Imagine a fungus that can infect an ant, take control of its behavior, and ultimately kill it. This might sound like a science fiction story, but it is actually a real phenomenon that occurs in nature. The fungus in question is called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, and it specifically infects and kills ants. The fungus infects the […]
A Journey into the Invisible World: 2022 Photomicrography competition
Have you ever wanted to see what the world looks like at a microscopic level? With photomicrography, you can do just that! This process uses a microscope and a camera to capture images of small objects or features that are too small for the naked eye to see. These images can show us the intricate […]
The Colugo: A Unique and Fascinating Glider of Southeast Asia
The colugo, or flying lemur, is a unique and fascinating mammal found in Southeast Asia. Despite its name, it is not a lemur and does not actually fly; instead, it glides through the air using a patagium, a membrane of skin stretched between its limbs. This adaptation allows the colugo to cover long distances between […]
Unveiling the Science behind the Smell of Rain, Geosmin and Petrichor
Geosmin and Petrichor: The Fascinating Science Behind the Smell of Rain Have you ever noticed the distinct, earthy aroma that seems to linger in the air after a rainstorm? This is the result of a phenomenon known as geosmin, which is produced by certain types of bacteria that live in soil and other natural environments. […]
Unearthing the Value of Woodlice in a Healthy Ecosystem
Oniscidae, also known as woodlice or roly-poly bugs, are a family of terrestrial crustaceans that belong to the order Isopoda. They are commonly found in damp environments, such as leaf litter and rotting wood, and are known for their ability to roll into a tight ball as a defense mechanism. These crustaceans have a wide […]
The Battle for Brazilian Rainforest: Indigenous tribes vs destruction
The Brazilian rainforest is a breathtaking and vital ecosystem, home to an estimated 400 indigenous tribes who have lived in harmony with the land for generations. These tribes have a deep spiritual connection to the forest and rely on it for their physical and cultural survival. However, in recent years, the way of life of […]
The Beeholder’s Eye – A Glimpse at the Bee’s Amazing Organ
The bee’s eye is a marvel of biology. It is covered with hairs that act as a shield against pollen and consists of thousands of small lenses called ommatidia. These lenses allow the bee to see a range of colors, including ultraviolet, and are highly sensitive to movement. This enables the bee to spot flowers […]
The Blue Dragon’s Venomous Beauty (with video)
The Glaucus atlanticus, also known as the blue dragon, is a mesmerizing species of sea slug found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These small creatures are known for their vivid blue coloration, which serves as a warning to predators that they are toxic and not a good food source. In addition to their […]
Green Globe Trotters: The Many Ways Plants Disperse Their Seeds
Plants are the masters of survival and reproduction, and they have developed some truly ingenious ways of dispersing their seeds in order to thrive and spread across the land. From fluffy seeds that float on the wind to explosive capsules that shoot seeds far and wide, there are countless strategies that plants use to ensure […]
A Closer Look at the 14 Main Types of Clouds
As the guardians of the sky, meteorologists delve deep into the mysteries of the Earth’s atmosphere, unraveling the intricate web of weather patterns and the forces that shape them. Equipped with a diverse array of tools and techniques, these intrepid scientists use their findings to predict the weather and understand the impacts it has on […]