Researcher uncover secret of owls' neck twist
Backup arterties help the birds rotate their heads up to 270 degrees.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine investigated how owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees without injuring themselves. They found that owls have backup arteries that provide more nutrients when their blood vessels get strained by rapid turning.
Scientists already knew that the birds only had one socket pivot, which allows them to twist more than humans, who have two.
But the new study revealed that the arteries also collect any excess blood that’s created by the extreme turning.
Bing: See owls up close
The team’s research was summarized on the U.S. National Science Foundation website.
— Read it at National Geographic
More from Vetstreet:
6 bizarre eating habits of animals
The year’s 10 trendiest cat names
Playtime for baby monkey and kitten
10 most popular dog breeds that are biggest losers
10 surprising things about how animals sleep
Photo: Karl Lehmann/Getty Images
pics, advice, info and stories for pet lovers
-
Should you train your cat to use the toilet?
It’s not just a Meet the Parents scene. The Litter Kwitter's creator says it takes less time to toilet train a cat than a child.
-
10 products every cat lover needs
In honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, we're thinking outside the (litter)box and sharing our favorite must-haves.
-
5 summer hazards for cats to avoid
Keep your feline safe from things like flea and tick medications meant for dogs and open windows in tall apartment buildings.
-
Cat breeds with funny names
From the short-legged Munchkin to the affectionate Ragdoll, we've rounded up 11 cat breeds with fun and clever names. You might not be familiar with them, but they all deserve your attention.
-
10 adorable canines who are ready for the dog days of summer
To celebrate the start of longer days and warmer weather, we rounded up our favorite pups dressed up in summer attire. From hula skirts and board shorts to sunglasses and straw hats, we can’t get enough of these chic (and adorable) canine outfits.
-
Amazing animal stories
These animals fight the good fight and warm our hearts in the process!
-
What toys are safe for adult cats?
Common toys like string, ribbon, yarn and rubber bands are fun for kitties to play with, but potentially deadly if swallowed.
-
13 celebrities who speak for animals
With all the glitz and glamour that comes out of Tinseltown (not to mention the endless tabloid fodder), it's not always obvious that many celebrities are animal lovers, too.
-
20 hottest dog breeds
From designer crosses to giant breeds, we scoured Vetstreet's data of millions of dog breeds to determine the trendiest breeds of the past decade.
-
Why does my pet...?
Do you ever wonder why your dog and cat act the way they do?
-
Puppy survives alone in car for a month
Tow lot employee finds abandoned pup.
-
10 reasons pets make better partners than people
Animals, says Dr. Patty Khuly, are the best listeners in the world and don’t care that you’ve just been dumped or laid off.
