Why are some people mosquito magnets and others unbothered? A medical entomologist points to metabolism, body odor and mindset

Mosquitoes can track down potential hosts using the CO2 released by humans’ metabolic processes, a medical entomologist explains.

Jonathan Day, Emeritus Professor of Medical Entomology, University of Florida • conversation
Sept. 9, 2022 • ~7 min

Plagues of wasps? A scientist explains why you shouldn't panic about rumours of rising populations

Why you shouldn’t get in a flap over reports that swarms of wasps are descending on Britain.

Seirian Sumner, Professor of Behavioural Ecology, UCL • conversation
Aug. 26, 2022 • ~7 min

Flies evade your swatting thanks to sophisticated vision and neural shortcuts

Why is it so difficult to swat a fly? A team of insect experts explains how a fly’s sophisticated vision allows it to quickly react to visual cues.

Ravindra Palavalli-Nettimi, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Florida International University • conversation
Aug. 17, 2022 • ~8 min

Charles Henry Turner: The little-known Black high school science teacher who revolutionized the study of insect behavior in the early 20th century

The son of a formerly enslaved mother, Charles Henry Turner was the first to discover that bees and other insects have the ability to modify their behavior based on experience.

Edward D. Melillo, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of History and Environmental Studies, Amherst College • conversation
July 29, 2022 • ~9 min

Monarch butterflies join the Red List of endangered species, thanks to habitat loss, climate change and pesticides

The iconic monarch butterfly has been added to the Red List of endangered species, but hasn’t received protection in the US yet. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Kristen A. Baum, Professor of Integrative Biology and Associate Dean for Research, Oklahoma State University • conversation
July 26, 2022 • ~9 min

Five ways to help wildlife in heatwaves

If you’re hot, so are your four-legged neighbours.

Sarah Papworth, Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology, Royal Holloway University of London • conversation
July 18, 2022 • ~6 min

In defence of ants

Give ants a chance.

Christopher Terrell Nield, Principal lecturer, bioscience, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
July 14, 2022 • ~6 min

Feeding insects to cattle could make meat and milk production more sustainable

Feeding insects instead of grain to animals is an inexpensive, sustainable way to increase the world food supply. An animal scientist explains what’s involved in developing insect feed for cattle.

Merritt Drewery, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Texas State University • conversation
June 28, 2022 • ~8 min

Bed bugs' biggest impact may be on mental health after an infestation of these bloodsucking parasites

Bed bugs are pretty much universally reviled. But a public health entomologist explains how – while potentially traumatizing to deal with – they aren’t likely to make you sick.

Jerome Goddard, Extension Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University • conversation
June 3, 2022 • ~8 min

Bedbugs' biggest impact may be on mental health after an infestation of these bloodsucking parasites

Bedbugs are pretty much universally reviled. But a public health entomologist explains how – while potentially traumatizing to deal with – they aren’t likely to make you sick.

Jerome Goddard, Extension Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University • conversation
June 3, 2022 • ~8 min

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