Signal skills: Researchers in London, England discovered that bumblebees can tell the difference between long and short flashes of light, much like the “dash” and “dot” pattern used in Morse code. To test this, scientists built a small maze and trained the bees to follow a brief flash linked to a sweet reward while ignoring a longer flash tied to something they didn’t want. When the treats were later removed, the bees still chose the correct signal, showing they’d learned the timing rather than relying on smell or position. Because insects don’t usually encounter flashing cues, the results point to a surprisingly flexible sense of timing. The study also offers a new way to explore how small nervous systems handle complex tasks.
Digital treasure: On the Caribbean island of Anguilla, a once-forgotten web domain has become a financial lifeline. When countries were first assigned internet codes, Anguilla received “.ai,” a simple extension that now draws global attention thanks to artificial intelligence. Tech firms and entrepreneurs pay significant fees to secure .ai addresses, bringing steady revenue for the small British territory. The growing profits complement tourism, long the island’s main industry, while helping offset losses from hurricanes. Anguilla manages the domain market alongside a U.S. partner, earning a share from every registration. What began as a random technical designation has evolved into a lasting economic opportunity for the island’s future.
