Ladybug becomes powerful foe after ‘stealing’ toxins from invasive insect
In a thicket of prickly pear cacti near Valencia, Spain, a troop of predatory ants moves in for the kill. But their target—the white, shaggy-coated larva of a ladybug known as the mealybug ladybird (
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
)—is far from defenseless. As the ants mount their attack, the juvenile beetle tenses its muscles and expels a drop of bright red fluid. Called hemolymph, the substance is chock-full of carminic acid, a toxic chemical that grants the liquid a bloodlike hue and prompts the ants to abandon their assault.
Now, new research has shown that
C. montrouzieri
larvae
“steal...
Source: ScienceNOW - March 12, 2024 Category: Science Source Type: news
AHA News: Get Past Its Spines and Reap Health Benefits From the Prickly Pear Cactus
FRIDAY, Aug. 4, 2023 (American Heart Association News) -- Covered in menacing needlelike spines, the prickly pear cactus demands to be treated with care. In return, it will reward you with a juicy neon fruit and fleshy green pads that have nourished... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews - August 4, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: news
Medical News Today: What are the benefits of nopal?
This article looks at its nutritional content and possible health benefits. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - December 12, 2017 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Nutrition / Diet Source Type: news
Traditional Mexican Recipes Fight the Good Fight
In a clay pot, Araceli Márquez mixes tiny Mexican freshwater fish known as charales with herbs and a sauce made of chili pepper, green tomatoes and prickly pear cactus fruit, preparing adish calledmixmole. “I learned how to cook by asking people and experimenting,” the 55-year-old divorced mother of two told IPS. “The ingredients are natural, […] (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - May 27, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Emilio Godoy Tags: Active Citizens Civil Society Cooperatives Development & Aid Economy & Trade Editors' Choice Environment Food & Agriculture Global Governance Green Economy Headlines Health IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse Labour Latin America & t Source Type: news
How the California Coastal Commission pressured scientists to change opinions on major project
The land — the largest private undeveloped coastal parcel in Southern California — is dotted with rusting oil pipes, abandoned wells and groaning pump jacks that continue to pull crude from the earth. But nature hasn't let go. Patches of prickly pear cactus, grasslands, scrub-coated arroyos and... (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)
Source: Los Angeles Times - Science - May 7, 2016 Category: Science Authors: Bettina Boxall Source Type: news
Orange County project is a bellwether for California Coastal Commission's future
The land — the largest private undeveloped coastal parcel in Southern California — is dotted with rusting oil pipes, abandoned wells and groaning pump jacks that continue to pull crude from the earth. But nature hasn't let go. Patches of prickly pear cactus, grasslands, scrub-coated arroyos and... (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)
Source: Los Angeles Times - Science - May 7, 2016 Category: Science Authors: Bettina Boxall Source Type: news
Does prickly pear cactus have health benefits?
(Source: MayoClinic.com - Ask a Specialist)
Source: MayoClinic.com - Ask a Specialist - October 16, 2015 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
Sap-sucking insects may combat Kenyan cactus plague
A trial shows cochineal bug can control invasive prickly pear cactus in East Africa, without harming other plants. (Source: SciDev.Net)
Source: SciDev.Net - May 18, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news
Cocktail concoctions that may have you drinking to your health
Vodka infused with acai. Sangria loaded with Mediterranean blood orange and pomegranate. Cosmopolitans concocted with prickly pear cactus and aloe. Fresh juniper and lavender blended into organic gin made on a 70-acre biodynamic farm in Colorado. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)
Source: L.A. Times - Health - December 27, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
Is Prickly Pear Cactus Effective for Hangover?Is Prickly Pear Cactus Effective for Hangover?
Oh, my aching head! Can this herbal remedy prevent hangover? Please tell me, but quietly... Medscape Pharmacists (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - March 11, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Family Medicine/Primary Care Ask the Expert Source Type: news
