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Sexton, this may be attributed to the established rapport older dogs share with their owners, reducing the need for overt expressiveness to communicate effectively.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, working dogs and those with extensive training were observed to be more expressive, likely because clear communication is imperative in their roles.</p>



<p>Understanding canine expressiveness can immensely benefit both dogs and their human companions by promoting better communication and stronger bonds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expressiveness-in-dogs">Expressiveness in dogs</h2>



<p>Understanding a dog’s expressiveness is important for responsible pet ownership as it helps in interpreting the animal’s needs, emotions, and well-being accurately.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By paying close attention to a dog’s various forms of expression, owners can build stronger, more empathetic relationships with their furry companions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facial-markings-of-dogs">Facial markings of dogs</h3>



<p>Dogs have an array of facial expressions that they use to convey different emotions and intentions. For instance, the raising of eyebrows, exposing teeth, and movements of the ears can all signal different states of mind, ranging from excitement and contentment to anxiety and aggression.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocalizations">Vocalizations</h3>



<p>Dogs communicate vocally through barks, whines, growls, and howls. Each vocalization can carry different meanings depending on its pitch, duration, and frequency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, a high-pitched bark might indicate excitement or attention-seeking, while a low growl could signal discomfort or warning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-language">Body language</h2>



<p>Dogs utilize their entire body to communicate. The position of the tail, the stiffness or relaxation of the body, and the way a dog approaches or avoids something all provide crucial cues about what the dog is feeling or intending.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-humans">Learning from humans</h3>



<p>Research shows that dogs are adept at reading human emotions and facial expressions. Dogs can understand human smiles, frowns, and even the direction of a person’s gaze, adjusting their behavior in response to these cues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variations-in-expressiveness">Variations in expressiveness</h3>



<p>Different breeds and individual dogs can vary significantly in their levels of expressiveness. For example, some breeds are known for being more vocal, while others are renowned for their expressive eyes or energetic body language.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-and-socialization">Training and socialization</h3>



<p>A dog’s expressiveness can also be shaped by training and socialization. Dogs that have been well-socialized from a young age are typically more comfortable expressing themselves and are better at interpreting the expressions and cues of others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-related-changes">Age-related changes</h3>



<p>As dogs age, there might be changes in their expressiveness. Senior dogs may not be as energetically expressive as their younger counterparts, but they often develop a deep understanding and communication rhythm with their owners, as noted in the study.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications">Health implications</h3>



<p>Changes in a dog’s normal expressive behavior can also be indicative of health issues. For instance, a usually expressive and energetic dog becoming suddenly withdrawn and quiet might be experiencing pain or discomfort.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em>Animals</em>.</p>



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Dogs’ facial markings influence how they bond with humans

Researchers at George Washington University have explored the unspoken language...

<p>Climate change has brought about various significant shifts in the global environment, and one such change has been the early onset of spring. This phenomenon is impacting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/">migratory birds</a>, which are struggling to keep pace with the changes in their natural environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In Sweden and its surrounding regions, migratory birds are arriving later than the peak availability of caterpillars, their primary food.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-adjustment">Flight adjustment</h2>



<p>Researchers from Lund, Sweden, and the Netherlands have found a potential solution to this pressing issue: encouraging migratory birds to fly further north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts believe that by directing these birds slightly further north, it could offer their offspring a more favorable start in life.</p>



<p>"We thought that perhaps the migratory birds could fly further north until they find a place with suitable well-developed caterpillars," said study co-author Jan-Åke Nilsson from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-food-supply">Declining food supply</h2>



<p>Due to warmer springs, caterpillars now hatch, grow, and enter the pupal stage sooner than they did a few decades ago. This poses a significant challenge for birds that rely on these caterpillars as a primary food source, as they cannot consume them once they've entered the pupal phase.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The declining food supply leads to an increasing number of chicks starving during their crucial breeding season. This issue is particularly pronounced for migratory birds that winter in Africa, as they remain unaware of the early spring onset in places like Sweden.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-impact-of-early-spring">Studying the impact of early spring</h2>



<p>While non-migratory birds seem to adjust to this change to some extent due to their continuous presence and innate ability to sense early spring's arrival, migratory birds don't share this advantage.</p>



<p>To investigate whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-rely-on-an-inner-compass-to-guide-long-migrations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> could simply fly further north to find caterpillars, the research team embarked on an experiment with Pied Flycatchers. </p>



<p>These birds, which had arrived pre-breeding in the Netherlands, were captured and transported overnight to Vombs Fure, a pine forest region in Skåne. Notably, this area experiences its caterpillar food peak about two weeks later than the Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-results">Promising results</h2>



<p>Given the Pied Flycatcher's ability to cover the 600-kilometer distance from Lund to Skåne in just two nights, the results of the experiment seem to be promising.</p>



<p>"The birds that were given a lift from the Netherlands to Skåne synchronized very well with the food peak! As they started to breed about 10 days earlier than the 'Swedish' Pied Flycatchers they had a dramatically better breeding success than the Swedish ones as well as a better success than the Pied Flycatchers that remained in the Netherlands," said Nilsson.</p>



<p>The offspring of these assisted Pied Flycatchers, when returning from their maiden spring migration, bypassed the Netherlands altogether, instead making their way to their birthplace outside Lund. These chicks consequently had a higher number of well-fed chicks the subsequent year.</p>



<p>"The number of small birds, particularly migratory birds, has decreased drastically throughout Europe," said Nilsson. "By flying a little further north, these birds, at least in principle, could synchronize with their food resources and there is hope that robust populations of small birds can be maintained, even though springs are arriving ever earlier."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-impact-of-early-spring">More about the impact of early spring</h2>



<p>Early spring wields a substantial impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/how-does-the-climate-affect-the-behavior-of-migratory-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>, influencing their migration patterns, breeding behaviors, and access to food resources. The occurrence of early spring implies a faster arrival of warmer temperatures, leading to a chain of environmental changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alteration-in-migration-timings">Alteration in migration timings</h3>



<p>Firstly, early springs trigger migratory birds to commence their journeys sooner. Birds rely predominantly on the availability of food, and a premature spring ensures a quicker abundance of resources. </p>



<p>The change in climate cues such as temperature and food availability lead birds to alter their migration timing. For example, some species, like the Eurasian Blackcap, advance their migration schedules to exploit the early abundance of food and establish territories, and optimize breeding opportunities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-spring-and-breeding-behaviors">Early spring and breeding behaviors</h3>



<p>The breeding behaviors of migratory birds also experience modifications due to early springs. Birds like the Pied Flycatcher, mentioned previously in this article, might start their breeding season earlier to synchronize with the early availability of caterpillars, their primary food source during breeding. </p>



<p>This alteration in breeding times ensures that the young ones have ample food, leading to higher survival rates. However, if the birds do not adjust their breeding times appropriately, they might face a scarcity of food resources, which can impact the survival rate of the offspring.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-food-resources">Impact on food resources</h3>



<p>Furthermore, early spring affects the abundance and availability of food resources for migratory birds. Many birds feast on insects that are also responding to the early arrival of spring. </p>



<p>The insects might peak earlier, and if birds do not adjust their migration timings correctly, they can miss this abundance of food. For instance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic shorebirds</a> that fail to sync their arrival with the peak in food resources might face nutritional stress, affecting their reproduction and survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-consequences">Ecological consequences</h3>



<p>The impacts of early spring are not isolated to migratory birds alone. They reverberate throughout the ecological web. Predators and competitors of these birds also experience the effects of their altered behaviors. An early migration and breeding might lead to higher competition for nesting sites and food among different species, leading to shifts in species dominance and potentially altering ecosystem structures and functions.</p>



<p>In summary, early spring ushers in a cascade of changes that critically impact migratory birds. The alterations in migration timings and breeding behaviors are imperative for the birds to align with the availability of food resources. While some species successfully modify their schedules and reap the benefits of early springs, others might struggle to adapt, facing nutritional deficiencies and reduced survival rates. </p>



<p>Additionally, the repercussions of these shifts are intricate and extend to other species in the ecosystem, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living organisms. The profound impacts of early spring accentuate the importance of studying climate changes and implementing conservation strategies to protect migratory birds and maintain ecological balance.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02191-w"><em>Nature Ecology and Evolution</em></a>.</p>



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Migratory birds can learn to adjust to early spring

Climate change has brought about various significant shifts in the...

<p>The long-held belief that jellyfish are simple creatures with limited cognitive abilities has been dramatically overturned.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> reveals that Caribbean box jellyfish are far more advanced than previously thought, displaying complex learning abilities despite their rudimentary nervous systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-so-simple-nbsp">Not so simple&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While jellyfish have inhabited our planet for over 500 million years, their reputation has mostly been that of uncomplicated beings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This notion has been largely based on their primitive nervous systems, particularly when compared to organisms with advanced centralized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutrition-for-neurons-the-role-of-breast-milk-in-shaping-our-brains/">brains</a>. The research, however, challenges this perspective.</p>



<p>"It was once presumed that jellyfish can only manage the simplest forms of learning, including habituation – i.e., the ability to get used to a certain stimulation, such as a constant sound or constant touch," said study co-author Professor Anders Garm.</p>



<p>"Now, we see that jellyfish have a much more refined ability to learn, and that they can actually learn from their mistakes. And in doing so, modify their behavior."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The focus of this research was the Caribbean box jellyfish, Tripedalia cystophora. Despite having only about a thousand nerve cells, these jellyfish displayed sophisticated learning mechanisms that allowed them to adapt their behavior based on experiences. Remarkably, they achieve this advanced learning at a rate similar to that of fruit flies and mice.</p>



<p>The team's experiments highlighted how these jellyfish use visual contrasts to gauge their distance from mangrove roots, enabling them to avoid potential harm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What's even more fascinating is their ability to adjust their behavior based on changes in contrast conditions due to various environmental factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-associative-learning-nbsp">Associative learning&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Our experiments show that contrast, i.e., how dark the root is in relation to the water, is used by the jellyfish to assess distances to roots, which allows them to swim away at just the right moment. Even more interesting is that the relationship between distance and contrast changes on a daily basis due to rainwater, algae and wave action," said Professor Garm.</p>



<p>"We can see that as each new day of hunting begins, box jellyfish learn from the current contrasts by combining visual impressions and sensations during evasive maneuvers that fail."</p>



<p>"So, despite having a mere one thousand nerve cells – our brains have roughly 100 billion – they can connect temporal convergences of various impressions and learn a connection – or what we call associative learning. And they actually learn about as quickly as advanced animals like fruit flies and mice."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research is redefining our understanding of the capabilities of simple nervous systems. It presents the intriguing idea that advanced learning might have been a fundamental evolutionary advantage from the very inception of nervous systems.</p>



<p>"For fundamental neuroscience, this is pretty big news. It provides a new perspective on what can be done with a simple nervous system. This suggests that advanced learning may have been one of the most important evolutionary benefits of the nervous system from the very beginning," said Garm.</p>



<p>Further studies are now focusing on identifying the specific nerve cells responsible for this learning in jellyfish.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This knowledge could ultimately lead to a broader understanding about memory processes across different species and might even contribute to our comprehension of complex conditions like dementia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-supermodel-system-nbsp">A supermodel system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team has also shown where the learning is happening in these box jellyfish. This has given them the unique opportunity to study the precise changes that occur in a nerve cell when it is involved in advanced learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We hope that this can become a supermodel system for looking at cellular processes in the advanced learning of all sorts of animals," said Professor Garm.</p>



<p>"We are now in the process of trying to pinpoint exactly which cells are involved in learning and memory formation. Upon doing so, we will be able to go in and look at what structural and physiological changes occur in the cells as learning takes place."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-how-memory-works-nbsp">Learning how memory works&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Garm said that the team will eventually look for the same mechanisms in other animals, to see if this is how memory works in general.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Understanding something as enigmatic and immensely complex as the brain is in itself an absolutely amazing thing. But there are unimaginably many useful possibilities."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"One major problem in the future will undoubtedly be various forms of dementia. I don’t claim that we are finding the cure for dementia, but if we can gain a better understanding of what memory is, which is a central problem in dementia, we may be able to lay a building block to better understand the disease and perhaps counteract it."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Jellyfish can learn from past experiences - even without a central brain

The long-held belief that jellyfish are simple creatures with limited...

Nassaria exquisita

Taxonomic tree: