Articles for author: Andrew Alpin

Honeybee in a sunflower.

Exploring the Potential of Bees to Detect Lung Cancer

Andrew Alpin

In an intriguing development, a study published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics suggests that honeybees might play a surprising role in detecting lung cancer at an early stage. This research highlights the role of “odorants”—tiny, volatile molecules that move through the human body and may carry crucial information about diseases, including cancer. Tiny Messengers in Our ...

Ants Discovered Using Natural Antibiotics to Treat Infected Wounds

Andrew Alpin

African Matabele ants have recently been observed utilizing natural antibiotics found in their environment to treat their wounded during battles with termites. This discovery offers a unique glimpse into the complex behaviors and social structures within ant colonies. The Battlefield and Ant Antibiotics Frequent skirmishes with termites result in injuries for many Matabele ants. However, ...

Are Sumatran Tigers Extinct? Science Thinks No

Andrew Alpin

It’s because of a random strand of hair discovered somewhere in the dense Indonesian rainforest that scientists believe Javan Tigers still roam this planet. Declared extinct in 2008, many had lost hope of their return, but then something miraculous occurred. However, it took time. Introduction After discovering a piece of hair in 2019, it wasn’t ...

new snail species

Nine New Snail Species Discovered in Papua New Guinea

Andrew Alpin

The recent discovery of nine new species of carnivorous land snails in the remote forests of Papua New Guinea has sparked significant interest in the scientific community and emphasized the island’s status as a biodiversity hotspot. This discovery, led by John Slapcinsky of the Florida Museum’s invertebrate zoology collection, showcases the unique and largely unexplored ...

whale breach

Why Do Whales Breach?

Andrew Alpin

Our expert-vetted content is grounded in current scientific publications, yet we acknowledge science’s ever-evolving nature. Read our full editorial and disclosure policy. Introduction The air-water interface signifies a major barrier for most organisms. However, despite the difficulty, some creatures manage to temporarily breach this interface for a number of reasons including hunting, escaping predators, regulating body temperatures, and parasite ...

How Bees Pollinating Help Save the World

Andrew Alpin

From Tokyo to Trinidad and Tobago, theirs an abundance of bees worldwide, pollinating most, if not all, plants within its periphery. Small in stature but feared by many, their ability to transform ecosystems is unprecedented within the animal kingdom. They play a pivotal role that extends far beyond their reputation as honey producers. These tiny, ...

How Cane Toads Are Devastating Hawaiian Ecosystems

Andrew Alpin

In recent years, the Hawaiian Islands have faced a silent invasion that threatens their delicate ecosystems. The introduction of cane toads (Rhinella marina), initially intended to control pests in sugarcane fields, has spiraled into a catastrophic ecological disaster. These amphibious invaders, native to South and Central America, have rapidly multiplied and spread across the islands, ...

endangered amphibians

The World of Psychedelic Frogs: The Ayahuasca Experience

Andrew Alpin

In the lush rainforests of South America, a remarkable and mystifying phenomenon unfolds – psychedelic frogs. These vibrant amphibians, known for their striking colors and otherworldly properties, have captured the fascination of scientists, explorers, and seekers of altered states alike. The most famous among these enchanting creatures are the Phyllobates genus, commonly referred to as ...