Europe has lost over half a billion birds in 40 years. The single biggest cause? Pesticides and fertilisers

Insect-eating birds such as swifts and yellow wagtails are particularly vulnerable.

Richard Gregory, Honorary Professor of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, UCL • conversation
June 1, 2023 ~8 min

Bees can learn, remember, think and make decisions – here's a look at how they navigate the world

Scientists are learning amazing things about bees’ sensory perception and mental capabilities.

Stephen Buchmann, Adjunct Professor of Entomology and of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona • conversation
May 17, 2023 ~9 min


Dandelions are a lifeline for bees on the brink – we should learn to love them

Before you reach for the weed killer, spare a thought for struggling pollinators.

Philip Donkersley, Senior Research Associate in Entomology, Lancaster University • conversation
April 27, 2023 ~7 min

How we created the first map of an insect brain – and what it means for our understanding of the human brain

This new study could help researchers understand conditions such as autism and help fight climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of AI.

Michael Winding, Group Leader, The Francis Crick Institute • conversation
March 16, 2023 ~7 min

Smell is the crucial sense that holds ant society together, helping the insects recognize, communicate and cooperate with one another

Researchers explore what happens when ants can’t properly use smell to detect friend from foe.

Stephen Ferguson, Postdoctoral Scholar in Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University • conversation
March 13, 2023 ~7 min

Insects are vanishing worldwide – now it's making it harder to grow food

New research from China shows how the loss of insects is destabilising food webs.

Stuart Reynolds, Emeritus Professor of Biology, University of Bath • conversation
Feb. 15, 2023 ~8 min

Environment plan for England asks farmers to restore nature – but changes are likely to be superficial

Tinkering around the margins of English farms won’t benefit biodiversity, research suggests.

Elise Wach, Research Advisor, Institute of Development Studies • conversation
Feb. 3, 2023 ~8 min

Mini creatures with mighty voices know their audience and focus on a single frequency

From insects to birds to bats to frogs, these little loudmouths have found ingenious ways to deliver their messages at high volume.

Bernard Lohr, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Jan. 31, 2023 ~6 min


Earwigs are the hero single mothers of the insect world – and good for your garden too

Despite their sharp-looking pincers, earwigs have a reputation for being tender parents.

Christopher Terrell Nield, Principal lecturer, bioscience, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Jan. 30, 2023 ~8 min

How tracking technology is transforming our understanding of animal behaviour

Scientists use biologging devices to track animal behaviour – here are four times where it has improved our understanding of nature.

Louise Gentle, Principal Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Jan. 4, 2023 ~8 min

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