thermoregulation news
The topic of thermoregulation is not often in the news, which is strange as most of our daily live activities, like eating, are close connected to this system. Here a few news items which give you a sneak preview of this fascinating system:
Blood vessels in their heads kept big dinos from overheating
dinosaurs came in many different forms. All, it turns out, had the same problem of staying cool. Now, scientists have analyzed fossilized traces of blood vessels in the skulls of big-bodied dinos. This revealed how the giants had avoided heatstroke. (source: sciencenewsforstudents.org) //www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/blood-vessels-their-heads-kept-big-dinos-overheating
How puffins stay cool
Tufted puffins regulate their body temperature thanks to their large bills, an evolutionary trait that might explain their capacity to fly for long periods in search for food. (source: www.myvetcandy.com) //www.myvetcandy.com/newsblog/2019/11/28/kzygn836jwkaae820yh87rr75lbdll
The Challenges of Cold Weather Running
As ultrarunners, most of the time we are worried about hot weather rather than extremely cold weather – and for good reason. Thermoregulation of body temperature in warmer weather is problematic. While running, about 75-80% of the energy that we use goes towards heat production rather than mechanical energy (i.e. movement). As our core temperature heats up, performance declines. read original article: //ultrarunning.com/featured/the-challenges-of-cold-weather-running/
Why are bird eggs in cold climates darker colored?
Bird eggs come in a dizzying array of colors. But from a global perspective, that diversity follows a simple pattern, new research shows. The colder the climate, the darker the egg. Read full article: //www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/why-are-bird-eggs-cold-climates-darker-colored
Zebra Stripes May Help Beat the Heat
A gangrene-inducing bite in Africa, 40 years of curiosity, and backyard experiments her daughters still complain about have all come together to tell Alison Cobb one thing: Stripes help zebras keep their cool. Read full article: //www.insidescience.org/news/zebra-stripes-may-help-beat-heat
Turtle embryos play a role in determining their own sex
In certain turtle species, the temperature of the egg determines whether the offspring is female or male. But now, new research shows that the embryos have some say in their own sexual destiny: they can move around inside the egg to find different temperatures. Read original article: //www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190801131435.htmEdit
The Mystery of Bizarre Holes in T. Rex’s Head Might Finally Be Solved
Despite its popular image of teeth and claws and thunder, Tyrannosaurus rex was no hot-head. New research indicates that the two mysterious holes in the top of the dinosaur’s skull likely helped regulate temperatures inside its head. Read full article: https://www.sciencealert.com/tyrannosaurus-rex-had-holes-in-its-head-to-help-keep-its-cool
Gut microbiota helps to maintain core body temperature under cold exposure
The gut microbiome has been shown to have diverse impacts on human and animal physiology and health. Now, a research group led by Prof. John R. Speakman from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has revealed the important role of gut microbiota in thermoregulation – the way animals respond to cold exposure. Read full article: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/caos-gmh030619.php
Neonicotinoid exposure disrupts bumblebee nest behavior, social networks, and thermoregulation
Neonicotinoid pesticides cause mortality and decline in insect pollinators. One repeatedly noted effect is a reduction in bee colony size. However, the mechanism behind this reduction is unclear. Crall et al. performed complex real-time monitoring of bumblebee behavior within their nests (see the Perspective by Raine). Neonicotinoid exposure reduced nurse and caretaking behaviors, which affected productivity and harmed colony thermoregulation. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/362/6415/683
Island lizards are expert sunbathers, and researchers find it’s slowing their evolution
If you’ve ever spent some time in the Caribbean, you might have noticed that humans are not the only organisms soaking up the sun. Anoles — diminutive little tree lizards — spend much of their day shuttling in and out of shade. But, according to a new study in Evolution led by assistant professor Martha Muñoz at Virginia Tech and Jhan Salazar at Universidad Icesi, this behavioral . Read full article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190422105000.htm
New Study Finds Link between Body Temperature and Obesity
According to a study in mice published in the Journal of Neuroscience, reduced ability to maintain body temperature in colder environments may contribute to the development of obesity in adulthood. Read full article: http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/body-temperature-obesity-05818.html