Current Biology
Coverage of Current Biology in the Nexus archive.
- Study: Bees change their diets to balance nutrients
A study led by Oxford University found that honeybees adjust their pollen consumption to balance essential amino acids, as individual pollen sources often lack necessary nutrients. Researchers discovered that bee bread and royal jelly provide better amino acid profiles than most individual pollen sources, helping bees overcome nutritional limitations.
- Scientists revive ancient 24,000-year-old ‘zombie worm’ from Arctic ice — then it reproduced
Scientists revived a 24,000-year-old multicellular rotifer from Siberian permafrost, which resumed biological functions and reproduced after thawing. The discovery highlights the resilience of cryptobiosis and raises concerns about ancient microbes being released as permafrost melts.
- A disabled kea parrot is the alpha male of his circus
A disabled kea parrot maintains dominance as the alpha male in his social group despite his physical limitations, challenging assumptions about leadership in animal societies. The study, published in Current Biology, highlights complex social dynamics among kea parrots.
- Meet Bruce, the "beak-jousting" parrot
Bruce, a kea parrot from New Zealand who lost his upper beak, became the dominant male in his community through unique 'beak-jousting' behavior. A study in Current Biology highlights his problem-solving skills, including self-taught pebble-based preening, and researchers avoid prosthetics to preserve his adaptive behaviors.