‘Laughing’ cicadas among 75 new species discovered

laughing insect

Experts say a new species of ‘laughing’ cicada abounds in the mountains of Batangas.

Laughing cicadas and small “cat sharks” are among scores of species believed new to science discovered by US and Filipino researchers in waters and islands of the Philippines, the team said Wednesday.

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Wind Turbines Contributing to Decline of Bat Population

 scientists-bat-deaths-wind-turbines

Wind turbines are a major threat to bats.

Wind turbines are killing many thousands of bats contributing to a population decline that may be costing farmers millions of pounds, say researchers.   Scientists found the blades of wind turbines were a major threat to bats particularly when they are migrating.

Parasitic Fly Could Help Revolutionize Antenna Technology

antenna-bug

Ormia ochracea is a small parasitic fly best known for its strong sense of directional hearing.

It’s no surprise that many bugs have excellent hearing thanks to finely honed antenna. Checking out the giant antenna on the tiny bug above, it seems no surprise that they can hear surprisingly well. In fact, some insect antennae are so powerful, engineers haven’t yet been able to come close to mimicking nature. And that’s especially when it comes to small, directional antennae. It’s one thing to have whip-like “ears” like the bug above, but what stumps engineers is making very small, but very acute sound sensors. Yet a minute fly — with minute antenna — is about to change that, and help revolutionize how we built these structures.

 

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Leaderless Ants Create Super Efficient Transport Networks

leaderless ants

Argentine ants connect three nests in an empty arena via the shortest possible network.

Ants are able to connect multiple sites in the shortest possible way, and in doing so, create efficient transport networks, according to a University of Sydney study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.  The research also revealed the process by which the ants solve network design problems without the help of a leader.

 

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