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Study Sheds Light on Bacteria Associated With Pre-Term Birth

applied ecology

a ladybug crawls along a windowsill

Dec 3, 2025

Do Bugs Fly in the Windows of High-Rise Apartments?

How high does an apartment need to be above ground level before insects stop flying into your home? 
a gembok defecates in a sere landscape

Oct 15, 2025

African Wildlife Poop Sheds Light on What Shapes the Gut Ecosystem

Because the gut microbiome plays a critical role in animal health, the work can be used to inform conservation efforts. 
orange brown and yellow autumn leaves cover the ground

Sep 16, 2025

Chemical Warfare and Soil Saviors: The Secret Life of Leaves

Leaves are more remarkable than you think, and autumn leaves play an important role that many people do not know about. 
several glass jars filled with kimchi are lined up on a wooden table

Aug 19, 2025

How Chefs and Scientists Are Using Kombucha and Kimchi to Study Microbiology

A new study demonstrates how fermented foods can be used in projects that engage the public and advance our understanding of microbial ecology. 
An American buffalo walks through an open area with mountains behind it.

Jul 18, 2025

Crowdsourcing New Range Data for North American Mammals

To track how animals respond to global change, scientists need timely estimates of species distributions. At NC State University, researchers are exploring the shifting ranges of North American mammals using crowd-sourced biodiversity databases — sharing platforms that harness human curiosity and the desire to better understand our planet’s myriad plant and animal species. 
Brown rice on a plate.

Apr 30, 2025

Protein Sources Change the Gut Microbiome – Some Drastically

Protein sources appear to have major effects on both the population and function of the mouse gut microbiome. 
a carpenter bee rests on the petals of an iris

Apr 14, 2025

How Can I Protect My Home From Carpenter Bees?

Learn why carpenter bees drill into wood, how to identify their nests, and methods for protecting your home from carpenter bee damage. 
a cartoon drawing of monster bugs

Oct 28, 2024

Zom-bees, Mummies and Vampire Mites: Three Tales of Haunted Hives

Zombies! Mummies! Vampires! We reveal three spooky (and very real) enemies of the western honey bee. 
Ants on a plant in Peru.

Oct 14, 2024

Study Finds Mutualistic Relationships Changing With Climate

As temperatures heat up, the beneficial relationship between certain ants and plants in Peru cools down. 

Jul 23, 2024

Can Bees Recognize Faces?

Yep, bees can recognize faces. But do they use this ability? David Tarpy explains. 

Jul 23, 2024

Podcast: Bees

David Tarpy joins the podcast to chat about all things bee. 
Workers hang hemp plants to dry.

Jul 1, 2024

Commercial Stock Photos of Farmworkers Found Lacking

Publicly available photos of farmworkers fail to represent workers and the tasks they perform, sometimes resulting in health and safety materials that lack relevance. 
a woman and man talk in front of clear tanks with snails

Jun 5, 2024

New Aquatic Conservation Laboratory Opens at Yates Mill

The environment just got a little more hospitable for some threatened and endangered aquatic species in North Carolina thanks to the grand opening of the Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Laboratory. 
A faucet with drinking water.

May 30, 2024

Podcast: PFAS Exposure

Khara Grieger helps us understand PFAS exposure and how we can protect ourselves. 

May 20, 2024

Study Sheds Light on Bacteria Associated With Pre-Term Birth

New findings add to the emerging picture of Gardnerella's effect on human health.