ODU Biology

06/16/2026

The Venus flytrap is renowned for its ultrafast snap traps, which can capture insects in a fraction of a second.

New research reveals that trap closure is triggered by a rapid softening of the epidermal cell walls, uncovering the physical mechanism behind this remarkable movement.

Learn more this week in Science: https://scim.ag/4eit6FU

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Some animals and plants, such as oysters and trees, serve as cornerstones for their ecosystems. Now, a new study examines how the influence of these foundational species continues after death—finding both negative and positive effects.

Learn more: https://scim.ag/43vQPxu

06/16/2026

06/02/2026

Genome-wide analyses indicate that accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations, a hallmark of ageing, may be caused by cryptic replication errors, which act as passenger mutations that eventually become detectable with age owing to age-related somatic mosaicism, rather than oxidative damage.

06/02/2026

Analysis reveals the enzyme that allows some microorganisms to anchor their outer membrane to their cell wall.

06/02/2026

🌿 As we wrap up American Wetlands Month, we’re reminded that wetlands are essential to the health of our planet

They protect communities, support wildlife, and help address some of our most pressing environmental challenges

While this month highlights their importance, the need to protect and restore wetlands continues year-round

Thank you for being part of this community and helping advance wetland science and conservation.

The American Wetland Month resources are still available here: https://ow.ly/A3AT50YYkbj