Spider

The complete skeletal remains of a spider monkey -- seen as an exotic curiosity in pre-Hispanic Mexico -- grants researchers new evidence regarding social-political ties between two ancient powerhouses: Teotihuacán and Maya Indigenous rulers. The remains of other animals were also discovered, as well as thousands of Maya-style mural fragments and over 14,000 ceramic sherds from a grand feast. These pieces are more than 1,700 years old.

Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease. But even knowing where these ticks live doesn't necessarily mean you can predict the disease in humans. It's only one part of a broader picture which includes human behavior and the habits of the parasite's carriers.

Tick-borne pathogens, known for causing illnesses such as Lyme disease, are on the rise in Central Canada -- presenting new risks in areas where they were never previously detected. The findings demonstrate the need for more comprehensive testing and tracking to detect the spread and potential risk of tick-borne pathogens to human and wildlife populations throughout Canada.

When it comes to preventing tick bites -- especially in light of the dramatic, decade-long rise in tick-borne diseases -- bug sprays help but are less than optimal.

When it comes to spider love, female widow spiders hold the key to attracting mates, potentially adjusting their web's attractiveness to lure males, according to new research. A study led by Simon Fraser University's resident 'spider man,' PhD candidate Andreas Fischer, reveals new details about how female false widow spiders (Steatoda grossa) communicate using pheromones--and suggests they can build more attractive webs-- to lure mate-seeking males by adjusting the pH level of their […]