A Moment of Science

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The Mistletoe Bird (Zoochory Part 2) Feb 05, 2020

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Last time on A Moment Of Science we learned about plants that disperse their seeds via zoochory, meaning they've evolved various ways to hitch rides with animals. A particularly interesting case of this latter form of zoochory is mistletoe, the holiday smooching plant.

Zoochory Feb 05, 2020

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Just as animals are often driven to great lengths, literally and figuratively, to propagate their species, plants too are driven to reproduce. To do this, plants need to disperse their seeds, so that they have space to germinate and grow.

Seed Swallower Feb 05, 2020

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Seeds aren't as dangerous as some urban legends might lead you to believe, but they also aren't very good for you, either.

Acting Like An Introvert Feb 05, 2020

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When making plans for the weekend, some people like to be by themselves, while others prefer to be go out and be social. To learn more about these two types of people, sometimes called introverts and extroverts, researchers tried to see what would happen if one type tried to act like the other.

Stressed Out Quails Jan 25, 2020

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People have long debated whether physical or behavioral traits are the result of genetic inheritance or environmental factors. In an effort to end this debate, sometimes called nature versus nurture, Scientists have studied quail eggs.

How The Monarch Got Its Poison Jan 23, 2020

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Among butterflies, the monarch really stands out with its beautiful orange and black colors. These colors evolved to warn predators about the monarch's toxic compounds that disrupt a sodium ion pumping mechanism in cells.

The Superior Quality Of Hot Nectar Jan 22, 2020

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In the midst of winter, one of the best ways to combat the effects of cold weather is a hot beverage. A new study out of the University of London shows that we're not the only species that likes a hot drink. In fact, bumblebees prefer warm nectar to cool.

How To See The Northern Lights Jan 22, 2020

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The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are waving ribbons of green, red and purple in the sky. These curtains of light can be seen as far south as the South Pole. In the southern hemisphere, however, they're called the Aurora Australis. They can also sometimes be seen in New Zealand or Chile.

Coffee Cup Illusion Jan 22, 2020

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Things are not always as they seem, and this little demonstration will prove it. All you need is a cup of black coffee and an overhead light.

Solitary Bees Jan 20, 2020

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Despite the common fear among many people of "swarms of bees," most bee species are actually solitary. Unlike social bees like the bumblebee, solitary bees don't have queens or worker bees, and they don't reside together in colonies.

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