insects

Insect Larvae Capable of Digesting Plastic Discovered in Kenya

Insect Larvae Capable of Digesting Plastic Discovered in Kenya

Plastics, ubiquitous in modern society, have become a toxic menace all over the world, leaching PFAS “forever chemicals,” breaking down into microplastics and choking the world’s seas and landfills.  In a promising study, scientists have discovered that mealworm larvae are capable of consuming polystyrene. They are one of few insects — and the first native […]

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    Wild Bumblebees Capable of Logical Reasoning, Study Finds

    Wild Bumblebees Capable of Logical Reasoning, Study Finds

    A new study by a psychologist at University of Stirling in Scotland has found that, like humans, wild bumblebees are capable of logical reasoning. In the study, the bees were tasked with spontaneously locating strips of sugar-coated paper in various colors and positions. In both circumstances, the analysis showed they looked in the correct location […]

    Mosquitoes Newly Spreading in Scotland as Temperatures Rise, Scientists Say

    Mosquitoes Newly Spreading in Scotland as Temperatures Rise, Scientists Say

    Scotland’s climate hasn’t historically been supportive to large mosquito populations, as it tends to be cooler. But now, scientists have discovered widespread populations of mosquitoes around Scotland, and they fear warming temperatures could lead to increasing public health risks from mosquito-borne diseases. Scientists at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Virus Research found 16 different […]

    Despite Their ‘Bad Rap,’ Bats Can Help Farmers

    Despite Their ‘Bad Rap,’ Bats Can Help Farmers

    April 17 is International Bat Appreciation Day! In celebration of these sometimes unsung nocturnal pollinators, a new study has demonstrated how bats can be allies of agriculture, as they feed on important crop “pests.” The researchers found that encouraging bats can be beneficial for conservation efforts, as well as local farmers, a press release from […]

    Why You Shouldn’t Rake Your Leaves This Fall

    Why You Shouldn’t Rake Your Leaves This Fall

    The weather is getting cooler, the air is feeling crisper, the leaves are turning yellow and red falling from their trees — and this year, leave those leaves be!  It’s a common misconception that leaves always kill the grass they fall on. Aside from the fact that it’s time to ditch our lawns in the […]