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applied ecology

three scientists with an electrofisher mounted on a small boat

Jan 16, 2020

How Do You Count Fish in a Creek?

How do scientists count fish in the wild? 

ant

Dec 6, 2019

Citizen Scientists Help Solve Ant Enigma

Where did these ants come from, anyway? 

diver stacks cinderblocks on ocean floor

Oct 1, 2019

Predators and Hidey-Holes Are Good for Reef Fish Populations

Research highlights two factors that play a critical role in supporting reef fish populations. 

Azteca ants entering a hole in a plant surface

Aug 20, 2019

For at Least One Species, Ant Nurseries Are Cleaner Than Human Ones

When it comes to keeping a clean home, humans could learn something from ants. 

bumblebee hovers near flower

Jul 30, 2019

Children Prefer Faraway Wildlife to Local Nature

Children in both rural and urban areas prefer faraway animals to local wildlife. 

Photo of red lionfish.

Apr 26, 2019

Lionfish Genes Studied for Clues to Invasive Prowess

Out like a lamb and in like a lion? NC State researchers look for genomic clues behind the Atlantic invasion of the red lionfish. 

Photo of giraffe and tree in Kenya.

Mar 20, 2019

U.S. Indoor Climate Most Similar to Northeast African Outdoors

Americans are most comfortable indoors when their climate is like that of the northeast African outdoors - warm and relatively dry. 

camel cricket

Mar 19, 2019

Cricket Bacteria Break Down Lignin, Highlighting Ecology’s Utility in Applied R&D

Researchers have discovered that a bacterium found in camel crickets is capable of breaking down lignin, opening new research pathways for biofuels and chemical manufacturing. The study also highlights the potential inherent in using ecosystem analysis as a tool for targeting research into the identification of commercially valuable microorganisms with industrial applications. 

beetle larva

Mar 6, 2019

Take Pictures of Your (Six-Legged) Roommates, for Science

A new citizen science project aims to help us discover what animals share our living spaces -- and they need your help. 

Nov 26, 2018

Drones Offer Ability to Find, ID and Count Marine Megafauna

New research demonstrates that consumer-grade drones are effective tools for monitoring marine species across multiple sites in the wild. 

Tomatoes and peppers

Nov 20, 2018

Citizen Science Can Play Role in Addressing Agricultural Challenges

A new paper highlights the potential of citizen science to address pressing research challenges in agriculture and food systems. 

Oct 3, 2018

Complex Factors Can Drive the Emergence and Evolution of Plant Pathogens

New research sheds light on factors that contribute to the rise -- and spread -- of plant diseases. 

Two fisheries biologists holding a cobia. They are aboard a boat.

Jun 20, 2018

5 (Not So Pretty) Fun Fish to Catch (and Eat) in North Carolina

These NC fish species aren't much to look at -- but they are fun to catch (and good to eat). 

May 15, 2018

Think Chimpanzee Beds Are Dirtier Than Human Ones? Think Again

Study finds that chimpanzees appear to keep tidier sleeping arrangements than humans do. 

Apr 19, 2018

Partnering With Hunters, Anglers For Citizen Science

A new citizen science project is enlisting the hunting and fishing communities to help scientists understand the basic biology of a host of fish, bird and mammal species.