Our photographers brought the natural world to the fore, with pictures of wildlife and the efforts to conserve them across the globe Continue reading…
‘A world first’: Devon calls victory in 27-year war on termites
Subterranean termite colony found under two bungalows in 1994 is declared terminated after ‘amazing cooperation’ of homeownersIt was in 1994 that a bungalow owner in Devon called pest control to report that a mysterious “white ant” had chomped through …
Cop26 must not overshadow Kunming: we need joint climate and biodiversity goals | Ma Jun
Ecosystem collapse is as much a threat as the climate crisis, but valuing nature will help us meet both these challengesAll eyes are on Cop26 in Glasgow since the climate crisis aroused worldwide attention and compelled more than 120 countries to join …
How biodiversity loss is jeopardising the drugs of the future
From willow bark to mosquitoes, nature has been a source of vital medications for centuries. But species die-off caused by human activity is putting this at risk What will biodiversity loss mean for drug discovery?Traditionally used as a painkiller for…
Number of butterflies in the UK at a record low, survey finds
Experts say results of Butterfly Conservation’s latest survey signal that nature is ‘in crisis’The UK has recorded its lowest ever number of butterflies in an annual survey of the insects, prompting conservationists to warn that nature is in crisis.But…
you can call me queen bee
More Than Honey – “In 2013 Markus Imhoof used mini-helicopters and high-speed cameras to capture an extraordinary video of the inflight mating of a queen bee. The ejaculation of a drone bee is so powerful that his endophallus ruptures and he quickly di…
Kansas boy’s insect entry at state fair wins prize – and triggers federal inquiry
Creature was a dead spotted lanternfly – an invasive moth-like bug that has been causing massive damage to plants in eastern statesA young contestant’s proud entry at the Kansas state fair caused a flap when a judge saw the specimen submitted in the bo…
Show Me the Honey: amateur beekeepers to compete in BBC show
Exclusive: seven-part TV series will involve weekly challenges and aims to tap into rising interest in apiariesIt has made The Great British Sewing Bee and spelling bee series Hard Spell but now the BBC is focusing on actual bees – by launching the UK’…
Nikon Small World microscopy contest 2021: A few of our favorite images
Your annual reminder that science can be beautiful as well as informative.
Surrey heating co-op’s woodland scheme entices rare butterfly to return
Scheme that uses locally harvested woodchip to heat homes of retired sailors yields biodiversity benefitsA low-carbon co-operative that heats the homes of retired sailors has helped one of Britain’s rarest butterflies return to a nearby wood.Springbok …