The Astonishing Discovery: Starfish Are Just Giant Heads

The Astonishing Discovery: Starfish Are Just Giant Heads

Technology

Zoologists have discovered that starfish are not just in possession of a head, but they are a head. This astonishing finding challenges centuries-old assumptions and opens up new avenues of research into understanding the evolution of echinoderms. The study reveals that starfish do not have a body per se; instead, their so-called “arms” are also heads. This revelation has significant implications for our understanding of starfish and echinoderms as a whole. The research, published in the journal Nature, also highlights the use of RNA tomography to study gene expression in starfish and unravel their unique evolutionary journey.

The Corpse Flower: At Risk of Extinction

The Corpse Flower: At Risk of Extinction

Technology

Rafflesia, or the corpse flower, is facing extinction due to the destruction of its forest habitats in Southeast Asia. There are 42 species of Rafflesia, with 25 classified as critically endangered and 15 as endangered. Current conservation strategies are failing to protect two-thirds of these species. Scientists are urging for a cross-regional approach to save these remarkable flowers. The parasitic plant, which has no leaves, stems, or roots, extracts food and water from tropical jungle vines. Researchers are calling for increased habitat protection, better understanding of the plant, and new conservation methods.