Insect apocalypse? Not so fast, at least in North America

Recent reports of dramatic declines in insect populations have sparked concern about an 'insect apocalypse.' But a new analysis of data from sites across North America suggests the case isn't proven.

Matthew D. Moran, Professor of Biology, Hendrix College • conversation
Aug. 10, 2020 ~9 min

Bugs, mice, and people may share one ‘brain ancestor’

New evidence suggests that the way brains work across the animal kingdom goes back to a common source, researchers report.

Daniel Stolte-Arizona • futurity
Aug. 7, 2020 ~10 min


Bloodthirsty tsetse flies nurse their young, one live birth at a time – understanding this unusual strategy could help fight the disease they spread

This insect's unique reproductive biology could lead to new ways to control the species in the environment – and prevent the deadly sleeping sickness it spreads to people.

Geoff Attardo, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis • conversation
July 29, 2020 ~7 min

Old-school efforts thwart ‘billion-dollar beetles’

Some fundamental farming strategies can limit damage from western corn rootworms, research finds.

Rose Brandt-Arizona • futurity
July 23, 2020 ~6 min

Get a bug’s eye view from a tiny ‘beetle backpack’ camera

"We have created a low-power, low-weight, wireless camera system that can capture a first-person view of what's happening from an actual live insect..."

Sarah McQuate-Washington • futurity
July 16, 2020 ~9 min

Why allotments offer urban oases for bees and butterflies

Urban green spaces can be a rich habitat for diverse pollinators, if they're managed properly.

Matthew Pound, Senior lecturer in Physical Geography, Northumbria University, Newcastle • conversation
July 15, 2020 ~7 min

Bedbugs alter your home’s microbiome

"There is a link between the microbiome of bedbugs and the microbiome of household dust in bedbug infested homes."

Mick Kulikowski-NC State • futurity
July 15, 2020 ~5 min

An argument for gene drive technology to genetically control populations of insects like mosquitoes and locusts

Gene drive guarantees that a trait will be passed to the next generation. But should society use this tool to control insect populations?

Brian Lovett, Postdoctoral Researcher in Mycology, West Virginia University • conversation
July 14, 2020 ~10 min


An argument for gene drive technology to genetically control insects like mosquitoes and locusts

Gene drive guarantees that a trait will be passed to the next generation. But should society use this tool to control insect populations?

Brian Lovett, Postdoctoral Researcher in Mycology, West Virginia University • conversation
July 14, 2020 ~10 min

Slow touches make Venus flytraps snap shut

Venus flytraps can not only snap shut when a fly or spider tickles their hairs, but also when slower prey trigger them, research finds.

U. Zurich • futurity
July 13, 2020 ~4 min

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