discuss Science & Technology news & discussion

[CraigD]

Post and discuss interesting articles & videos about science and technology.

You don't need to be an expert - just interested in the wonders of modern science, technology, and the history of these fields.

Please keep it rational, and post articles from reputable sources.
Try not to editorialise headlines and keep the copy to just a paragraph with a link to the original source. When quoting excerpts from articles, I think the best method is to italicise the copy, and include a link to the source.

Have some fun with your comments and discussions... just keep the sources legitimate.

Other threads:
The Break Room has a number of other popular threads, so there is no need to post material here that is better suited to these other threads:

- Covid19-Coronavirus updates and news
- Conspiracy Thread Free For All
- The *religious* discussion thread

Please enjoy!

 

[CraigD]

Coral recovery during a prolonged heatwave offers new hope

University of Victoria biologists have discovered how some corals managed to survive a globally unprecedented heatwave, in a first-ever study that provides new hope for the long-term survival of coral reefs in the face of climate change.
Published today in Nature Communications, the study presents the discoveries made by the international research team as they tracked hundreds of coral colonies on reefs around Christmas Island (Kiritimati), throughout the 2015-2016 El Niño. Heat stress from that El Niño triggered the third-ever global coral bleaching event, causing mass coral bleaching and mortality on reefs around the world. Its epicenter was Christmas Island, where the heatwave lasted an unprecedented 10 months.

"Although this pathway to survival may not be open to all corals or in all conditions, it demonstrates an innovative strategy for survival that could be leveraged by conservationists to support coral survival," adds Claar

On this subject, the biggest sex party of the year has begun.

The Great Barrier Reef breeding bonanza has kicked off with a bang, but bleaching legacy could make it a bust

The world's biggest sex event — the mass coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef — is underway.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2020-12-06/coral-spawning-great-barrier-reef-bleaching/12942410

 

[Sutruk]

Carpenter's The Thing was brilliant, and scared the hell out of me as a kid! Have you seen the new prequel?

You can watch the complete Dark Star film here. Hilariously bad, but still more original and interesting than many modern sci-fi films, and it predates Star Wars by a couple of years. Apparently the beach ball alien was the inspiration for the film Alien.

Yes, The Thing from 2011, a very good movie too, explaining where the alien came from. The ending of that movie is the beginning of The Thing of 1982, very well tied together by the way!

 

[CraigD]

WHY A CLASSIC PHYSICS PHENOMENON COULD PREVENT FUTURE CAR CRASHES
A team of researchers in Poland has designed a smart traffic sign that uses the Doppler Effect, a physics phenomenon, and video to detect everything from passing vehicle speed to road conditions. Unlike existing traffic sensors that simply record speed, these dynamic signs would warn drivers of impending accidents before they happen.

This research was virtually presented Monday at the 179th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America.

HOW IT WORKS — To capture traffic patterns in real-time, these smart traffic signs rely on a two-tiered system of sensors. First, a Doppler radar is used to collect acoustic data of vehicles as they pass by individual signs.

This radar works by taking advantage of a simple, but powerful, physics phenomenon called the Doppler Effect. Essentially, as vehicles drive by these signs they squish sound waves in front of them while behind them the waves fan out more leisurely — kind of like what happens when you kick a blanket away with just one foot.

While this is an interesting application of doppler-shift measurement, I think the most unique aspect as a traffic monitoring tool is that it is a passive system:

"While some doppler sensors use microwaves to make their measurements, which are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, the researchers say that their AVS uses passive monitoring and doesn't emit any signals that could be manipulated."

Even radar and laser measurement systems can be interfered with.

 

[koolishman]

Key building block for organic molecules discovered in meteorites

Scientists from Japan and the USA have confirmed the presence in meteorites of a key organic molecule which may have been used to build other organic molecules, including some used by life. The discovery validates theories of the formation of organic compounds in extraterrestrial environments.

The chemistry of life runs on organic compounds, molecules containing carbon and hydrogen, which also may include oxygen, nitrogen and other elements. While commonly associated with life, organic molecules also can be created by non-biological processes and are not necessarily indicators of life. An enduring mystery regarding the origin of life is how biology could have arisen from non-biological chemical processes, called prebiotic chemistry. Organic molecules from meteorites are one of the sources of organic compounds that lead to the formation of life on Earth.


Associate Professor Yasuhiro Oba from Hokkaido University led a team of researchers who discovered the presence of a prebiotic organic molecule called hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three different carbon-rich meteorites. Their discovery, published in the journal Nature Communications, validates models and theories that propose HMT as a key molecule in the formation of organic compounds in interstellar environments.

Extraterrestrial hexamethylenetetramine in meteorites—a precursor of prebiotic chemistry in the inner solar system | Nature Communications

 

[koolishman]

It's Not Just Humans. Sparrows Have Been Seen Using Preventative Medicine
A new correspondence paper has put forward the idea that russet sparrows (Passer cinnamomeus) in China are using wormwood (Artemisia verlotorum) leaves in their nest as a preventative medicine, to reduce parasites and help their babies get bigger.

The conclusion that animals can use medicinal plants to their benefit is not necessarily new, pregnant elephants in Kenya eat a particular leaf to induce birth, while many other mammals use medicinal plants to self-medicate – sometimes to prevent disease or just generally feel better from an ailment.

But it's still pretty amazing that a tiny sparrow might know that some plants are more important than others for protecting against disease.

Sparrows use a medicinal herb to defend against parasites and increase offspring condition: Current Biology (cell.com)

 

[CraigD]

Yes, The Thing from 2011, a very good movie too, explaining where the alien came from. The ending of that movie is the beginning of The Thing of 1982, very well tied together by the way!

The wolf running through the snow, being chased by a sniper in a helicopter... even the credits fonts and style matched up 30-years later - brilliant!

The one thing that doesn't work is the 30-year discrepancy in fashion and technology; from smart phones in the prequel to Kurt Russell playing an 80's chess wizard computer.

 

[Sutruk]

Key building block for organic molecules discovered in meteorites

Scientists from Japan and the USA have confirmed the presence in meteorites of a key organic molecule which may have been used to build other organic molecules, including some used by life. The discovery validates theories of the formation of organic compounds in extraterrestrial environments.

The chemistry of life runs on organic compounds, molecules containing carbon and hydrogen, which also may include oxygen, nitrogen and other elements. While commonly associated with life, organic molecules also can be created by non-biological processes and are not necessarily indicators of life. An enduring mystery regarding the origin of life is how biology could have arisen from non-biological chemical processes, called prebiotic chemistry. Organic molecules from meteorites are one of the sources of organic compounds that lead to the formation of life on Earth.


Associate Professor Yasuhiro Oba from Hokkaido University led a team of researchers who discovered the presence of a prebiotic organic molecule called hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three different carbon-rich meteorites. Their discovery, published in the journal Nature Communications, validates models and theories that propose HMT as a key molecule in the formation of organic compounds in interstellar environments.

Extraterrestrial hexamethylenetetramine in meteorites—a precursor of prebiotic chemistry in the inner solar system | Nature Communications

"...confirmed the presence in meteorites of a key organic molecule which may have been used to build other organic molecules, including some used by life."

Meteorites carry organic molecules used to build life. The space is plenty of meteorites with these organic molecules, falling into every planet and satellite out there. If any planet or satellite have the right conditions for life, it will be developed there.
Although we still haven't confirmed it, Universe is plenty of life, that's for sure. In fact in 10-20 years I bet it will be confirmed in our own Solar System. Enceladus, Europa and Titan are clearly winners to have life.
Now count millions upon millions of Galaxies, Stars and habitable planets out there.

 

[Sutruk]

By the way, on our own planet, we have a very little but incredible tough animal, the Tardigrade, capable to survive for long time at an oxygen-deprived space vacuum.... place a few thousands of tardigrades on a meteorite, and there you have a tiny but super tough animal travelling on the space!

Tardigrades: Water bears in space

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12855775

"In 2007, a little known creature called a tardigrade became the first animal to survive exposure to space.
It prevailed over sub-zero temperatures, unrelenting solar winds and an oxygen-deprived space vacuum.
On Monday, this microscopic cosmonaut has once again hitched a ride into space on the Nasa shuttle Endeavour.
Its mission: to help scientists understand more about how this so-called "hardiest animal on Earth" can survive for short periods off it."

Everything We Know About Tardigrades, the Only Animal That Can Survive in Space

https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/a11137/tardigrades-water-bears/

"Tardigrades are one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth—and the moon. Last year, the Israeli spacecraft Beresheet crashed on the moon, spilling thousands of the dehydrated tardigrades that scientists loaded onto the lander (along with human DNA samples), according to a WIRED report.

In 2007, scientists discovered these microscopic critters can survive an extended stay in the cold, irradiated vacuum of outer space. A European team of researchers sent a group of living tardigrades to orbit the earth on the outside of a FOTON-M3 rocket for 10 days.

Rather, the tardigrade's space-surviving ability is the result of a strange response they've evolved to overcome an earthly life-threatening problem: a water shortage."

 

[CraigD]

By the way, on our own planet, we have a very little but incredible tough animal, the Tardigrade, capable to survive for long time at an oxygen-deprived space vacuum.... place a few thousands of tardigrades on a meteorite, and there you have a tiny but super tough animal travelling on the space!

Tardigrades: Water bears in space

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12855775

"In 2007, a little known creature called a tardigrade became the first animal to survive exposure to space.
It prevailed over sub-zero temperatures, unrelenting solar winds and an oxygen-deprived space vacuum.
On Monday, this microscopic cosmonaut has once again hitched a ride into space on the Nasa shuttle Endeavour.
Its mission: to help scientists understand more about how this so-called "hardiest animal on Earth" can survive for short periods off it."

Everything We Know About Tardigrades, the Only Animal That Can Survive in Space

https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/a11137/tardigrades-water-bears/

"Tardigrades are one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth—and the moon. Last year, the Israeli spacecraft Beresheet crashed on the moon, spilling thousands of the dehydrated tardigrades that scientists loaded onto the lander (along with human DNA samples), according to a WIRED report.

In 2007, scientists discovered these microscopic critters can survive an extended stay in the cold, irradiated vacuum of outer space. A European team of researchers sent a group of living tardigrades to orbit the earth on the outside of a FOTON-M3 rocket for 10 days.

Rather, the tardigrade's space-surviving ability is the result of a strange response they've evolved to overcome an earthly life-threatening problem: a water shortage."

Tardigrades: We're now polluting the moon with near indestructible little creatures

An Israeli spacecraft called Beresheet almost made it to the moon in April [2019]. It took a selfie with the lunar surface in the background, but then lost contact with Earth and presumably crashed onto the lunar surface. Now it's been revealed that the mission was carrying a cargo of dehydrated microscopic lifeforms known as tardigrades.

https://phys.org/news/2019-08-tardigrades-polluting-moon-indestructible-creatures.html

 

[Sutruk]

Jupiter and Saturn will reunite after 800 years on the longest night of 2020 to form a rare 'Christmas star'

https://www.businessinsider.in/scie...-rare-christmas-star/articleshow/79620041.cms

"The winter solstice, set to occur on December 21, will see these two planets align for the first time since the middle ages. The last time such a December conjunction took place was back in 1226.

According to NASA, it's the ‘greatest’ of all great conjunctions between Jupiter and Saturn. Astronomers and sky gazers will be able to see the two giant planets and their moons within the same field of view by just using a telescope or a pair of binoculars.

Even though Jupiter and Saturn will be 400 million miles apart, they’ll create a radiant point of light in the night sky from Earth’s point of view.
This phenomenon is being called the ‘Christmas Star’ or the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ due to the proximity of the event to Christmas."

 

[koolishman]

"...confirmed the presence in meteorites of a key organic molecule which may have been used to build other organic molecules, including some used by life."

Meteorites carry organic molecules used to build life. The space is plenty of meteorites with these organic molecules, falling into every planet and satellite out there. If any planet or satellite have the right conditions for life, it will be developed there.
Although we still haven't confirmed it, Universe is plenty of life, that's for sure. In fact in 10-20 years I bet it will be confirmed in our own Solar System. Enceladus, Europa and Titan are clearly winners to have life.
Now count millions upon millions of Galaxies, Stars and habitable planets out there.

Do you think, those will be sentient beings like us?

 

[Sutruk]

Do you think, those will be sentient beings like us?

Well, not on our solar system... but on the Universe, yes I am sure there are other sentient or intelligent forms of life.
It just needs the right planet or satellite, located on the "habitable zone". Then the correct surface (rocky), gravity and with water. And then, just wait... life will be developed and with enough time, intelligent forms of life will appear.
We have appeared on earth and have been here for a very short period, compared to the earth lifetime, or even compared to the Dinosaurs lifetime.

The question will be, for how long we will be able to be here, with our technology and science advances, without crashing our own environment, and if so, having developed a technology to travel to other habitable planets?
I mean, the crucial point of intelligent life is for how long it can live without destroying its own environment or planet.

 

[CraigD]

By the way, on our own planet, we have a very little but incredible tough animal, the Tardigrade, capable to survive for long time at an oxygen-deprived space vacuum.... place a few thousands of tardigrades on a meteorite, and there you have a tiny but super tough animal travelling on the space!

Tardigrades: Water bears in space

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12855775

"In 2007, a little known creature called a tardigrade became the first animal to survive exposure to space.
It prevailed over sub-zero temperatures, unrelenting solar winds and an oxygen-deprived space vacuum.
On Monday, this microscopic cosmonaut has once again hitched a ride into space on the Nasa shuttle Endeavour.
Its mission: to help scientists understand more about how this so-called "hardiest animal on Earth" can survive for short periods off it."

Everything We Know About Tardigrades, the Only Animal That Can Survive in Space

https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/a11137/tardigrades-water-bears/

"Tardigrades are one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth—and the moon. Last year, the Israeli spacecraft Beresheet crashed on the moon, spilling thousands of the dehydrated tardigrades that scientists loaded onto the lander (along with human DNA samples), according to a WIRED report.

In 2007, scientists discovered these microscopic critters can survive an extended stay in the cold, irradiated vacuum of outer space. A European team of researchers sent a group of living tardigrades to orbit the earth on the outside of a FOTON-M3 rocket for 10 days.

Rather, the tardigrade's space-surviving ability is the result of a strange response they've evolved to overcome an earthly life-threatening problem: a water shortage."

I initially thought that tardigrades would inherit the solar system, but they will not survive long after coming out of hibernation because as well as water, they require nutrients from the fluid of other living creatures.

 

[Sutruk]

I initially thought that tardigrades would inherit the solar system, but they will not survive long after coming out of hibernation because as well as water, they require nutrients from the fluid of other living creatures.

Yes that's right.. they can survive for a limited period out on the space, because they just haven't been evolved specially for life in space. Just for extreme earth life with long dehidrated or water default periods.

But the key of Tardigrades, is on their hibernation period, not when they are "awake".
When they are awake they are very easy to destroy.... but when they change to "hibernation mode" then are almost indestructible".

 

[koolishman]

Well, not on our solar system... but on the Universe, yes I am sure there are other sentient or intelligent forms of life.
It just needs the right planet or satellite, located on the "habitable zone". Then the correct surface (rocky), gravity and with water. And then, just wait... life will be developed and with enough time, intelligent forms of life will appear.
We have appeared on earth and have been here for a very short period, compared to the earth lifetime, or even compared to the Dinosaurs lifetime.

The question will be, for how long we will be able to be here, with our technology and science advances, without crashing our own environment, and if so, having developed a technology to travel to other habitable planets?
I mean, the crucial point of intelligent life is for how long it can live without destroying its own environment or planet.

The very fact that other sentient beings, assuming they have been existing for much longer time, have not contacted us , means they consider us dumb? An annoyance?

 

[Sutruk]

The very fact that other sentient beings, assuming they have been existing for much longer time, have not contacted us , means they consider us dumb? An annoyance?

I bet the two lol. Now seriously, the space and time out there on the Universe is so vast, that it would be difficult for them, to locate us in time (we have been living here for a very very very little period of time) and in space (plenty of thousands of millions of stars and planets in our own Galaxy). For intelligent life in other galaxies (there are millions upon millions on the Universe) that would be just plain impossible, or it would not worth a dime, to travel so long and impossible distances just to meet us.
So, for them, it would be just so difficult to find us, let alone to find us in the same time, and then come here to say "hello"

 

[CraigD]

Chuck Yeager obituary

Chuck Yeager, who has died aged 97, stands alongside the Wright Brothers and Charles Lindbergh in the history of American aviation. In 1947 Yeager was the first person to break the sound barrier; and, in hitting Mach 1, he set the US on a path that was to lead to Neil Armstrong’s 1969 moon landing.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/08/chuck-yeager-obituary

 

[Cannuck]

I bet the two lol. Now seriously, the space and time out there on the Universe is so vast, that it would be difficult for them, to locate us in time (we have been living here for a very very very little period of time) and in space (plenty of thousands of millions of stars and planets in our own Galaxy). For intelligent life in other galaxies (there are millions upon millions on the Universe) that would be just plain impossible, or it would not worth a dime, to travel so long and impossible distances just to meet us. So, for them, it would be just so difficult to find us, let alone to find us in the same time, and then come here to say "hello"

I believe Aliens have visited Earth in the past, particularly during the height of Egypt. Here is a video from 1961 showing the Russian ISIS archaeological excavation of the Tomb of the Visitor God (confirmed to be 100% authentic).

https://www.ufointernationalproject...e-discovery-of-a-13000-ancient-alien-visitor/

Ancient text is probably one of THE most important pieces of evidence of Ancient Aliens visiting earth:

Translation by many leading historians and scientists:

“In the year 22, of the third month of winter, sixth hour of the day […] among the scribes of the House of Life it was found that a strange Fiery Disk was coming in the sky. It had no head. The breath of its mouth emitted a foul odour. Its body was one rod in length and one rod in width. It had no voice. It came toward His Majesty’s house. Their heart became confused through it, and they fell upon their bellies. They [went] to the king, to report it. His Majesty [ordered that] the scrolls [located] in the House of Life be consulted. His Majesty meditated on all these events which were now going on.

After several days had passed, they became more numerous in the sky than ever. They shined in the sky more than the brightness of the sun, and extended to the limits of the four supports of heaven […] Powerful was the position of the Fiery Disks.

The army of the King looked on, with His Majesty in their midst. It was after the evening meal when the Disks ascended even higher in the sky to the south. Fish and other volatiles rained down from the sky: a marvel never before known since the foundation of the country. And His Majesty caused incense to be brought to appease the heart of Amun-Re, the god of the Two Lands. And it was [ordered] that the event [be recorded for] His Majesty in the Annals of the House of Life [to be remembered] for ever.”

https://www.ufointernationalproject...at-confirms-aliens-visited-earth-in-the-past/

 

[Alop]

@CraigD

 

[koolishman]

Japanese bees know how to deal with the "Murder Hornets". They literally cook them alive.

Video shows that 'Murder Hornets' can be cooked alive by a vibrating sphere of Japanese bees

https://www.insider.com/murder-hornet-japanese-honeybee-bee-sphere-vibrate-cooked-alive-video-2020-5

Japanese honeybees have developed a technique called a "hot defensive bee ball" to roast the hornets alive in a ball of vibrating bees.

"A National Geographic video shows the process in action, explaining how it serves to protect the hive as a whole. A solitary "murder hornet" scout approaches a honeybee hive as a means of scouting out the hive and marking it with a pheromone that will allow fellow hornets to find it. That solitary approach will prove to be its downfall.

The video shows the hornet being swarmed by hundreds of bees all at once, with thermal photography revealing the temperature increase as the honeybees raise the temperature within the bee ball to a precise temperature and roasting the hornet alive.

Regrettably, European honeybees, which are the most common pollinators in the United States, haven't developed the same bee ball technique, allowing hornets to decimate their hives given that the bees' stingers cannot pierce the hornets, scientists say."

The bees, when the hornet arrives to the honeybee hive, let the hornet enter inside. Then, when inside, they swarm it all at once, rising the temperature, to a temperature supported by the bees, but not by the hornet. They literally roast the hornet alive.

So that hornet scout won't be able to tell its fellow hornets how to find the hive.

Honey Bees Use Animal Dung to Fend Off Giant “Murder” Hornets

What’s the best way to ward off giant hornets if you’re a honeybee? Animal dung, according to a first-ever University of Guelph study.

U of G researchers have discovered honeybees in Vietnam collect and apply spots of animal dung around hive entrances to deter deadly nest raids by an Asian hornet (Vespa soror) whose North American cousins have been dubbed “murder hornets.”

This finding is also the first to document the use of tools by honeybees.

 

[koolishman]

NASA announces group of astronauts going to moon

 

[CraigD]

Anthropocene: human-made materials now weigh as much as all living biomass, say scientists

Our constructions have now – indeed, spookily, just this year – attained the same mass as that of all living organisms on Earth. The human enterprise is growing fast, too, while nature keeps shrinking. The science-fiction scenario of an engineered planet is already here.

https://theconversation.com/anthropocene-human-made-materials-now-weigh-as-much-as-all-living-biomass-say-scientists-151721

 

[CraigD]

Fragments of energy – not waves or particles – may be the fundamental building blocks of the universe
Matter is what makes up the universe, but what makes up matter? This question has long been tricky for those who think about it – especially for the physicists. Reflecting recent trends in physics, my colleague Jeffrey Eischen and I have described an updated way to think about matter. We propose that matter is not made of particles or waves, as was long thought, but – more fundamentally – that matter is made of fragments of energy.https://theconversation.com/fragmen...mental-building-blocks-of-the-universe-150730

 

[Sutruk]

I believe Aliens have visited Earth in the past, particularly during the height of Egypt. Here is a video from 1961 showing the Russian ISIS archaeological excavation of the Tomb of the Visitor God (confirmed to be 100% authentic).

https://www.ufointernationalproject...e-discovery-of-a-13000-ancient-alien-visitor/

Ancient text is probably one of THE most important pieces of evidence of Ancient Aliens visiting earth:

Translation by many leading historians and scientists:

“In the year 22, of the third month of winter, sixth hour of the day […] among the scribes of the House of Life it was found that a strange Fiery Disk was coming in the sky. It had no head. The breath of its mouth emitted a foul odour. Its body was one rod in length and one rod in width. It had no voice. It came toward His Majesty’s house. Their heart became confused through it, and they fell upon their bellies. They [went] to the king, to report it. His Majesty [ordered that] the scrolls [located] in the House of Life be consulted. His Majesty meditated on all these events which were now going on.

After several days had passed, they became more numerous in the sky than ever. They shined in the sky more than the brightness of the sun, and extended to the limits of the four supports of heaven […] Powerful was the position of the Fiery Disks.

The army of the King looked on, with His Majesty in their midst. It was after the evening meal when the Disks ascended even higher in the sky to the south. Fish and other volatiles rained down from the sky: a marvel never before known since the foundation of the country. And His Majesty caused incense to be brought to appease the heart of Amun-Re, the god of the Two Lands. And it was [ordered] that the event [be recorded for] His Majesty in the Annals of the House of Life [to be remembered] for ever.”

https://www.ufointernationalproject...at-confirms-aliens-visited-earth-in-the-past/

I don't think that's an evidence of alien visit to our planet sorry.
I just see a very blurred video and mummy there with long legs? I really don't see any evidence of alien there.
Have you seen the ancient "Forerunners of the Inca" mummies found in Peru? And those are not fake, those are real.
If you get to see them, you will think those are real aliens. But no, they just have very deformed and elongated skulls caused intentionally to some high class people.
They deformed their skulls with very tight bandages during long periods, until they looked like an American Football ball.
I know there are many people and actually webs about ufo's and everything related, but till the moment I haven't seen any real scientific evidence of alien life here on Earth.

 

[Sutruk]

Honey Bees Use Animal Dung to Fend Off Giant “Murder” Hornets

What’s the best way to ward off giant hornets if you’re a honeybee? Animal dung, according to a first-ever University of Guelph study.

U of G researchers have discovered honeybees in Vietnam collect and apply spots of animal dung around hive entrances to deter deadly nest raids by an Asian hornet (Vespa soror) whose North American cousins have been dubbed “murder hornets.”

This finding is also the first to document the use of tools by honeybees.

Another ones that have found a way to stop the "Murder Hornets"!
It seems that it was Buffalo dung, and it looks like Murder Hornets really don't like it.
"During one visit, an experienced beekeeper explained that the substance was buffalo dung."
"...they suspect the insects are repelled by the smell of the dung. Dung may also mask odors emitted by the bees."