Researchers have discovered a synthetic peptide that attracts Crown-of-Thorns Starfish at low concentrations and with no toxicity, offering an efficient pest-management solution. This breakthrough may lead to the development of potent attractins to control CoTS outbreaks, protecting coral reefs from devastating damage.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2025
Researchers have discovered that Bogong moths use constellations of stars and the Milky Way to navigate long distances, making them the first known invertebrate to rely on a stellar compass for navigation. The moths also use the Earth's magnetic field to maintain their direction even when clouds obscure the stars.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has identified four species of snail parasites in Japanese sea cucumbers, including two previously unknown species. The study provides insights into the geographic distribution and invasion routes of these tiny parasites, which have a significant impact on the health of their host species.
SourceKyoto University·JournalZOOLOGICAL SCIENCE·DateJun 18, 2025
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.
A recent study documents the discovery of over 100 new ribbon worm species off Oman's coast, highlighting a significant underestimation of global marine biodiversity. The finding underscores the importance of exploring lesser-studied regions, such as the tropics, to uncover the full extent of oceanic diversity.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 10, 2025
A study by UC Riverside reveals that bumble bee queens pause egg-laying after a burst of activity, likely in response to cues from their developing brood, and typically resume production within 1.5 days when pupae are present.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 9, 2025
Researchers found that male mosquito brains respond to a wider range of sounds than females and have more diverse responses. This suggests that males use complex acoustic cues to locate females in noisy environments, making traditional traps less effective.
SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 4, 2025
Roundworm C. elegans avoids deceased conspecifics due to olfactory cues from metabolites AMP and histidine, leading to reduced fitness and increased egg laying. The detection of these signals may be an evolutionarily maintained mechanism for detecting cellular death.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 22, 2025
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.
Researchers discovered a novel mode of contact between somatic and germ cells in the ovaries of two arthropod species, challenging the general understanding of epithelial layer function. The basement membrane, typically a barrier, is penetrated by follicle cells to establish direct contact with oocytes.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 21, 2025
Researchers created first complete genetic activity map of a branching worm, revealing how it controls reproduction across its multiple body branches. The study highlights the unique genetic toolkit and challenges understanding of animal bodies' organization.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBMC Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025
Chinese researchers have identified an insect predator using tools to exploit the collective defenses of social insects. The assassin bug, Pahabengkakia piliceps, weaponizes resin from stingless bee nests to lure bees into its optimal hunting position.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2025
Researchers have discovered a chemical called bistrifluron that prevents drywood termites from creating new exoskeletons, ultimately killing the colony. This innovative method offers a safer alternative to traditional fumigation methods and has shown promise in reducing toxicity.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMay 6, 2025
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.
A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2025
Researchers found that lower environmental temperature during pupal development correlates to more synapses and postsynaptic partners in the brain, which affects odor-driven behavior. The study suggests a metabolic theory for brain wiring at different temperatures.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 12, 2025
A comprehensive analysis of butterfly data in the US found that butterfly abundance fell by 22% between 2000 and 2020. The study, led by Eliza Grames at Binghamton University, examined data from over 12.6 million butterflies across the continental US.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2025
The Michael Sars Centre and Paris Aquarium have partnered to cultivate and display comb jellies, a challenging species to maintain in captivity. The collaboration benefits both institutions, offering new resources for researchers.
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.
A new study estimates that more than 9,000 invertebrates, including pollinators and earthworms, have become extinct in Australia since European arrival. The study suggests that many species remain at high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCambridge Prisms Extinction·DateDec 10, 2024
A new study confirms the UK's effective action against the invasive Asian hornet has prevented its establishment. The invasive species, which devastates honeybee colonies in France and Italy, was first reported in the UK in 2016 but has not spread due to rapid eradication efforts by authorities and vigilant citizens.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2024
Researchers found that desert ants rely on the polarity of the geomagnetic field to navigate during learning walks, contradicting previous findings in other insects. The team manipulated magnetic fields and observed the ants' behavior, concluding that a compass-like navigation system is useful for short-distance navigation.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024
A team of researchers has unveiled a spectacular new fossil arthropod named Lomankus edgecombei, preserved entirely in fool's gold. The specimen belongs to a group called megacheirans, which were thought to be extinct during the Ordovician Period.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 29, 2024
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.
A new experimental study has found that cockroaches and maggots can efficiently break down invasive seaweed into a high-quality compost. This discovery offers promising prospects for the bio-recycling of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae and its management in circular economy applications.
The exhibit featured a live laboratory where paleontologists and volunteers cleaned and prepared specimens from the Montbrook site. Participants were excited to interact with scientists and answer questions about fossils.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalUF Journal of Undergraduate Research·DateOct 23, 2024
A study published in eLife reveals that larger arthropods like woodlice and beetles play a crucial role in leaf litter decomposition across diverse habitats and seasons. Decomposition rates are influenced by climate, leaf quality, and decomposer abundance, with macrofauna dominating decomposition in hot, dry regions.
Scientists have discovered a new species of predatory flatworm in North Carolina and Florida, which has been detected in residential landscapes across the Southeast. The researchers found that the flatworm has brownish-black color and feeds on soft-bodied organisms like earthworms and slugs.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024
Entomology 2024 will convene over 3,500 entomologists and experts to share latest research on insect science. The conference explores intersection of entomology with global trends, including innovation and climate change.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have achieved the first successful lab rearing of Hypselodoris festiva, revealing a previously unknown growth process. The study describes nine stages of development, from metamorphosis to adulthood, and provides a reference for further research on Chromodorididae species.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 9, 2024
A species of freshwater flatworm has been found to produce sterile soldiers that defend its colonies without reproduction. The discovery is significant as it sheds light on the evolution of complex animal societies.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024
Researchers found that cuttlefish can create false memories by mentally reconstructing events from different features, but not scents. This suggests an efficient memory strategy where smaller building blocks are stored and reconstructed, reducing memory costs.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateJul 17, 2024
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.
A recent study reveals that some honeybees exhibit superior learning abilities compared to others, which may be attributed to distinct gene expression patterns in their brains. The research explores the behavioral and genetic underpinnings of individual differences in learning performance among Apis mellifera.
A noncoding gene has been identified as the deciding factor in determining sex in Argentine ants, with a specific genomic region being crucial to this process. The gene does not encode a protein but rather produces an RNA that influences sex determination.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 2024
Researchers used pyrite to study the relationship between sediment mixing and oxygen levels in ancient oceans. They found that small amounts of sediment mixing can expose buried minerals to enough oxygen to start oxygen buildup. This challenges conventional wisdom about the role of oxygen in oxygen accumulation.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJun 1, 2024
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.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024
Researchers have identified over 2000 protein-coding genes that change significantly between summer and winter in the starfish's reproductive process. This study provides a promising breakthrough in understanding how crown-of-thorns starfish communicate during reproduction, which could lead to the development of natural pest control me...
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 14, 2024
Mantis shrimp use their tail coils as shields to reduce the impact of rival blows, dissipated more energy than their armor can absorb. Researchers found that this behavioral adaptation increases energy loss by up to 90%
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 9, 2024
Researchers have challenged the conventional view of myriapod ovarian morphology by discovering structural specialization in pill-millipede Hyleoglomeris japonica. The follicle epithelium, previously considered a homogenous structure, exhibits two distinct regions with enhanced and reduced metabolic activities.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalTissue and Cell·DateMay 8, 2024
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.
New research demonstrates that incorporating widgeongrass into seagrass restoration efforts can increase the portfolio of species diversity and enhance long-term success. The study found that seeding widgeongrass in the fall with minimal pre-treatment resulted in highest survival and growth rates.
SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024
A team of scientists has created a single-cell atlas for the highly regenerative worm Pristina leidyi, revealing new insights into its regenerative abilities. The study characterizes all major annelid cell types and provides molecular signatures that could inform stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024
A study analyzing canned salmon from 1979 to 2021 found stable anisakid worm levels in coho and sockeye salmon, while pink and chum salmon showed a rise. This suggests that the marine food web has adapted to changing conditions, with rising parasite levels indicating potential ecosystem shifts.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024
A microscopic pathogen found in the Caribbean is causing a devastating die-off of long-spined sea urchin populations and threatening coral reefs worldwide. The USF study reveals the same parasite, identified last year, has spread to new species in the Sea of Oman, putting global sea urchin populations at risk.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2024
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.
Researchers discovered how honeybees interpret dances that relay directions to food, even in complete darkness. By analyzing bee movements and antennae signals, scientists found a neural mechanism that combines sensory data from the two systems.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 25, 2024
Researchers found that streams with ample groundwater connections have greater microbial diversity and are more effective at preventing toxic metal entry. They also better detoxify existing metals.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 23, 2024
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered a tiny worm species that can control crop pests in warm, humid environments. The new Steinernema adamsi nematode is nearly invisible and can kill insects with a low dose, making it a potential alternative to pesticides.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Parasitology·DateFeb 8, 2024
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.
The study reveals that non-native earthworms have colonized 97% of soils across North America, with alien occupation higher in the northern part of the continent. This poses a threat to native ecosystems, including forests and grasslands, and highlights the need for better understanding and management of these invaders.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 8, 2024
Researchers found that wolf spiders can't easily signal others or perceive danger from predators on rain-soaked leaves compared to dry ones. Male spiders use visual and vibratory signals for courtship, but vibrations are better received in dry leaves.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Insect Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024
A UC Riverside research project will focus on changes in the gene network that specify early intestinal precursor cells in nematodes like Pristionchus pacificus. Gene networks describe how genes turn each other on and off, and changes in these networks can lead to diseases such as cancer.
The 15th annual horizon scan highlights 15 key conservation issues, including declining invertebrate populations and altering marine ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for continued innovation in sustainable energy technologies to address climate change.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 18, 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.
A new analysis of European Red List species reveals that 19% are at risk of extinction, including a large proportion of invertebrates. Agricultural land-use change poses a significant threat to these species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to counter biodiversity loss.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023
A study found that microplastic exposure negatively affected the survival, growth, and emergence of sediment-dwelling invertebrate larvae, but not their offspring. Ingestion of microplastics may inhibit food acquisition or nutrient assimilation in parentals, which can lead to negative impacts.
SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateSep 27, 2023
A new species of orb-weaving spider, Venomius tomhardyi, has been described from Tasmania. The genus belongs to the Araneidae family and is distinct from related genera due to its unique behavior and genitalia.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalEvolutionary Systematics·DateSep 11, 2023
A research team led by the University of Göttingen has discovered fossil spines that indicate the existence of irregular echinoids in the deep sea for at least 104 million years. The study provides insights into the past, including a mass extinction event that caused smaller species to thrive and changes in spine morphology.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2023
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.
Researchers found that mothers' social environment predicts their sons' reproductive tactics, such as sneaking or guarding females. A biased female sex ratio in the maternal generation leads to increased male-male competition, resulting in more males and intense mating behaviors.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateAug 27, 2023
A comprehensive study reveals a stagnation in European freshwater biodiversity recovery, highlighting the need for intensified mitigation strategies. The analysis of 1,816 time series of freshwater invertebrate communities between 1968 and 2020 shows promising increases until the 2010s, but a significant slowdown since then.
SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2023
A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 23, 2023
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.
A new species of the Persian Gold Tarantula has been discovered in northwestern Iran, belonging to the genus Chaetopelma. The newly described species, Chaetopelma persianum, is an obligate burrower and inhabits high elevations in well-vegetated mountainous regions of the northern Zagros Mountains.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 8, 2023
Two species of hairworms are missing genes responsible for producing cilia, a feature present in all other known animals. This loss likely occurred early in the evolution of the group and may impact their parasitic behavior, but its exact effects remain unclear.
The study reveals the life cycles of four Lonomia Walker species, characterized by unique morphological features. New parasitoids and host plants have also been discovered, shedding light on the complex relationships within this genus.
A new study found that establishing a wildflower meadow in the historic grounds of King's College, Cambridge increased species richness and abundance by three times compared to adjacent lawn. The meadow also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.36 tonnes CO2-e per hectare per year.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2023
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.
Researchers found that wolf spider species in Nebraska exhibited similar diets, with many eating the same types of prey. This suggests a complex food web where predators are not just competing for resources, but also engaging in cannibalism to regulate their populations and stabilize the ecosystem.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMay 8, 2023
Researchers discovered that coastal marine invertebrates can survive and reproduce on floating plastic debris in the open ocean. This finding suggests a rapid shift in biogeographical boundaries due to floating plastic pollution.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023