Mother bats may nudge pups to grow up
As winged mammals, baby bats learn to fly and stop drinking mothers’ milk during their transition from infants to flying juveniles. Bat researchers observed a new behavior. Mothers push pups away with their forearms, perhaps encouraging them to go explore the world on their own
Mysteries of a golden beetle
Human sisters may look extremely different from one another. What does that have to do with gold, black and red beetles?
Jacobus Boomsma receives Hamilton Award, Collin Lab student takes first prize, new boardwalk in Galeta and more
The University of Panama Hosts Symposium to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Herbarium, an important component of one of the principal institutions of higher...
This major achievement is the result of years of work by a coordinated team at the University and dedicated, long-term support from local and international institutions.
New soft coral species discovered in Coiba, Panama
Scientists named new blood-red species of octocoral in honor of philanthropist Ray Dalio.
Violence in Pre-Columbian Panama Exaggerated, New Study Shows
An oft-cited publication said a pre-Colombian archaeological site in Panama showed signs of extreme violence. A new review of the evidence strongly suggests that the interpretation was wrong.
Old Species Learn New Tricks…Very Slowly
Perhaps old species, like some older people, gradually lose their ability to deal with changes in their environment. Aaron O’Dea and colleagues show that when the Caribbean was cut off from the Pacific by the rise of the Panama land bridge, evolutionarily old species took longer to expand into new habitats than evolutionarily younger species did.
Each tropical tree species gets the nutrients it needs
Biodiversity is the key to successful reforestation and climate-change mitigation because each tree species has its own way of getting the nutrients it needs to survive.
Tracking the route of the mosquito
Which mosquito species is likely to transmit the virus that causes the next epidemic? Join José Loaiza, Smithsonian research associate, senior scientist at Panama’s government research bureau, INDICASAT, and University of Panama professor, as he visits back yards and used-tire lots to find the answer.
Tropical Forest Seeds Have Three Survival Strategies
From tiny banana seeds to giant coconuts, it’s tough for seeds to survive in tropical soils where they are under attack by fungi, bacteria, insects and animals. By understanding how seeds defend themselves, tropical biologists contribute to reforestation, crop management and sustainable agriculture in the tropics.
