Margaret Coulombe

Do we still have pristine mountain lakes?

dianeb — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:02:35 -0700

The impact of nitrogen released from the burning of fossil fuels and widespread use of fertilizers is much greater that previously recognized. Scientists say the impact even extends to remote alpine lakes. --by Margaret Coulombe

Ants more rational than humans

dianeb — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:26:51 -0600

A lack of individual options among ants minimizes their opportunities to make mistakes. As a result, they may be more rational in their decision making than we big-brained humans. --by Margaret Coulombe

‘HUNTing’ skills lead to bio-inspired solutions

dianeb — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:50:17 -0600

Engineers are looking to schools of fish and flocks of birds to help develop better machines. Robustness, scalability, and the ability to function without complex central control are desirable features of artificial systems, and they can be found all over the natural world. --by Margaret Coulombe

Colorful jumpers

pkrecker — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:38:36 -0600

Color might be the key to snagging a mate--at least if you're a male jumping spider. by Margaret Coulombe

Whales not to blame for dwindling fish populations

pkrecker — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:51:23 -0700

For decades there has been a controversy about whales eating fish in the tropics. The debate has been at the heart of policy decisions about the culling of whales and is pivotal to the future of commercial whaling in the region. New research, however, shows that culling whales in an attempt to restore fish populations is not scientifically sound. --by Margaret Coulombe

Energizing elemental evolution

pkrecker — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:38:08 -0700

Cuatro Cienegas, in Mexico's Chihuahuan desert, might hold the key to secrets about microbial evolution, the Cambrian Explosion, speciation, extraterrestrial life, and just about everything else. That key is phosphorus. --by Margaret Coulombe

Spider mimics

pkrecker — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:11:22 -0700

It looks like an ant. It moves like an ant. It even smells like an ant. It's an ant--right? Or maybe it's a cleverly disguised spider. --by Margaret Coulombe

Ants have a failsafe cheater-detector

pkrecker — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:03:28 -0700

Infidelity is found in all sorts of animal and insect groups, including other highly organized social organisms, such as ants. Unlike humans, however, worker ants that stray from social norms are rarely, if ever, successful. Chemical signals give them away. --by Margaret Coulombe

Good vibrations--sound brain health

pkrecker — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:53:45 -0700

Say goodbye to invasive electrodes--scientists may be able to use ultrasound to remotely stimulate brain cells. --by Margaret Coulombe

Darwinfest kicks off with E. O. Wilson talks

pkrecker — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:31:56 -0600

ASU kicks off a yearlong celebration of the life and work of Charles Darwin with two talks from noted biologist E. O. Wilson, including the launch of a new book on insect societies written by Wilson and ASU biologist Bert Holldobler. --by Margaret Coulombe