Bumblebees, Coral Reefs, and VR

March 28, 2024

Bumblebees solve complex puzzles, coral reef restoration, VR headsets in space!

bumblebees
coral reefs
virtual reality

Problem-solving bumblebees, restored coral reefs, and virtual reality in space… these are some of the top stories in science this week.

Scientists from London have discovered that bumblebees are smarter than they may appear.

Bumblebees were able to solve a complex puzzle using a phenomenon never before observed in insects

The puzzle features a sweet reward.

To get the reward, bumblebees needed to push the blue tab, followed by the red tab.

This might look simple, but it was difficult for the bees to find a solution on their own.

The only way they could solve the puzzle was by learning from other bumblebees, already trained by scientists.

Untrained bees observed trained bees and learned the winning strategy.

Then, they used this new knowledge to solve the puzzle by themselves.

social learning

Passing on knowledge between members of a group is called social learning. It’s one way that humans learn and develop over time.

This new research shows that bumblebees can do this too, and it’s transforming our understanding of insects and their behaviour.

Coral reefs are colourful underwater ecosystems, home to a diverse mix of animals and plants.

Unfortunately, many reefs around the world are being damaged by pollution, climate change, and destructive fishing.

Some reefs have been destroyed altogether.

South Sulawesi, Indonesia

In South Sulawesi, Indonesia, scientists and the local community have come together as part of the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project.

The project aims to regrow coral using steel frames called reef stars.

The reef stars are covered in sand and used to connect healthy coral fragments.

The reef stars were placed amongst damaged reefs, where they provided support for the coral fragments to grow.

Over time, the coral fragments grew bigger ….. and bigger, covering the steel frames and dead coral.

year 0

year 1

year 2

year 3

year 4

In just four years, the new reef was growing just as well as nearby healthy reefs.

While these results are encouraging, scientists warn that coral reef systems still face enormous threats, especially from warming ocean temperatures.

Astronauts on board the International Space Station are aiming to boost their mental health by experimenting with virtual reality headsets.

The international space station is a confined, cold, and artificial environment.

This can impact astronauts' mental wellbeing, especially as they don't have access to nature.

“I really miss being able to step outside, to feel the breeze, to feel the wind, to feel the warmth of the sun, to smell the leaves, the grass, and the flowers.”

The virtual reality headsets feature scenes of nature, which help connect astronauts to life back on Earth

They show the beach, mountains, and forests.

The headsets can be worn when resting, or while cycling.

As astronauts pedal, they are guided through nature paths and city streets.

The virtual reality headsets are already helping some astronauts feel more relaxed.

And hopefully, in the future, they will lead to happier and healthier lives in space.

Thanks for watching this week's episode of Twig Science Reporter.

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Teaching Overview

Learning Points

Bumblebees have solved a complex puzzle using social learning
Coral reefs in Indonesia have been restored using reef stars
Virtual Reality headsets are being used to improve the mental wellbeing of astronauts

Curriculum Keywords

bumblebees
coral reefs
virtual reality

Spark a Discussion

Bumblebees

How did the untrained bumblebees solve the puzzle?
Can you think of an example where you used social learning to pick up a new skill?
How might social learning help animals in the wild?

Coral Reefs

What are some threats that can damage coral reefs?
How did this project restore the damaged coral reefs?
What are some other ways we can protect coral reefs?

Virtual Reality in Space

How is virtual reality being used to help the mental wellbeing of astronauts?
What do the virtual reality headsets show?
What do you think it would be like to live aboard the International Space Station?

Credits

Queen Mary University of London
Dr Alice Bridges
Ocean Culture Life
MARS
Ines Lange
ESA - European Space Agency

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