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Biology

The Strange Science of Army Ant Amputations

In the swirling leaf litter of the rainforest floor, a bizarre ritual unfolds that could look like an eerie science-fiction scene. Injured army ants, their limbs mangled in battle, are tended to by nestmates with meticulous care. This seemingly counterintuitive behavior—amputating parts of their comrades—raises a provocative question: why would an insect army, renowned for […]

Biology

Plants vs. Bugs: The Secret Saliva Battle

In the world of plants versus bugs, nature scripts a high-stakes drama right beneath our noses and on the leaves of tobacco, rice, and more. Herbivorous insects like the whitefly and brown planthopper have orchestrated a covert operation that could change the future of agriculture. It’s all thanks to a little trick hiding in their […]

Biology

A Mosquito’s Sweet Tooth Might Just Save Lives

Did you know mosquitoes have a sweet side? Sure, they’re infamous for their blood-sucking antics, but most of their meals actually come from plants. In fact, male mosquitoes feed exclusively on nectar, while females mix it up with a bit of blood to help with egg-laying. But here’s the kicker: Scientists have figured out how […]

Environment

Predicting the Next Invasive Species

When you think of invasive species, you might picture vines choking out local plants or animals disrupting local ecosystems. But how do these invasive species make their way to new areas, and can we predict which species might be next? Thanks to a new, advanced tool for assessing the risk of biological invasions, researchers are […]

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Tag: bugs

The Strange Science of Army Ant Amputations

Plants vs. Bugs: The Secret Saliva Battle

A Mosquito’s Sweet Tooth Might Just Save Lives

Predicting the Next Invasive Species

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