Pathogens may have facilitated the evolution of warm-blooded animals

Animals first developed fever as a response to infections: the higher body temperatures primed their immune systems. At the time, 600 million years ago, virtually all animal species were cold-blooded. They had to spend long periods of time in warm areas of their habitat to achieve fever-range body temperatures. A researcher believes that pathogens may be the reason why warm-blooded creatures first emerged.

Ear-generated Doppler shifts in bat biosonar

A new study demonstrates that the ears of bats come with a ‘built-in ambulance’ that creates the same physical effect as the sound of an ambulance passing by. Researchers think the study of ear-generated Doppler shifts in bat biosonar could give rise to new sensory principles that could enable small, yet powerful sensors.

Civility still matters to some in cyberspace

In the online world, where incivility is all too common, new research found that being polite is golden, at least when individuals who pose questions online get to choose the ”best answer.”