Surprising Ways Entomology Impacts Medicine, Agriculture and More

Entomology is the scientific study of insects, the world’s most abundant and diverse organisms. While it may seem like a highly specialized field, entomology intersects with many other natural sciences. These intersections have contributed to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, forensics and beyond. The study of insects not only deepens our understanding of ecosystems but also helps solve real-world problems, from protecting crops to controlling disease. 

Let’s explore how entomology connects with other scientific fields — and why its impact extends far beyond the insect world. 

Entomology and Agronomy

Agronomy is the study of soil management and crop production, both of which are deeply influenced by insect activity. Many insects, such as the pollinating honey bee, are essential for crop production. And yet, every year, insects wipe out one-fifth of the world’s total crop production. 

Like professionals in other natural sciences, agricultural entomologists use their knowledge to arrive at logical and sometimes novel solutions to this complex balancing act. Today, entomologists strive to find ways to manage insects and increase crop production without relying on potentially environmentally harmful methods, such as pesticides, that can threaten beneficial insects and human health.  

Entomology and Microbiology 

Insects are far too large to be considered microorganisms, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t affected by fungi, viruses and microscopic parasites. One of the most concerning examples is deformed wing virus (DWV), which is currently devastating honey bee populations. The culprit behind its spread is Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite that has played a significant role in the global decline of honey bees. 

For years, pesticides have been the primary method for controlling Varroa. However, prolonged use has led to pesticide-resistant mites, making the problem even more difficult to manage. As a result, researchers have been exploring alternative solutions to protect honey bee colonies. 

One promising area of study is the use of entomopathogenic fungi to control Varroa populations. While these fungi have shown potential in early research, more work is needed before they can be developed into a commercially viable biocontrol method. Scientists continue to investigate innovative ways to combat this growing threat to pollinators and agriculture. 

Entomology and Forensic Science

Forensic science is another field where natural sciences and entomology may overlap significantly. For instance, forensic entomologists and forensic scientists must both contend with time-sensitive evidence — entomological evidence just usually happens to have six legs. Forensic entomologists can use insects, such as blow fly maggots, to glean details about a person’s demise, including their time of death.  

Blow flies have been known to show up within minutes of death. The challenge, however, lies in safely moving live blow fly maggots back to the laboratory. 

Historically, laboratory staff had to go through the trouble of thawing out meat to transport these tiny insects. More recently, however, researchers have suggested crime scene investigators pack cans of tuna in their collection kits to keep maggots alive during transport. You wouldn’t think a can of tuna could help solve a murder, but this is the kind of out-of-the-box thinking entomologists employ every day.  

Entomology and Medicine

Medical entomology is a subset of entomology focused on the impact of insects on human health, especially insects like mosquitoes that spread vector-borne diseases. In fact, mosquitoes kill more humans than murderers do, with 725,000 deaths attributed to mosquito-borne diseases annually. It’s for this reason that UF’s online master’s degree in medical entomology program offers courses in: 

• Advanced Mosquito Identification 
• Advanced Mosquito Biology 
• Insect Pest and Vector Management 
• Ecology of Vector-Borne Diseases 

Every day, medical entomologists are a step closer to solving some of the world’s leading health crises. The pivotal work being done by medical entomologists in research laboratories, postsecondary institutions and public health exemplify entomology’s far-reaching effect.  

Advance Scientific Discovery with a Career in Entomology

What do entomologists, agronomists, microbiologists and forensic scientists have in common? They’re dedicated to furthering their field of study and sharing their knowledge and findings with others. Entomologists exemplify this devotion to progress. From collecting specimens in forests to managing pests in urban environments, entomologists strive to create a world where people not only manage but benefit from insects. 

UF offers four master’s degree and graduate certificate options for professionals interested in the fields of entomology and nematology. Whether you specialize in medical entomology, landscape pest management, urban pest management or beekeeping, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to further your industry as well as the broader field of entomology.

If you’re interested in a professional discipline that influences everything from yearly harvests to disease prevention, enroll in one of UF’s online entomology and nematology programs.  

Sources:
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6XvPBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=entomology&ots=u5x3ZEq1Nw&sig=dGplGfZ-7d6tLXvWzw6qJHY5Jw0#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/past-issues/honeybee.html
http://www.fao.org/3/a-av013e.pdf