entomology

Oct 5, 2016

Urban Warming Slows Tree Growth, Photosynthesis

New research finds that urban warming reduces growth and photosynthesis in city trees. The researchers found that insect pests are part of the problem, but that heat itself plays a more significant role. 

Sep 1, 2016

It’s a Boy: Modified Male Flies Could More Efficiently Control Screwworm Population

Suppressing populations of devastating pests may be easier with the release of genetically modified males. 

Jun 29, 2016

Expanding Outreach to Support Bees and Other Pollinators

A lot of people want to know what they can do to help bees – and a new initiative at NC State is aimed at helping to meet that demand. 

Jun 21, 2016

How Native American Agriculture Spread Bees in Pre-Columbian North America

Using genetic markers, researchers have for the first time shown how cultivating a specific crop led to the expansion of a pollinator species. In this case, the researchers found that the spread of a bee species in pre-Columbian Central and North America was tied to the spread of squash agriculture. 

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. 

May 17, 2016

Assessing the Positive and Negative Claims About Genetically Engineered Crops

Genetically engineered crops stir strong feelings from both critics and supporters. We talk to the researcher who chaired the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee that just released a report, “Genetically Engineered Crops: Experience and Prospects,” which examines the evidence behind positive and negative claims about GE crops, and the research challenges that lie ahead. 

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 23, 2016

Modified Maggots Could Help Human Wound Healing

NC State entomologists genetically modify maggots to aid human wound healing. 

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 22, 2016

Rediscovering the Forgotten Benefits of Drawing

Over a century ago, the ability to draw was a necessity. No cameras, printers, copiers, or online images - if you wanted to convey information visually, you had to do it yourself. Jennifer Landin explains why those skills are still important. 

Feb 9, 2016

Duplicate DNA a Hallmark of Tick Genome

What makes the tick, well, tick? NC State researchers involved in sequencing the pest's genome find a number of answers. 

Feb 3, 2016

Mixed Signals: Study Finds Insect Species Use Very Different Chemicals to Identify Queens

It had been thought that all ants, wasps and other eusocial insects used a common class of chemical compounds to distinguish queens from workers and other members of their colonies or hives. But new research finds that there is significant variation in these chemical signals, even between closely related species. 

Feb 2, 2016

Researchers Sequence Bedbug Genome, Find Unique Features

Entomologist Coby Schal leads effort to reveal the genomic blueprint behind the bedbug's reviled characteristics. 

Jan 29, 2016

NC State Expert on Zika Virus Available

Entomologist Michael Reiskind can help reporters who have questions about the Zika virus. 

Jan 19, 2016

First Study of Arthropods in U.S. Homes Finds Huge Biodiversity

The first study to evaluate the biodiversity of arthropods in U.S. homes finds that humans share their houses with any of more than 500 different kinds of arthropods – at least on a short-term basis.