Keyword: Department of Biology
Tawny owl’s pale grey colour linked to vital functions ensuring survival in extreme conditions
A recent genetic discovery has revealed that the pale grey plumage of the tawny owl is linked to crucial functions that aid the bird's survival in cold environments. As global temperatures rise, dark brown plumage is likely to become more common in tawny owls living in colder areas.
SYS-LIFE postdoctoral research programme opens a call for applications
SYS-LIFE postdoctoral research programme invites applications for 22 postdoctoral researcher positions at the University of Turku, Finland, for a fixed-term period of three years. The first call for applications opened on 5 December and closes on 31 January 2023.
First Turku Imaging Day brings together Turku's imaging community
The first Turku Imaging Day will take place in Turku on October 3rd. The day will bring together the imaging community of Turku's universities, which may be unexpectedly large. "Almost 100% of researchers in life sciences use imaging in their work," says Research Manager Pasi Kankaanpää of the Turku Faculty of Medicine.
Fish swimming exercises can improve their ability to tolerate global warming (Dissertation: MSc Luca Pettinau, 8.9.2023, biology)
A Doctoral Researcher Luca Pettinau examined whether the heart performance of fish in fish farms can be enhanced with swimming exercises. Regular swimming exercises with moderate exertion improved the heart performance of the fish, as well as their ability to tolerate higher temperatures. Increasing the strain on adult fish also improved the growth and survival of their offspring.
Horses differentiate human expressions of sadness and joy
A new study shows that horses can differentiate between expressions of joy and sadness displayed by humans through facial movements or voice tones. Horses were more attracted by the facial expressions of joy than sadness and seemed more excited by the joyful voices.
New Research Council of Finland funding to unravel the wide-ranging impact of glyphosate on ecosystems and pollinators
Glyphosate, a widely-used chemical compound in herbicides and its wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and pollinators will be the research focus at the University of Turku. In their proposals, the researchers highlight the importance of comprehensively understanding the problem and stress the significance of collaboration between researchers, farmers and decision-makers to address the issue effectively. The research has received significant funding from the Research Council of Finland and Sakari Alhopuro Foundation.
An abundant dinner is served - bats feast at restored wetlands in Finland
New research at the University of Turku shows that bats like restored wetlands!
Grannies protected against infections in historical Finland
Researchers from the University of Turku and the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology investigated the role of grandmothers in preventing childhood mortality from infectious diseases in 18th and 19th century Finland. According to the study, grandmothers decreased all-cause and cause-specific mortality of children.
Reindeer can show great performance at following human-given indications
An international team of researchers from the University of Turku, Finland, and the INRAE of Nouzilly, France, explored the ability of sledging reindeer to follow directional indications from humans. Their results highlight that reindeer, which are well habituated to humans, can make use of gestural cues very well with minimal training.