Ecology News | Ecology | The Huck Institutes (en-US)

Apr 07, 2025

Forty-two graduate students recognized with University awards

Annual awards celebrate graduate students' impact in research, scholarship, teaching, outreach and more.

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In a recent study, a team of researchers led by Penn State scientists tested a new hypothesis for why some species of butterflies and moths have very specific diets, feeding on only a few types of plants, while others are far less picky. Credit: Nick Sloff / Penn State. Creative Commons

Apr 04, 2025

Picky eaters by day, buffet by night: Butterfly, moth diets sync to plant aromas

In a recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, an international team of researchers tested a new hypothesis for why some Lepidoptera have very specific diets, feeding on only a few types of plants, while others are far less picky.

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On the latest episode of “Growing Impact,” a team of Penn State researchers discusses how their seed grant project aims to address nitrous oxide emissions from the agricultural sector by developing a system for real-time emissions monitoring and reduction.

Apr 01, 2025

Researchers working to address agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

On the latest episode of “Growing Impact,” a team of Penn State researchers discusses how their seed grant project aims to address nitrous oxide emissions from the agricultural sector by developing a system for real-time emissions monitoring and reduction.

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Erika Machtinger researching in the field

Mar 31, 2025

Machtinger harnesses the power of collaboration to solve complex problems

Erika Machtinger is a veterinary entomologist whose work impacts wildlife, agriculture, industry, and public health across the U.S. Her efforts hinge upon the unique, interdisciplinary ecosystem of researchers and resources at Penn State.

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The findings could be helpful to growers as they create management plans for their fields, according to the researchers. Credit: Waldemar/Unsplash. All Rights Reserved.

Mar 24, 2025

Insecticides may contribute to bigger problems with certain weeds

Insecticides may help growers hoping to protect their crops from harmful insects, but they also may contribute to a larger amount of some weeds, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State.

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Penn State faculty speaking March 24 during the event “Research Scholarship and the Land Grant Mission: Why It Matters in Turbulent Times” include, clockwise from top left: Ray Block Jr., Brown-McCourtney Career Development Professor in the McCourtney Institute and associate professor of political science and of African American studies; Jennie Knies, University Libraries associate dean for Commonwealth Campus libraries; Erica Smithwick, distinguished professor of geography, director of the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and associate director of the Institute of the Energy and the Environment; and Rebecca Waltz, University Libraries associate dean for learning and engagement. Credit: Provided by the speakers. All Rights Reserved.

Mar 19, 2025

Three deans co-host research scholarship and land grant impacts event March 24

Three Penn State deans are co-hosting an event focusing on role of the University as Pennsylvania’s land-grant institution, the similar role of U.S. land-grant universities and the impacts of scholarly research they produce.

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Researchers found that orally administered sevelamer — a dialysis drug — can bind off-target antibiotics, shown being injected into the arm here, in the gut. Off-target antibiotics, or antibiotics that end up in the body away from the point of infection, can contribute to bacteria evolving to develop antibiotic resistance. Credit: Provided by Amir Sheikhi. All Rights Reserved.

Mar 18, 2025

FDA-approved dialysis drug may help fight against antimicrobial resistance

The study, conducted in mice, revealed that sevelamer can successfully remove off-target antibiotics from the gut.

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‘Microbial Me’ brings the invisible world of microbes through visual art, showcasing the ecosystems on our skin through a series of agar sculptures displaying bacteria. By casting her own face and swabbing the bacteria, Monsoon encourages viewers to reflect on the microorganisms present on their own skin. Credit: Mellissa Monsoon. All Rights Reserved.

Mar 18, 2025

BioArtist Mellissa Monsoon to present 'Collaborating with Microbes'

The One Health Microbiome Center and College of Arts and Architecture are co-hosting three events as part of a multi-year SciArt collaboration.

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A study conducted by Penn State entomologists evaluated the effectiveness of various insects in potentially controlling spotted lanternfly populations. Credit: Contributed photo. All Rights Reserved.

Mar 17, 2025

Natural insect predators may serve as allies in spotted lanternfly battle

Insect predators found in the United States could help keep spotted lanternfly populations in check while potentially reducing reliance on chemical control methods, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Penn State.

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Mar 17, 2025

Ag Sciences research institute SAFES funds projects addressing critical issues

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, through its Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, known as SAFES, announced funding awards to accelerate the advancement of its Critical Issues Initiatives. These initiatives serve as the college’s impact hubs, addressing urgent and high-impact challenges through targeted efforts and innovative projects.

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