Taiwan CPC Corporation to Raise Gasoline and Diesel Prices Starting July 15

Fell in love with Pingtung, presents King Boat Festival to tourists｜France- CYRIL RAYMOND

Extraordinary close-up images show insects as you've never seen them before

British Photographer Levon Biss Captures the Decline of Insects in New BookIn his new book documenting the decline of insects, British photographer Levon Biss captures the intricate details of a blue swallowtail butterfly’s wings, the soft fur of a Patagonian giant bumblebee, and the painterly spots of a ladybug.Released on November 22, "Extinct & Endangered: Insects in Peril" is a collaboration between Biss and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). The book features photos of 40 insect species that are either vulnerable, threatened, or already extinct.Biss spent two years photographing these insects, capturing every extraordinary detail from hair strands to wing reflections. Each image was created using over 10,000 photographs taken with custom equipment and microscope lenses, layered together to produce a fully focused single shot, revealing details unseen by the human eye.“Insects, whether beetles, bees, or butterflies, are vital for the Earth's survival,” said Biss. They play roles as pollinators, decomposers, and form the foundation of food chains supporting natural ecosystems.The insect specimens were couriered to the UK, where Levon Biss photographed them in his studio.Elli BissAccording to a 2019 scientific review published in "Biological Conservation," over 40% of insect species are declining globally, with a third nearing extinction. Biss hopes the book will raise awareness about the insect decline crisis and its impact on humans.All insects photographed for the book are from the AMNH archives, which hold over 34 million artifacts and specimens, nearly 20 million of which are arthropods. The photographs were selected based on the condition, geographic range, conservation status, and threat levels of the specimens.Biss specializes in macro photography, capturing subjects in extraordinary detail. He believes "Extinct & Endangered" is one of the most meaningful projects of his career, aiming to foster greater appreciation for these vital creatures and the roles they play in our ecosystems.

Are you worried about your child's size? Here's why it may not be an issue

When parents notice that their child seems smaller or lighter than their peers, they may feel anxious. However, a child's growth rate is highly individual and influenced by various factors, including genetics, nutrition, sleep quality, and overall health. Sometimes, a child’s growth is simply slower than others, but this doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem with their development.Firstly, genetics play a significant role in a child's growth. If both parents are relatively short, the child may also not be very tall. This is a natural genetic outcome and doesn’t indicate any health issues. Secondly, a child's growth rate can vary at different stages of development. Some children may grow slowly in the early years but experience a growth spurt during puberty, eventually reaching a normal height range.Make healthy options such as fresh fruits and vegetables the default choice for children.Natalia Lebedinskaia/Moment RF/Getty ImagesAdditionally, nutrition and lifestyle habits significantly impact a child's growth and development. Ensuring that your child receives adequate nutrition, maintains a healthy diet, gets enough sleep, and engages in regular physical activity are all crucial for promoting normal growth. If parents remain concerned about their child’s growth, the best approach is to consult a pediatrician. They can perform thorough examinations and track growth to ensure the child's health is on track and provide professional advice. In summary, there's no need to worry excessively—fluctuations in growth are normal, and part of the natural development process.