After 35 years of presumed extinction, Wallace’s Giant Bee has recently been re-discovered in the Moluku islands of Indonesia. Known locally as raja ofu (which translates to “king of the bees”), this veritable giant was last seen in 1981 before its re-discovery by a search team in January of this year. Continue reading “The Goliath of Bees Returns”
Category: Interest
Conferences Part 2: Master Mode
Since our original “how to” post on conferences, our correspondents have attended several academic meetings and are ready to deliver a Master class in making the most out of your conference experience. Continue reading “Conferences Part 2: Master Mode”
Systematics and understanding the Tree of Life
Most people have heard the expression “the tree of life”. Depending on your background, it may give reference to a tree that offers immortality to those who eat its fruit, or be the spring from which new life emerges. In evolutionary biology, the tree of life is an analogy to describe “when” different organisms emerged over the course of our planets history and “how” those organisms are related to one another. Continue reading “Systematics and understanding the Tree of Life”
Spotlight: Algae
Most of us have heard the term algae used when we see that slimy green goo caked on rocks along the beach, or when we see a mold-like muck in the water of an outdoor Jacuzzi that’s overdue for a clean. You may have even heard of them in the news, with headlines reading “Dangerous algal bloom appears off the coast”. But what actually are algae? Are they plants? Fungi? Is it even alive or just some kind of aquatic debris that collects over time? And what purpose could they possibly serve? Continue reading “Spotlight: Algae”
Spotlight: The Axolotl
Hidden within Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, lives the axolotl. With a collar made of gills and a paddle-like tail, this slow, slimy creature spends its days swimming along the lake floor, sucking up insects that come into its path. With its alien body and blank stare, this under water critter has been capturing the hearts of budding biologists and animal enthusiasts for decades. But what actually is an axolotl, and does it warrant all the hype it receives? Continue reading “Spotlight: The Axolotl”
First Conference? Ours too.
Oh, the world of academic conferences. A wealth of the biggest names in your field all clustered together for high powered talks, mingling, and possibly a little too much alcohol. Our senior correspondent attended the Animal Behavior Society conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and they’ve reported back the dos & don’ts to make sure you draw the most from your conference experience. Continue reading “First Conference? Ours too.”
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