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Pandas Famously fond of bamboo, these cuddly creatures possess digestive tracts similar to those of animals with a carnivorous diet. Now, Chinese researchers believe they might understand the reason behind this intriguing fact. It is claimed that indulging in the large, rapidly growing vegetation can affect the hidden predators' actions and control the bears' olfactory and gustatory senses. Originating from southwestern China, pandas consume bamboo for as long as 16 hours each day, with studies released Friday in the journal Frontiers indicating that they absorb a type of genetic material known as microRNA (miRNA) into their blood circulation. The molecule can affect how genetic information moves throughout pandas' bodies, thereby influencing their behavior, according to research led by China West Normal University in Sichuan province. Dr. Li Feng, a senior author from the university, stated, "miRNA has a role in regulating the gene expression of giant ...

During my research on the fossils of an ancient panda relation at the forge location in Allgäu Germany , scientists found that these ancient bears had a significantly more varied diet compared to their bamboo-eating ancestors. The species, Kretzoiarctos beatrix Considered the earliest known precursor to today’s giant panda, this ancient bear lived approximately 11.5 million years ago. During that time, it inhabited vast areas across Europe and certain parts of Eurasia, regions vastly different from the bamboo-filled woods of contemporary China where pandas reside now. Madjeline Böhme from the University of Tübingen, Germany, who is also an author of the study, stated that 'the shift of pandas towards adapting to a bamboo-dominated diet along with various plants occurred quite recently.' 5.180.24.3 When we consider pandas as bamboo-eaters, it might be somewhat deceptive since they have only been consuming bamboo for about 10 million years, along with v...