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Can We Really Kill All Mosquitoes?
Admit it: You’ve thought about it. Round them all up, strap them to a rocket and launch them straight into the sun. It’s a satisfying thought for anyone who’s swatted at a mosquito or tried to ignore their itchy bite. Mosquitoes are more than a backyard nuisance. They’re the deadliest creatures on Earth, spreading diseases…
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Forensic Entomology: How Insects Help Solve Crimes
There’s been a murder! The victim lies lifeless, and without a witness, murder weapon or DNA evidence, this case may be impossible to crack. But fear not, investigators have an unexpected ally: forensic entomologists. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of forensic entomology: the study of the application of insects and other arthropods found…
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Insect Communication: 3 Ways Insects Share Information
Humans are constantly communicating with one another. We talk, use nonverbal cues and even rely on technology to get our messages across. But we’re not the only animals that communicate. From whale songs to mouse squeaks, creatures worldwide use various methods to connect. Even smaller but just as communicative — if not more so —…
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Insects That Migrate: Inside the Epic Journey of Insect Migration
During the warmer months, it’s common to spot butterflies serenely gliding from flower to flower or gently flying past during your afternoon walk. But did you know that many of those graceful creatures, including the famed monarch butterfly, only live an average of two to six weeks once they reach adulthood? This short lifespan begs…
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Invasive Species Spotlight: The Spotted Lanternfly
Upon first glance, the spotted lanternfly might appear to be a virtuous little moth. With a black and yellow body tucked gracefully inside a pair of radiant red, black and brown wings, they’re a speckled sight to behold. But if you research these colorful insects, you’ll quickly discover that they’re not nearly as innocent as…
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Vector-Borne Disease Preparedness in the United States
What if your recent mosquito bite carried more than just the discomfort of being an itchy nuisance? What if it posed a significant risk of transmitting a deadly disease like malaria, yellow fever or Zika virus? According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases are responsible for causing over 700,000 deaths annually. Malaria alone caused…
