Latest news with #SchoolofScience
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned after discovering rare firefly in unexpected location: 'I knew something was different'
Scientists have discovered a firefly that was previously classified as another species is actually a rare Gombak bent-winged firefly. Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh, a leading entomologist and senior lecturer at Monash University Malaysia's School of Science, spearheaded this work. She found the specimen with her research assistant, Tan Wei Jack, in October, per FMT Lifestyle. Not only is this the third known specimen of this firefly species in existence, but Wan Faridah and Tan also found it in a surprising place. It was discovered in Bukit Kiara, a forested area in Kuala Lumpur. It was originally thought to be another genus of firefly. One of its features didn't fit the profile, though. "That was the moment I knew something was different," Tan said. "Based on the knowledge I had at the time, I thought that fireflies from the genus Pteroptyx only lived in mangroves. As it turns out, this is the first bent-winged Pteroptyx found outside of mangroves." This is also the first specimen of the Gombak bent-winged firefly to have been found in 90 years. Wan Faridah identified the second such specimen, collected in 1935, in 2019. The discovery sparks hope for the diverse ecosystems in Malaysia. Even though firefires are small, Wan Faridah explained in a TED talk in 2023 that they "are so much more than just pretty lights." "They are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. The life cycle of fireflies keeps the ecosystem balanced. Each firefly species, in each indicative life stage, has specific needs for habitat to thrive," Wan Faridah said. In other words, if fireflies disappeared, it could lead to more significant disruptions down the line, possibly contributing to food insecurity as the agricultural pests they usually chow down on lose their natural predators and begin to wreak havoc. Good Good Good suggests a few ways you can take action to protect fireflies no matter where you are. Avoiding pesticides and weed killers as well as planting native species is a great place to start. Reducing your use of artificial light, especially at night, can also help fireflies and nocturnal animals that rely on the light of stars and the moon to navigate. Leaving leaves alone after they fall can also keep fireflies' habitats intact and help many other insects and animals. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As for the Gombak bent-winged firefly, Wan Faridah suggested that spreading the word about the unique creature might help inspire people to take action to protect it. "What worries me is that we don't know whether we have found the Gombak bent-winged firefly at the brink of extinction. So, we are racing against time now," she said, per FMT Lifestyle. "Every species rediscovered is proof that extinction isn't inevitable, but it does require effort. If more people know about these fireflies, maybe more will be done to protect their habitats." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
RNZ News
02-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Professor Allan Blackman: investigating the 'living glow'
Professor Allan Blackman from the School of Science at AUT joins us to discuss the implications of a recent study that found all living things, including humans, emit a ghostly glow that vanishes as soon as we die. Photo: YEW! IMAGES
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Elmhurst University announces endowed chair in STEM, more
A married couple who have ties to Elmhurst University have established a $1.5 million estate commitment to create its first endowed faculty chair in science, technology, analytics and mathematics. The donors hope the endowed chair will help the university attract and retain brilliant scholars in mathematics and the sciences, highlighting 'the importance of faculty research, which at Elmhurst usually includes students, as well as the role of excellent teaching in shaping students' academic experience and long-term career goals,' according to a news release. 'Their commitment will leave a lasting impact by empowering Elmhurst faculty to innovate and discover through scholarship, and by inspiring our students to become the next generation of leaders in the critical STEM fields,' Troy Van Aken, university president, shared in the release. An alum who earned a degree in economics at Elmhurst is one of the donors and both have had distinguished careers in STEM fields – joining biotechnology and health care analytics in their early days. The endowed chair, once funded, would be awarded to a faculty member in the School of Science, Technology and Mathematics. La Grange Park officials and staff will host a State of the Village reception from 5 to 7 p.m. May 22 at Thirty North at Plymouth Place, 315 N. LaGrange Road. The evening will highlight La Grange Park's accomplishments and progress in the last year. All residents, business owners and community members are invited. RSVP by emailing sbakalich@ Those 21 and older with an interest in learning more about wine are invited to Blind Taste Race with Anfora Wine Merchants from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 22 at Cheney Mansion Greenhouse, 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park. Participants can test their senses as they discover how to taste wine using all of the senses, starting with a pop of the cork to smelling its bouquet and enjoying it on the palate. Leaders will cover tasting basics, after which each table will work together to match each win with its correct set of descriptors. Admission includes light appetizers. If weather allows, the event will take place on the patio. Tickets cost $37 to $46. This program is offered by the Park District of Oak Park. Visit to register. Plant aficionados are invited to a plant sale hosted by the Darien Garden Club from 9 a.m .to 1 p.m. May 17 at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 S. Cass, Darien. Perennials, annuals and native plants will be sold, as well as houseplants, herbs and vegetables. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Information is at Fulton Chamber Players perform at 6 p.m. May 20 at First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, 150 S. Ashland Ave., LaGrange. The performance is free. The Fulton Music Society aims 'to transform what music means in the 21st century by nurturing thoughtful, well-rounded students through dedicated music study. We are working to connect the dots between student life and the professional world by emphasizing skills and experiences that translate beyond their instruments,' its website notes. Information is at The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents The Best of Broadway at 1:15 p.m. May 19 in the second-floor ballroom of its building at 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. It's part of the Monday Enrichment Series. Jacquelyne Jones and Devin DeSantis, accompanied by JoAnn Daughtery on piano, will perform selections from Broadway musicals. Although admission is free, donations are appreciated. Monday Enrichment programs feature art, literacy, science, music and social sciences. Information is at
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sad find in river highlights 'urgent' Aussie crisis: 'Heartbreaking'
Yet another example has emerged in the span of just a few days showing the devastating impact human pollution is having on our wildlife, with a platypus turning up dead in the country's most populous state as a result of entanglement in fishing gear. Almost every week instances surface that highlight how our waste, and in particular plastic, is harming some of our most vulnerable species. Western Sydney University on Friday warned NSW anglers to always clean up after themselves after the platypus was found entangled in fishing line in the Nepean River at Penrith this week. Tragically, it's the fourth platypus found by the university to have died in the area in just 18 months. Dr Michelle Ryan and PhD candidate Katherine Warwick from the university's School of Science have urged the community to understand the impact of improperly discarded fishing gear along riverbanks. "This platypus was found at Penrith Weir, a very popular recreational fishing location on the Nepean River. The platypus was found in the water, but entangled in fishing line," she told Yahoo News Australia. "These deaths are preventable. If you are fishing by the river, take all your fishing line with you, put it in a bin on your way out or at home and don't leave anything on the bank. If you are walking and see rubbish, especially discarded fishing line pick it up. Leave nothing but footprints!" Ryan said the uniquely Australian monotreme is already extremely vulnerable. "With the local platypus population already under immense pressure, losing them to preventable causes is a heartbreaking and urgent crisis," Ryan said. Warwick said the animal found this week had drowned after being wrapped in more than two metres of line. "This platypus, a male, less than two years old, was found near Penrith Weir, drowned, entangled in over two metres of fishing line," she said. "Platypuses become entangled... as they search for food along the edge of waterways. "Fishing line can cut through skin and muscle, causing a slow, painful death, or as was the case of this platypus, an entangled platypus can drown after they become caught on underwater debris." Penrith City Council is working to enhance habitats throughout the LGA to boost platypus populations. This includes habitat restoration efforts and, in collaboration with OZFish Australia, the installation of Tangle Bins at popular fishing spots along the Nepean River to make it easier for anglers to dispose of used tackle, Ryan said. Aussie snorkeller spots devastating detail during close encounter Disturbing find exposes problem taking over Aussie waterways Aussie's sad discovery in bush sparks urgent warning "Clean Up Australia Day [on Sunday] is a great chance for people to visit their local creeks and collect litter, including fishing line. There are several clean-up events along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River you can join. Your efforts could help save a platypus's life," she added. On Wednesday, a Western Australian marine biologist urged the public to be mindful of their plastic consumption, after heartbreaking footage showed a dolphin with 'line' tightly wrapped around its tail, cutting deep into its flesh. Last week, volunteers in South Australia captured photos of a bird's nest made using wire left from past farming ventures. The Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) said it's far from an uncommon occurrence. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
