Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown species of the unique aquatic insect known as the water-penny beetle, marking the first-ever record of its genus in Tamil Nadu. The discovery, made in the fast-flowing Kurangani stream of the Bodi hills, introduces Jaechanax kuranganiensis to the world.
![A tiger crossing a road in Tadoba National Park, India [Image Credits: Grassjewel / CC BY-SA]](/sites/researchmatters/files/styles/large_front_800x320/public/panthera_tigris_tigris_tadoba_india_wild_tiger_0.jpg?itok=EDu1DTiI "A tiger crossing a road in Tadoba National Park, India [Image Credits: Grassjewel / CC BY-SA]")
Study finds proposed road construction in the continent could impact tiger populations in 13 countries.
Termites are renowned architects whose mounds have inspired many building designs around the world. But did you know how termites build their mud castles? A new study has tried to understand how termites use boluses -- a combination of mud and saliva acting as bricks -- to build their mounds. The study also throws light on the properties of materials the termites prefer to use to build mounds and discusses reasons behind the same. This study, the researchers claim, is a first towards understand the unique procedure followed by nature’s best architects in building some of the finest castles.