Biology Quick Links
Simon Fraser University

Biology Quick Links

 

Christine Parent's Galapagos research is mentioned in CBC

 


Stephen Takács & Gerhard Gries research is highlighted in Nature

The affinity of insects for bright lights is well known, but at least one species seems to 'see' the heat of seed cones.
Gerhard Gries of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada, and his colleagues have identified infra-red (IR) receptors on conifer seed bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis), and shown with the aid of IR sources in the lab and the field that these creatures prefer hot things. The insects displayed a preference for traps that emitted strong rather than weak IR - unless their IR receptors were covered with silica paint.


Computer Tips



Biological Sciences Graduate Michael Worobey's study published in Nature showed that the most likely date for HIV's emergence was about 1908, when Léopoldville was emerging as a centre for trade. (Reuters Interview. Read his profile linked from University of Arizona)

Beetles trouble Logging trade (BBC 2 minute video- Dr Allan Carroll received his BSc in Biology here in 1989)

Canada's 'Do not call list'

Pilobolus is a dung loving fungus- http://blog.mycology.cornell.edu/?p=106

Previously suggested links:
First sighting of Masturus in the Galapagos
Rarest rhinoceros wrecks camera (BBC 1 minute video)
Revealing a tiny insect unseen by any eye for 100 million years (BBC) using a Synchrotron and a 3D plastic printer to make a physical model.
National Geographic Botswana Wildcam
The New York Times Science of Evolution video (Evo-Devo, evolution development)
New York Times Technology Videos, this links to an entertaining review of noise-cancelling headphones, though the iphone reviews may be funnier.

Please submit suggested links to Dave Carmean

Quad Books (MBC 2260) delivers the weekday New York Times for $42 to Faculty & Staff and $34 for students per semester. The Tuesday New York Times has an excellent Science Section.