Nature’s road cleaners: Dung beetles navigate by sun, moon and stars

2022-09-29

Today we continue our adventure through Taiwan’s animal kingdom. The dung beetle has a very special role in the Taiwanese ecosystem. Biologists say it is nature’s road cleaner. But dung beetles are not just important for cleaning up dung from the forest floor. They also have an incredible sense of smell, and a surprising ability to navigate if they get lost while foraging. Let’s head to the forest to learn more.

A dung beetle labors away, pushing a ball of dung home. It uses the lamellate feelers on its head to smell out dung through the air and find its prize for the day.

Huang Wen-po
National University of Tainan
You find dung beetles wherever there are monkeys. When the monkeys go to the toilet in the trees, the dung smashes on the ground and the smell is released. As soon as that smell is in the air, the dung beetles are on their way.

The beetles use their arc-shaped legs to roll the dung into a convenient ball so they can push it home. On the journey, they keep sticking sand onto it, to make the ball firmer and denser. That preserves moisture so that the baby beetles at home can enjoy a nice fresh meal.

Lin Chin-fu
NSYSU Biological Sciences Dept.
The dung beetle uses dung as food, so it is like a road cleaner in the natural world. If we didn’t have dung beetles, then we’d see loads of dung everywhere in nature. The role of the dung beetle is to accelerate this cycle.

But there’s more. Parent beetles must choose a good spot to make a nest for their children, before going out to find food. But dung isn’t available just anywhere. If they end up travelling a long way to find it, they can use the sun, moon and stars to navigate back home to the nest. Who would have guessed that these humble insects were so amazingly clever?

大自然清道夫：糞金龜的奧秘

2022-09-29

看過電影《神鬼傳奇》的人，除了對戲中的木乃伊感到驚奇之外，出現在電影裡一種叫「聖甲蟲」的昆蟲，也是令觀眾印象深刻，也許有人會問，什麼是「聖甲蟲」？其實牠就是甲蟲的一種，名字叫推糞金龜，蟲如其名，牠們真的會推糞，但為什麼又會和神聖扯上關係呢？昆蟲學家今天就要帶我們解開謎團。

糞金龜正努力地，推著一顆圓球往前進，事實上這顆圓球是動物的糞便，藉著頭部鰓葉狀的觸角，偵測到空氣中的糞便氣味，贏得今天的戰利品。

[[臺南大學老師黃文伯]]
“有猴子的地方就會發現糞金龜，尤其牠們在樹上拉下來的時候，啪一聲，那個臭味就出來了，臭味一出來的時候，糞金龜就會來了”

糞金龜利用弧形的腳，將糞便擠壓成圓形球體(ball)，推滾糞球的過程中，一路擠壓沾黏沙土，讓糞球更加緊密、扎實，同時得維持濕度，讓幼蟲有新鮮的糞球可以享用。

[[中山大學生物科博士林金福]]
“糞金龜牠是利用糞便來做食物，所以說牠可以算是大自然的清道夫，如果說沒有糞金龜的話，我們可以看得到就是，大自然裡面到處都是大便，糞金龜的角色就是加速這個循環的過程”

有趣的是，糞金龜必須先選好，適合產卵用的巢穴，再外出尋找糞便，不過糞便不是隨處可得，找到的時候，可能已經距離遙遠，這時候糞金龜會利用天上的太陽，或星星、月亮作為導航，以光線定位順利將糞球推回巢穴，孕育下一代，小小的糞金龜，身體構造卻有著，造物者的精心設計。

Taiwan eliminates PCR testing upon arrival in first phase of border reopening

Taiwan on Thursday further eased border controls for international travel. PCR testing upon arrival in Taiwan is no longer compulsory for all travelers. And the cap on weekly arrivals has been raised to 60,000. Government officials say the next step of the reopening will come on Oct. 13, with the removal of travel quarantines. On that day, the ban on international tour group travel will also be lifted, and visa-exempt entry privileges will resume for all eligible travelers.

Travelers return to Taiwan with their luggage in tow. Saliva tests upon arrival at the airport are no longer required under the latest easing of border controls. Instead, travelers are issued with four free rapid tests to take home. Large groups of passengers line up in the baggage claim area to receive their test kits.

Airport COVID prevention worker
Remember to take a rapid test on days one, three, five, and seven after you return home.

COVID prevention staff explain in detail how to use the rapid test kits. International arrivals still have to do three days of quarantine, but travelers say that not having to do PCR on arrival is a change for the better.

Traveler
It only took about half an hour. It was fast, better than I imagined. And they have professionals to help you understand the information and fill out the forms. It’s excellent.

In this first phase of border control easing, saliva PCR testing on arrival is no longer required for all passengers. The cap on inbound travelers has been raised to 60,000 per week. There are still three days of mandatory quarantine, but travelers are now allowed to stay one person per room instead of one person per residence. Border controls will be further relaxed beginning Oct. 13, with the removal of travel quarantines, a rise of the weekly cap on inbound travelers to 150,000, and the lifting of a ban on international tour group travel. Travelers will still be issued four rapid tests upon arrival.

Traveler
The accuracy of rapid tests is generally pretty high, so I think they can actually replace PCR tests.

Now that Taiwan’s borders are opening up, the CECC also confirmed that the 24,000 quarantine hotels across the country will be phased out and return to normal business as soon as Oct. 15. Health officials say that home isolation will remain for COVID patients, moving forward. That means that people who test positive should consult a doctor online and isolate at home for seven days.

2022-09-29

US House Foreign Affairs Committee introduces own version of Taiwan Policy Act

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has introduced its own version of the Taiwan Policy Act of 2022. The bill is very similar to the version submitted by the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. They both call on the U.S. to offer Taiwan US$6.5 billion in military financing. But only the House version calls for renaming Taiwan’s representative offices in the U.S. In a press release, the head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said that now was the time to arm Taiwan, before an invasion occurs, not after.

Speaking to U.S. troops stationed in Japan, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated support for Taiwan. Over in the U.S., the head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul has introduced its version of the Taiwan Policy Act of 2022. The bill is very similar to the version passed by the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. They both call for US$6.5 billion in foreign military financing for Taiwan over five years. However, the House version includes two clauses that were deleted from the Senate version, those being to rename Taiwan’s representative offices in the U.S., and to elevate the rank of the U.S. representative to Taiwan with confirmation from the Senate.

Wang Ting-yu
DPP lawmaker
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Congress has stated that it is better to provide the necessary assistance before something happens than after. I think that bills related to Taiwan’s security and to strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense should be able to pass quickly.

Though the two versions of the bill share many similarities, there are some points that the House and Senate will have to negotiate and come to an agreement on. The bill must be sent to the White House and approved by U.S. President Joe Biden before Jan. 3, 2023 so that it can become law. Meanwhile, ties between the U.S. and Taiwan keep growing stronger, with the recent completion of a new Taiwanese defense office in the U.S. inaugurated by Taiwan’s representative to Washington Hsiao Bi-khim. The mission’s logo features elements of both national flags of Taiwan and the U.S.

Wang Ting-yu
DPP lawmaker
The R.O.C. Defense Mission to the U.S.A. is essentially the first point of communication for military exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S. That includes training programs for important Taiwanese officials in the U.S.

From the new defense mission building, to the Taiwan policy act, Taiwan and the U.S. are working hard to nurture their relationship.

2022-09-29

Former US president Donald Trump says World War III could start with China-Taiwan conflict

2022-09-29

US and Germany voice support for Taiwan at ICAO assembly

Taiwan was once again left out of the general assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization this year. But that didn’t stop a show of support for the country. Outside the event, overseas Taiwanese brandished flags, calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the organization. And in the assembly, representatives from the U.S. and Germany urged ICAO to allow Taiwan’s participation.

Bracing temperatures of just 12 degrees Celsius, nearly 100 overseas Taiwanese donned raincoats, held flags and signs, and chanted ’’Taiwan Can Help’’ outside the 41st ICAO assembly in Montreal, Canada. Taiwan did not receive an invitation to this year’s assembly. However, on the first day of the event, this U.S. representative went out of his way to publicly support Taiwan.

Pete Buttigieg
US secretary of transportation
We believe that all of international civil aviation’s most important stakeholders, particularly those who administer critical airspace, like Taiwan, should have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in ICAO’s work.

At the assembly, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg called on ICAO to admit Taiwan to the organization. Germany also stressed the need to work closely with partner countries in an indirect show of support for Taiwan’s participation.

Stefan Schnorr
German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport
We need to ensure aviation safety, security, and facilitation as the main strategic objectives of ICAO by working closely together with all relevant partners, including cooperation with aviation nations and territories that are not members of ICAO.

Taiwan was previously invited to take part in the ICAO assembly in 2013, but due to pressure by China, was unable to participate, despite a pre-conference signing by European representatives.

Wang Kwo-tsai
Transport minister
This August, when China conducted military drills around Taiwan on short notice, we had to make emergency response and guide all aircraft in the Taipei FIR to avert danger. Taiwan CAA should be able to participate in ICAO.

Although Taiwan was left out again this year, the country is not giving up. A delegation from Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration is already in Canada, carrying out exchanges with representatives from various countries, making every effort in the fight for Taiwan to participate in ICAO.

2022-09-29

Meet the ushers for this year’s National Day celebrations

Preparations are underway for National Day, which is just over a week away. This year, 31 of the ushers at the National Day parade will be students from Ming Chuan University, which has contributed ushers for 38 consecutive years. The ushers go through intense training lasting at least two hours daily, so that everything goes perfectly on the big day. Ushers say one of the most important things this year is how to convey warmth and friendliness while wearing face masks.

Wearing elegant uniforms and perched on white pumps, students from Ming Chuan University dance in formation. They are part of the team of ushers for National Day.

Their talents don’t end at dance. This student from Thailand is skilled at muay thai too.

There are also a couple of music virtuosos. This year, due to COVID, the National Day ushers will wearing face masks at all times. With their smiles covered, how can they look amiable?

Lin Sung-tse
National Day usher
Since we are wearing face masks, we can exaggerate our speaking inflection more. Smiling with our eyes is also extremely important. That’s how you can show a smile.

Chou Hsin-yu
National Day usher
We are smiling in our hearts, which shows on our faces. In terms of makeup, we can pay more attention to the eye area. Using earth tones like oranges and reds can bring out expression in the eyes.

Several of the ushers could be the long-lost twins of local celebrities. With her delicate facial features and big eyes, this usher is said to look like actor model Tiffany Hsu. Others swear this other usher’s gaze is just like that of actor Rhydian Vaughan.

Yang Cheng-chun
National Day usher
I’ve had many friends and classmates tell me that there is some resemblance in the eyes and nose.

Wang Yung-ching
National Day usher
Maybe it’s because of my eyes. Some say their shape is similar to Tiffany Hsu’s.

This year, the celebrations are bigger, meaning there will be almost 70 ushers from three different universities. The ushers from Ming Chuan University follow their teacher’s instructions to perfection. It shows that they’ve gone through two hours of training every day, including weekends. All to have an impeccable performance on the big day.

2022-09-29

Taiwan Heart Foundation raises awareness of cardiac diseases on World Heart Day

2022-09-29

Grand Hotel reveals secret passageway in anticipation of tourism rebound

2022-09-29

6-year low of just 99,000 people retired in 2021: government data

2022-09-29

Spotlight on Swedish artist, Hellen Soderberg

Immigrants from all over the world come to Taiwan, where they find work, build homes, and contribute to making the island so special. In Today’s installment of “An Immigrant Story,” we meet Hellen Soderberg, an abstract artist from Sweden. FTV reporter Stephany Yang sits down with Soderberg to learn about her works.

She introduces her artworks on the wall. This is Hellen Soderberg, a Swedish artist who has been living in Taiwan since 2005. Helen began abstract acrylic painting in 2020. She taught herself how to paint through experimenting and watching tutorials. She said her paintings are greatly inspired by Taiwan’s architecture and people.

Hellen Soderberg
Artist
For inspiration with the abstract art, it’s a lot about Taiwan, being out in the community and seeing. I love the rough facade, and the rustic, the old. I find beauty in all of that. If you see my abstract art, that is what i’m doing. The rough textured style.

Before moving to Taiwan, Soderberg was a children’s TV show host and scriptwriter in Sweden. She later moved to Taiwan in 2005 with her husband and daughter. She originally planned to only spend a year in Taiwan, but quickly fell in love with the country, and has been living here for 17 years.

Hellen Soderberg
Artist
Taiwan. I love the people. They’re so friendly and it’s so safe. The weather is nice. Food is of course really good. It’s Taiwan, what’s not to like about Taiwan?

In her first few years of living in Taiwan, she sold craft supplies online. She later began making scrapbooks, handcrafted jewelry, and also taught creative workshops. In November 2021, she created an art program called Lutetia ART-at-TAC at a coffee shop in Taipei, which provides an exhibition space for artists to exhibit their creative works.

Hellen Soderberg
Artist
ART-at-TAC first started with me coming to Cedric, who owns this coffee shop, asking if me and a friend could display art here for a month. He was just like, "of course." When that was done, Cedric said that he loved having art up because he has it before, but not on a regular basis. I said I can help you find people because I know a lot of people who are creative in many differnt mediums. He was just like, "Yeah, okay that would be great." Then, Cedric said, "Would you mind running it”? I was like, "OK." Since then, I’ve been doing all the advertising and work to find the artists, curate, and look at the art.

So far, Art-at-TAC has showcased works by 26 artists through monthly exhibitions. It is free for artists to exhibit and sell their works, but artists are asked to donate 10% of the sales to a local charity of their choice.

Hellen Soderberg
Artist
I just love doing this and then especially coming in when we are doing the display and hanging because we do that during the day. Seeing the kids come in and people being of awe at the art we put up on the walls. It’s pretty cool to see their reactions beause otherwise they might not be exposed to this kind of art. I’m hoping this will continue. I plan to be and hope to be in Taiwan forever.

Soderberg hopes to continue to provide a platform for artists and share the beauty of Taiwan to more people.

2022-09-29