Research on insects and their role in nature. Covers disease-carrying bugs, insect evolution, wildfire effects, and sensory circuitry.
Professor Eamonn Keogh's wireless bug sensor technology uses a text message system to alert farmers about harmful insects, reducing pesticide costs and increasing profits. The Vodafone Americas Foundation Wireless Innovation Project award recognizes innovative solutions for social good.
A statewide assessment of stonefly diversity in Ohio has revealed at least 102 species, with many adapted to survive warm summer water temperatures. The study's findings will inform conservation efforts, prioritizing rare and threatened species like the Atlantic Needlefly.
Simple insect bites often resolve on their own without treatment, but over-the-counter remedies have limited efficacy. Antihistamines and steroids are not backed by strong evidence for treating itching and inflammation.
A UCSB study found that 70 percent of the most damaging non-native forest insects and diseases in US forests originated from imported live plants. The study emphasizes the importance of improving bio-security measures to mitigate the environmental impact of global trade.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered a protein in black fly saliva that inhibits clotting and reduces inflammation. This finding has potential applications for treating patients recovering from heart attacks and developing a vaccine against river blindness.
A new study at Rice University reveals that plant defenses are enhanced when plants are touched, triggering an insect defense response. This response is mediated by the plant hormone jasmonate, which plays a critical role in initiating plant defenses against insect-eating insects and some fungal infections.
A multi-year study by WSU researchers found no significant differences in grape and wine quality due to grafting, with climate and vintage being the dominant factors. The experiment tested six commercial rootstocks against own-rooted vines for three popular varieties.
A new study has shed light on how species and their natural enemies have chased each other across continents for millions of years. The research used population genetics to analyze the DNA of small insects and their wasp enemies, finding that some plant-eating insects have outrun their predators for hundreds of thousands of years
Plants can detect unhealthy neighbors through odor perception, inducing resistance to disease and pests. A new study found that exposure duration and concentration of odor compounds significantly impact this process.
Four new species of Panops spider flies have been described from Australia, characterized by their jewel-like appearance and ability to feed on nectar. The larvae of these flies are internal parasites that prolong the life of juvenile spiders by living inside them for years, ultimately leading to the spider's death.
Researchers found low densities of key insect pests in Illinois corn and soybean fields due to environmental conditions and widespread use of Bt-corn hybrids. This practice goes against integrated pest management advice, leading to concerns about insect resistance.
The Mercyhurst research aims to assess the hemlock woolly adelgid's cold tolerance and predict its impact on Eastern US forests. The project will monitor environmental conditions across 20-25 hemlock stands in Pennsylvania, identifying factors that affect winter survival.
A Purdue University study reveals that hermetic grain storage bags work by depriving weevils of water through metabolic processes, not just oxygen deprivation. The bags' effectiveness in reducing insect infestations has saved West and Central African farmers hundreds of millions of dollars.
A new species of tiny, black and orange grasshopper-like insect has been found in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The insect, Ripipteryx mopana, is only 5mm long and uses its large jumping hind legs to escape predators.
Plants use their internal clocks to anticipate and prepare for insect attacks, increasing production of defense hormones like jasmonate. This allows them to resist damage from caterpillars and other pests.
Research suggests that zebra stripes are the least attractive pattern for voracious horseflies, potentially explaining their evolution. The study found that narrower stripes were less appealing to flies, with striped patterns attracting fewer insects than white or dark models.
A new study suggests that native insect parasitoids in California can suppress the light brown apple moth population, with one species accounting for over 80% of larval parasitism rates. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these natural enemies in controlling the pest's spread.
A fossilized bushcricket from the Jurassic period has revealed a new species' musical call, shedding light on the acoustic environment and potential auditory capacity of other animals. The song was reconstructed using biomechanical principles and is believed to have been used for long-distance communication.
A study by Max Planck scientists found that available scientific information on genetically modified insect releases is highly restricted. They call for clear and accurate descriptions to be widely circulated before releases, particularly if mosquito species are involved.
Scientists implanted a miniature biofuel cell into False Death's Head Cockroaches, converting trehalose and oxygen into electricity. The device operates intermittently due to low energy output, but could power microdevices in the future.
A new collection of articles in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examines the use of genetically modified (GM) insects for controlling infectious diseases. The articles discuss technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and societal dialogue necessary for widespread application.
A new species of horse fly, Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae, has been discovered in Australia and named after Beyoncé. The fly's golden abdomen makes it a unique specimen. Horse flies are important pollinators of plants, acting like hummingbirds during the day.
Two studies by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott Wiltermuth found that synchronized physical activities can foster aggression and obedience, potentially leading to destructive outcomes. Participants who moved in sync with their groups or authority figures performed better in tasks that involved harming others.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed an implantable biofuel cell that converts a cockroach's internal chemicals into electricity. The device can provide enough power to control the bug or transmit sensor data, and has shown promise for long-term use without harming the insect.
A new study has discovered well-preserved fossil insect ears from 50 million year-old crickets and katydids, shedding light on the evolution of insect hearing. The findings suggest that these insects evolved their supersensitive hearing long before bat predators came to be.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a new material called Shrilk that replicates the exceptional strength and versatility of insect cuticle. With its unique mechanical and chemical properties, Shrilk could be used to replace plastics in consumer products, suture wounds, and serve as scaffolding for tissue regeneration.
Researchers discovered plant bedding with insecticidal properties at a 77,000-year-old South African rock shelter. The bedding, made from sedges and rushes, was used to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
The sequenced spider mite genome provides insights into its feeding frenzy, pesticide resistance, and web-making abilities. The study reveals the genetic basis for these traits, including the acquisition of bacterial genes that enhance digestion and detoxification.
Researchers sequence the two-spotted spider mite's genome, revealing genes capable of detoxifying pesticides and plant toxins. This breakthrough sheds light on how these pests counteract plant defenses and provides new insights for developing targeted pesticides.
A new analysis of ancient midge larvae reveals that the region was significantly cooler than expected during the early Holocene epoch. The findings offer a detailed record of temperature variation over the last 10,000 years in Alaska and have important ecological and societal implications.
Invasive false brome grass has spread rapidly in Oregon, thanks to its ability to evade fungal and mollusk enemies, with generalist insects being the primary attackers. The grass now threatens ecosystems and forests across the state, highlighting the need for public awareness and cleanup efforts to control its spread.
Scientists identified a molecule that manipulates plant development to favor insect hosts, increasing leafhopper reproduction and pathogen transmission. This phenomenon demonstrates the extended phenotype, where an organism's impact on its environment extends beyond biological processes.
New research from NC State University sheds light on how blow flies survive when buried underground during their development. The study found that blow flies can survive burial and provides additional information for murder investigations, helping forensic entomologists determine body burial times and potential relocations.
Scientists have developed two new Bt toxins, Cry1AbMod and Cry1AcMod, to overcome resistance in pest insects. These novel toxins are effective against five resistant species, including the diamondback moth and European corn borer.
In a study of wild field crickets, males are found to protect females from predators, increasing their chances of survival. In exchange, paired males sire more offspring with each partner, suggesting that this 'chivalry' may have evolutionary benefits. The findings challenge traditional interpretations of male guarding behavior.
Epidemiological maps suggest South Texas is an area of high risk for Chagas infection, with potentially hundreds of undiagnosed cases. The disease can be hard to detect and may be misinterpreted as a flu-like illness, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that male insects are not aggressive towards their mates but instead protective and willing to risk their lives to ensure female safety. This challenges previous assumptions about insect relationships, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of natural selection in the wild.
A new species of fossil silky lacewing insects has been discovered in China, providing insights into the evolutionary history of the family Psychopsidae. The newly found species, Undulopsychopsis alexi, exhibits unique characteristics, including an undulate wing margin and unusual venation patterns.
A University of Hull study found that weeds are vital to the existence of many farmland species, providing food for over 330 species of insects, birds, and animals. The research also showed that increasing farm management intensity can lead to a decline in seed biomass and energy, affecting farmland biodiversity.
Scientists have created compounds that can force corn earworms out of dormancy prematurely, prevent them from entering diapause, or block its termination. This could lead to effective tools for controlling pests and reducing agricultural losses estimated at $2 billion annually in the US.
A team of Chinese researchers analyzed 4793 publications to identify potential host species for the Tibetan medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis. The study found 57 recognizable potential hosts, 8 indeterminate hosts, and 26 non-hosts, providing basic information for managing insect resources and conserving the fungus.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes Marvin K. Harris, Gail E. Kampmeier, Kevin L. Steffey, and two others for their significant contributions to the field of entomology. These honorees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the society through their service, research, and leadership.
Research by Thomas Marler and Karl Niklas examines environment's influence on Guam cycad reproduction, finding wind's role in seed production is less crucial than initially thought. The study suggests insects play a more significant role in pollination, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
A combination of strategies, including eliminating stagnant water and removing vegetation, significantly reduced the number of tiger mosquito eggs in treated areas. The study, published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, demonstrates a substantial reduction in eggs compared to control areas.
Scientists uncover ancient fossils of Coxoplectoptera, an insect order that defies classification, offering clues to the evolution of wings and lifestyle. The discovery presents a new hypothesis on the development of insect wings, suggesting they originated from thoracic backplates.
Researchers discovered that hummingbird beaks can 'snap-buckle' to catch insects in mid-air, using elastic energy stored in the bone. This phenomenon allows for faster and more powerful insect capture than could be achieved by jaw muscles alone.
A rare bioluminescent fungus has been rediscovered in Brazil, shedding new light on its unique glowing properties. The fungus, previously seen since 1840, was reclassified and found to have a different bioluminescent mechanism than other fungi.
In the annual MEMS student design contest, Texas Tech University won for their novel insect-inspired micro-dragonfly design that generates aerodynamic lift and thrust. Carnegie Mellon University took the educational category with a highly sensitive microvalve that requires picoJoules of energy to switch its state.
A 100-million-year-old mayfly fossil has provided valuable insights into the ecology of ancient ecosystems. The discovery of a rare ovipositor and long antennae sheds light on the life cycle and adaptations of this ancient species.
A Kansas State University plant pathologist is discovering high levels of viral infections in the state's wheat crops. Anna Whitfield's research reveals that viruses are a significant threat to wheat yields, with losses due to these diseases expected.
Scientists from LMU Munich have developed a concise and efficient method for synthesizing the alkaloid loline and related compounds. The new approach enables the production of these compounds in sufficient quantities to investigate their various aspects, including their interactions with insects and bacteria.
A four-year study aims to understand the role of serpin-2 in mosquito immunity and physiology. Researchers hope that targeting this molecule could make mosquitoes more susceptible to diseases like malaria.
Researchers warn that seed mixtures could increase the risk of pest resistance and reduce choices for growers, highlighting concerns over integrated pest management. The use of biotechnology in seed mixtures may lead to increased pressure on the soil insecticide market as resistance develops.
Michigan State University researchers found that scorpion venom selectively targets insect sodium channels, making it a valuable tool for developing new insecticides. The study aims to understand how insects develop resistance and create alternatives to control resistant pests.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology sequenced the antennal transcriptome of the tobacco hornworm moth, revealing specific proteins involved in olfaction. The study identifies 18 odorant binding proteins and 21 chemosensory proteins, providing new insights into the insect's ability to detect and process odor molecules.
Research from the University of Arizona found that bacteria in the genus Rickettsia can rapidly evolve whiteflies, making them more likely to survive and reproduce. The bacteria manipulate sex ratios, causing more female offspring to be born, which is unusual for such a short period.
Bats play a crucial role in reducing pesticide use and crop damage, with estimates suggesting their value to agriculture is roughly $22.9 billion annually. However, widespread bat population declines due to diseases like White-Nose Syndrome and wind turbine collisions threaten this ecological balance.
A recent study reveals that bats save the US agricultural industry at least $3 billion a year by controlling insect pests. The analysis also warns of potential losses due to white-nose syndrome and wind-energy facility fatalities, emphasizing the need for bat conservation.
Scientists at Cardiff University discovered that spiders can intercept and use vibrational signals from insects to locate their prey. The study found that male leafhopper vibrations are more attractive to predatory spiders, suggesting a preference for males during courtship.
A collaborative EUREKA project developed an integrated pest management system, reducing rice waste by over 95% through sustainable technologies. The system uses electronic insect traps, aeration, and modified atmosphere to protect rice during storage, improving quality and food security.