applied ecology

May 3, 2017

‘Princess Pheromone’ Tells Ants Which Larvae Are Destined to Be Queens

For Indian jumping ants (Harpegnathos saltator), becoming royalty is all about timing. 

Mar 30, 2017

The Importance of Seeds: a Q&A with Rob Dunn

There is little genetic diversity among the crops that are most important for feeding people around the world. Rob Dunn's new book explores this issue and why it matters. 

Feb 3, 2017

‘Great Pumpkin Project’ Recruits Citizen Scientists to Document Agricultural Biodiversity

A team of biology researchers is recruiting citizen scientists to participate in a study of which microbes and insects visit the same crop plants around the world. 

Nov 1, 2016

Study Highlights Diversity of Arthropods Found in Homes Across the United States – From Swabs of Dust

Researchers used DNA testing and citizen science to create an “atlas” that shows the range and diversity of arthropods found in homes across the continental United States. 

May 18, 2016

No Junk-Food Diet: Even in Cities, Bees Find Flowers and Avoid Processed Sugars

New research from NC State finds that bees in urban areas stick to a flower-nectar diet, steering clear of processed sugars found in soda and other junk food. 

Apr 14, 2016

Study Argues ‘Winner-Winner’ Behavior May Shape Animal Hierarchies

Researchers have developed a behavioral model that explains the complexity and diversity of social hierarchies in ants, and which scientists believe may help us understand the nature of other animal societies – from primates to dolphins. 

Mar 16, 2016

Shorebirds Ignore Aircraft, But Pay Attention to People, Off-road Vehicles

American oystercatchers studied on North Carolina's Cape Lookout National Seashore were disturbed more by pedestrians and off-road vehicles passing their nests than by the U.S. military aircraft flying overhead. 

Mar 9, 2016

Study Finds More Social Insects Have Weaker Immune Response, Highlights Role of Hygiene

Research finds that among eusocial insects – like ants, bees and termites – the more individuals there are in a typical species colony, the weaker the species’ immune response. The finding strongly suggests that hygiene behaviors, and not just immune systems, play a key role in keeping eusocial insects healthy. 

Feb 2, 2016

Antiperspirant Alters the Microbial Ecosystem on Your Skin

Wearing antiperspirant or deodorant doesn’t just affect your social life, it substantially changes the microbial life that lives on you.