Latest news with #Gila
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Invasive carnivore plaguing Florida can completely absorb skeletons, study says
The invasive Burmese pythons plaguing Florida have an almost supernatural ability to absorb skeletons and scientists say they have finally found out how it's done. Turns out the intimidating predators have 'previously unknown cell type' in the walls of their intestines that completely dissolves skeletons, according to a study published June 25 in the Journal of Experimental Biology. The revelation helps explain why the giant snakes — which can grow to 18 feet in Florida — are not afraid to swallow creatures that are nearly equal in size, experts say. Professor Jehan-Hervé Lignot of the University of Montpellier in France is credited with making the discovery, using captive juvenile pythons as his test subjects. It has long been known that bones went into pythons and never came out the other end, but the 'mechanisms that enable them to do this have remained mysterious until now,' Lignot told Eureka Alert! To solve the mystery, researchers fed three types of meals to young pythons: Whole rodents, rodents with no bones, and boneless rodents injected with calcium carbonate, the study reports. It became clear that the intestines of the snakes reacted differently when they were fed whole rodents or rodents injected with calcium, the researchers said. Not only were they able to completely dissolve the skeletons, but they also were able to excrete excess calcium in cases where too much bone was consumed, tests showed. Not even fragments of bones showed up in their feces, the team found. 'This study revealed the presence of a new type of cell along the intestine that is involved in the production of large particles made from calcium, phosphorus and iron,' a July 9 news release says. 'When fed with boneless prey, these calcium and phosphorus-rich particles were not produced.' The newly discovered 'bone-digesting cell' has since been found in other species of pythons and boas, along with venomous Gila monsters native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico, the study reports. 'Marine predators that eat bony fish or aquatic mammals must face the same problem,' Lignot said in the release. 'Birds that eat mostly bones, such as the bearded vulture, would be fascinating candidates too.' Native to Southeast Asia, burmese pythons were introduced to South Florida 'due to accidental or intentional release of captive pet animals,' the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports. The snakes have no natural enemies in Florida and they are creating havoc with the ecosystem by preying on native wildlife, including deer and alligators, experts say. In 2022, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida discovered a 115-pound python in the process of swallowing a 77-pound deer, which amounted to 66.9% of the snake's body mass, officials said. A study published in 2024 also revealed the predators are capable of eating each other, McClatchy News reported.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Meet the Goblin Prince: Newly discovered dinosaur-era lizard looks like it crawled out of a myth
Sometimes, groundbreaking scientific discoveries don't come from deep digs in far-off deserts. Sometimes, they're hiding in plain sight—in this case, in a tiny jar sitting in a dusty museum drawer in Utah. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That's where a new species of prehistoric armored lizard—yes, armored—was just identified, and it's got a name straight out of Middle-earth. Meet Bolg amondol, a spiky, tank-like lizard that lived around 76 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. It was about three to four feet long, covered in body armor, and definitely not the kind of lizard you'd want to mess with. Think of it as a mini dinosaur-age monster, one that roamed ancient Utah alongside T. rex and other big-name dinos—and held its own. From 'lizard' drawer to lizard legend The story of Bolg amondol started not in the field but at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where paleontologist Dr. Hank Woolley was going through drawers labeled with basic terms like 'lizard.' Inside one drawer, he found a small jar filled with fossil fragments—skull pieces, limb bones, vertebrae, and those signature osteoderms (bony plates under the skin). The fossils had been sitting there for decades, unstudied and unlabeled beyond the generic tag. But once Woolley took a closer look, he realized he was holding something special. The bones were surprisingly well-preserved—enough to piece together a nearly complete picture of the animal. And it was unlike anything paleontologists had seen before. What kind of creature was Bolg? Bolg amondol wasn't your average lizard. It belonged to a group called Monstersauria—the ancient ancestors of today's Gila monsters and beaded lizards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These creatures weren't massive like the dinosaurs they lived beside, but they were tough. Bolg had sharp, spiked teeth, armored skin, and a bony, ridged skull that looked like it was built for battle. Its name reflects its fierce look. 'Bolg' is a nod to the goblin prince in The Hobbit, while 'amondol' comes from Tolkien's Elvish, meaning 'mound head'—a reference to its thick, armored skull. Nerdy? Absolutely. Fitting? Even more so. Scientists believe Bolg was a bold little predator, probably snacking on insects, small vertebrates, and even dinosaur eggs when it could. Its armored body would have offered protection while it slinked around ancient floodplains on the hunt. A peek into prehistoric ecosystems What makes Bolg's discovery even cooler is the context. It was found in southern Utah's Kaiparowits Formation, a fossil hotspot that paints a detailed picture of life in Late Cretaceous North America. In the same region, scientists have uncovered several large lizards, suggesting a diverse and thriving community of mid-sized predators living alongside the giants. One of the most fascinating details? Bolg amondol has close relatives in Asia, suggesting these monstersaurs weren't just local legends—they were international travelers. This supports the idea that, back in the day, animals could move freely between continents using land bridges that connected North America and Asia. And the fact that this amazing creature was sitting in a museum drawer for years, unnoticed? It's a perfect reminder of just how much we still have to learn from fossils that have already been found but never fully studied. So next time you walk past a museum display or peek into an old collection, remember: the next great discovery might not require a shovel—just a closer look.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
6 animals that survive the longest without water
In some of the toughest environments on Earth– think endless deserts and dry, cracked lands– certain animals have figured out how to live without drinking water. Not just for days, but sometimes for months. While most life forms need regular hydration to function, these creatures have evolved to go without it almost entirely. Instead of relying on water sources, they pull moisture from their food, store reserves in their bodies, or minimise water loss in ways that sound almost unreal. Their survival strategies are a fascinating reminder of how widely adaptable nature can be. Let's take a look at six animals that have mastered the art of surviving in extreme dryness. Kangaroo rat Native to the deserts of North America, the kangaroo rat stays hydrated through the dry seeds it eats. Its kidneys are incredibly efficient, producing barely any liquid waste. Even its breathing process is adapted to prevent water loss. Fennec fox With its huge ears and compact size, the fennec fox is built for desert life. Found in the Sahara, it avoids the heat by being active after dark. It gets its water from the insects and small animals it eats, and those oversized ears help it stay cool without sweating or panting. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Camel Camels are famous for surviving without water, but their secret isn't in their humps. The humps store fat– not water– which their bodies break down into energy and moisture. These animals can lose up to 25% of their body weight in water and still keep going, which is almost unheard of in the animal world. Water-holding frog When the rain disappears in parts of Australia, this frog digs underground and disappears too. It forms a cocoon around itself to trap moisture and waits it out, sometimes for years. As soon as the rain returns, so does the frog, ready to start over. Thorny devil This spiny lizard from Australia doesn't sip water– it soaks it up. Rain, dew, or even moisture from damp sand collects on its skin and flows through tiny channels toward its mouth. It's a clever trick that helps it survive in places where water is practically invisible. Gila monster The Gila monster spends much of its time in shady burrows, avoiding the desert sun. It stores fat in its tail, which gives it energy and hydration when food and water are scarce. It may not be fast, but it's perfectly suited for long dry spells.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bournemouth interested in Lazio defender Mario Gila
Bournemouth have made an enquiry about signing Lazio defender Mario Gila, according to Sky Sports. The club are in the market for a new centre-back following the departure of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Advertisement Paris Saint-Germain are pushing hard to sign Illya Zabarnyi, who is one of Bournemouth's key defenders. Manager Andoni Iraola is keen to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign. Bringing in a reliable defender is a top priority for the Cherries, and Gila is a strong option who would add quality to the backline. Gila would be a superb signing for Bournemouth Gila is currently one of the most trusted players in Lazio's defence. He made 43 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side this season. The former Real Madrid defender is known for his speed, sharp defensive instincts, and calmness on the ball. Advertisement He can play as a central defender and at right-back when needed. He is comfortable carrying the ball out from the back and linking up with midfielders. His style of play includes strong one-on-one marking, quick recoveries, and a good reading of the game. He is also not afraid to push up into midfield areas when the team is in control. Bournemouth believe Gila could be a valuable signing. He fits the profile of a modern defender who can adapt to the Premier League's demands. No deal has been agreed yet, but talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks. If Bournemouth are able to land the Spaniard, it would be a major boost to their defensive options.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bournemouth interested in Lazio defender Mario Gila
Bournemouth have made an enquiry about signing Lazio defender Mario Gila, according to Sky Sports. The club are in the market for a new centre-back following the departure of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Advertisement Paris Saint-Germain are pushing hard to sign Illya Zabarnyi, who is one of Bournemouth's key defenders. Manager Andoni Iraola is keen to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign. Bringing in a reliable defender is a top priority for the Cherries, and Gila is a strong option who would add quality to the backline. Gila would be a superb signing for Bournemouth Gila is currently one of the most trusted players in Lazio's defence. He made 43 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side this season. The former Real Madrid defender is known for his speed, sharp defensive instincts, and calmness on the ball. Advertisement He can play as a central defender and at right-back when needed. He is comfortable carrying the ball out from the back and linking up with midfielders. His style of play includes strong one-on-one marking, quick recoveries, and a good reading of the game. He is also not afraid to push up into midfield areas when the team is in control. Bournemouth believe Gila could be a valuable signing. He fits the profile of a modern defender who can adapt to the Premier League's demands. No deal has been agreed yet, but talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks. If Bournemouth are able to land the Spaniard, it would be a major boost to their defensive options.
