Articles for author: Nelleke van Niekerk, BSc Food Science (Biochemistry)

octopus

Unraveling the Mystery of Octupuses’ Self-Destruction

The ocean is filled with thousands of interesting creatures whose behaviors have intrigued scientists and curious minds around the world for years. One group of these remarkable creatures are octopuses, consisting of over 300 species, known for their intelligence, problem-solving skills, and tragic phenomenon: self-destruction.  Many species of these soft-bodied, eight-limbed cephalopods take their own ...

Kamikaze termites

Scientists Finally Discovered How Kamakazi Termites Blow Themselves Up 

How Kamikaze termites could safely carry their backpacks filled with toxic liquid before they detonate them on demand has baffled scientists for years. But, not anymore! Scientists have finally determined how older termites like the Neocapritermes taracuaI live their lives carrying sacks of poison and what triggers their final act of bravery to protect their ...

Scorpions larger than basketball players

Scorpions Larger Than Basketball Players Used to Reign the Oceans Some 400 Million Years Ago

Around 400 million years ago, Earth’s oceans were dominated by massive sea scorpions. Scorpions, as we know them today, are already pretty terrifying — now imagine them being larger than basketball players! These prehistoric predators, known as eurypterids, were among the largest arthropods to ever exist – let’s get to know these imposing creatures a ...