October 2016

October 31, 2016

CDC Director Warns That the Zika Virus May Be Here to Stay

The Atlantic got an exclusive interview with the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden, about the current status of our fight against the Zika virus, which he is in charge of eradicating, and…

Tags: General Uncategorized

October 28, 2016

Bugs Affected By Oil Spill Are Being Studied

A team of researchers from the University of Houston are examining ocean dwelling arthropods collected after the BP oil spill, and comparing them to samples collected in the gulf area before the spill. The samples offer the researchers an easy…

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October 26, 2016

Honey Can Actually Help Heal a Brown Recluse Spider Bite Wound!

The bite of a brown recluse spider can spell very bad news for the victim. Their venom is extremely poisonous, more so than that of a rattlesnake. It is especially toxic to cells and tissue. When the venom is released…

Tags: General Spider Control

October 25, 2016

Scientists To Develop Water Skimming Robot With The Help Of Water Striding Bugs

The bugs are called “water striders,” and their ability to run and jump on the surface of water, such as lakes, ponds, and just about any body of water, has long fascinated entomologists. Engineers are also excited as many are…

Tags: General Scientists To Develop Water Skimming Robot With The Help Of Water Striding Bugs

October 24, 2016

Social Sensitivity Towards Mating Behavior Is Linked To The Frequency At Which Male Beetles Mate

Although I cannot imagine how researchers were able to ascertain this information, male burying beetles that mate more frequently than average are likely more insecure about their social status. This insecurity is rooted in the relative differences in body size…

Tags: General Social Sensitivity Towards Mating Behavior Is Linked To The Frequency At Which Male Beetles Mate

October 21, 2016

Scientists Prevent Whiteflies From Feeding By Confusing Them With A Variety Of Different Smells

There exists a phenomenon known as the “confusion effect,” which involves a human or an animal becoming confused or even disoriented when confronted with a plethora of different stimuli or information. The idea behind the confusion effect has been applied…

Tags: General Scientists Prevent Whiteflies From Feeding By Confusing Them With A Variety Of Different Smells

October 19, 2016

Biologist Wants To Bring Arthropods And People Closer Together

In response the misunderstanding people have towards bugs of all kinds biologist and artist Brandon Ballengee has created a museum of sorts that allows people to view live arthropods up close. This ambitious project took off twenty years ago, and…

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October 18, 2016

The Zika Virus Continues to Spread

Officials had hoped that the recent hurricane in Florida would help disrupt the spread of the Zika virus, but it looks like it’s only helped the mosquitos spread it even faster due to the rainwater left behind. A new zone…

Tags: General The Zika Virus Continues to Spread

October 17, 2016

Insect Borne Viruses Experts Say To Watch Out For

We are all familiar with the Zika virus and Lyme disease, but experts have recently found some lesser known viruses that they are suggesting people watch out for in the near future, as they could possibly become a problem, especially…

Tags: General Insect Borne Viruses Experts Say To Watch Out For

October 14, 2016

Dung Beetles Are Tougher Than You Think

During the past decade or so researchers have noticed an invasive insect that has gone largely unstudied. The invasive insect in question is known as the “bigheaded ant.” Bigheaded ants have been observed invading territory that belongs to dung beetles,…

Tags: Dung Beetles Are Tougher Than You Think General