The iconic monitor lizards of Australia, commonly known as goannas, have long been a symbol of the country’s unique wildlife. However, beneath their scaly skin lies an unexpected secret: a hidden layer of bony skin structures known as osteoderms. These structures, which were previously thought to be rare in lizards, are found in nearly half of all lizard species worldwide and may hold the key to understanding how these ancient reptiles not only survived but thrived in one of the world’s harshest environments.

A recent study published in the prestigious Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society has shed new light on the widespread presence of osteoderms in lizards. The research, which was conducted by an international team of scientists from Australia, Europe, and the United States, used cutting-edge micro-CT scanning to examine nearly 2,000 reptile specimens from major museum collections.

“We were astonished to find osteoderms in 29 Australo-Papuan monitor lizard species that had never been documented before,” said Roy Ebel, lead author and researcher at Museums Victoria Research Institute and the Australian National University. “It’s a fivefold increase in known cases among goannas.”

Osteoderms are most commonly associated with crocodiles, armadillos, and even some dinosaurs like Stegosaurus. However, their function has remained something of an evolutionary mystery. While they may provide protection, scientists now suspect that osteoderms may also support heat regulation, mobility, and calcium storage during reproduction.

This new research reveals that osteoderms are far more widespread in lizards than previously thought, occurring in nearly half of all lizard species worldwide – an 85% increase on earlier estimates. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of reptile evolution and the adaptation of these ancient creatures to harsh environments.

At the heart of this discovery lies the power of museum collections. Scientific institutions like Museums Victoria Research Institute play a critical role in preserving biodiversity through time, enabling researchers to study species long after they were collected. Many of the specimens used in this study were decades, and in some cases over 120 years old, but advances in imaging technology enabled scientists to uncover new insights without harming the original material.

“What’s so exciting about this finding is that it reshapes what we thought we knew about reptile evolution,” said Dr Jane Melville, Museums Victoria Research Institute Senior Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates. “It suggests that these skin bones may have evolved in response to environmental pressures as lizards adapted to Australia’s challenging landscapes.”

The discovery of osteoderms in monitor lizards opens up new questions about how these lizards adapted, survived, and diversified across the continent. This landmark study not only tells a new chapter in the story of Australia’s goannas but provides a powerful new dataset for exploring how skin, structure, and survival have intertwined across millions of years of evolution.

As we delve into the world of viruses, a fascinating yet concerning trend has emerged: young bats are becoming key contributors to new viral outbreaks. A recent study by the University of Sydney offers a unique insight into how and when these emerging coronaviruses arise in bat populations.

Bats are incredibly beneficial to our ecosystems, playing a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal. However, as habitat destruction and environmental stressors bring them closer to humans, disease risks can emerge. The research, published in Nature Communications, found that young bats are infected more frequently with coronaviruses and could be a source of viral spillover into other species.

Dr Alison Peel from the University’s School of Veterinary Science led the study, which analyzed over 2,500 fecal samples collected from black flying foxes and grey-headed flying foxes at five roost sites across Australia’s eastern seaboard. The results showed that coronaviruses were most prevalent in young bats between March and July, when they were weaning and approaching maturity.

A notable finding was the high proportion of bats infected with multiple coronaviruses at once, which presents an opportunity for a single cell to become infected with multiple viruses – an important natural precursor to the generation of new strains. The six coronaviruses detected in the study were nobecoviruses, a subclass that does not jump to humans.

Dr John-Sebastian Eden, a co-author from the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, said, “We safely tracked how and when coronaviruses circulated naturally in bat populations. Using genomics to track infections to individual animals, we offer a model for scientists looking to understand coronavirus emergence and future risks in bat populations around the world.”

The research highlights the importance of understanding why young bats are more susceptible to infection and co-infection. It could be due to their newly developing immune systems or the stress faced by teenage bats looking for a mate for the first time. The changing environment, including habitat loss caused by encroaching human populations and food shortages, may also contribute to this phenomenon.

As Dr Peel notes, more research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of coronaviruses in bat populations and their potential risks to human health. This study provides valuable insights into the natural evolution of viruses and highlights the need for continued investigation into the complex relationships between bats, their ecosystems, and human health.

As we often assume that dogs can gauge a person’s character based on their behavior towards them, scientists have long been fascinated by this aspect of canine cognition. However, a recent study conducted at Kyoto University in Japan has revealed that dogs may not be as perceptive as we think.

The researchers involved 40 pet dogs in the study to investigate how age and development influence their ability to form reputations of humans. The dogs were first exposed to observing another dog’s interactions with two humans, one of whom provided food while the other did not. After this indirect experience, the dogs then interacted directly with both humans.

Surprisingly, the results showed that the dogs did not display a significant preference for the generous person who fed them compared to the selfish person who refused to feed them. The dogs’ behavior towards both humans was random and did not exceed chance levels following either indirect observation or direct interaction.

“This study highlights the methodological challenges in accurately capturing dogs’ understanding and evaluation of humans,” said corresponding researcher Hoi-Lam Jim, who recently joined the faculty at Kyoto University. “It’s clear that reputation formation may be more complex than previously thought, even for animals like dogs that closely cooperate with humans.”

While this study did not provide conclusive evidence of dogs forming reputations of humans, it emphasizes the need for further research to better understand what influences their sociocognitive abilities. Future studies should aim to systematically compare dogs of all ages from different populations and life experiences.

In conclusion, while we often assume that dogs can see through a person’s kindness, this study suggests that our furry friends may not be as perceptive as we think. Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate how we understand canine cognition and give them the benefit of the doubt.