Inconspicuous leaf beetles reveal environment's role in formation of new species
Unnoticed by the nearby residents of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, tiny leaf beetles that flit among the maple and willow trees in the area have just provided some of the clearest evidence yet that environmental factors play a major role in the formation of new species. view more (2009-11-02)
Female choice benefits mothers more than offspring
The great diversity of male sexual traits, ranging from peacock's elaborate train to formidable genitalia of male seed beetles, is the result of female choice. view more (2009-10-23)
Global Seed Banking Milestone Celebrated by Wildflower Center, 122 Other Organizations
An international partnership of 54 countries led by the United Kingdom's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is celebrating a decade of work to set aside seeds for future generations from 10 percent of the world's wild flowering species. view more (2009-10-16)
Nanometric butterfly wings created
A team of researchers from the State University of Pennsylvania (USA) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) have developed a technique to replicate biological structures, such as butterfly wings, on a nano scale. The resulting biomaterial could be used to make optically active structures, such as optical diffusers for solar panels. view more (2009-10-09)
Invasive species on the march: variable rates of spread set current limits to predictability
Whether for introduced muskrats in Europe or oak trees in the United Kingdom, zebra mussels in United States lakes or agricultural pests around the world, scientists have tried to find new ways of controlling invasive species by learning how these animals and plants take over in new environs. view more (2009-09-18)
New Sequencing Technique Could Boost Pine Beetle Fight, Improve Cancer Research
UBC researchers have helped developed a cheaper, faster way to compile draft genome sequences that could advance the fight against mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestation and improve cancer research. view more (2009-09-16)
Forest ecologist sees climate consequences
Many people worry about the link between rising bark-beetle infestations and an increase in western wildfires. But Dr. Susan Prichard, a Research Scientist at the University of Washington, adds another concern: what happens after the fires go out? view more (2009-09-15)
What scientists know about jewel beetle shimmer
"Jewel beetles" are widely known for their glossy external skeletons that appear to change colors as the angle of view changes. view more (2009-07-24)
Dogs, maybe not, but old genes can learn new tricks
A popular view among evolutionary biologists that fundamental genes do not acquire new functions was challenged this week by a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. view more (2009-05-12)
New Southern California beetle killing oaks
U.S. Forest Service scientists have completed a study on a beetle that was first detected in California in 2004, but has now attacked 67 percent of the oak trees in an area 30 miles east of San Diego. view more (2009-05-04)
Guam rhino beetles got rhythm
In May 2008 the island of Guam became a living laboratory for scientists as they attached acoustic equipment to coconut trees in order to listen for rhinoceros beetles. view more (2009-04-14)
Holy Guacamole: NC State Researcher Tracks Invasive Beetle Threatening Florida's Avocados
A researcher at North Carolina State University is tracking the movement of the Redbay Ambrosia beetle, an invasive insect that, if it spreads to southeast Florida, may severely affect the production of avocados, a $15 million to $30 million industry in the state. view more (2009-02-05)
Landscape-scale treatment promising for slowing beetle spread
Mountain pine beetles devastating lodgepole pine stands across the West might best be kept in check with aerial application of flakes containing a natural substance used in herbal teas that the insects release to avoid overcrowding host trees, according to a team of scientists. view more (2009-02-03)
Research ties tree mortality trends to climate warming
Global warming is speeding up the mortality of trees, and NAU research is providing some of the data to prove it. view more (2009-01-26)
New study links western tree mortality to warming temperatures, water stress
A new study led by the U.S. Geological Survey and involving the University of Colorado at Boulder indicates tree deaths in the West's old-growth forests have more than doubled in recent decades, likely from regional warming and related drought conditions. view more (2009-01-23)
Baby Beetles Inspire Pitt Researchers to Build 'Mini Boat' Powered by Surface Tension
Inspired by the aquatic wriggling of beetle larvae, a University of Pittsburgh research team has designed a propulsion system that strips away paddles, sails, and motors and harnesses the energy within the water's surface. view more (2009-01-22)
Lichens function as indicators of nitrogen pollution in forests
Scientists have found lichens can give insight into nitrogen air pollution effects on Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino mountain ecosystems, and protecting them provides safeguards for less sensitive species. view more (2008-10-07)
Beetles get by with a little help from their friends
Humans living in communities often rely on friends to help get what they need and, according to researchers in the lab of Cameron Currie at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, many microbes, plants and animals benefit from 'friendly' associations too. view more (2008-10-03)
International Field Campaign examines impact of beetle kill on Rocky Mountain weather, air quality
Mountain pine beetles appear to be doing more than killing large swaths of forests in the Rocky Mountains. Scientists suspect they are also altering local weather patterns and air quality. view more (2008-09-25)
Pine Bark Beetles Affecting More than Forests
Pine bark beetles appear to be doing more than killing large swaths of forests in the Rocky Mountains. Scientists suspect they are also altering local weather patterns and air quality. view more (2008-09-25)
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