Bone Collector Caterpillars: Not Just Playing with Their Food, They’re Wearing It.

Hawaii is a beautiful tropical paradise and home to terrifying, eerie rawly predators. There is Spiders blocking their prey in the air And it poisons It can extend nearly 15 inches long.

And there is the evolutionary rarity of carnivorous caterpillars. And now, scientists have discovered not only a food for other insects, but also a very hungry caterpillar.

Called The Bone Collector, this scary taste in Caterpillar and Couture was explained in the Journal on Thursday Science. “The behavior was completely unknown,” said Daniel Rubinoff, an entomologist and research author at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His team initially compared caterpillars to raw crime scenes.

Bone collector’s caterpillar is found only within the six-square miles of a single mountain range on Oahu. So it only exists in co-necks spun by spiders in logs and rock caves. When caterpillars almost slip about the web, they clean dead insects and other arthropods that have been soaked in sticky silk.

According to David Wagner, an entomologist at the University of Connecticut, Caterpillar’s reliance on Spiders presents one of nature’s most unlikely connections, as he was not involved in new research. “It’s amazing how caterpillars tie their fate to spiders. It’s clear and current danger for both caterpillars and moth,” Dr. Wagner said. He only knows one other species that frequently visits spider nets. But the species are vegetarians who snack on plant ingredients caught in the web.

Dr. Rubinoff first encountered the bone collector’s caterpillar in 2008 while examining the inner web of a hollow tree. Caterpillars are extremely rare. Over 150 field studies in the area produced only 62 bone collector specimens.

Scientists determined that bone collectors belong to hyposporoma, a diverse genus of small moth species found only in Hawaii. The larva stage rotates silk protective cases that resemble everything from Kandi wrappers to cigars.

Like hermit crabs, these caterpillars carry their cases before moving before appearing as fully grown moth. Some species decorate mobile homes with wood, algae and shells to blend into the environment.

Bone collector Caterpillar gives an eerie spin on his practice. Using silk, caterpillars weave small pieces of dead insects they encounter on the spider web. Researchers have identified parts from six families of insects attached to caterpillars, including the heads of weevils and the abdomen of beetles. Caterpillar also incorporates fragments of the exoskeleton molted by Arachnid’s neighbors.

Dr. Rubinoff and his colleagues brought some bone collectors back to the lab. They were surprised at how loud the caterpillars were when they were to decorate their lawsuit. “These caterpillars can identify differences in the objects of their environment,” Dr. Rubinov said. The larvae chose to avoid other available debris and harvest only from insect corpses.

But the ruins are not. Caterpillar uses the lower jaw to carefully rotate and investigate future body parts. Something too large will bite you in a more comfortable size.

The caterpillars gathering bones are too noisy about their diet. The team discovered that caterpillars, including one another, eat insect prey that can catch.

But they have to fight against an eight-legged landowner. The team observed bone collector caterpillars that frequently and frequently visit the web of at least four introduced spider species. The team assumes that Caterpillar’s horrifying outfits will help disguise them among insects trapped in the web. Dr. Wagner suspects caterpillars will undermine the appeal of their culinary culinary by disguising them as “a pile of garbage” of objects that the spiders didn’t scarf down.

The bone collector approach appears to be working. Researchers never observed spiders consuming bone collectors or engulfing them in silk.

The team studied bone collector genetics and determined that it was likely that it diverged from other carnivorous hypofluvium caterpillars more than 5 million years ago. This may be millions of years before Oahu emerged from beneath the sea, and the ancestors of bone collectors once lived on other islands.

Bone collector’s current paradise slices may be at risk. Caterpillars have adapted to thrive in nets spun by non-native spider species, but their habitat is threatened by invasive ants and parasitic wasps. According to Dr. Rubinoff, conservation attention is desperately needed to save endemic arthropods in Hawaii.

Source: www.nytimes.com

General practitioner discusses the concealed health dangers of wearing shapewear

Shapewear, also known as body shaping underwear, has gained immense popularity in recent years. In a society that values appearance and self-image, shapewear is seen as a quick and affordable solution to boost self-confidence by enhancing the fit and look of various outfits.


Functioning like a modern corset, shapewear targets areas like the waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks to compress and shape them, aiming to improve the fit of clothes and provide a sleeker silhouette, as suggested by marketing claims.

With advancements in fabric technology, modern shapewear is now more comfortable and breathable than ever before, appealing to a wide range of individuals seeking aesthetic and functional support for various occasions. It has become increasingly popular, especially with the rise of social media influencing body image awareness.

Unlike traditional shapewear made from rigid materials like steel and whalebone, modern shapewear uses breathable and stretchy fabrics such as spandex, nylon, and lycra. It is now popular among both men and women for its comfort and effectiveness.

Available in different styles and compression levels, shapewear caters to various needs. Certain types, such as waist cinchers and tummy control panties, target specific body parts to provide support and shape.

In addition to these, there are thigh shapers, torso-compressing camisoles, butt lifters with padding, and leg and arm shapers. Some companies even offer full bodysuits with built-in bras for total body shaping.

Sports compression clothing, while similar, focuses on enhancing athletic performance and muscle support rather than aesthetic enhancement. Designed with advanced breathable fabrics and graduated compression, sports compression wear is intended for physical activity and recovery periods.

Although shapewear appears to offer a convenient way to enhance confidence and fit, it does come with certain drawbacks to consider. Issues like digestive problems, circulatory and neurological issues, breathing problems, and skin irritation can arise from wearing shapewear, particularly if it is too tight.

When choosing shapewear, it’s important to select a comfortable fit that doesn’t restrict movement and to avoid wearing it for extended periods. Opting for breathable fabrics and hypoallergenic materials can help reduce the risk of skin irritation.

In conclusion, while shapewear can provide temporary aesthetic benefits, it’s essential to prioritize comfort and health when using it. Remember, true confidence comes from within, and it’s crucial to listen to your body’s needs.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Why You (and Everyone Else) Will Be Wearing a Third Thumb Soon

We are on the brink of having a third thumb, thanks to a revolutionary prosthetic limb being tested in the UK by researchers at University College London. This robotic prosthetic limb for the hand aims to extend human capabilities by allowing users to better grasp and hold objects.

The Third Thumb is a 3D printed wearable that sits on the hand opposite the real thumb and is controlled by wireless sensors attached to the foot. Pressure sensors under the toes control the movement of the thumb, enabling users to lift and hold objects with it.

Recent studies have shown that users can quickly learn to control the extra thumb, with almost all participants being able to use it immediately. Regardless of age, gender, or background, most individuals were able to complete tasks with the thumb, showcasing its potential for widespread application.

While the need for a third thumb may seem unnecessary at first, it has the potential to assist in various tasks, from everyday activities like carrying shopping bags and using a phone to more specialized tasks for musicians, laborers, and surgeons.

The designer of The Third Thumb, Dani Claude, sees it as an extension of the body rather than a replacement limb, emphasizing its assistive nature. While availability to the public may still be some time away, the potential applications for this innovative prosthetic are vast.

Whether it’s holding limes, assisting in surgical procedures, or enhancing musical abilities, the Third Thumb could revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us. Stay tuned for further developments on this cutting-edge prosthetic technology.


About our expert, Dani Claude

Dani Claude is the mastermind behind The Third Thumb, a range of prosthetics designed to enhance the human form’s versatility. Her innovative work in this field aims to push boundaries and empower individuals with new capabilities.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Donald Trump protest ban on TikTok by wearing flip flops

During his presidency, Donald Trump initially opposed the U.S. ban on TikTok’s Chinese owners but has since shown support for the app.


In a CNBC interview, President Trump acknowledged the popularity of TikTok among young users and stated that it served as a source of entertainment for many. He also criticized Facebook, referring to it as the “enemy of the people.” While still considering TikTok a national security risk, he highlighted similar concerns with other platforms, specifically Meta-owned platforms.

Following the January 6, 2021, riot, Trump faced suspensions and bans from various social media platforms, including Facebook. Despite this, his support for TikTok has resurfaced, contrasting with Joe Biden’s intention to ban the app through Congress.

Should the bill pass, ByteDance would be compelled to sell TikTok to avoid potential bans within the U.S. The company has expressed concerns over the proposed legislation and has urged users to advocate against the ban.

The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized attempts to ban TikTok, citing potential infringements on free speech rights and warning against prioritizing political gains over individual liberties.

Former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway has taken steps to lobby for TikTok, emphasizing the adverse impact of a ban on American users and voters.

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Conway highlighted the inconsistency of prioritizing TikTok over other pressing issues involving China and expressed concerns over potential alienation of American users.

Critics have emphasized the impact of banning TikTok on freedom of expression and innovation, particularly noting the app’s alignment with free market principles.

Despite concerns over TikTok’s security risks, Trump’s recent support for the app aligns with his stance against bans and restrictions on social media platforms.

Meta stock experienced a decline following recent discussions surrounding TikTok and potential regulatory actions.


Source: www.theguardian.com

The potential damage to skin health from wearing makeup during exercise

Exercising while wearing foundation changes the properties of your skin.

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Wearing foundation while exercising can affect your skin health by changing the size of your pores and subsequently altering the release of sebum, which is responsible for keeping you healthy.

Lee Seok Ho The researchers at Texas A&M University in San Antonio recruited 43 college students, 20 men and 23 women. Participants first washed their faces with facial cleanser. The researchers then measured skin variables in different areas of the face, including pore size and sebum production.

A single layer of foundation was then applied to all participants’ faces, either on the forehead or cheeks, depending on the participant’s preference.

They then did a 20-minute moderate workout by running on a treadmill at 3 miles per hour (mph) for 5 minutes, 4 miles per hour for 10 minutes, and 5 miles per hour for 5 minutes.

After the training, the researchers repeated various skin measurements and found that areas with foundation had less sebum production than areas without makeup.

“This is a shining example of the negative effects of makeup during exercise,” the researchers wrote in their paper. “In this study, makeup use clogged pores and resulted in negative sebum scores.” The optimal amount of sebum is unknown, and too much can cause acne, while too little can cause skin irritation. To do.

Participants’ pore size also increased significantly in areas without foundation, but did not change significantly in areas with makeup. This suggests that this foundation may be inhibiting the natural enlargement of pores during exercise, preventing the release of sebum and sweat, which moisturize and cool the skin. The researchers did not assess whether these changes were related to skin problems.

Wearing foundation during exercise may not have a significant effect on most people who train for relatively short periods of time, but “we don’t know the effect on endurance-type athletes,” Lee said. say. The research team now wants to investigate the effects during longer exercise routines.

Shari Lipner Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York say the study’s split-face design is a good approach, but complicates comparisons because our skin characteristics vary across different parts of the face. Additionally, she says, the skin around the nose, mouth and eyes has a different thickness compared to the skin on the forehead and cheeks, so ideally these areas should have been studied as well.

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Source: www.newscientist.com