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How the stick insect sticks (and unsticks) itself

Insects like stick insects can walk up vertical surfaces using adhesive pads on their feet, but scientists long believed that wet and dry feet required different mechanisms to adhere. New research reveals that the fluid on their feet plays a crucial role in controlling adhesion, with potential applications in modern devices.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 7, 2015

The hand and foot of Homo naledi

The discovery of Homo naledi reveals a unique combination of anatomy in its hand and foot, indicating adaptation for both tree climbing and walking. The hand shows powerful grasping abilities and use of stone tools, while the foot shares features with modern humans but has more curved toe bones.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Not on my watch: Chimp swats film crew's drone

A chimpanzee at the Royal Burgers' Zoo in the Netherlands deliberately used a stick as a weapon to bring down an aerial drone. This incident highlights the apes' ability to plan ahead and utilize tools in innovative ways, even without explicit training.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateSep 3, 2015

Fertile corals discovered in deeper waters off US Virgin Islands

A new study found that mountainous star corals at depths of nearly 140 feet can produce one trillion more eggs per square kilometer than shallow-water counterparts. This discovery has significant implications for the future of coral reefs worldwide, as it suggests that deeper waters may offer reproductive refuge to threatened species.

Why not build houses the environmentally friendly way?

A comprehensive review of studies on green buildings found that occupants experience better indoor air quality, reduced exposure to allergens and pollutants, and improved physical and mental health. Green buildings also improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance patient care in hospitals.

SourceSpringer·JournalCurrent Environmental Health Reports·DateJul 9, 2015

Working out in artificial gravity

Researchers at MIT have found that a combination of artificial gravity and exercise can significantly lessen the effects of extended weightlessness in space. The study involved healthy participants pedaling a stationary bicycle while spinning in a centrifuge, with results showing improved bone density and cardiovascular activity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJul 2, 2015