Feel the heat! The bombardier beetle (in the Brachininae subfamily) is one of the smallest yet most impressive masters of defence in the animal kingdom. With a body measuring only 5–7 mm in length, it...
The evolution of cognition – how unique actually is our thought process?
The evolution of cognition – how unique actually is our thought process?
The evolution of cognition is a vast field of research, which still leaves many questions unanswered to this day. But how can we actually investigate our own world of thought? What distinguishes cognition,...
Tomato frog vs. snake
Tomato frog vs. snake
All-round defence The tomato frog (Dyscophus antongilii) is a truly fascinating amphibian species, native exclusively to the island of Madagascar. It gains its common name from its bright red-orange skin...
Stinging nettles vs. predators
Stinging nettles vs. predators
When touching hurts The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the best-known wild plants in Central Europe and a prime example of plant defence mechanisms. Despite its high content of proteins, minerals...
Outwitted cancer cells
Outwitted cancer cells
How medicine is optimising cancer treatments through checkpoint inhibitors Karin Hollricher Checkpoint molecules regulate the ability of the immune system to start or end an immune response as required....
