Do bugs take fall damage? Usually, insects survive falls remarkably well. They are small and lightweight, so even a fall from a great height may leave them unharmed. This naturally raises the question: are insects effectively immune to fall damage? So why do insects survive falls so well? There are several reasons. Many insects fly. Let's just get the obvious one … [Read more...] about Why insects don’t take fall damage? Or do they?
Do Insects Sleep? How Flies, Bees, and Ants Rest Like Us
Have you ever wondered if insects sleep? As for someone who works with fruit flies, it seems like a no-brainer: yes, most animals sleep, and insects are no exception. But then again, have you ever seen a bee curled up under a blanket? Well, of course not. So, to answer briefly: yes, insects do sleep, but not in the way you would picture it. A sleep-like state Sleep has … [Read more...] about Do Insects Sleep? How Flies, Bees, and Ants Rest Like Us
Why scientists study fruit flies and what we learn from them
As a scientist who studies fruit flies, I get this a lot: "You study effects of stress in what?" Yes, we delve into research on how stress affects Drosophila melanogaster. This helps us understand how stress works in general, which can also help us understand how stress affects us. But what are Drosophila? You might recognize them as a swarm of tiny flies in your kitchen … [Read more...] about Why scientists study fruit flies and what we learn from them
How do ultrasonic mosquito repellents work? Do they?
You've likely heard of mosquito repellents that emit ultrasound. It might be a plug-in device, a battery-operated one, or you can download an app for your mobile if you like. Choices are plenty. But have you ever wondered what it is about ultrasound that prevents those tiny pests from coming in? Or, how do these devices work? Short answer: they don't! Well, that's a … [Read more...] about How do ultrasonic mosquito repellents work? Do they?
A cup of coffee for pollinators: are bees addicted to caffeine?
Bees! The little critters that our life here on Earth depends on. They're hard-working, queen-worshiping, sugar-loving social beings, just like ourselves. Even more so, they are, according to science, addicted to caffeine. Wait, what? What is actually going on, where do bees get a cup of coffee, are they addicted to it, and what's caffeine after all? Let's find … [Read more...] about A cup of coffee for pollinators: are bees addicted to caffeine?
How body turns genes on and off
Engaging in popular science, you may have come across terms like turning genes on or off. Let's say spring comes, and trees turn on genes for growth and leaf sprouting, while animals turn on genes to be, well, turned on. But does it ever cross your mind what it means to turn a gene on or off? Is there a switch? Sort of, but let's find out. The short answer: genes are … [Read more...] about How body turns genes on and off
What is a gene? A simplified explanation
You may have heard that genes are responsible for everything right and wrong with you. Genes determine whether you can tie your shoes, how long your neck is, and whether you pour cereal into the bowl before or after the milk. Even more so, only a tiny difference in your genes determines if you are a human or a chimp. But do you know what a gene is? Here, I will give a … [Read more...] about What is a gene? A simplified explanation
Do insects have brains
Have you ever wondered if insects have brains? Can creatures so tiny as mosquitoes or even bees have brains inside their skulls? The short answer is yes, insects do have brains, and surprisingly, quite sophisticated ones. Just like our own, insect brains are complex structures divided into specific regions, each designated to handle certain types of information. … [Read more...] about Do insects have brains
Holding on with your fingertips: evolutionary function of fingerprints
Have you ever wondered why we have fingerprints? Surely, they're a fundamental tool in forensics, but that can't possibly be the reason why evolution endowed us with this trait, right? Forensics started using fingerprints in person identification a mere 100 and some more years ago. Even if we consider Babylonians using fingerprints to sign clay tablets, it is still quite … [Read more...] about Holding on with your fingertips: evolutionary function of fingerprints
Seven misconceptions about evolution
Have you heard that humans evolved from monkeys or that evolution cannot explain the evolution of complex organs, such as an eye? Unfortunately, these are misconceptions, and the theory of evolution is among the most misunderstood sciences. Even more so, I think there is also a stubborn urge to interpret and comment on it without understanding. Unfortunately, it also … [Read more...] about Seven misconceptions about evolution