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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.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 29, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In hot water: Ocean warming impacts growth, metabolic rate and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish

A new study finds that ocean warming can impact the growth, metabolic rate, and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish larvae. The researchers found that warmer temperatures led to faster growth rates, higher metabolic rates, and changes in gene expression.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMar 20, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2023
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.

Scientists uncover the unexpected identity of mezcal worms

Researchers have discovered that mezcal gusanos de maguey are actually the caterpillars of agave redworm moths (Comadia redtenbacheri), not a single type of insect larva. This finding has significant implications for the sustainability of agave production and the potential impact on wild populations of these caterpillars.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 8, 2023

Illuminating the evolution of social parasite ants

Researchers at Rockefeller University have found queen-like mutants among social parasite ants, which can infiltrate and take over host colonies. These unique ants exhibit intermediate traits between worker and queen behavior, allowing them to thrive in the colony while avoiding dangers associated with leaving their nest.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2023

Mulching time of forest meadows influences insect diversity

A study by Dr. Maria M. Georgi and colleagues found that mulching times of forest meadows have a negative impact on both insect larvae and flower-visiting insects. Mulching in September was shown to protect the latter, while mulching in June had a negative effect.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMar 1, 2023
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.

Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests

Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJan 18, 2023

Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Plastic pollution kills sea urchin larvae

Researchers found that sea urchin larvae exposed to high levels of plastic pollution developed significant developmental abnormalities, including malformation of the skeleton and immune cells. The study reveals how newly made PVC pellets and beach-collected fragments cause harm to the embryos.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Cell quality control

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have found that gland cells in Drosophila melanogaster can remove defective secretory particles as early as the secretion process begins. This discovery sheds new light on crinophagy, a previously understudied process crucial for maintaining cellular quality and function.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTraffic·DateDec 15, 2022

Fish larvae find their way using external cues, new study finds

Researchers from University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that fish larvae use external directional cues for orientation, contrary to previous assumption that they rely on internal cues. This discovery offers insights into understanding marine fish dispersal, protected areas and population connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022
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.

FAU study finds low salinity can work to culture popular Florida pompano fish

Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Institute found that Florida pompano larvae can be grown in salinities as low as 10 parts per thousand without adverse effects. The study showed that growth, fatty acid profiles, and transcriptome responses were normal across different salinities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAquaculture·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Ant pupae secrete fluid as "milk" to nurture young larvae

Researchers discovered that ant pupae secrete a fluid that is consumed by both adults and larvae, highlighting the interconnectedness of different developmental stages within an ant colony. The fluid, derived from molting, is rich in nutrients and psychoactive substances, essential for larval growth and adult metabolism.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2022
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.

To track disease-carrying mosquitoes, researchers tag them with DNA barcodes

Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Gut bacteria are essential for development of social behavior in fish

Germ-free zebrafish larvae have altered neural connections due to reduced microglia pruning by immune cells. Reintroducing normal microbiota restores normal development and social behavior. Microorganisms stimulate microglial activity, promoting neural connection remodeling.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Harpoon heads, sweeping tails: How predatory mosquito larvae capture prey

Predatory mosquito larvae employ two distinct methods to capture prey: one involves a harpoon-like head-propulsion action, while the other uses a sweeping tail to snare insects. This new research provides insight into the behavior of these tiny predators and their ability to feed on other aquatic insects.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 2022
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.

The scent that could save California’s avocado

UC Riverside scientists are working with Jocelyn Millar to find the avocados weevil pheromone, which could be used to monitor pests and prevent them from mating in orchards. The goal is to reduce damage to fruit and enable growers to use less insecticides.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 2, 2022

Life at close quarters

Researchers discover fossil lacewing larvae with enlarged abdomens, providing insights into the evolution and lifestyle of early lacewings. The discovery sheds light on the successful evolutionary strategy of physogastry, which allows insects to greatly increase their body volume when required.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Climate factors predict future mosquito activity

A new study finds that climate variables like temperature, rainfall, and ocean warming predict mosquito population growth in Sri Lanka for the next one to six months. The research can inform programs to limit dengue transmission, a major public health problem in the country.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 6, 2022

Tobacco hawkmoths always find the right odor

Researchers found that tobacco hawkmoths can identify vital nectar sources and suitable host plants despite a complex odor mixture, with female moths responding strongly to specific floral scents after mating. The study suggests that plant-typical mixing ratios play a crucial role in guiding the moths to the right oviposition sites.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Seafloor animal cued to settle, transformed by a bacterial compound

A new study published in PNAS reveals that a specific bacterial compound, lipopolysaccharide, induces larval marine tubeworms to settle on the seafloor and undergo metamorphosis. The discovery offers hope for coral reef restoration, mariculture, and biofouling prevention.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022
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.

Climate resilient microalgae could help restore coral reefs

Researchers from Uppsala University developed a new method to predict temperature tolerance in individual microalgae symbionts, enabling the identification of climate resilient cells. This study aims to accelerate coral reef restoration efforts by introducing more robust coral symbionts to combat climate change.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateApr 27, 2022

A midge fly can be a source of currently used pesticides for birds, bats

Researchers found that non-biting midge larvae accumulate pesticides from polluted water and retain them into adulthood. Adult female midges have higher pesticide concentrations than males, which are transferred to their offspring. The study suggests that midges can be a source of pesticides in terrestrial ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 20, 2022

Nanoparticles prove effective against the yellow fever mosquito

Researchers at Ohio State University discover that carbon black nanoparticles are fatal to yellow fever mosquito larvae in standing water. The material accumulates on the larvae's head, abdomen, and gut, blocking basic biological functions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInsects·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022
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.

Selective breeding sustainably protects honey bees from Varroa mite

A new breed of honey bees has been developed through selective breeding to resist the Varroa mite, a major threat to global honey bee populations. The 'Pol-line' bees showed a two-fold increase in colony survival compared to standard varieties, with significantly lower mite numbers and reduced viral transmission.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022

CABI-led study creates first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval stages for Africa to help fight against devastating pest

A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...

SourceCABI·JournalCrop Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Freshwater mussels can inhibit bacterial diseases

Researchers discovered that freshwater pearl mussel larvae can protect brown trout from Flavobacterium disease outbreaks. The mussels' filtering ability removes bacteria from water, suggesting a potential application in water treatment. This finding highlights the importance of ecosystem services provided by endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalParasitology Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022
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.

Student researchers improve coral restoration efforts

A recent study led by University of Hawaii student researchers found that exposing rice coral larvae to warmer temperatures did not improve survival once the coral developed into juveniles. Instead, rearing at ambient temperatures maximized early life stage survival.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCoral Reefs·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Hidden diversity: When one wasp species is actually 16 wasp species

A new study identifies at least 16 distinct wasp species previously grouped as one, Ormyrus labotus, which lays eggs in over 65 insect species. The discovery highlights the importance of seeking out hidden diversity and underscores the need for precise identification to understand ecosystem health.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalInsect Systematics and Diversity·DateFeb 16, 2022

Illuminating research sheds new light on the evolution of light-response systems

Sea urchin larvae exhibit a cilia-based response and swim backward when exposed to strong irradiation, revealing a subtle yet crucial mechanism in the evolution of light-responsive tissues. This finding provides insights into the diversification of light-response systems and may have implications for understanding human behavior or fee...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 10, 2022

English Channel stops new rockpool species reaching UK

The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Research involving rhesus macaques paves way for schistosomiasis vaccine

Researchers discovered nine genes in S. mansoni's autophagy pathway inhibited by the primate's immune system, preventing parasite multiplication and contaminating the host. The study suggests a potential novel therapy and vaccine against schistosomiasis.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2022

New species of bacteria named after the John Innes Centre

A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Debilitating human parasite transmitted via dogs eating fish

Researchers found that in 2020, 93% of Guinea worms detected worldwide were in dogs in Chad. Dogs eating infected fish carry the parasite larvae, which means they maintain the life-cycle and humans can still catch the disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Air flow key to ensuring black soldier fly larvae thrive as a sustainable food source

Black soldier fly larvae thrive in dense groups when given the right amount of airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. The research, published in Frontiers in Physics, aims to make these protein-rich insects more readily available as recyclers of food waste, which totals 1.3 billion tons per year.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021
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.

An easy relationship between a beetle and its yeast symbiont

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered that Japanese lizard beetle larvae feed on yeast injected by their mothers, but the yeast only consumes simple sugars. The study found that the yeast grows on small molecule monosaccharides and not on complex sugars despite its ability to digest them.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Researchers translate insect defense chemicals into eerie sounds

Researchers Boevé and Giot translated insect defense chemicals into sounds, measuring human reactions. The study found that the responses by ants and humans are correlated, indicating that sonification can approximate real-world predator-prey interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
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.

A novel fly species described from Finland

A new fly species, Scenopinus jerei, has been officially described from Finland, belonging to the primitive and species-poor family of window flies. The species is found in boreal forest habitats and is widespread but rare in Finland, with its larvae preying on other insects.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalZooKeys·DateSep 15, 2021

Integrative approach by NUS biologists increases accuracy of mosquito vector surveillance

A team of researchers from NUS developed an integrative approach to boost accuracy in mosquito surveillance by including larvae and species identification using mini-barcodes. This approach improves overall diversity estimates by 38% compared to adult-only data, contributing to baseline knowledge on potential vectors in Singapore.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 20, 2021

Dolichomitus meii wasp discovered in Amazonia is like a flying jewel

Researchers at the University of Turku have discovered hundreds of previously unknown insect species, including a parasitoid wasp that glitters like an electric blue jewel. The newly found Dolichomitus meii wasp is unique in its large size and striking coloration, with wings that shimmer golden yellow.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateJul 1, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.