Monarchs evolved mutations to withstand milkweed toxins; so did their predators
Monarch butterflies and their close relatives thrive on poisonous milkweed, thanks to genetic mutations that block the effects of the plant's toxins while allowing the poisons to accumulate in the caterpillar or adult insects as deterrents to hungry.....»»
Unraveling brood parasitism in predatory mites
Several animal species display brood care, a phenomenon where 'caring' parents provide their offspring with food and protection against predators. However, there are many others that prefer not to do this, and instead sneak in their eggs with those o.....»»
"Too small and carefree": Endangered animals released into the wild may lack the match-fitness to evade predators
Breeding threatened mammals in fenced, predator-free areas is a common conservation strategy in Australia. The method is designed to protect vulnerable species and breed animals for release into the wild......»»
The other side of the story: How evolution impacts the environment
The story of the peppered moths is a textbook evolutionary tale. As coal smoke darkened tree bark near England's cities during the Industrial Revolution, white-bodied peppered moths became conspicuous targets for predators and their numbers quickly d.....»»
Study shows more mutations likely with genetically engineered synthetic DNA
Unlocking the potential of laboratory-crafted DNA, known as synthetic DNA, holds the key to groundbreaking advancements across multiple domains, according to quantum biologists from the University of Surrey......»»
‘Tasks’ to-do app gets major update with new design, Tasks Cloud, and collaboration
Tasks is one of my favorite to-do apps, and it has evolved a lot since I first wrote about it here on 9to5Mac. This week, Tasks was updated to version 3.0, which comes with a new design for the iOS app, a completely rebuilt macOS app, and new featur.....»»
Humans have lost half of primate ancestors" gut bacteria, finds new study
A new study finds that hundreds of bacterial groups have evolved in the guts of primate species over millions of years, but humans have lost close to half of these symbiotic bacteria......»»
Humans evolved to walk with an extra spring in our step, shows foot arch study
A new study has shown that humans may have evolved a spring-like arch to help us walk on two feet. Researchers studying the evolution of bipedal walking have long assumed that the raised arch of the foot helps us walk by acting as a lever which prope.....»»
Orchids" ability to grow on other plants independently evolved multiple times
The most extensive study of the genetic relationships among orchids to date reveals that the flower's ability to grow on other plants evolved independently multiple times. A team of researchers, led by Penn State biologists, compared the sequences of.....»»
Plants remove cancer-causing toxins from air
A groundbreaking study has revealed that plants can efficiently remove toxic petrol fumes, including cancer-causing compounds such as benzene, from indoor air......»»
Can a wind turbine handle hurricane speed winds?
As wind farms expand into new areas they will need to withstand extreme wind speeds......»»
The most effective ways of foraging can attract predators, scientists find
Animals using the most of efficient methods of searching for resources may well pay with their lives, scientists at the University of Bristol have discovered......»»
Marsupials might be the more evolved mammals
Mammal evolution has been flipped on its head, according to new research that suggests marsupials are the more evolved mammals......»»
Humans were using fire in Europe 50,000 years earlier than previously thought
Human history is intimately entwined with the use and control of fire. However, working out when our relationship with fire began and how it subsequently evolved has been notoriously difficult......»»
Small, fast-growing reef fishes evolved in a warming ocean, finds study
James Cook University scientists have found coral reef fish developed faster growth rates in the warm oceans of the past, 50 to 60 million years ago. These small and fast-growing fishes epitomize the productive coral reefs of today......»»
These tiny jumping spiders walk like ants to evade predators
"Its gait and trajectory show high similarity with multiple ant species.” Enlarge / The colorful jumping spider Siler collingwoodi mimics the walk of an ant to evade predators. (credit: Hua Zeng) We typically think of.....»»
Coyotes, bobcats move into human-inhabited areas to avoid apex predators, only to be killed by people
Since their protection under the Endangered Species Act, wolf populations have been making a comeback in the continental United States. Conservationists have argued that the presence of wolves and other apex predators, so named because they have no k.....»»
Butterfly tree of life reveals an origin in North America
About 100 million years ago, a group of trendsetting moths started flying during the day rather than at night, taking advantage of nectar-rich flowers that had co-evolved with bees. This single event led to the evolution of all butterflies......»»
U.S. Steel forges ahead on greener, lighter steel as aluminum competition heats up
U.S. Steel Corp. is spending billions of dollars to ramp up production of greener, high-strength steel as the company looks to withstand the rise of aluminum and maintain business in a changing auto industry......»»
Google is bringing more software to your car, but we’re not sure it’s a good thing
For cars that run Google’s automotive software, it seems that the company will be bringing more of its products and services to your vehicles. The infotainment systems of our cars has evolved considerably over the years. Long gone are t.....»»
Migrating birds could bring lethal avian flu to Australia"s vulnerable birds
In 2021, avian influenza evolved into a new form—a new and remarkably lethal variant first found in Europe......»»