Butterfly eyespots reuse genetic code for legs, wings, and antennae

How did eyespots on butterfly wings evolve? By recruiting gene networks already at work in the body to build antennae, legs, and even wings, research finds.

National University of Singapore • futurity
Feb. 23, 2022 ~8 min

Unverified reports of vaccine side effects in VAERS aren't the smoking guns portrayed by right-wing media outlets – they can offer insight into vaccine hesitancy

Anti-vaccine activists are using the side effect reporting system to spread fear and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines. But the database could also be used as a gauge for public concerns.

Dominik Stecuła, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Colorado State University • conversation
Aug. 25, 2021 ~9 min


In hotter climates, male dragonflies lose their trademark style

In hotter climates, male dragonflies don't develop their trademark wing pigmentation. That could make it harder to find a mate, researchers say.

Talia Ogliore-WUSTL • futurity
July 6, 2021 ~6 min

Are bird body changes tied to early migration? Nope

Birds that struck buildings in Chicago are now in a museum, where researchers are investigating earlier migrations, bird body changes, and any link between.

Jim Erickson-Michigan • futurity
June 24, 2021 ~10 min

Team pinpoints what makes fruit flies champion fliers

A complex network of wing, muscle, and nervous system genes give fruit flies what it takes to become champion fliers.

Corrie Pikul-Brown • futurity
March 23, 2021 ~6 min

Birds may avoid fast, flashy butterflies and their mimics

Birds can learn to recognize fast and flashy butterflies they've failed to catch in the past—as well as similar-looking species—research finds.

Natalie van Hoose-Florida • futurity
March 15, 2021 ~9 min

Far-right groups move to messaging apps as tech companies crack down on extremist social media

Encrypted messaging services like Telegram provide virtual dark corners where far-right extremists can recruit, organize and plan unhindered.

Kevin Grisham, Professor of Global Studies, California State University San Bernardino • conversation
Jan. 22, 2021 ~8 min

Wing imprints reveal dino-era praying mantis

Researchers have identified a new species of praying mantis after discovering imprints of its fossilized wings in present-day Quebec.

Katherine Gombay-McGill • futurity
Jan. 19, 2021 ~6 min


Does 'deplatforming' work to curb hate speech and calls for violence? 3 experts in online communications weigh in

Banning extremists from social media platforms can reduce hate speech, but the deplatforming process has to be handled with care – and it can have unintended consequences.

Ugochukwu Etudo, Assistant Professor of Operations and Information Management, University of Connecticut • conversation
Jan. 15, 2021 ~10 min

Big Tech's rejection of Parler shuts down a site favored by Trump supporters – and used by participants in the US Capitol insurrection

Millions of supporters of Donald Trump flocked to the far-right social media platform, where hate speech and calls for violence thrive. The US Capitol insurrection could be the platform's undoing.

Alex Newhouse, Research Lead, Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, Middlebury Institute of International Studies • conversation
Jan. 12, 2021 ~12 min

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