Primates, including humans, have notably larger brains compared to most other mammals. For decades, scientists have speculated that diet, particularly the consumption of fruit, played a crucial role in the evolution of these larger brains. A groundbreaking study from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute now suggests that … Read more
The dance of galaxies in the cosmic web is a mesmerizing spectacle of cosmic structure and evolution, revealing the intricate interplay of gravity, dark matter, and cosmic forces shaping the large-scale distribution of galaxies in the universe. The cosmic web is a vast network of filaments, voids, and clusters that connect galaxies across cosmic distances, … Read more
Arachnophobia grips many humans when faced with spiders like the brown recluse or black widow, yet the intricate dance of deception between spiders and their predators remains largely unnoticed. Paleobiologist George Poinar Jr. sheds light on this covert world, revealing the evolutionary tactic of some spiders: masquerading as ants. In his recent paper published in … Read more
Stress is inevitable. But too much of it can be terrible for our health. Chronic stress can increase our risk for heart disease and strokes. It may also help cancer spread. How this works has remained a mystery—a challenge for cancer care. Xue-Yan He, a former postdoc in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Adjunct Professor … Read more
On a remote tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean, a pair of marooned pirates have been discovered. While they lack eyepatches and cutlasses, the two new species of pirate spider certainly live up to their nautical name, which refers to their habit of violently taking over the webs of other spiders and killing the occupants. … Read more
In a thrilling discovery, a new tarantula species sporting a vibrant electric blue hue has been unearthed in Thailand. “In the year 2022, the bamboo culm tarantula was first unearthed, marking the inaugural documented instance of a tarantula species taking up residence within bamboo stalks. Following this revelation, we eagerly rejoined the team for an … Read more
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a groundbreaking discovery concerning the growth of large cosmic structures in our ever-evolving universe. Their findings challenge the predictions of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, revealing that these structures are growing at a slower rate than expected. Notably, this effect becomes more pronounced as dark energy accelerates … Read more
Introducing CLARI, the innovative robotic creation developed by a team of engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder. Drawing inspiration from insects, CLARI, short for Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect, is designed to change its shape passively, allowing it to squeeze through tight spaces. This remarkable invention holds potential not only for research but also … Read more
Researchers from the University of Waterloo, led by Professor Michael Tam, along with Ph.D. students Yi Wang and Weinan Zhao, is at the forefront of designing revolutionary systems aimed at capturing atmospheric water vapor and transforming it into a liquid state. The conventional means of sourcing fresh water for consumption typically involves collection from rivers, … Read more
A rare collection of sea spider fossils, dating back 160 million years, has been found in Southern France. These fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of sea spiders, showing that the diversity of these marine creatures began to develop during the Jurassic period. Dr. Romain Sabroux, the lead author from the University of Bristol, … Read more
In many species, males have a strong incentive to identify females who are about to reach sexual maturity in order to have the first chance at mating. Recently, researchers published a study in the journal iScience revealing a fascinating example of this behavior: male spider mites actively engage in guarding and stripping off the skin … Read more
After half a century, a rare lizard has made a remarkable reappearance, defying previous fears of its extinction. The Victorian grassland earless dragon, a reptile native to mainland Australia, has been rediscovered, granting a newfound chance to safeguard its existence. Since its last sighting in 1969, the disappearance of the Victorian grassland earless dragon had … Read more
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the Karolinska Institutet have revealed the remarkable qualities of recombinant spider silk protein hydrogels. These hydrogels exhibit numerous attractive characteristics, making them highly desirable for various applications. By simply incubating them at a temperature of 37°C, cells and bioactive molecules can be easily encapsulated within the hydrogels. Additionally, their … Read more
A group of scientists led by Dr. Linda Hernández Duran from James Cook University’s Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine has conducted a study on the venomous spiders known as funnel-webs. The research, published in the journal PLOS ONE, reveals that the venom of these spiders can vary under different circumstances, potentially offering insights … Read more
Researchers have discovered a fascinating defense mechanism employed by a species of tiny, colorful jumping spiders. These spiders utilize a combination of camouflage and ant-like movement to avoid being preyed upon by other spiders. The study, published in the journal iScience, revealed that while this defense tactic is effective against spider-eating spiders, it does not … Read more
Despite their formidable appearance, the giant yellow and blue-black spiders found in the Southeastern U.S. owe their survival to an unexpected trait: They are remarkably timid. A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia has revealed that the Jorō (Joro) spider may be the most bashful spider ever documented. “Many people believe that this … Read more
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have made an intriguing discovery regarding the vision of underfed jumping spiders. Led by Professor Elke Buschbeck from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, the team found that these spiders, known for their exceptional eyesight, experience a loss of light-sensitive cells when they are undernourished. This unexpected finding … Read more
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth, led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel, have made an exciting discovery about spider silk materials. By modifying or processing them in specific ways, they can encourage the adhesion, growth, and proliferation of certain types of living cells. This can be achieved through biochemical modifications of the silk proteins or … Read more