China's gene babies are at risk of early death
Last year, Chinese scientist He Jiankui shocked the world with the revelation that the first gene babies would be born. But a massive genomic study has found that this CRISPR gene change may be linked to a shortened lifespan.
Like every year, the international “Environment Day” is celebrated on May 5th. Various events are held in more than 150 countries. The goal: This year, the climate rescuers and environmental activists want to draw attention to insect protection. In recent years the number of insects and insect groups has declined sharply. The number of wild bees alone has decreased by a shocking 50%. Bees play a very important ecological role because they pollinate plants. The experts therefore have tips on how everyone can contribute to the preservation of insects and other invertebrates.
For International Environment Day: create a meadow with wildflowers for butterflies and bees
1. Anyone who has a medium or large sized property can have oneMeadow of wildflowersinvest. It will quickly attract bees, bumblebees and butterflies. What is particularly important is that the bee pasture is not treated with pesticides. Environmental activists generally advise against using pesticides in the garden. They can poison the insects, but are sometimes also dangerous for pets and small children.
Build an insect hotel
2. With a bee hotel in your own garden, everyone can make their contribution to nature conservation. It is important to observe a few basic rules. First and foremost, the location should be chosen carefully. The hotel should be near flowers, fruit trees orflowering hedge plantscondition. Water, sand and clay should also be present.
Hedges, ivy and orchards attract the insects
3. A hedge with native plants. Most insects retreat to hedges. Not only do they provide food and protection from birds, but they are also a popular wintering spot.
4. Ivy. If you plant ivy on your house facade or wall, you are doing something good for nature. Flying insects such as bees or butterflies prefer autumn-flowering varieties because they can quickly find food there during the cold season.
5. Orchard without pesticides. Bees love orchards and especially apple, cherry and peach trees. They also like to pollinate various berry bushes and pumpkins. Some plants are pollinated exclusively by bees. So if you avoid chemicals in your orchard, you are doing something good for nature.
