Welcome to this week's science roundup, where we delve into fascinating discoveries and pressing environmental concerns. From questioning the feelings of worms to tracking polar bears in a changing Arctic, and even the curious use of bookbinding glue in conservation, there's a lot to explore.
Do Invertebrates Feel?
The question of whether invertebrates experience pain or happiness is gaining traction. Does a worm feel pain when stepped on? Is an ant happy when it finds food? Dr. Andrew Crump at the Royal Veterinary College is at the forefront of this debate, influencing UK laws to include cephalopods and decapod crustaceans in animal sentience recognition. This isn't a simple yes or no answer, but new research is constantly shedding light on the complex lives of these creatures.
“Invertebrate sentience is becoming an ever livelier topic of debate and with new science we are getting new insights,” says Dr. Crump, highlighting the importance of ongoing research in understanding the inner lives of these often-overlooked animals.
Tracking Polar Bears on Shifting Ice
For over two decades, the Norwegian Polar Institute has been diligently tracking polar bears in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic. As the ice they depend on melts, understanding how these magnificent creatures adapt is crucial. Vet Rolf-Arne Ølberg plays a critical role in this effort, using helicopter surveys to assess the bears' health and fit them with tracking collars.
Imagine hanging out of a helicopter, needing to assess a polar bear's sex, weight, and condition from just 10 meters away! Ølberg's work requires precision and a deep understanding of these animals. "Luckily," he says, "polar bears are quite good anaesthetic patients."
A Sticky Solution for Rare Lichen
In a creative conservation effort, the rare scrambled egg lichen has been reintroduced to its historical habitat in East Anglia, with a surprising ally: bookbinding glue. This bright yellow lichen, named for its crumbly appearance, was last seen in the Breckland region of Norfolk and Suffolk in 1994. Small patches were carefully moved from Cornwall to help re-establish the species.
This innovative approach highlights the dedication and ingenuity of conservationists in preserving biodiversity. It's a small victory for the environment, and a testament to the power of thinking outside the box.
Triple Threat in the South Pacific
Finally, satellite images have captured a rare occurrence: three tropical cyclones spinning simultaneously in the South Pacific. Cyclones Rae, Seru, and Alfred formed within five days of each other, churning off the eastern coast of Australia. This unusual event highlights the peak of the cyclone season in the region and serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.
That's all for this week's science roundup. Stay tuned for more fascinating discoveries and updates from the world of science!