Articles for author: Anna Lee

Wind turbines in Canberra.

How Canberra is Leading the Way in Renewable Energy Adoption in Australia

Anna Lee

In recent years, the capital city of Australia, Canberra, has emerged as a beacon of innovation and commitment when it comes to renewable energy adoption. As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, Canberra’s progressive approach provides a compelling model that demonstrates effective climate action. This article explores how Canberra is ...

A technician using a microtome at the Advanced Technology Research Facility.

Ben Barres & the Discovery of the Mysterious Plant Compound That Can Treat Cancer

Anna Lee

Ben Barres was a celebrated neurobiologist whose groundbreaking work significantly impacted the field of neuroscience. Though he was widely recognized for his scientific contributions, Barres also championed gender equality in science, both through his advocacy and life as a transgender scientist. However, his association with a mysterious plant compound allegedly capable of treating cancer is ...

Wren

How to Attract More Birds to Your Backyard

Anna Lee

 In the hustle of modern life, there’s something deeply rewarding about creating a haven for wild birds right in your own backyard. Beyond the simple joy of birdwatching, attracting these feathered visitors provides tangible environmental benefits, from natural pest control to plant pollination. Birds bring color, song, and life to outdoor spaces, transforming an ordinary ...

selective focus photography of green insect

The Insects That Can Imitate Other Animals to Avoid Predators

Anna Lee

In the intricate tapestry of nature’s survival strategies, few are as fascinating as mimicry – the remarkable ability of certain creatures to imitate others for protection. Among the master practitioners of this deceptive art are insects, which have evolved an astonishing array of disguises to fool potential predators. From butterflies that resemble toxic species to ...

A person holding a small snake in their hand.

The Best Beginner-Friendly Snakes That Stay Small

Anna Lee

For many aspiring reptile enthusiasts, the idea of owning a snake can be both exciting and intimidating. While images of massive pythons or anacondas might come to mind, the truth is that many snake species remain quite manageable in size throughout their lives. These smaller snake species offer all the fascinating behaviors and beautiful patterns ...

Why Some Exotic Birds Form Strong Emotional Bonds With Their Owners

Anna Lee

Birds are extraordinary creatures that have fascinated humans for centuries. Among the most captivating aspects of keeping exotic birds as companions is their remarkable ability to form deep emotional connections with their human caregivers. Unlike many pets, certain species of exotic birds can develop bonds that rival human relationships in their complexity and depth. These ...

a close up of a spider on the ground

The Largest Spider Ever Discovered – Its Legs Were Longer Than Your Hand

Anna Lee

In the realm of arachnology, few discoveries inspire as much awe and fascination as the identification of record-breaking specimens. The world of spiders, with over 48,000 known species, continues to reveal extraordinary creatures that push the boundaries of what we thought possible in arthropod dimensions. Among these remarkable discoveries stands the Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), ...

Vibrant Mandarinfish with blue and orange patterns swimming near coral.

Why Some Fish Change Colors – The Science Behind It

Anna Lee

The underwater world is a kaleidoscope of colors, with fish displaying some of the most vibrant and variable hues in the animal kingdom. From the subtle shifts of a flounder blending into sandy bottoms to the dramatic transformations of mood-signaling cichlids, fish color changes represent remarkable adaptations that have evolved over millions of years. These ...

macro photography of black and brown insect

How Some Insects Help Prevent Wildfires by Controlling Dry Vegetation

Anna Lee

In an era where wildfires increasingly threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide, nature offers surprising allies in fire prevention. While insects are often viewed as pests or merely incidental parts of biodiversity, certain species play crucial roles in managing vegetation that could otherwise become dangerous wildfire fuel. These six-legged ecosystem engineers—ranging from grasshoppers to beetles—help reduce ...

A seagull standing on a rocky beach holding a fish in its beak against a scenic seascape.

The Bird That Can Catch Fish Without Getting Wet

Anna Lee

 In the avian world, where many birds dive into water to catch their prey, there exists a remarkable exception – the kingfisher. This extraordinary bird has mastered the art of fishing without getting its feathers wet, a skill that has fascinated ornithologists and nature enthusiasts for centuries. With precision diving techniques and specialized physical adaptations, ...