evolution

[Real-life experience] How to find bed bugs and the complete procedure for eradicating them! A thorough explanation of bite marks, eggs, and their life cycle.

Recently, bed bugs appeared in my apartment. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are indoor pests belonging to the genus Cimex in the family Cordycepsidae, order Hemiptera. In Japan, after World War II, effective insecticides were used to combat them...

2026.05.18

animal

What are the differences between Akebia, Akebia trifoliata, Akebia quinata, and Stauntonia hexaphylla? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Are the large female flowers a way to deceive insects? Who eats the fruit in the wild?

Akebia, Akebia trifoliata, Akebia quinata, and Stauntonia hexaphylla all belong to the Akebia family. They are climbing plants with palmately compound leaves, and a key characteristic is that male and female flowers bloom separately. Akebia and Akebia trifoliata, in particular, are famous for the edible white, gelatinous pulp inside their opened fruits. For many, it's a taste of the countryside from their childhood...

2026.03.24

plant

What are the differences between Japanese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Chinese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Japanese yam (Dioscorea tokoro), and bitter yam (Dioscorea japonica)? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why do they produce bulbils? Their reproductive strategies were diverse!

Japanese yam (Dioscorea japonica), Chinese yam (Dioscorea longa), Japanese yam (Dioscorea tokoro), and bitter yam (Dioscorea japonica) all belong to the genus Dioscorea in the family Dioscoreaceae. They produce edible tubers and bulbils, and are very common climbing perennial plants often seen in urban areas. The genus Dioscorea, also known as yam, is a group that includes a vast number of species...

2026.03.18

plant

What are the differences between white magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba magnolia? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that their flowers are primitive? What is the purpose of their conspicuous red seeds?

White magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba all belong to the Magnolia genus of the Magnoliaceae family. Being deciduous trees, they shed their leaves in winter, and around April, like cherry blossoms, they produce large, white, polypetalous flowers—one per branch—before the leaves appear. A key characteristic of these trees is...

2026.03.10

plant

What are the differences between European pumpkins, Japanese pumpkins, and pepo pumpkins? European pumpkins are eaten in Japan, and Japanese pumpkins are eaten in the West! Were the fruits eaten by extinct animals!?

European pumpkins, Japanese pumpkins, and pepo pumpkins are all annual vining plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, Cucurbita genus. Originally from the Americas, they are very popular in Japan, playing an important role in both everyday meals and Halloween celebrations. However, the three species are often confused, and their differences...

2026.03.05

plant

What are the differences between cochineal, lac, and shellac, insects we actually eat every day? Is it true that they are found in large quantities in red foods and lipstick? Are they dangerous? Why are they used?

In Japan, except in some regions, eating insects is extremely rare, and it's safe to say that it's almost unheard of among younger generations, especially in urban areas. While some advocate for insect consumption as a way to prepare for food shortages, cries of "Absolutely not!" are heard, mainly on social media. Even though I work with insects, I still...

2026.02.19

animalhistory

Is it a myth that spices were used during the Age of Discovery to mask the smell of rotten meat? What was the real reason? Is it also a myth that they were used to improve preservation?

I originally have a science background, but I enjoy reading world history content. I came across something interesting in that context. It was the idea that spices (spices excluding stems, leaves, and flowers) don't have much antibacterial properties, and that "spices were used to mask the smell of rotten meat"...

2026.02.13

planthistory

What are the differences, roles, functions, and ways to remember the stomachs of ruminants (tripe, honeycomb tripe, omasum, and abomasum)? Why did rumination evolve?

When you go to a yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant, you might see four parts of the cow's stomach (fore-stomach) listed as offal: mino, hachinosu, senmai, and giara. Because they have a distinctive taste and are internal organs, people either love them or hate them, but their chewy texture and compatibility with alcohol make them a popular choice...

2026.01.22

animal

Is Adlerian psychology suspicious? Is it dubious? Is it pseudoscience? How much of it is actually proven? We'll explain the scientific basis and common misconceptions!

If we were to summarize Adlerian psychology in one sentence, it would be: "A psychology that fosters the ability to live in cooperation with others (community feeling) by choosing one's own life (self-determination), acting in accordance with one's purpose (teleology), and letting go of unnecessary control over others (separation of tasks)." However, his psychology...

2026.01.20

animalhistory

What are the origins of rhythm and time signatures (2/4, 4/4, 3/4)? An explanation of their evolutionary and historical origins!

When you take up listening to music, singing, or dancing as hobbies, you naturally develop an interest in rhythm and time signatures. However, if you try to pinpoint the origins of these things, you might find it difficult to answer. Because we often find ourselves naturally moving to rhythms, we might not even question it...

2025.11.12

animalhistory