Drone Technology Unveils New Insights into Narwhal Behavior in the Wild

Drone Captures Narwhals Using Their Tusks to Explore, Forage and Play
Feb. 28, 2025 — Drones have recorded 17 distinct behaviors of narwhals in their natural habitat, revealing the complex behaviors of this iconic Arctic whale that have never been observed before. These highly social whales utilize their tusks to investigate, manipulate, and interact with their environment.

A Springtail-Like Jumping Robot
Feb. 26, 2025 — Inspired by springtails, small insects known for their impressive jumping abilities, roboticists have developed a walking, jumping robot that expands the capabilities of small robotic systems.

Comprehensive Resource Describes Functions of More Than 20,000 Human Genes
Feb. 26, 2025 — A newly completed encyclopedia detailing the functions of all known protein-coding human genes has been released. Researchers employed large-scale evolutionary modeling to integrate human gene data with genetic information from various sources.

A New Model Accurately Predicts the Movement of Elite Athletes to Catch the Ball in Parabolic Flight
Feb. 25, 2025 — How do elite athletes like Carlos Alcaraz determine where to run to intercept a tennis ball just by observing its initial position? This study delves into the behavioral patterns common among top athletes.

Obesity Starts in the Brain
Feb. 28, 2025 — A recent study highlights the brain’s significant role in controlling obesity and type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a crucial hormone in the development of obesity, where its sensitivity in the brain correlates with long-term weight gain and unhealthy fat distribution.

Birds Breathe in Dangerous Plastics — And So Do We
Feb. 27, 2025 — A new study reveals that microscopic plastic pollutants in the air are being inhaled by birds. Researchers are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of these harmful particles in the air we breathe and the food we consume.

Associative Learning: Primary School Children Outperform All Other Age Groups
Feb. 27, 2025 — A study finds that primary school-aged children exhibit the highest levels of associative learning, the ability to connect events with their consequences, which is crucial for adapting to their environment and significantly impacts mental health.

Antidepressants Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline in Dementia, Study Suggests
Feb. 25, 2025 — New research indicates that certain antidepressants may accelerate cognitive decline in dementia patients. However, some medications appear to have less harmful effects, aiding doctors in making more informed treatment choices.

New Ocelot Chip Makes Strides in Quantum Computing
Feb. 27, 2025 — Scientists have showcased a new quantum chip architecture designed to minimize errors using a type of qubit known as a cat qubit, advancing quantum computing technology.

Lunar Trailblazer Blasts Off to Map Water on the Moon
Feb. 25, 2025 — On February 26, a thermal imaging camera launched as part of NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission, which aims to map lunar water sources and enhance our understanding of the Moon’s water cycle.

Researchers Create the World’s Smallest Shooting Video Game Using Nanoscale Technology
Feb. 26, 2025 — A research team has developed the ‘world’s smallest shooting game,’ inspired by classic arcade games. This achievement utilized real-time control of force fields between nanoparticles using focused electron beams, with practical applications in nanoscale object manipulation.

Young Star Clusters Give Birth to Rogue Planetary-Mass Objects
Feb. 27, 2025 — How do rogue planetary-mass objects form? An international team of astronomers has conducted advanced simulations that reveal these mysterious bodies are linked to the chaotic dynamics of young star clusters.

New Device Could Allow You to Taste a Cake in Virtual Reality
Feb. 28, 2025 — Novel technology aims to enhance the virtual reality experience by incorporating a new sensory connection, allowing users to ‘taste’ virtual cakes.

Bite-Size Clue May Help Rediscover the Missing Desert Rat-Kangaroo
Feb. 25, 2025 — A native Australian rat-kangaroo, once thought extinct, may still inhabit the remote Sturt Stony Desert. Researchers have uncovered new details about its feeding habits, which could aid in locating it.

Koalas’ Catch-22
Feb. 27, 2025 — Research highlights the unique challenges faced by the koala population in southwestern Sydney. While they are among the few in New South Wales free of chlamydia, a disease that threatens their population, these koalas are vulnerable to environmental changes.

Feeding Anemone: Symbiote Fish Actively Feed Hosts in the Wild
Feb. 26, 2025 — A research team studying anemonefish in their natural environment found that they engage in interesting feeding behaviors with their host sea anemones.