Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

While researchers have long known about the incredible strength of spider silk, the robust nature alone of these tiny filaments cannot explain how webs survive multiple tears and winds that exceed hurricane strength.

Now, a study by researchers…[more]

The headlines were everywhere in January: “’Zombie’ Fly Parasite Killing Honeybees,” “Deadly parasite turns Bay Area honeybees into zombie slaves, and “’Zombies’ being created by deadly parasite.”

All were spurred by the publication of research describing a parasite…[more]

A new theory from scientists in Spain could push osteoporosis research in a different direction. A group at the University of Castilla - La Mancha studied deer antlers to gain insights into mineral losses from bone structures. They believe that…[more]

Temperate climates in many parts of the world—including the Ozarks—provide plentiful food for animals during summer. But finding enough to eat is much more problematic during the winter months.

Many small mammals avoid the problem by hibernating but…[more]

In the world of insects, high risk of attack has led to the development of camouflage as a means of survival, especially in the larval stage. One caterpillar may look like a stick, while another disguises itself as bird droppings.…[more]

Until recently, pointing and holding up objects in order to attract attention has only been observed in humans and in our closest living relatives, the great apes. The Max Planck Institute for Ornithology discovered the first evidence that ravens use…[more]

Though paper wasps have brains less than a millionth the size of humans’, they have evolved specialized face-learning abilities analogous to the system used by humans, according to a University of Michigan evolutionary biologist and one of her graduate students.…[more]

Pathogens can alter their hosts’ behavior, and can also alter the physical characteristics of their hosts. In order to increase its odds of survival into subsequent generations, a viral gene manipulates the behavior of gypsy moth caterpillars to climb trees…[more]

The recipe for cooking up a spectacular fall display isn’t for beginners. You need all the right ingredients at the right time and at the proper temperature.

Prolonged drought and other stresses in southwest Missouri left many trees…[more]

For decades, scientists observed gypsy moth caterpillars that were sick with a virus, do something they would normally never do in daylight. The larvae mustered the last of their strength to climb onto a leaf as high in the tree…[more]