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Researchers discover geckos' hidden sensory ability
Geckos use a mechanism normally associated with balance to sense vibrations.

The finding could provide new insights about how animals perceive sound.

US scientists have discovered a hidden sensory ability in geckos that calls into question established ideas about how animals hear.

Biologists at the University of Maryland found that geckos use the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally associated with balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This mechanism, a special “sixth sense”, complements the geckos' regular hearing and how they sense their environment.

The team believes this previously unrecognised hearing mechanism may also be present in other reptiles, challenging previously established beliefs about how animal sensory systems evolved.

Catherine Carr, a distinguished university professor of biology at UMD, explained: "The ear, as we know it, hears airborne sound. But this ancient inner pathway, typically linked to balance, helps geckos detect vibrations that travel through mediums like the ground or water.

"This pathway exists in amphibians and fish, and now it's proven to be preserved in lizards as well. Our findings shed light on how the auditory system evolved from what you see in fish to what you see in land animals including humans."

The saccule can sense subtle vibrations between 50 and 200 Hz – far less than geckos normally hear through their ears.

Scientists say this demonstrates how the saccule functions as a distinct yet complementary function to the geckos' regular hearing system. Although geckos can hear airborne sounds, many other reptiles lack this ability.

Study lead Dawei Han, a postdoctoral researcher and former graduate student at UMD, believes the identification of the saccule's role in gecko hearing could provide new insights into how animals considered to have limited hearing abilities behave and communicate.

"A lot of snakes and lizards were thought to be 'mute' or 'deaf' in the sense that they do not vocalize sounds or hear sounds well," said Han. "But it turns out they could potentially be communicating via vibrational signals using this sensory pathway instead, which really changes the way scientists have thought about animal perception overall."

The study, Auditory pathway for detection of vibration in the tokay gecko, is published in Current Biology.

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
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FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."