Biology – Page 13 – David Bradley

The flour beetle’s water butt

TL:DR – A new study has demonstrated the ability of red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) to recycle water in their rectums. This feat allows the beetles to survive in some of the driest environments on Earth.

The research team of Kenneth Halberg and colleagues built a transcriptomic atlas of the beetles’ life stages, which allowed them to systematically compare gene expression across tissues and stages. By searching the atlas for genes with enriched expression in the rectum, the researchers were able to identify a specific gene associated with this phenomenon, Nha1.

Electrophysiological experiments confirmed that Nha1 plays a crucial role in ion transport in rectal cells and water uptake by the rectum. In fact, silencing the expression of Nha1 led to water loss, emphasizing the importance of this gene in the beetle’s survival.

Red flour beetles have a large surface-to-volume ratio that makes them particularly vulnerable to environmental water loss. However, the beetles’ rectal complex enables them to recycle water from their faeces and even harvest water from moist air. This remarkable ability is key to the beetle’s survival in arid settings.

The findings of this study shed light on the evolution of water recycling and conservation mechanisms in insects. Furthermore, the transcriptomic atlas of red flour beetles, known as BeetleAtlas, can be used to address a range of unresolved questions on Tribolium biology. Overall, this research highlights an intriguing adaptation that allows insects to thrive in challenging environments.

“NHA1 is a cation/proton antiporter essential for the water-conserving functions of the rectal complex in Tribolium castaneum,” by Muhammad T. Naseem et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci

British mothers in the early spring

TL:DR – Mothing is a simple, but educational and fascinating hobby. The data it accumulates can be useful scientifically.

I have lit up with a couple of different traps through the winter, but with generally disappointing results. There are not a lot of trees in our neighbourhood, which I suspect is the reason we don’t get a huge number of moths. That said, very few moth-ers see lots of moths in the gardens during the winter months.

15Watt Heath type, portable moth trap in place and ready for lighting up time

I put out my “spare” Heath trap last night. It is basically an ultraviolet fluorescent tube supported above funnel on top of a plastic box. The UV tube attracts nocturnal moths. They flap about a bit around the tube, perhaps bash into the vertical plastic vanes, and drop into the box. The box contains a load of cardboard egg cartons and the moths will generally secrete themselves among the hollows once they’re bored with chasing the light.

Come the morning, the diligent moth-er will be up at dawn to identify and count the moths trapped overnight, record the data ready to send off to the county moth recorder for scientific analysis along with records from others. The moths themselves are released off-site into bushes and undergrowth, preferably near dusk, and safely carry on with their lives.

Quick phone macro shot of the Hebrew Character moth and in the background an Early Grey

The haul from the moth trap, if you could call it a haul, was the biggest and most diverse of the year so far. Four moths of three different species. A micro moth known as Diurnea fagella, which arrived about three weeks earlier than this in 2022, a second Hebrew Character, and the first Early Grey, two of them. At the height of summer, I expect to see a couple of hundred moths of 60 differents species on a lighting up night. But, it was just 7 Celsius overnight, that and other factors at play can keep numbers down until well into the spring it seems.

Now, you are perhaps wondering whether this is ethical or even worse cruel and there are definitely arguments for and against. But, what is definitely known is that we need to monitor the natural world to know anything about it with the aim of helping protect it, conserve, and restore. The moths are just one indicator of whether a location is environmentally healthy. They are often expert pollinators. They and their larvae also provide food for birds, frogs, and various other animals. They are themselves beautiful and fascinating creatures and deserve their place in the world just as any other living creature. I wrote on this issue about a year after I started mothing.

Oh, and if you were worrying about your woolen carpet and your three-piece suit, there are actually something like 1500 different species of moth in the UK, and only one or two species have larvae that eat textiles.

Incidentally, it was some of the names that first drew me to mothing. The one I mentioned above, Hebrew Character is fascinating and closely related etymologically to the Setaceous Hebrew Character.

The orgasmic heart beat

TL:DR – Sex can double or treble a person’s heart rate, but this is a normal physiological response provided the rate goes back to normal within a few minutes.

Love might make your heart skip a beat, but love-making definitely gets it pumping. Indeed, sexual activity will inevitably raise your bpm, beats per minute, especially as a person approaches orgasm. A friend with a fake FitBit was curious about the trajectory of heart rate during sex and wore his monitor (around his wrist) in the bedroom one night. As he and his missus slid between the sheets, he set it to “other” workout and then synced the output from the monitor to his phone…the morning after.

Photo via Pexels user https://www.pexels.com/@olly/

My friend was astonished to see that his heart ultimately raced up to 156 bpm. That is within what the fitness app refers to as the anaerobic region. He was relieved to see that it fell to a near-normal resting rate within a couple of minutes afterwards though. But, that peak had him worried, especially at his age. So rather sheepishly he asked me, as his go-to-science friend, to check out the numbers.

I assumed he knew that during sexual activity, the body undergoes various physiological changes, including an increase in heart rate. It is normal for the heart rate to increase during sexual arousal and activity, and this increase is generally not a cause for concern in healthy individuals.

Heart rate recorded by a fake fitbit during sex

But, it was the orgasm bpm he was worried out. During orgasm, the heart rate typically reaches its peak, and in some people, it can exceed 180 bpm. However, this increase in heart rate is usually brief and does not pose a significant risk to health. 156 bpm during orgasm is within the normal range for sexual activity. And, the fact that his heart rate quickly returned to around 80 bpm within a couple of minutes is a healthy response and indicates that his cardiovascular system is functioning properly.

Certainly, there would be something to worry about if it had gone very high and stayed at that level for a prolonged period. Moreover, chest tightness and pain, stabbing or shooting pains in the left arm or pain in the neck or jaw would indicate a need to seek medical attention either urgently or sooner, rather than later.

As an aside, my friend finds it amusing that he does a lot more “steps” when he is alone than when he’s with his missus…now…I know some readers are going to think “friend…? Yeah, right!” But, it’s true.

Sexual activity, including arousal and orgasm, causes the release of hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine, which can increase heart rate. Additionally, physical activity during sex, such as thrusting or movement, also contributes to the rise in heart rate. The body also experiences increased blood flow during sexual activity, which places an additional demand on the heart to pump blood. All of these factors work together to increase heart rate during sexual activity.

Increased blood flow is necessary during sexual activity to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues involved in the sexual response. This includes the genitalia, which require increased blood flow to become engorged and maintain an erection in men and to lubricate and swell in women. The increased blood flow also contributes to the overall sensations of sexual arousal and pleasure. Increased blood flow to the genitals facilitates sexual function and satisfaction.

During orgasm, the male heartbeat can exhibit variations. While some individuals may experience a sensation akin to their heart skipping a beat, it’s not a universal occurrence. The physiological response during orgasm involves a complex interplay of various bodily systems, including the cardiovascular system.

Typically, during sexual arousal and orgasm, there’s an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as a result of heightened arousal and the release of adrenaline. This can lead to palpitations or a perceived skipping sensation in some individuals. Additionally, the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and oxytocin during orgasm can also impact heart rate and rhythm.

However, it’s important to note that variations in heartbeat during orgasm can differ greatly from person to person, and not everyone may perceive or experience it in the same way. If someone experiences significant irregularities in heartbeat or has concerns about their cardiovascular health during sexual activity, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

Every honey dance

TL:DR – The waggle dance of the honeybee carries more information than scientists previously thought, allowing the bees to find known food sources even if they start their journey from a place other than the hive.

Here’s the buzz…

Scientists and beekeepers have known for years that honeybees have a way of communicating the location of food sources that involves hitting the dancefloor in the hive. The dance that the bees use to communicate is called the waggle dance, and the moves tell other bees where to find food, specifically nectar and pollen-rich flowers. The dance conveys both the distance and direction of the food source, allowing other bees to follow the instructions and find the food.

Honeybee, Apis mellifera, on Green Alkanet flowers

Now, Charles Gallistel of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, USA and Randolf Menzel of the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, and their colleagues have studied a hive of nearly 2,000 honeybees in Germany. They watched as foragers (always female bees) returned to the hive and recruited other bees to the food source using the waggle dance. But then, they did an interesting experiment. They captured the recruited bees and released them far away from the hive. They tracked the bees’ location using radar and watched to see what they would do.

Even though the bees were released a long way from their home hive, they still flew in the direction indicated by the waggle dance. Moreover, the bees didn’t fly in a straight line, instead, they flew in a direction that was biased towards the true location of the food source. This suggests that the bees were able to use the information in the waggle dance to create a “cognitive map” of the food source’s location. This means they could presumably find the food source from any starting point going from A to Zzzzzz.

This new work published in PNAS suggests that the information contained in the honeybee waggle dance is even richer than was previously thought. This could have important implications for our understanding of how bees navigate and find food, which could have implications for everything from agriculture to conservation.

A foreboding of petrels

TL:DR – The problem of deteriorating plastic waste at sea and how it attracts birds to eat it when they really shouldn’t.

I have just finished reading the latest novel in Steve Burrows’ series of “birder murder” stories. This one was called A Foreboding of Petrels and hinges on apparently unconnected murders on the North Norfolk coast and at an environmental research station in The Antarctic.

The plot of the novel alludes to the Storm Petrel, perhaps the world’s most abundant avian species. It and related species have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell and can detect keystone odourant molecules on the wind. Compounds such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) are released into atmosphere when other organisms are feasting on algae for instance. The compound thus attracts the predators to the places where their prey are themselves feasting.

A fulmar in flight against a rocky backdrop — The Fulmar is one of the procellariiforms, a group that also includes the petrels

The novel alludes to plastic waste in the oceans and how the combination of algal growth on that plastic waste coupled with degradation of the plastic through the action of seawater and sunlight could lead to the release of the same odourant molecules that attract these birds and lead to them ingesting plastic rather than prey. This is obviously detrimental to the birds’ health. Numerous studies discuss this possibility and provide evidence to support the hypothesis.

DMS carried on the oceanic wind attracts predators, such as petrels, albatrosses, and fulmars, to food sources, and in the modern age, unfortunately, plastic waste. This chemical confusion is seemingly leading some pelagic bird species to ingest a lot of potentially lethal plastic waste instead of food.

Whooper Swans spread their wings thanks to nature reserves

TL:DR – Even small wetland nature reserves could help boost Whooper Swan wintering populations in the UK.

A new study has shown that protected wildlife areas are crucial for the survival of Whooper Swans, a species of migratory bird. These protected areas are important for species conservation, but it has been uncertain how effective they are when species move between protected and nonprotected areas throughout their lives. The research, conducted by Stuart Bearhop, Richard Sherley, and their colleagues, analyzed data on more than 10,000 Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus, also known as the Common Swan) over 30 years at 22 different sites in the UK, three of which are managed as nature reserves.

The study found that although Whooper Swans (pronounced hooper, silent W) were less likely to breed when wintering inside nature reserves than outside of them, their survival rate for all ages was significantly higher and their population growth rates were 30 times higher inside the reserves compared to outside of them. The researchers also noted that there was a net movement of Whooper Swans from nature reserves to areas that were less protected than reserves.

whooper swan

It’s worth adding that the Whoopers we see in England will have migrated from Iceland, Scandinavia, and elsewhere and will head back each spring to their breeding grounds in the far north. There is no expectation that this species, nor the closely related Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus bewickii) would breed on our wetland nature reserves.

The study’s population models projected that the protective effects of nature reserves could double the population of Whooper Swans wintering in the UK by 2030. The authors emphasized that even if protected nature reserves are relatively small and only used for a part of a species’ life cycle, they can still have a significant impact on the populations of migratory bird species that live in them.

These findings highlight the importance of protecting wildlife areas and managing them effectively to support the survival of migratory birds like the Whooper Swan.

There are commonly several hundred Whooper Swans on our patch each winter and thousands slightly farther north.

Spawn again amphibian

TL:DR – It’s 2023. Once again we had frogs, then frogspawn, and then tadpoles in our garden wildlife pond.

UPDATE: 22nd Feb 2024 – Spawn present in the morning, perhaps been there a day or two, it’s been raining heavily so hadn’t checked since the weekend.

UPDATE: 9th May 2023. Still lots of very active tadpoles but no sign yet of metamorphosis beginning in any of them.

UPDATE: 25th March 2023, lots of tadpoles have now hatched, as of 19th April they are big but not yet showing signs of metamorphosis.

Son reported from our garden pond #PondLife on 11th March 2023 that there were at least a couple of dozen frogs visible in the pond mating and spawning. First dollop of spawn was seen on this date. He counted at least 30 frogs. I got a bit of video of the activity a day later in the rain. I will try and do better if it is dry this evening. The video was done as more of a hasty record of the sound of the frogs croaking.

To provide a little extra information I asked ChatGPT to act as a herpetologist and to tell me more about the Common Frog, Rana temporaria. This is what had to say, mildly edited:

The Common Frog is a type of amphibian, which means that it spends part of its life in water and part of its life on land. In the spring, adult frogs migrate to breeding ponds where they mate and lay eggs, spawning. The tadpoles hatch from the eggs and spend several months in the pond before metamorphosing into juvenile frogs and leaving the water to live on land.

If you have a garden pond, it is possible that you could attract Common Frogs to your garden. These frogs are quite adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including garden ponds. They prefer ponds that are relatively shallow (less than 1 metre deep) and that have plenty of vegetation around the edges. This vegetation provides cover for the frogs and their tadpoles, and also provides a food source for the tadpoles.

If you do attract Common Frogs to your garden pond, you may notice that they are quite vocal during the breeding season. Male frogs call to attract females, and the chorus of calling males can be quite loud. You may also notice the presence of tadpoles in your pond during the summer months. These tadpoles are herbivorous and feed on algae and other aquatic vegetation.

It’s important to note that while Common Frogs are a common sight in many British ponds, their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and pollution. If you want to help support Common Frog populations, you can create a garden pond with plenty of vegetation. You can also participate in citizen science projects that monitor frog populations and help researchers better understand these fascinating creatures.

A Brecon Beacon of light in the winter

TL:DR – The Brecon Beacons are a delightful place to visit any time of year, but a winter visit is magical when the sun shines on snowy caps.

Just back from a lovely trip to the Brecon Beacons in Cymru to stay with friends. Didn’t do as much walking as we normally would because I have an obstinate ankle injury. It was a bit awkward getting into stable positions to photograph wildlife or indeed anything else, but I had a go, as you do.

Snow-capped views of Pen y Fan and Corn Du as seen from our friends' back garden - what a view! — Snow-capped views of Pen y Fan and Corn Du as seen from our friends’ back garden – what a view!

European Dipper, Cinclus cinclus, perched on a mossy stump. The Dipper is so-called because of its bobbing action when perched like this or on a rock, although it also dips its head under water to hunt invertebrates, fish, and amphibia for food, diving in and swimming with its wings underwater.

Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea, perched a branch overhanging the River Usk between Trallong and Penpont, South Wales

Flyfisher on the River Usk between Trallong and Penpont, South Wales

If you’re ever in the area and unable to scale the peaks and you’re into beer and music, then it’s definitely worth visiting the Antur microbrewery in Three Cocks, Haystacks Music and the Wye Fret guitar shop in Hay-on-Wye. The Gwernyfed Walled Garden (also in Three Cocks) and Hay Castle, obviously also in Hay, are worth a visit too.

I asked ChatGPT to tell me more about the Brecon Beacons, here’s what it had to say, lightly edited:

The Brecon Beacons is a mountainous region in South Wales that offers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and fascinating history. This stunning area is located in the southern part of the country and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Brecon Beacons is a range of mountains that is part of the larger Brecon Beacons National Park. The park covers an area of over 500 square miles and is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United Kingdom. The highest peak in the Brecon Beacons is Pen y Fan [picture above], which stands at 2,907 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The geological history of the Brecon Beacons is as fascinating as its natural beauty. The mountains were formed during the Carboniferous period, around 350 million years ago, when the region was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, the sea receded, leaving behind layers of sediment that were eventually compressed into the rock formations we see today.

The Brecon Beacons are also home to a variety of wildlife, including Red Kites, otters, and badgers. The area is also home to several rare plant species, such as the purple saxifrage and the lady’s slipper orchid (successfully reintroduced after it was lost to the area).

For those interested in history, the Brecon Beacons has a rich and fascinating past. The area was once home to numerous Iron Age hillforts, including the impressive fort at Pen y Crug. The region also played an important role in the Roman occupation of Britain, with several forts and roads still visible today.

One of the most impressive historical sites in the Brecon Beacons is the ruined castle at Carreg Cennen. The castle was built in the 13th century and was once a stronghold for the Welsh princes. Today, visitors can explore the castle ruins and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical sites, the Brecon Beacons is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The area is crisscrossed with numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes.

For those interested in exploring the area on two wheels, there are several mountain biking trails that offer a thrilling ride through the mountains. Rock climbers will also find plenty of challenges in the Brecon Beacons, with several world-class climbing spots located throughout the area.

If you have your sights on the stars, it’s worth noting that the Brecon Beacons has a Dark Sky Reserve status, making it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts and amateur astronomers.

In conclusion, the Brecon Beacons is a stunning mountainous region that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring its natural beauty, delving into its rich history, or seeking outdoor adventure, the Brecon Beacons is a destination that should not be missed. So pack your bags and come discover this mountainous gem.

Birding and wording

TL:DR – An answer to the question why are so many science writers also birders?

Someone on social media asked me as a science writer why so many science writers are also birders. My initial thoughts were as follows: Well, to be a science writer, I think you have to be curious, analytical, interested in lots of stuff…a polymath. Birds are interesting, identification requires analysis, writing about them is fun and if you’re a togger [birder-photographer], you always have a decent photo to illustrate your article.

Wind-blown Short-eared Owl perched on a fence post — Short-eared Owl

One possible explanation for the prevalence of birding among science writers is the concept of “flow.” Flow is a state of deep engagement and enjoyment that occurs when a person is fully absorbed in an activity that is challenging but also within their skill level. Birding can be a highly immersive activity that requires focus, attention to detail, and knowledge of ecology and behaviour. Science writing also demands a similar level of engagement and attention to detail. Thus, individuals who enjoy birding may be drawn to science writing because it provides a similar experience of flow. [In my case, I’d say it was the reverse, I was drawn to birding, because I had a scientific mind and was a science writer and wanted an additional creative outlet].

Another possible explanation is that birding can serve as a form of “nature therapy” that provides mental health benefits. Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase creativity. Science writing can be a demanding and intellectually stimulating profession, and birding may provide a healthy balance by allowing individuals to connect with nature and recharge their mental batteries.

Red Kite flying against a blue sky — Red Kite

Finally, it’s possible that there is simply a correlation between the personality traits that make someone a good science writer and those that make someone interested in birding. For example, curiosity, attention to detail, and a broad range of interests are all traits that are valued in both professions. Additionally, both birding and science writing are activities that can be pursued alone or in groups, providing opportunities for social interaction and a sense of belonging. [I definitely think of myself as a wannabe polymath, hence my “songs, snaps, science” motif].

Overall, while there is no definitive answer to why so many science writers are also birders, it’s likely that a combination of these factors plays a role. Regardless of the reason, it’s clear that the intersection of birding and science writing provides a rich and fascinating field of exploration.

Knots landing again

TL:DR – Tens of thousands of Knot murmurate over The Wash visible from the north Norfolk and Lincolnshire coasts.

We spent the night in North Norfolk, tried to have an early night at a cheap hotel, and were up well before dawn to get to Knots Landing (RSPB Snettisham). We hoped to be in plenty of time for the high tide and the potential for a Wader Spectacular. We, and dozens of other green-clad, enthusiasts were not disappointed.

The weather was damp and drizzly and very cold and we got soaked through, but we witnessed tens of thousands of Knot (Calidris canutus) murmurating over the advancing tide as we headed for the landing site.

Most have at this point already been pushed off the deluged mudflats of The Wash, their low-tide feeding grounds, and into the air. Within minutes, the murmurs flood the banks of the inland lagoons with birds crammed tightly together to ride out the high tide. They wait patiently for a distant trigger that calls them once the ebbing tide retreats along the muddy shoreline.

Flocking Knot looking like a live Escher etching

As the tide turns, they flock back to sea, murmurating along the way – strength in numbers – to confuse any preying Peregrines. Ultimately, the seem lost to the waves but are merely gone from view.

This is not the first time we’ve seen the Knot murmurations, although it is the first time we’ve made a special trip to catch them at a dawn high tide. We visit the area often and have seen these wondrous flocks on numerous occasions and caught one wader spectacular just as the sun was setting a few years ago. Always amazing to watch the sun set over the sea when one is ostensibly on England’s east coast. You’ll have to look at the map for Snettisham, Norfolk to see how that can be. (Video from 2018 visit here).

Knot crammed together to find refuge on the banks of the lagoon at Snettisham to escape the high tide — Knot crammed together find refuge on the banks of the lagoon at Snettisham to escape the high tide

The bird’s name comes from the name of the King who demonstrated his fallibility to his subjects by failing to turn back the tide – King Cnut – better known to us Brits as King Canute. The bird’s scientific name is Calidris canutus. Kalidris, or skalidris, was a word used by Aristotle to describe various grey-coloured shore birds, waders. The (Red) Knot, C. canutus, is the “type species” of the genus, although unusually does not have a tautonym (it would have been Calidris calidris).

Knot heading back out to sea with a few Godwits along for the ride

Meanwhile, on the same trip taking in a visit to nearby RSPB Titchwell we also clocked Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, Brent Geese, Chaffinch, Common Gull, Cormorant, Curlew, Dunlin, Gadwall, Golden Plover, Goldfinch, Great Black-backed Gull, Grey Plover, Greylag Geese, Herring Gull, Lapwing, Linnet, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Mediterranean Gull, Mute Swan, Peregrine Falcon, Pintail, Redshank, Red Kite, Reed Bunting, Robin, Sanderling, Shelduck, Shoveller Duck, Skylark, Snipe, Spoonbill, Teal, Turnstone, Water Pipit, Wigeon, Wren, and others.

One of a couple of Snipe feeding at RSPB Titchwell