Bug Helmets | Pollen Art | Spineless Assassin

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Thank you for the ride-support last week! One of the best parts of riding up a massive mountain: slow speed helps you soak in its beauty.

Like how uniquely crisp the pine trees smell juuust below tree line.

—Steve 🌲

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Bug Helmets

Treehopper insect’s “helmets” have a shocking secret. Their pronotums house sensory organs that tap into bioelectric signals.

• Pronotum = helmet-like structure, varying widely across insect species

• Researchers observed treehopper behavior while playing various wasp signals

• Treehoppers ran from predatory signals and didn’t react to others

Electroception (detecting and reacting to electric stimuli) is rare among land animals. Further research could uncover deeper insect communication and inspire bio-sensors. Orrr high-tech bike helmets.

Socket-shaped bug helmets

Pollen Art

Did you know you can make flowers from pollen? Researchers at Nanyang Technological University figured out how:

• Pollen grains are hard to repurpose due to a tough outer shell

• Treating them with an alkaline solution removes the shell

• Resulting in a moisture sensitive, uber-malleable material

Researchers used this new material to create water-activated, shape-shifting objects, such as a blooming artificial flower. The biodegradeable material may offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers. And hilarious prank tissues.

Achooo!

Spineless Assassin

Assassins don’t need backbones. Scientists observed preparation from assassin bugs (Pahabengkakia piliceps) beyond what invertebrates were assumed capable of.

• Assassin bugs tailor their hunting to specific prey

• One species coats legs in sticky resin to catch ants

• Another intentionally trips hive security to lure out bees

Further research into assassin bug variations will identify other killing schemes and could offer a simpler path to studying tool-use evolution without the ethical complications of vertebrate studies. Can’t wait for the John Wick spinoff!

monotone chitters while click clacking a reload

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Unnatural Selection

Last week: “What would you name your 3D-printed horse?”

Y’all agree too much! I gotta start asking more divisive questions 😂.

st3v on site

Battery Sensitivity

st3v’s new hat uses treehopper technology to grant electroception! So far he can sense battery levels, but we’re hoping he’ll soon operate the microwave remotely.

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