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Orchid tricks hoverflies

The Eastern marsh helleborine orchid produces alarm substances that mimic aphid pheromones, attracting five species of hoverflies. Hoverfly females lay eggs in the flower, which also provides a small amount of nectar as a reward.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Anti-aphrodisiac protects young bedbugs

Researchers have discovered that young bedbug nymphs release aldehyde pheromones to signal to males that they should look elsewhere, providing a new insight into the chemical communication system of bed bugs. This finding may lead to the development of mating disruption techniques to decrease bed bug populations.

Don't let your termites grow up to be mommies

Researchers identify pheromone blend that prevents termites from becoming queens, balancing colony population. The discovery reveals crucial role of chemical compounds in regulating termite castes, advancing understanding of insect social behavior and colony management.

Pear pest's chemical 'come hither' identified

Researchers have identified a key component of the female pear psylla's pheromone, which could be used to lure males onto sticky traps or disrupt their mating. This compound, 13 methyl heptacosane, may reduce reliance on insecticides and help mitigate resistance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Little E/Z changes make a big difference

Scientists at Max Planck Institute have identified a gene controlling the difference in sex pheromone production between two European Corn Borer races, E and Z. The study found that this genetic variation leads to reproductive isolation, potentially marking the beginning of new species evolution.

Pheromone responsible for male mouse 'sex appeal'

Scientists have identified a key pheromone, darcin, responsible for male mouse 'sex appeal.' This chemical stimulates females to remember individual males and prefer them over others. By understanding the role of darcin, researchers may develop new methods for pest control and gain insights into animal behavior.

Pride, prejudice and the 'Darcin effect'

A team of researchers from the University of Liverpool identified a male pheromone called darcin, which attracts females and is responsible for learned preference for specific males in mice. Darcin consistently doubled the time spent near a male's scent and was shown to stimulate female memory and attraction.

Gene studies lead to kissing cousins

Scientists discover that a small genetic change controls the response to pheromones in moths, allowing males to find female mates of their own species. This finding sheds light on the evolution of sexual communication and speciation in moths.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Absent pheromones turn flies into lusty Lotharios

A University of Toronto study found that genetically eliminating certain pheromones triggered a surge in fruit flies' libido, leading to same-sex and interspecies mating. The research suggests a link between sex, species recognition, and chemical signals in fly behavior.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New pheromone helps female flies tell suitors to 'buzz off'

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new pheromone in male fruit flies that repels females for at least a week. The compound, named CH503, was found to act as an anti-aphrodisiac, inhibiting courtship in males and explaining the long-lasting mating behaviors observed in fruit flies.

Scientists use bed bugs' own chemistry against them

Researchers found that combining bed bugs' alarm pheromones with desiccant dusts made treatment more effective at killing the bugs. The blend of two pheromones applied in concert with a silica gel desiccant dust proved to be the most lethal combination.

It's in his smell

A study by Jean-Marc Lassance and Christer Löfstedt found that female moths can distinguish between males of different ancestries and reproductive fitness based on their pheromone composition. This ability allows females to select mates that are more likely to produce offspring with the same genetic makeup, driving species formation.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Chemical come-on successfully lures lovesick lampreys to traps

Researchers at Michigan State University have successfully lured lovesick lampreys to traps using a synthetic chemical version of the pheromones used by males to attract females. The pheromone, called 3kPZS, is potent and only requires tiny concentrations to be effective.

Bumblebees learn the sweet smell of foraging success

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bumblebees use flower scent to guide their nest-mates to good food sources. The bees learned the most from demonstrations by other bees bringing back scent, but also gained knowledge when the anise odour entered the nest.

Smells like bees' spirit

Scientists have discovered that bumblebees choose whether to search for food according to how stocked their nests are. The team used RFID technology to track the activity of bees in the lab and found that colonies with low food reserves had a stronger response to pheromones, leading to more worker bees becoming active.

Entomologists play matchmakers for cerambycid beetles

Researchers created inexpensive blends of pheromones to detect and estimate the population size of invasive pest cerambycid beetles. They identified over 30 species and found reliable characteristics to determine if a new invader uses attractant pheromones.

Olfactory fine-tuning helps fruit flies find their mates

Researchers found that fruit flies can dampen their response to intense smells to prevent overload, using a feedback mechanism to navigate the olfactory landscape. This adaptation allows flies to detect subtle changes in odor concentrations and track pheromones, enabling them to find mates.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Mate or hibernate? That's the question worm pheromones answer

Scientists have discovered the first mating pheromone in Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny worm that sends signals to mate or hibernate. The newly found compound changes its behavior depending on concentration levels, affecting both reproductive and survival traits.

1 missing gene leads to fruitless mating rituals

Male fruit flies lacking the Gr32a gene become confused in matters of love, attempting sex with other males and females who have already mated. This study reveals the critical role of pheromone signals in determining mating status.

Sex and lifespan linked in worms

Researchers discovered that a family of ascarosides controls both sexual attraction and long-lived dauer larva stages in C. elegans worms. This finding represents the first direct link between reproduction and lifespan through small molecules.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Steroids in female mouse urine light up nose nerves of male mice

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered steroids in female mouse urine activate nerve cells in male mice' noses with unprecedented effectiveness. The compounds, known as glucocorticoids (GCCs), are involved in energy metabolism, stress and immune function.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Piddling fish face off threat of competition

Researchers found that dominant males store more urine, urinate more frequently, and have stronger-smelling urine than subordinate males. This study sheds light on the role of urine pheromones in influencing same-sex behavior in Mozambique tilapia.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Pheromones identified that trigger aggression between male mice

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Harvard University discovered a family of proteins in mouse urine that elicit aggression response in males. The protein family, comprising the major urinary protein (MUP) complex, is recognized exclusively in the vomeronasal organ and activates specific sensory receptor neurons.

Accessory protein determines whether pheromones are detected

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a new accessory protein called SNMP that plays a crucial role in detecting pheromones. The study reveals that SNMP is essential for neurons to respond to these invisible communication signals, which are involved in behaviors such as recognizing siblings and courting mates.

For honey bee queens, multiple mating makes a difference

Research finds that honey bee queens who mate with multiple drones are more attractive to worker bees, leading to longer reigns. Pheromone composition changes after mating, with more multiply inseminated queens exhibiting stronger retinue response.

Another sexual attraction is possible ...

Researchers investigate the role of pheromones in the mating patterns of European corn borer, finding that overall genetic relatedness is a stronger predictor of mate compatibility than pheromone type. This challenges previous assumptions about the importance of pheromone divergence in speciation.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Male sweat boosts women's hormone levels

A new study by UC Berkeley scientists finds that male sweat contains a chemical called androstadienone, which increases cortisol levels and affects women's hormonal balance. The study suggests that inhaling this chemical could be used to raise cortisol levels in patients with diseases like Addison's disease.

UC Davis scientists' groundbreaking research: Mate-attracting chemicals

Researchers at UC Davis have successfully engineered fruit flies to respond to the scent of silkworm moths, a breakthrough that could lead to designing better chemicals to attract insects. The findings have important implications for agricultural pest control and medical entomology, with potential applications in suppressing insect com...

Scent of father checks daughter's maturity

Chemical cues from fathers may be delaying the onset of sexual maturity in daughters as part of an evolutionary strategy to prevent inbreeding. Researchers found that girls without fathers matured approximately three months before those whose fathers were present, with urban environments also linked to earlier menarche.

Male elephants woo females with precise chemistry

Researchers found that male Asian elephants release different enantiomer ratios of frontalin, a pheromone, depending on their age and stage of musth. These ratios elicit varying responses in female elephants and other males, allowing them to distinguish maturity and reproductive phase.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Olfactory system detects pheromones that control reproduction

Scientists used a genetically altered virus to trace connections between olfactory neurons and LHRH-producing neurons in mice. They found that the main olfactory epithelium sends signals to LHRH neurons, controlling puberty, ovulation, and testosterone production. The study challenges traditional views on pheromone communication systems.

The brain is broadly wired for reproduction

Studies reveal neural circuits coordinating a complex interplay between neurons controlling reproduction and areas processing odorant molecules and pheromones. GnRH neurons are found to send signals to both olfactory and vomeronasal systems, influencing the processing of sensory information depending on reproductive circumstances.

Olfactory input dominates reproductive behavior in mice

Researchers found that almost all neurons feeding into the LHRH-making region of the hypothalamus originated in the mouse nose. Mice with compromised olfactory function show dramatically impaired mating behavior, highlighting the essential role of olfactory activity in eliciting male mating behavior.

Insect pheromone research wins Eppendorf/Science prize

Three finalists, Pingxi Xu, Justin Blau, Paul Frankland, and Johanna Montgomery, have made significant contributions to understanding insect behavior through pheromone signaling. Their research has the potential to develop sustainable methods of pest control and improve human health by preventing disease.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Every squeak you make

Researchers find mouse songs have syllabic diversity and temporal regularity, similar to birdsong, but with less complexity. The study adds mice to the list of creatures that sing during courtship, paving the way for future investigation into mouse vocalizations in wild populations.

Alarm pheromone causes aphids to sprout wings

Researchers found that alarm pheromone triggers aphids to produce winged offspring and leave their host plant. Applying pulses of alarm pheromone could help reduce damage caused by aphid infestations in European fields.

Sexual frustration and learning in fruit flies

Researchers found that Drosophila males can be trained to avoid certain female pheromones associated with past failures in mating. This study demonstrates a complex learning mechanism involving hydrocarbon olfactory cues and memory consolidation.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New pheromone creates buzz about the clout of older bees

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a new pheromone that regulates the behavioral maturation of honey bees, keeping younger nurse bees in check until they are more mature. This discovery sheds light on the complex social dynamics within bee colonies and how older forager bees exert influence over younger bees.

Researchers find chemosignal that encourages women's sexual desire

A team of researchers at the University of Chicago found a chemosignal in breastfeeding compounds that encourages women's sexual desire. Women with regular partners experienced a 24% increase in sexual desire after two months of exposure, while those without partners saw a 17% boost in sexual fantasies.

Asian elephant sex pheromone transporter revealed

Researchers have discovered that serum albumin in Asian elephants plays a crucial role in transporting sex pheromones. The protein helps protect and extend the detection period of the pheromone, allowing successful mating to occur. This unique transport system is distinct from other mammalian pheromone transport systems.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Sex pheromone blocked in bug

A team of scientists has identified an enzyme called CYP4AW1 that breaks down insect pheromones, allowing for the development of targeted treatments to prevent agricultural pests from breeding. By blocking this enzyme with a specific chemical, researchers may be able to disrupt the communication between insects and prevent infestations.

Changing one gene launches new fly species

Researchers alter a single gene in fruit flies to adapt them to different environments, resulting in distinct pheromones that influence mating behavior. The change leads to potential sexual isolation, a crucial step in the emergence of a new species.

New studies of smell uncover effects of aging on working memory

Researchers found that odor working memory is impaired by aging, while semantic memory remains relatively intact. The study suggests that different brain regions handle working and semantic memory, which may explain why odors are more vulnerable to age-related decline.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Birds do it. Bugs do it. But why don't we?

Research by University of Michigan biologist Jianzhi Zhang found that humans lost pheromone signals after a gene duplication event around 23 million years ago. This duplication allowed for the development of color vision, making pheromones unnecessary as a channel for sexual signaling.