A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU) reveals that the Greater Mouse-Tailed Bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum) uses its long tail as a natural tactile sensor to navigate backward in dark caves. The bat’s long tail functions as a dynamic sensing tool, enabling it to avoid obstacles and orient itself in complex environments while climbing backward,… Read More
An international team of researchers led by scientists from Tel Aviv University (TAU) has discovered that the pathogen responsible for the mass deaths of sea urchins along the Red Sea coast is the same one responsible for mass mortality events among sea urchins off the coast of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. This finding… Read More
Researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) have found that spur-winged lapwings living in human settlements exhibited greater mobility than those in nearby fishponds and fields, especially during the nesting season. “We often see birds in populated areas and cities, demonstrating that some species habituate and even flourish in human environments,” the researchers say. “However, we… Read More
Researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU) examined the mechanical wear on digging valves located at the tip of the female locust’s abdomen, used to dig pits for laying eggs, and found that, unlike organs with remarkably high wear resistance such as the mandible (lower jaw), the valves wear down substantially due to the intensive digging…. Read More
A new study by Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History has proven for the first time that bats can navigate in nature over many kilometers using only echolocation without relying on any of their other senses. The researchers say that it’s well-known that bats are equipped with a natural sonar,… Read More
A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU) has revealed that the Oriental hornet is the only animal in nature capable of consuming alcohol chronically and in high concentrations with almost no negative effects on their health or lifespan. The research team says, “This is a remarkable animal that shows no signs of intoxication or… Read More
A new Tel Aviv University (TAU) study has revealed that vultures, much like humans, experience changes in movement habits and social relationships as they age. Young vultures frequently move between roosting sites and “hanging out a lot with their friends.” In old age, however, vultures scale back on socializing, preferring to “stay home.” The study,… Read More
A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU) found that sponges in the Gulf of Eilat have developed an original way to keep predators away. The researchers found that the sponges contain an unprecedented concentration of the highly toxic mineral molybdenum. In addition, they identified the bacterium that enables sponges to store such high concentrations… Read More