Scorpio basraensis sp. n. from southern Iraq (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae)

  Scorpio basraensis sp. n. from southern Iraq (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) Abstract A new scorpion species, Scorpio basraensis sp. n. , is described and illustrated from Basra Province, southern Iraq. Scorpio basraensis sp. n. is compared with all known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 occurring in countries surrounding Iraq. The new species can be distinguished by the circular genital operculum in males and the cordiform genital operculum in females (not posteriorly elongated), a densely hirsute body, appendages and metasoma, a distinctly elongated telson vesicle, discrete granules on the external surface of the chela manus that are not flattened, and pectinal tooth counts of 11–13 in males and 9–11 in females. With the description of this species, the number of scorpion species known from Iraq increases to 22, whereas the number of recognized species in the genus Scorpio reaches 33. Yağmur, Ersen A.; Makki, Jafar A.; and Najim, Shurooq A. (2026) " Scorpio basraen...

Why the lackluster attitude?

 



Why the lackluster attitude?  

Let's tackle the big question head-on: Why the lackluster attitude towards science? It's time to initiate this discussion and actively seek to inspire change! Science isn't confined to lab coats and textbooks; it serves as the cornerstone for understanding our world and shaping our future. Yet, somewhere along the line, enthusiasm seems to have dwindled.

For those who may not know me personally, I operate as a department of one, a sole entity. I devote nearly 80 hours per month to curating data and information from around 600 diverse sources, spanning scientific journals to mainstream social media platforms. Not a single penny monetizes my efforts. I pursue this endeavor fueled by my passion for science and my deep affection for arachnids.

Every so often, I receive messages akin to one I just received, prompting this post: "How do you not have 10k followers on this account and your website?" The truth is, I ask myself that very question every single day. 

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Abordemos la gran pregunta de frente: ¿A qué se debe la actitud mediocre hacia la ciencia? ¡Es hora de iniciar esta discusión y buscar activamente inspirar el cambio! La ciencia no se limita a batas de laboratorio y libros de texto; sirve como piedra angular para comprender nuestro mundo y dar forma a nuestro futuro. Sin embargo, en algún momento, el entusiasmo parece haber disminuido.

Para aquellos que quizás no me conozcan personalmente, opero como un departamento de una sola entidad. Dedico casi 80 horas por mes a seleccionar datos e información de alrededor de 600 fuentes diversas, que van desde revistas científicas hasta las principales plataformas de redes sociales. Ni un solo centavo monetiza mis esfuerzos. Sigo este esfuerzo impulsado por mi pasión por la ciencia y mi profundo afecto por los arácnidos.

De vez en cuando, recibo mensajes similares al que acabo de recibir, que me llevan a esta publicación: "¿Cómo es posible que no tengas 10.000 seguidores en esta cuenta y en tu sitio web?" La verdad es que me hago esa misma pregunta todos los días.