plant 絶滅した幻の植物「シルフィウム」とは？正体・歴史・避妊薬説・消滅した理由を最新論文から解説
古代ギリシャ・ローマの人々が、銀と同じほどの価値があると考えた植物が存在しました。その名は「シルフィウム（Silphium）」。現在のリビアにあたる北アフリカのキュレナイカ地方に自生していた植物で、古代世界では高級香辛料や薬として珍重されて...
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fungi Why do ergot fungi produce toxins? Unraveling the evolution of ergot alkaloids from a biological perspective.
Ergot fungi are a type of fungus that infects grasses, including cereals. The ergot alkaloids produced by this fungus are known to be highly toxic substances that have strong physiological effects on humans and livestock. Historically, consuming rye and other plants contaminated with ergot fungi has caused symptoms such as convulsions and gangrene...
animal Why are flamingos red? Why do they stand on one leg? Scientific papers explain everything from the six species classifications to the reasons for their evolution.
The vibrant pink flamingos you see at zoos. In Kenshi Yonezu's song "Flamingo," their unstable, one-legged stance, their curved beaks, and their striking red color all play a central role, depicting the fleeting relationships of unfulfilled men and women, and the emptiness and patheticness of modern people...
animal Why is the mouth of the beneficial insect, the long-nosed tachinid fly, so long? Its surprising behavior: a parasitic fly that feeds on nectar.
Are you familiar with the fly *Prosena siberita*? As its name suggests, it's characterized by its long, slender proboscis. Because of its extremely long proboscis relative to its body, at first glance it might resemble a blood-sucking stable fly or horsefly....
animal Why do snails have hair? The latest research explains the role of hair on their shells.
When we think of snails, we generally picture them slowly moving around with their coiled shells on their backs. But did you know that some snail species have their shells covered in a dense layer of fine hairs? At first glance, it almost looks like they're wearing fur. Why...?.
animal Why do we sweat under our arms when we're nervous? This article explains the role of pheromones, which communicate fear and anxiety, based on research papers.
Why do we sweat under our arms when we're nervous? This article explains everything from the physiological mechanisms behind sweating before a presentation to the effects of sweat odor on other people's emotions and brains. Based on research papers, it explores the possibility that human sweat acts as a pheromone to convey fear and anxiety, and its evolutionary significance.
animal Why are the faces of male cockatiels and three-horned crickets flat? Unraveling the evolutionary mystery through male-male combat.
When observing male Loxoblemmus campestris, Loxoblemmus sylvestris, and Loxoblemmus doenitzi crickets, their faces appear as if they have been severed...
history Review of the manga "Protecting the Witch": A heartwarming master-apprentice drama based on historical facts! A thorough explanation of the real-life doctor who challenged the witch hunts.
Have you ever heard the term "witch hunt"? In 16th-century Europe, tens of thousands of people were condemned as witches and killed due to superstition and mass panic—a time of madness. In that dark era, medicine and reason were used to confront superstition and end the witch hunts...
plant What are the differences between Oxalis, Oxalis corniculata, and Oxalis sulphureus? How do they differ from Oxalis corniculata? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.
Oxalis, Oxalis corniculata, and Oxalis sulphureus all belong to the genus Oxalis in the family Oxalidaceae, and are among the yellow-flowered varieties within the vast Oxalis genus. They are extremely common species, so hardy that they can easily grow even in cracks in urban concrete, and are even used in family crests in Japan...
plant What are the differences between alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.
Perennial alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis all belong to the Brassicaceae family. Their leaves creep horizontally, and while they have the characteristic cruciate flowers of the Brassicaceae family, they are quite small, consisting of four petals. They are cute and hardy, making them frequently cultivated as ornamental plants. However, as for the varieties...