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Strange, spiny beetle discovered in Japan

16 June 2023

A new-to-science species of beetle is marked by a distinct yellow band on its shoulders, long hair-like scales all over its body and legs, and the unique shape of its torso


E8KPEP This Aedes aegypti female was from strain of mosquitoes named LVP-IB12, an acronym representing fact that these mosquitoes were

Mosquitoes learn to avoid pesticides after just one non-lethal dose

17 February 2022

Experiments show that two species of mosquitoes change their behaviour after exposure to five common pesticides, which could make the chemicals less effective


physical forces acting in soil

Ants use soil physics to excavate metre-long tunnels that last decades

23 August 2021

3D X-ray imaging and computer simulations suggest ants have developed a behavioural algorithm that allows them to excavate tunnels by using soil physics – the technique could eventually be harnessed to develop robotic mining machines


Lubricant found in a beetle's leg is more slippery than Teflon

Lubricant found in a beetle's leg is more slippery than Teflon

7 July 2021

A lubricant harvested from beetle legs reduces friction more effectively than Teflon. The wax-like material could be used in microrobotics and small prosthetics


Diabolical ironclad beetle

Near-uncrushable beetle's exoskeleton could inspire tough structures

21 October 2020

The diabolical ironclad beetle is almost uncrushable thanks to two newly discovered features of its exoskeleton. Mimicking these could help us build tougher structures


Polystyrene waste

Beetle larvae that eat polystyrene may help solve plastic waste crisis

20 July 2020

The larvae of a north-east Asian beetle can biodegrade polystyrene, converting it to carbon dioxide and small chemical fragments, meaning they could help break down the millions of tonnes of polystyrene waste produced each year


Female flies evolved serrated genitals that get in the way during sex

Female flies evolved serrated genitals that get in the way during sex

25 September 2018

Spotted-wing drosophila have evolved a special organ for laying their eggs in fruit, but it makes it difficult for males to hold on when they mate


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