- Snake venom studies yield insights for development of therapies for heart disease and cancer
Researchers seeking to learn more about stroke by studying how the body responds to toxins in snake venom are this week releasing new findings that they hope will aid in the development of therapies for heart disease and, surprisingly, cancer.
- Ancient reptiles 'Make tracks': Discovery of fossilized footprints reveals when reptiles first conquered dry land
A discovery of fossilized footprints reveals when reptiles first conquered dry land. The 318-million-year-old reptile footprints were found in sea-cliffs on the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada. They show that reptiles were the first vertebrates (animals with a backbone) to conquer dry continental interiors.
- Primitive frogs do a belly flop: Study shows that frogs evolved jumping before they refined landing
Sometimes divers, to their own painful dismay, do belly flops. But did you ever see a frog belly flop? That's just what primitive living frogs do, according to a new study looking at the evolution of frog jumping and landing. They found that frogs became proficient at jumping before they perfected landing. This evolutionary split, characterized by an inability to rapidly rotate the limbs forward during flight in order to land front legs first, might also explain why primitive frogs' back legs are out-of-phase with one another when they swim.
- Frog killer caught in the act: DNA barcoding reveals five undiscovered frog species among 30 wiped out by fungal epidemic
The first before-and-after view of an amphibian die-off has just been published. Using DNA barcodes, they showed that the fungal disease that wipes out frogs -- chytridiomycosis -- has killed an estimated 30 species of amphibians in Panama, including five species previously unidentified by scientists.
- US sea turtle populations difficult to estimate or protect without more data
The population sizes of six species of sea turtles listed as either endangered or threatened in the United States cannot be accurately determined based on currently available information, says a new report from the National Research Council. The report adds that key data regarding birth and survival rates, breeding patterns, and other information will be required to predict and understand changes in populations and create successful management and conservation plans.
- Mexican salamander helps uncover mysteries of stem cells and evolution
Scientists have been using a Mexican aquatic salamander called an axolotl to study the evolution and genetics of stem cells -- research that supports the development of regenerative medicine to treat the consequences of disease and injury using stem cell therapies.
- Warmer is better: Invasive cane toads set to thrive under global warming
As global warming threatens many animal species with extinction, the cane toad is set to flourish with increasing temperature. This is a major cause for concern as the cane toad, once introduced to Australia as agricultural pest-control of the cane beetle, is an already highly invasive species and considered a pest in Australia.
- Feast and famine: MRI reveals secrets of animal anatomy
Scientists have used Computer Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI to reveal, for the first time noninvasively, how a snake adapts its internal organs in preparation for a big meal and during digestion, until it has disappeared completely. The images could be valuable supplements to traditional textbook sketches, diminishing the need for invasive research and dissections.
- Brave brains: Neural mechanisms of courage uncovered in study of fear of snakes
A fascinating new study combines snakes with brain imaging in order to uncover neural mechanisms associated with "courage." The research provides new insight into what happens in the brain when an individual voluntarily performs an action opposite to that promoted by ongoing fear and may even lead to new treatment strategies for those who exhibit a failure to overcome their fear.
- Competition puts the brakes on body evolution in island lizards
Millions of years before humans began battling it out over beachfront property, a similar phenomenon was unfolding in a diverse group of island lizards. Often mistaken for chameleons or geckos, Anolis lizards fight fiercely for resources, responding to rivals by doing push-ups and puffing out their throat pouches. But anoles also compete in ways that shape their bodies over evolutionary time, says a new study.
- Two new frog species discovered in Panama's fungal war zone
While trying to understand a disease that is wiping out frogs worldwide, researchers discovered a new frog species.
- Ultraviolet radiation not culprit killing amphibians, research shows
In nature, ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is not the amphibian killer scientists once suspected. Naturally occurring murky water and females who choose to lay their eggs in the shade keep embryos of one of the nation's most UV-sensitive amphibian species out of harm's way most of the time, new research shows.
- I am treefrog, feel me shake
Using experiments involving a mechanical shaker and a robotic frog, researchers have found new evidence that male red-eyed treefrogs communicate with one another in aggressive contests by using vibrations they send through their plant perches. The findings open the door to further study of what has been a neglected channel for vertebrate communication.
- 'Prehistoric' frogs may face extinction if conservation area is opened to mining
The world's most ancient frogs may soon be mined to extinction, if the New Zealand government's plans to open up a conservation area for mining go ahead, conservation biologists warn.
- 'Experienced' female lizards attract greater attention from male lizards
Female sagebrush lizards with greater courtship experience are more likely to be courted by their male counterparts, according to a recent study.
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Years of selective inbreeding and experimentation has resulted in a cornucopia of ball python color morphs and designer patterns. All equally impressive in their own rights, new patterns and color morphs within these captive bred pet snakes are being produced every day--the rarity of which typically dictates the price tag. Be careful when purchasing any pastel variations, as good deals may not always be what they seem when dealing with live snakes. Buying from a reputable reptile dealer is extremely important, especially when purchasing your next baby ball python. {mos_fb_discuss:21} |
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 In this 6-part interactive tutorial, we’ll be showing you the required supplies and techniques for setting up a low cost Bearded Dragon Enclosure. Not only will we go over the essentials such as temperature gradients, lighting requirements, and substrate. We’ll learn inexpensive customization techniques for an aesthetically pleasing design capable of accommodating hatchlings to adults. |
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