DNA assembly insights could streamline design and manufacturing of nanostructures for medicine, materials and more

The St. George's mushroom (Calocybe gambosa) is a popular edible mushroom, usually picked in May. Unfortunately, however, it also carries a risk as it can easily be confused with the young deadly fiber cap, which can potentially lead to fatal poisoning. The reason for this is the mushroom toxin muscarine, which is present in high concentrations in the deadly fiber cap. Muscarine is best known from the fly agaric, in which it was first discovered.

Ascidians, also known as sea squirts, are the evolutionary link between vertebrates and invertebrates, making them valuable subjects of biological studies. For the first time, researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have detected pronounced autofluorescence in Halocynthia papillosa, one of more than 3,000 species. Furthermore, the study provides comprehensive insights into the anatomy of this sea squirt.

A Brazilian study published in the journal Ecography indicates that the biodiversity of anuran amphibians (toads and frogs) on islands is determined by factors encompassed in two previously opposing theories.

Bats are the only mammals that can actively fly, enabling many species to perform seasonal migrations. In migratory birds, remaining airborne for many hours is supported by burning fatty acids, something most mammals are incapable of.