Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

A sound defense: Noisy pupae puff away potential predators

In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, researchers from Kobe University found that hawkmoth larvae and pupae produce defensive sounds when stimulated. These sounds are released through respiratory openings and resemble snake warning signals, potentially helping the insects evade predators.

Hornets in town: How top predators coexist

Research by Kobe University entomologist SAGA Tatsuya found that two hornet species divide their prey by specializing on different targets. The Japanese yellow hornet eats soft-bodied prey like crickets and moths, while the yellow-vented hornet consumes low-value prey such as beetles and wasps.

Sniffing out how neurons are made

A unique toggle switch was identified to assign divergent cell fates and drive assembly into cellular 'neighborhoods' in olfactory stem cells, integrating signaling at multiple scales. This finding reveals how stochastic signaling networks regulate sustained neurogenesis in the intricate organ system of the human nose.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study finds ethical justification to eradicate certain harmful species

Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Select corn lines contain compounds that sicken, kill major crop pest

Researchers at Penn State have demonstrated that genetic lines of corn contain compounds that inhibit the growth and development of corn earworm larvae, leading to increased mortality and reduced body weight. The compounds, called flavonoids, are produced by high-flavonoid corn lines and have a lethal effect on the larvae.

Why maggots love the texture of decaying fruit

A study on fruit fly larvae revealed the presence of neurons with mechanoreceptors in their peripheral taste organs, allowing them to sense food texture. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of tasting texture and highlights the importance of multisensory contributions in food perception.

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.

Should I stay or should I go: When do young fish leave their home?

A study on young fish leaving their home found that they follow independent, innate schedules synchronized with their mother's care routine. The larvae emerge from the snail shell when they prefer brighter areas, indicating an intrinsic timing mechanism controlled by light preference.

Scorching climate drove lampreys apart during cretaceous period

A new study reveals that extreme global warming during the Late Cretaceous Period drove a split between Northern and Southern Hemisphere lamprey families. The findings suggest that tropical temperatures were too hot for larval lampreys, leading to their dispersal into temperate regions.

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.

How helicopter parenting protects baby reef fish

Researchers discovered a species of damselfish actively eating gnathiid isopods, which are common reef parasites, to protect their young. This unique 'great fish parenting' behavior increased the survival rate of juvenile fish by three times.

Climate change can cause stress in herring larvae

Exposure to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously impairs the ability of herring larvae to react at a molecular level, reducing their capacity for acclimatization. This can lead to increased protein damage and cell injury, potentially affecting growth and survival.

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.

Young coral use metabolic tricks to resist bleaching

Coral larvae reduce metabolism and increase nitrogen uptake to resist bleaching in high temperatures. This adaptation allows the coral to conserve energy and resources, while also limiting algal overgrowth and maintaining symbiotic relationships.

Bacteria breakthrough could accelerate mosquito control schemes

A new study by the University of Exeter and Wageningen found that Asaia bacteria accelerate the development of mosquito larvae, potentially boosting mass-rearing schemes. This could lead to more effective global health programmes against diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hemp shows high promise as potential natural insecticide

A study published in the journal Insects found that hemp leaf extract containing cannabidiol (CBD) is effective in killing mosquito larvae, including those resistant to typical insecticides. The research suggests CBD's potential as a safe and sustainable alternative for controlling mosquito populations.

New species of wasp 'hidden in plain sight' discovered by researchers

Researchers at Mississippi State University have discovered a new parasitic wasp species that attacks and infects adult flies, revealing a 'spectacular example of undescribed biology hidden in plain sight'. The study highlights the importance of ongoing research investment in insect biodiversity and systematics.

Swallowing triggers a feeling of elation

A study at the University of Bonn has revealed that fly larvae have special sensors triggered by swallowing, releasing serotonin to continue eating. This control circuit may also exist in humans and could help understand eating disorders such as anorexia or binge eating.

Life after (feigned) death

A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that animals feigning death to avoid predators will seek safety in a suitable environment. The study found that the movement dynamics of antlion larvae after feigning death depend on the available escape strategies.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Carbohydrate produced by bacteria triggers marine biofouling

A recent study revealed that specific bacteria produce a carbohydrate compound that induces settlement and metamorphosis in larvae of the warm-water tubeworm Hydroides elegans. This process, known as biofouling, can coat ship hulls and propellers, causing significant economic damage.

USGS: Local dragonflies expose mercury pollution patterns

A new study reveals surprising findings about mercury pollution patterns in ecosystems, where it comes from and how it moves vary significantly. Dragonfly larvae are found to be a cost-effective indicator of mercury contamination in nearly every aquatic habitat, providing valuable insights for resource management decisions.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Fruit fly wing research offers window into birth defects

Researchers used supercomputers to study how fruit fly embryo cells develop into wings, offering a window into human development and possible treatments for birth defects. The team found that actomyosin drives much of the development process, particularly in the lower wing disc flattening.

Fruit fly pest meets its evolutionary match in parasitic wasp

A parasitic wasp has evolved to perfectly target a common fruit fly pest, demonstrating key principles of ecologically driven evolution. The Trichopria drosophilae wasp overcomes the pest's defenses by producing venom and specialized cells that speed up digestion and increase nutrition for its young.

Severe hurricanes boost influx of juveniles and gene flow in a coral reef sponge

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that severe hurricanes can increase the recovery of coral reef sponges by boosting the influx of juveniles and promoting gene flow. Genetic analyses revealed that populations of clonal marine species may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes to maintain gen...

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Sonic youth: Healthy reef sounds increase coral settlement

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that replaying healthy reef sounds can encourage coral larvae to settle on degraded reefs. The study demonstrated a significant increase in settlement rates when broadcasting healthy reef sounds at distances of up to 30 meters from the speakers.

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.

Some mosquitoes like it hot

New research found significant differences in heat tolerance among mosquito populations, with some more resilient to heat waves than others. Climate factors such as precipitation and humidity play a crucial role in determining their thermal limits, which may impact disease transmission.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How a moth’s taste preferences change with age

Researchers discovered that cotton bollworm larvae use Gr10 to detect sucrose in low-sugar tissues, while adults primarily rely on Gr6 to sense a variety of sugars. This finding could lead to new approaches for pest control and increase crop yields.

Did animal evolution begin with a predatory lifestyle?

Aiptasia sea anemones' larval stage actively feed on living prey, using specialized stinging cells and a simple neuronal network. This suggests that a predatory lifestyle played a significant role in the evolution of multicellular organisms and their nervous systems.

Even treated wastewater affects our rivers

A new study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that effluents from treated wastewater treatment plants alter invertebrate communities in Hesse's waters. Pollution-tolerant taxa like worms and crustaceans increase, while sensitive species like stonefly and caddisfly larvae decline.

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.

Nematodes joy ride across electric voltages

Researchers found that nematode worm larvae can leap through the air and attach themselves to passing insects when exposed to certain electric fields. They observed dauer larvae consistently moving towards the lid of a petri dish, some reaching it in a fraction of a second.

Food size matters

A study by Kyoto University found that Daphnia's phenotypic plasticity is strongly related to its body size and the type of predator. Medium-sized Daphnia are more vulnerable to predation by both Chaoborus larvae and fish, which prefer larger prey.

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.

Ticks prove resilient to extreme temperatures

Researchers found that blacklegged tick larvae are vulnerable to heat and dry conditions, while nymph and adult ticks can survive extreme temperatures with little effect. The study's findings suggest targeting interventions during the larval stage to reduce tick populations and mitigate disease transmission.

Cigarette butts leak deadly toxins into the environment

A University of Gothenburg study reveals that cigarette filters contain thousands of toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers, which are lethal to aquatic larvae. The researchers urge a complete ban on filters to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment.

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.

Symbiotic yeast helps longicorn beetles eat wood

A research group at Nagoya University discovered that the Japanese longicorn beetle has a symbiotic yeast called Scheffersomyces insectosa. The yeast breaks down xylose and other wood components, making it edible for the beetles.

New eyes discovered in trilobites

Scientists uncover evidence of median eyes in trilobites, which were previously unknown due to fossilization process. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of arthropods and provides a new tool for classifying species.

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.

Remarkable squirting mussels captured on film

Cambridge researchers observe Unio crassus mussels squirting water jets up to a meter away from the riverbed to increase the chances of their larvae attaching to specific host fishes. This behavior has never been seen in any other mussel species and may be crucial for the endangered species' survival.