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Wasps queue for top job

A recent study reveals that wasp helpers are more likely to take risks when they have a better chance of becoming the next queen or breeder. Brighter wasps face a fundamental trade-off between helping and ensuring their own survival, ultimately leading them to become lazier as their future reproductive success increases.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 2006

Albatross study shows regional differences in ocean contamination

A new study has found significant regional differences in ocean contamination levels among albatrosses, with black-footed albatrosses foraging in the California Current exhibiting higher concentrations of mercury and organochlorine compounds. The findings suggest that these contaminants build up in the tissues of animals high on the fo...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 4, 2006

Highlights from October ESA journals

New studies reveal that a significant portion of US species are threatened, with only 15% well-studied. Wandering albatrosses have an unique foraging strategy, catching prey in highly dispersed areas. Coral reefs can recover from nuclear tests within five years, but ecosystem integrity is crucial.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateOct 31, 2005

Whooping cranes stabilize vision to find food

Researchers found that whooping cranes exhibit high-amplitude head movements to control their visual world while searching for food. By holding the head still more than 50% of the time, they permit close and stable examination of objects in view, allowing accurate detection, localization, and recognition of food items.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2005

Impulsive behavior may be relict of hunter-gatherer past

Research suggests that impulsive behavior in animals, including blue jays, may be an evolutionary adaptation to foraging in the wild. The study found that birds prioritized immediate rewards over delayed ones, as they would often forget about food and continue foraging. This impulsiveness may have been beneficial for survival but is no...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateDec 6, 2004

Will global warming improve crop production?

Climate change is expected to increase winter temperatures, leading to greater risks for perennial forage crops in Eastern Canada. The study used agro-climatic indices to analyze the effect of climate conditions on winter survival, finding increased risks due to warmer winters and reduced cold hardiness.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 18, 2002

Protein tied to Alzheimer’s also plays key role in honeybees

Researchers found that forager bees have lower activity levels of a protein called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in their brains, which may lead to enhanced cognitive performance. A study led by Gene E. Robinson at the University of Illinois showed that reducing AChE activity improved learning abilities in foragers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Molecular Neuroscience·DateSep 28, 2001