The field of robotics has taken a significant leap forward with the development of an amphibious robotic dog, capable of efficiently navigating both land and water. This innovative creation was inspired by the remarkable mobility of mammals in aquatic environments.

Unlike existing amphibious robots that often draw inspiration from reptiles or insects, this robotic canine is based on the swimming style of dogs. This design choice has allowed it to overcome several limitations faced by insect-inspired designs, such as reduced agility and load capacity.

The key to the amphibious robot’s water mobility lies in its unique paddling mechanism, modeled after the natural swimming motion of dogs. By carefully balancing weight and buoyancy, the engineers have ensured stable and effective aquatic performance.

To test its capabilities, the researchers developed and experimented with three distinct paddling gaits:

* A doggy paddle method that prioritizes speed
* A trot-like style that focuses on stability
* A third gait that combines elements of both

Through extensive experimentation, it was found that the doggy paddle method proved superior for speed, achieving a maximum water speed of 0.576 kilometers per hour (kph). On land, the amphibious robotic dog reaches speeds of 1.26 kph, offering versatile mobility in amphibious environments.

“This innovation marks a big step forward in designing nature-inspired robots,” says Yunquan Li, corresponding author of the study. “Our robot dog’s ability to efficiently move through water and on land is due to its bioinspired trajectory planning, which mimics the natural paddling gait of real dogs.”

The implications of this technology are vast and exciting, with potential applications in environmental research, military vehicles, rescue missions, and more. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with robotics, it’s clear that the future holds much promise for innovation and discovery.

The fascinating world of animal evolution has taken an intriguing turn with the discovery of similarities between two species that were previously thought to be quite different: pug dogs and Persian cats. Scientists from Cornell University and Washington University have uncovered evidence of “convergence,” a phenomenon where unrelated animals or plants develop similar characteristics under similar environmental conditions.

The study reveals that, due to intensive breeding, certain breeds within these two domesticated species have converged to such an extreme that they are more similar to each other than they are to most members of their own species or their ancestors. This remarkable convergence is not only observed within the pug and Persian breeds but also between them.

Researchers measured the skulls of brachycephalic dogs and cats, finding strikingly similar overlap between these breeds from two different species. “Persian cats and pug and Pekingese dogs all have skull shapes that are very similar to each other,” said Abby Drake, senior lecturer at Cornell University. “Their muzzles and palettes are tilted up in the same way.”

This convergence has occurred multiple times within each species. In dogs, it is seen in bulldog breeds, as well as Asian dog breeds such as Pekingese and Shih Tzu. In cats, the same traits can be observed in Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese breeds.

The study also highlights the rapid evolution of domesticated species, which can offer insights into evolutionary processes. “When convergence occurs through natural selection,” said Drake, “it is usually a sign of a successful trait.” However, the extreme breeding practices that led to this convergence have resulted in health issues for brachycephalic breeds.

The researchers collected three-dimensional measurements of skull morphology from CT scans of domestic cats, dogs, wildcats, wolves, and other species within the Canidae and Felidae families. These measurements revealed a remarkable diversity of both cats and dogs, with dog diversity being even more extreme.

The study concludes that artificial selection has led to a large evolutionary variation within these species, which would not be seen in natural evolution over millions of years. Unfortunately, this rapid evolution comes at a cost, as brachycephalic breeds are susceptible to breathing, eating, and birthing issues and would not survive in the wild.

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the evolutionary processes that occur when humans intervene with breeding practices. They also highlight the importance of considering the health implications of such practices for the animals themselves.

The world’s most common large carnivores, pet dogs, have long been cherished for their companionship and loyalty. However, research from Curtin University has revealed that these furry friends may be causing irreparable harm to wildlife, ecosystems, and climate. The study, led by Associate Professor Bill Bateman, sheds light on the multifaceted environmental threat presented by human-owned pet dogs.

Associate Professor Bateman explained that dogs not only engage in predatory behavior like chasing wildlife but also leave behind scents, urine, and faeces, which disrupt animal behavior long after they’ve left. This is particularly concerning for shorebirds and other vulnerable species. In addition, dog waste contributes to water pollution and inhibits plant growth, while chemical treatments used on dogs can contaminate aquatic environments.

Furthermore, the pet food industry, driven by the vast global dog population, has a substantial carbon footprint, as well as impacts on land and water usage. Addressing these challenges requires a delicate balance between reducing environmental harm and maintaining the positive role of dogs as companions and working animals.

Associate Professor Bateman emphasized that many dog owners are unaware of the environmental damage their pets can cause, and some may feel their individual actions won’t make a difference. However, collective action is necessary to protect vulnerable species and preserve shared spaces like beaches and woodlands.

Restrictive measures, such as banning dogs from sensitive areas, are not enough on their own. Instead, a collaborative effort between dog owners, conservation groups, and policymakers is needed to develop strategies that balance pet ownership with environmental care. This includes educating owners about eco-friendly practices and promoting sustainable pet food options.

Ultimately, the study highlights the need for responsible pet ownership and a willingness to address the environmental impact of our furry friends. By working together, we can ensure that man’s best friend does not become nature’s worst enemy.