Galleries

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Termites' sensitivity to temperature affects global wood decay rate

Through this study, researchers learned that termites are pivotal when it comes to breaking down wood, contributing to the earth’s carbon cycle. They also discovered that termites are significantly sensitive to temperature and rainfall; this means that as temperatures rise, the insect’s role in wood decay will likely expand beyond the tropics.

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How orange-fleshed sweet potato flour is milled

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes can be used to address micronutrient deficiencies, but are only available for two to three weeks a year. Researchers at the University of Pretoria are trying to prolong availability of the nutrient benefits by milling it into flour using various drying techniques to see which method preserves the nutrients best.

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Small and sustainable fisheries from around the world

Consumers can support small fisheries by supporting local enterprises, increasing income for small fisheries. By supporting artisanal fishing (traditional or subsistence fishing) they can also contribute to improving livelihoods, boosting nutrition, and strengthening food systems, but fishers’ input is needed locally, nationally, and globally.

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Birds from hot, humid climates are the latest to be studied in the Hot Birds Project

Birds such as pygmy kingfishers and collared sunbirds that are found in hot, humid climates can handle larger spikes in body temperature better than bird species flying about in hot deserts or cool mountains.

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First image of Sgr A*: The black hole at the centre of the Milky Way and how it was made

This is the first image of Sagittarius A* (or Sgr A* for short), the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. It’s the first direct visual evidence of the presence of this black hole. It was captured by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), an array which linked together eight existing radio observatories across the planet to form a single “Earth-sized” virtual telescope. The...

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Explore a bat-inhabited cave with scientists

This gallery takes you on a field trip with scientists as they monitor bat health and species diversity. You can see what bats really look like up close and in full flight.