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In 1967, Nasa flew flour beetle pupae into space; wing abnormalities rose from 29.9% to 44.8%

19 hours 52 min ago
Nasa's Biosatellite II experiment studied flour beetle pupae in space. Radiation exposure significantly increased wing abnormalities in these insects. Ground control beetles showed fewer developmental issues compared to flight samples. The mission also noted a longer pupal period for flight samples. This difference was attributed to temperature changes, not weightlessness itself.

After Brecksville Dam was removed, free-flowing habitat linked to Lake Erie more than doubled to 71 km

06/09/2026
A restored Lake Erie wetland saw millions of aquatic animals after reconnection to waterways. High-resolution sonar tracked over 3.4 million fish movements into and out of the marsh. Fish utilized the habitat throughout the day and night, showing continuous usage patterns. This research provides clear evidence of how aquatic species use restored coastal habitats. The findings inform management decisions for Great Lakes coastal wetland restoration efforts.

After a 25-acre Lake Erie wetland was reconnected, sonar recorded 3.44 million fish detections

06/09/2026
A rejuvenated wetland at Lake Erie witnessed an influx of aquatic wildlife thanks to its reconnection. High-resolution sonar has captured a staggering 3.4 million fish movements entering and exiting this newly transformed habitat. This research reveals valuable insights into how aquatic species engage with restored coastal ecosystems, as fish showcased varied activity throughout both day and night, influencing management strategies for restoring Great Lakes wetlands.

Scientists exposed a Wisconsin forest to extra CO₂ for 11 years; productivity rose 39%, but ozone cut gains

06/09/2026
A Wisconsin experiment studied forest communities exposed to high carbon dioxide and ozone. Elevated carbon dioxide significantly increased forest productivity and carbon storage over eleven years. Conversely, increased ozone levels reduced forest productivity and ecosystem carbon content. The combined effects showed carbon dioxide stimulating growth and ozone limiting it. These findings highlight forests' complex responses to atmospheric changes.

In 2013, Czech researchers found 70 dogs aligned north-south when Earth’s field was stable

05/09/2026
A 2013 study revealed dogs align north-south while defecating. This alignment occurred when Earth's magnetic field remained relatively stable. Changes in magnetic declination strongly influenced dog orientation during excretion. Researchers observed similar patterns in dogs while they were urinating. The study provided evidence of magnetic sensitivity in canine species.

Michigan scientist buried seeds in 1879; some still grew 142 years later in an experiment lasting to 2100

05/09/2026
In a remarkable exploration of seed dormancy, William James Beal's 1879 experiment revealed astonishing results when researchers discovered viable seeds in 2021, 142 years later. This included a surprising hybrid moth mullein detected through DNA analysis, enriching the study's findings. Insights gained will enhance land restoration efforts and help control invasive species for a sustainable future, demonstrating the enduring legacy of scientific inquiry.

Buffalo scientists developed a low-cost cooler in 2019, achieving 6°C by day and 11°C at night

05/09/2026
Innovative scientists have created a groundbreaking cooling system that operates without electricity, utilizing a unique film. This advanced radiative cooling technology efficiently dissipates heat from its surroundings into outer space. Field tests revealed a consistent cooling range of two to nine degrees Celsius. The cost-effective film can be produced on a large scale for building applications, aiming to significantly lessen reliance on air conditioning.

Scientists use AI to recreate insect calls from Jurassic; some communicated above human hearing

05/09/2026
Scientists have recreated the calls of nine Jurassic insect species that lived 165 million years ago. Using fossilised wings, laser measurements, computer modelling and AI, researchers found that some insects made clear chirping sounds, while one species may have produced ultrasonic calls above the human hearing range.

Mars winter turns carbon dioxide into snow and ice, cycling 25% of its atmosphere

05/09/2026
Mars' winter atmosphere transforms as carbon dioxide freezes onto polar regions. These seasonal caps hold a substantial portion of the planet's atmosphere. Roughly a quarter of Mars' atmosphere cycles through these caps annually. This process powerfully influences atmospheric circulation across the entire planet. Scientists study these caps to understand Martian atmospheric and surface interactions.

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