Washington, Nov 7 : A new study by scientists has explained how sharks follow the bloody trail of a victim.

The process, known as electroreception, involves sharks, rays and skates using a gel-like substance on their heads to pick up electrical current signals from their water environments.

This explains why sharks pursue bloody victims, even when other 'easy target' prey is around and the gushing blood obscures the shark's vision and smell.

"The gel contains various proteins and salts, so it's similar to mucus, only with a jello-like consistency," said lead author R. Douglas Fields. "Basically, it's shark snot," he added.

The slimy substance plays a big role in hunting. It allows the fish to detect very faint electrical fields, which prey emit when they swim or bleed.

Washington, Nov 7 : Scientists have discovered a completely new trait in a small Western Atlantic fish known as Mangrove rivulus.

London, Nov.7 : Whooper swans wintering on a Dumfriesshire reserve could have a major impact on new wind farm developments across Scotland, a study has claimed.

Washington, Nov 7 : New research by scientists has shed light on the respiratory systems of dinosaurs.

Washington, November 7 : A study on mice has hinted that individual brain chemistry and genes may be key to understanding why some people become addicted to nicotine and why nicotine’s effects appe

London, Nov.7 : Thousands of hours of humpback whale sounds have been recorded off the coast of Queensland and analysed to reveal a secret and ancient language of the deep sea.