Related stories:
Quest to sniff out kakapo fragrance spans centuries and continents
(PhysOrg.com) -- Feathers of the flightless kakapo are being flown around the world as part of a Massey biologist’s quest to understand the role of the critically endangered native parrot’s sense of smell and the power of male feather fragrance on breeding behaviour.
Parasite morphs ant into ripe red berry
A newly discovered parasite so dramatically transforms its host, an ant, that the ant comes to resemble a juicy red berry, ripe for picking, according to a report accepted for publication in
The American Naturalist. This is the first example of fruit mimicry caused by a parasite, the co-authors say.
Robotic cameras join search for 'Holy Grail of bird-watching'
In the bayous of eastern Arkansas, amidst ancient trees both living and dead that provide nourishment to creatures of the swamp, hangs a high-tech sentinel patiently waiting to capture video of an ivory-billed woodpecker -- an elusive bird once thought to be extinct.
NASA Assists Search for Woodpecker Thought to be Extinct
Unlike its more famous cartoon cousin Woody the Woodpecker, the ivory-billed woodpecker is thought to be extinct, or so most experts have believed for over half a century.
Independent Researchers Confirm the Existence of Ivory-billed Woodpecker
After reviewing new sound recordings from the White River of Arkansas, an independent team of ornithologists has confirmed the existence of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Sighting of rare woodpecker is questioned
Three biologists are questioning a claim by a bird expert of seeing an ivory-billed woodpecker -- a bird believed extinct in the United States.
Big, old mice spread hantavirus
University of Utah researchers dusted wild deer mice with fluorescent pink, blue, green, yellow and orange talcum powders to show which rodents most often fought or mated with others and thus were most likely to spread deadly hantavirus. The study identified bigger, older mice as the culprits.
Feather scientists have Christmas all wrapped up
(PhysOrg.com) -- Material scientists at The University of Manchester are causing a festive flap after developing a way of making Christmas wrapping paper – from TURKEY FEATHERS.
