Ancient DNA debunks Rapa Nui ecological suicide theory
In this episode:
00:45 What ancient DNA has revealed about Rapa Nui\u2019s pastAncient DNA analysis has further demonstrated that the people of Rapa Nui did not cause their own population collapse, further refuting a controversial but popular claim. Rapa Nui, also known as Easter island, is famous for its giant Moai statues and the contested idea that the people mismanaged their natural resources leading to \u2018ecological suicide\u2019. Genomes sequenced from the remains of 15 ancient islanders showed no evidence of a sudden population crash, substantiating other research challenging the collapse idea.
Research Article: Moreno-Mayar et al.
News and Views: Rapa Nui\u2019s population history rewritten using ancient DNA
News article: Famed Pacific island\u2019s population 'crash' debunked by ancient DNA
The extinct bat-eating fish that bit off more than they could chew, and how manatee dung shapes an Amazonian ecosystem.
Research Highlight: Ancient fish dined on bats \u2014 or died trying
Research Highlight: The Amazon\u2019s gargantuan gardeners: manatees
Despite being a hugely-studied model organism, it seems that there\u2019s still more to find out about the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, as researchers have discovered a new species of parasitoid wasp that infects the species. Unlike other parasitic wasps, this one lays its eggs in adult flies, with the developing larva devouring its host from the inside. The miniscule wasp was discovered by chance in an infected fruit fly collected in a Mississippi backyard and analysis suggests that despite having never been previously identified, it is widespread across parts of North America.
Research article: Moore et al.
How a dye that helps to give Doritos their orange hue can turn mouse tissues transparent, and an effective way to engage with climate-science sceptics.
Nature News: Transparent mice made with light-absorbing dye reveal organs at work
Nature News: How to change people\u2019s minds about climate change: what the science says
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