A new study found that Asian citrus psyllid populations decrease with higher elevations, dropping to zero above 600 meters. This trend may provide insights into the insects' vulnerabilities and potentially lead to strategies to control their spread.
A new study led by University of Arizona scientists found that transgenic crops producing two or more Bt toxins do not effectively delay pest evolution. In reality, the actual efficacy against pests often does not live up to computer simulation models, leading to inadequate management guidelines.
The emerald ash borer has expanded its host range to include the white fringetree, causing significant damage and economic losses. The insect's larvae disrupt tree nutrient flow, leading to dieback and deformities.
Researchers at UC Riverside devised a method to isolate hydrocarbon molecules used by insects for communication and differentiation. The study found that nearly all insects produce the R form of these chemicals, paving the way for understanding their functions and potential applications in controlling pest species.
A research team developed a new method using DNA metabarcoding to analyze pollen and uncovered the secret life of bees. This technique identified twice as many plant families than microscopic analysis and provided deeper insights into bee foraging behavior.
A team of scientists led by UC Riverside expert Richard Vetter analyzed spider bite data to conclude that the evidence for spider-vectored infections is scarce. The study found that bacterial infections are often misattributed to spider bites, and spiders should not be blamed for human skin infections.
Researchers at UMass Amherst found a whole plant therapy more effective than purified drug artemisinin in killing malaria parasites, even those resistant to the pharmaceutical treatment. The study suggests using the whole plant may be a sustainable alternative for treating human malaria.
Researchers found that insecticides increase slug populations and reduce crop yields by poisoning insects that eat slugs. The neonicotinoids can have unintended costs, even within crop production.
Researchers have discovered a common 'genetic toolkit' for behavioral traits across different species, including house mice, stickleback fish, and honey bees. Shared gene expression patterns were found in response to intruder threats, suggesting molecular similarities run deeper than brain structural differences.
Kansas State University professors C. Michael Smith and Christopher Sorensen were selected as AAAS fellows for their pioneering contributions to entomology and soft matter physics, respectively. Their research has been recognized for advancing science, education, and outreach.
Researchers found that four destructive pests are identical, leading to improved international cooperation in pest management. The identification of these pests as a single species will also lead to more effective quarantine measures and reduced barriers to international trade.
Researchers found that pesticide exposure causes changes in gene expression that are sensitive to diet and nutrition. Feeding bees a complex diet of pollen improves their resistance to lethal doses of pesticides.
Researchers identified a suite of odorants that the Asian citrus psyllid detects, which can modify its behavior. The developed odor-based lure caught nearly 230 percent more ACP than conventional yellow traps.
The house fly genome contains an expanded number of immune response and defense genes, as well as numerous cytochrome P450s for detoxification. These findings could lead to novel control methods against house flies, a primary vector for human diseases.
Two non-synthetic bed bug pesticides, EcoRaider and Bed Bug Patrol, showed promise in laboratory tests, killing over 90% of bed bugs. However, their effectiveness is likely to be much lower in real-world settings due to the difficulty of applying insecticides directly on hidden bed bugs.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene estimates that India has nearly 6 million annual clinically diagnosed dengue cases, far exceeding official reported numbers. The disease inflicts a significant economic burden on the country, totaling US$1.11 billion annually.
Researchers found that big-headed ant colonies produce larger soldiers when they encounter aggressive competitor ants, leading to a three-fold increase in size. Genetic analysis ruled out long-term evolutionary change, suggesting the ants adapt quickly to new environments.
A new study has identified the most common non-mygalomorph spiders found in international cargo, highlighting that many are harmless species. The study provides a simple key for proper identification of cargo-borne spiders to prevent costly and unwarranted measures.
A new study published in Science Express reviews progress in addressing challenges using evolutionary histories and rapid adaptation approaches. The research highlights the urgent need for better implementation of these strategies to combat escalating resistance to antibiotics and pesticides.
Researchers have designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borers, enticing male beetles to land on them and get electrocuted. The team's bioreplicated decoys were more attractive to males than simpler 3D-printed decoys due to their fine-scale texture and color.
Researchers have discovered Ixodes scapularis ticks in North Dakota, which vector Lyme disease, and are concerned about the potential spread of other tick-borne diseases. The ticks were found in six counties with established populations, raising concerns for public health.
The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...
The ESA Certification Corporation has recognized two professionals, Bob and Kathy, with the ACE Professional Award and Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. These individuals were honored for their contributions to the field of entomology and pest management.
The Entomological Society of America has announced the winners of the 2014 Monsanto Research Grant Awards and Student Travel Awards. Flor Edith Acevedo, Carrie Deans, and Zachary DeVries are among the recipients, recognized for their research projects on insect-plant interactions.
The Entomological Society of America has awarded ten graduate students with AFRI travel grants to attend Entomology 2014 in Portland, Oregon. The winners include Heather Connelly, Adam Dale, Carrie Deans, and Michael Garvey, who will receive funding for research opportunities, presentations, and networking.
The University of Guam Entomology Lab has received a $50,000 USDA Forestry grant to implement control procedures for the invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) on Guam. The team aims to demonstrate that these ants can be controlled through ongoing funding.
Dr. Fred Baxendale, an entomology professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the field with Honorary Membership in the Entomological Society of America (ESA). He has served the organization for over 20 years through various roles and publications.
Researchers found that infected ants died on the 'doorstep' of the colony, creating a sniper's alley for future hosts. The parasite can be controlled but not cured, functioning as a chronic disease.
The Antarctic midge's small genome lacks many DNA segments and repeat elements found in most animal genomes. This 'bare-bones' genome may be an evolutionary answer to surviving the cold conditions of Antarctica.
Researchers discovered that a type of bacteria called Asaia blocks invasion of Wolbachia into mosquitoes' germlines, stopping the insects from transmitting Wolbachia to their offspring. This finding provides a potential answer to why some insect species are infected with Wolbachia while others are not.
Research reveals that the population structure of feather lice matches that of Galápagos hawks across the archipelago, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship. This study provides evidence for the hypothesis of co-divergence between parasites and hosts as a major driver of biodiversity.
Researchers have discovered that interfering with a basic metabolic pathway in insect brains can increase aggression in fruit flies and honey bees. The team found that suppressing key genes involved in energy generation leads to increased aggression, but this effect is lost in chronically stressed individuals.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing probes that can siphon liquid out of single cells using the proboscis of butterflies. The technology has the potential to revolutionize medical testing and treatment, allowing doctors to replace defective genes with healthy ones.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that urban heat is killing red maples by boosting pest populations. Warmer temperatures lead to a 300% increase in young gloomy scale insects, resulting in 200 times more adult scales on urban trees. This stress can also limit tree growth and kill trees.
Jocelyn Millar, a professor of entomology at UC Riverside, has been awarded the Silver Medal by the International Society of Chemical Ecology. His research primarily focuses on how insects use odors and tastes for communication, with practical applications for detecting and managing insect populations.
Researchers tracked changes in gene activity when Western honey bees eat different diets, finding significant differences between those eating honey and those consuming sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup. Gene expression changes support the potential role of diet in maintaining bee health.
Researchers found that Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are more likely to transmit West Nile virus, despite initial expectations that it would block infection. The study suggests that releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes into the wild may increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission.
Researchers used a statistical technique to downscale global climate models and found that population centers in cool, highland regions of East Africa may be more vulnerable to malaria than previously thought. The study suggests that fine-scale predictions can improve local adaptation and mitigation strategies.
A 13-year study in Connecticut found that reducing deer populations by ≥87% results in a significant reduction in tick abundance and resident-reported cases of Lyme disease. This suggests that managing deer populations could be an effective strategy for reducing human interactions with infected ticks.
Researchers found that malaria-infected mice are more attractive to mosquitos than uninfected mice, especially during recovery from symptoms. This altered scent profile may help identify asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the disease.
Researchers found that malaria parasites manipulate host body odor to make infected individuals more attractive to hungry mosquitoes. Even after symptoms have subsided, the scent of infected mice remained elevated for life, suggesting a lifelong impact on the disease.
Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.
A four-year survey collected 150 leaf litter samples across 6 natural reserves in China, revealing a significant latitudinal gradient in species diversity of Chinese litter-dwelling thrips. Thrips constitute up to 3% of total macroinvertebrate individuals in tropical and subtropical zones, but only 0.3% in temperate regions.
African malaria mosquito expert Bradley White receives $1.8M NIH grant to create fine-scale recombination rate maps for Anopheles gambiae. The project aims to model and predict efficacy of novel vector control strategies.
The journal, one of the world's oldest entomology journals, adopts a new open access format to increase visibility and dissemination of research papers. This innovation allows authors to freely share their work, promoting increased citation rates and collaboration opportunities.
A recent study published in Urban Ecosystems found that a lack of plant diversity is a significant contributor to the widespread defoliation caused by cankerworms in cities. Increasing plant diversity can help limit future damage. Native plants were particularly hard hit, while nonnative species were largely ignored.
Researchers have sequenced the termite genome, revealing unique genetic targets for better control. The study aims to develop more specific and environmentally friendly solutions to combat termite infestations.
The study sequenced the genome of a dampwood termite, highlighting key differences and similarities with other social insects. The findings provide insight into how social insects evolved and could lead to new baits for controlling termites.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism of resistance in pink bollworm insects to genetically engineered Bt cotton, which could impact the effectiveness of integrated pest management strategies. Alternative splicing is responsible for the diverse variants of cadherin protein that confer resistance.
A University of Illinois initiative, Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO), uses cellphones and local languages to educate farmers about efficient teff cultivation techniques. The project resulted in a massive reduction in teff seed waste, allowing for increased crop yields and food availability.
Research from North Carolina State University found that more diverse bee species improve blueberry yield by $311 per acre, with a total value of $1.42 million annually. The study suggests that differences in weather tolerance among bee groups contribute to this benefit.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a cheap and effective stink bug trap using a foil roasting pan, dish soap, and light. The homemade trap eliminated 14 times more stink bugs than store-bought models, providing a pesticide-free solution for homeowners.
Research reveals EABs were feeding on ash trees in southeast Michigan by the early 1990s, well before their discovery in 2002. The study used tree ring analysis to track the spread of the invasive species across over 5,800 square miles.
Scientists have discovered several new species of Sub-Saharan African Ensign wasps that exhibit transverse fore wing folding, a unique mechanism previously seen only in earwigs, cockroaches, and beetles. This discovery has potential applications in aerospace and bio-inspired technologies.
A team of researchers led by David Hughes is studying the role of group size, complexity, and connectedness in driving infectious disease transmission. By analyzing ant colonies, they aim to develop strategies to reduce the spread of diseases, including those affecting humans in schools, hospitals, and farms.
UC Riverside researchers created a method to classify different species of insects with up to 99% accuracy using inexpensive wireless bug sensors. The sensors track multiple insect flight behavior patterns and generate large amounts of data for classification algorithms.
Researchers found East African honeybees resistant to invasive parasites, but preliminary data suggests habitat loss and drought may be major factors driving colony declines. The study recommends protecting nesting habitats and native flowering plants to maintain healthy bee populations.
A team of researchers led by Jane Wang from Cornell University has discovered a proportional control law in the tiger beetle's chasing behavior. The study reveals that the beetle uses a sideways force proportional to its prey's angular position to turn towards it.
Researchers will investigate a gut parasite that negatively impacts honey bees, analyze pesticide effects, and model ecosystem stability in response to extinctions and invasions.
Researchers at NC State University found that tactile stimulation, such as touch from other female cockroaches or even duck feathers, speeds up reproduction in females. Pairing two cockroaches together produces the fastest rate of reproduction.