St. Olaf researchers create mechanical computers that can perform simple computations without a computer chip or power source, harnessing their power from physical force. The devices demonstrate proof of design for alternative computing in harsh settings, paving the way for smart materials and responsive artificial limbs.
A new study in Annals of the Entomological Society of America reveals the reproductive biology of Ormia ochracea, a parasitic fly that gives live birth and nourishes its developing embryos internally. The research also sheds light on partial parthenogenesis and technical challenges for genetic manipulation.
A new study reveals that early-life competition in parasitoid flies can have lasting effects on their growth and survival. The research found that larvae competing for resources inside a single host lead to reduced survival, smaller pupae, and ultimately smaller adult flies.
Researchers found that Hawaiian parasitic flies have developed more sensitive hearing to locate host crickets, improving their chances of survival. The flies' adaptation allows them to detect a range of sound frequencies prominent in rapidly changing cricket calling songs.
Researchers found that the acoustic parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea exhibits temperature-coupled song temporal pattern preferences, shifting its preference with ambient temperature. This discovery suggests a new possibility for eavesdropping flies to recognize host cricket songs across a wide range of temperatures.
A new study by Dr. Norman Lee and his team uses a performance index and treadmill system to measure how well flies respond to different cricket songs. The findings provide insights into the sensory basis of song recognition, signal discrimination, learning and memory in eavesdropping enemies.