applied ecology

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. 

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. 

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 29, 2018

Do Insects Fart? (They Sure Do!)

Do bugs fart? You bet. In fact, some of them pass an enormous amount of gas. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Mar 21, 2018

Could Insects Help Us Find New Yeasts for Big Business?

Yeasts are tiny fungi – but they play key roles in producing everything from beer and cheese to industrial chemicals and biofuels. 

Feb 6, 2018

Venus Flytraps Don’t Eat The Insects That Pollinate Them

Researchers discover which insects pollinate Venus flytraps – and learn that flytraps don’t dine on them. 

Jan 25, 2018

Can You Guess Which Species Has the Most Gut Microbes?

Comparisons of gut microbe diversity are a step toward understanding complex ecosystems that play an important role in the health of species – including our own. 

Jan 16, 2018

How Winter Temps Can Affect Your Spring Fishing

Recent research has changed what we know about spotted seatrout and cold weather. 

Dec 6, 2017

Separated Since the Dinosaurs, Bamboo-Eating Lemurs, Pandas Share Common Gut Microbes

A new study finds bamboo lemurs, giant pandas and red pandas share 48 gut microbes in common – despite the fact that they are separated by millions of years of evolution.