Some honey bees, too, are more likely than others to seek adventure.
A new study in Science suggests that thrill-seeking is not limited to humans and other vertebrates. Some honey bees, too, are more likely than others to seek adventure. The brains of these novelty-seeking bees exhibit distinct patterns of gene activity in molecular pathways known to be associated with thrill-seeking in humans, researchers report…
Russian photographer Andrey Pavlov uses real ants to create amazingly cool photographs in the series “Ant Tales”
Continue reading… “Ant Tales by Andrey Pavlov”
A piece of smart fur can tell the difference between pets, scratches or even the breath of a human owner.
If pets can have positive effects on their owners’ emotions would a robot pet be able to do the same? At the University of British Columbia a robo-bunny has been developed that can mediate its users’ emotions, calming them down or cheering them up by leading them through deep-breathing exercises, for example. The robo-bunny also has a pulse and can stiffen or relax its ears.
Continue reading… “‘Smart Fur’ allows robo-pets to gauge owners’ emotions”
Dolphins are able to carry on multiple conversations simultaniously.
Dolphins apparently have a system of identifying themselves to each other similar to the way you and I use names.
Scientists have actually known since the 1960s that this system existed. Basically, each dolphin creates their own “signature” whistle when they’re very young. In studies of captive dolphins, they used this whistle mainly when they got separated from the rest of the group. It was like a way of saying, “Hey, I’m over here!” Or, given the environment, perhaps some version of “Marco! Polo!”
But at Not Exactly Rocket Science, Ed Yong writes about a new study of wild dolphins that has really increased our understanding of signature whistles and how dolphins use them…
Continue reading… “Individual dolphins identify themselves to new dolphins they meet”
The carrot-top leek-a-phone, for that truly organic sound...
.Quote of the day: “A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer.” – Mitch Hedberg
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Human pixels, because traditional media is not social
Quote of the Day: “I am not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” – Woody Allen
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Badgermin ain’t afraid to play nothin’!
David Cranmer is an eccentric maker of sculptures and musical instruments, such as the Furby Gurdy. By combining the musical abilities of the badger and the aesthetic appeal of a theremin, he has created the future of music. Watch a video of a performance after the jump…
Continue reading… “The Badgermin is a Stuffed Badger Theremin”
An adult Chikilidae, a new species of legless amphibian known as a caecilian, with eggs and hatchlings.
Since before the age of dinosaurs it has burrowed unbothered beneath the monsoon-soaked soils of remote northeast India – unknown to science and mistaken by villagers as a deadly, miniature snake.
Continue reading… “New legless amphibian found in India”
At Denver International Airport this horse is a symbol of how the airlines want you to board
Quote of the Day: “Show me a man with both feet on the ground and I’ll show you a man who can’t get his pants on.” – Joe E. Lewis
Continue reading… “Top 10 Photos of the Week”
Miniature chameleon
This little chameleon is one of four miniature lizards identified in Madagascar, adding to our growing list of amazingly teeny animals. The one on the match in this picture is a juvenile, but even the adults max out at 30 millimeters. They’re the smallest lizards in the world, and some of the smallest vertebrates found to date. (Pics)
Continue reading… “World’s tiniest lizards discovered in Madagascar”
Even cows can benefit from having a mobile device. A new collar being developed for cattle ranchers could send cow health updates to farmers’ cellphones. The device could help ranchers save money in the long run, monitoring the health of their animals and prevent accidental deaths.
The Silent Herdsman collar will track the movements of the cow using the same type of sensors found in Wii devices. That data is relayed to the rancher via a cellphone using a variety of technologies including 3G. This technology could also send farmers instant notification if their animals are in heat, going into labor or in distress.
Researchers also hope to determine which movements the sensor will pick up to determine when cows are in heat…
Continue reading… “Cow collar texts ranchers when animals are sick or in heat”
Unable to breath, and drowning, he’s still happy to see you
Quote of the Day: “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” – – Lucille Ball
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By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
Learn More about this exciting program.