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

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently appointed Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State, to an 18-member study committee to examine the status of insects in North America. Credit: Christina Grozinger / Penn State. Creative Commons

Apr 24, 2025

Grozinger appointed to National Academies committee on insect declines

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently appointed Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State, to an 18-member study committee to examine the status of insects in North America.

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A team led by scientists at Penn State has created a stretchable, rechargeable sticker that can detect real emotions — by measuring things like skin temperature and heart rate — even when users put on a brave face. Credit: Courtesy Yangbo Yuan / Penn State. Creative Commons

Apr 22, 2025

High-tech sticker can identify real human emotions

A team led by scientists at Penn State has created a stretchable, rechargeable sticker that can detect real emotions — by measuring things like skin temperature and heart rate — even when users put on a brave face.

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Image caption: A new study investigated the impacts of cholera interventions in the city of Kalemie in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the disease is endemic, meaning it persists to some extent constantly. The study found that the presence of the nearby Lake Tanganyika, pictured here, plays a considerable role in shaping cholera transmission in the area. Credit: MONUSCO/Abel Kavanagh. All Rights Reserved.

Apr 21, 2025

Focus on sanitation and clean water may improve control of endemic cholera

Pathogens that persist in hosts and environments may require tailored management strategies, according to new study of endemic cholera interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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A new study used modern methods to reassess a foundational study in biology that explained how ecologically similar species of wood warblers coexist. The research team examined foraging behavior, physical characteristics, diet and evolutionary history of 13 warbler species, including the black-throated green warbler (Setophaga virens) pictured here, and found that how these songbirds coexist is more nuanced than originally proposed. Credit: Ronnie d'Entremont. All Rights Reserved.

Apr 16, 2025

Foraging on the wing: How can ecologically similar birds live together?

New study uses modern molecular and evolutionary techniques to reassess a foundational, 67-year-old study in warblers.

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The study found that increased salt content in tomato plants reduces fruitworm caterpillar feeding and limits the number of eggs that moths lay on these plants. Credit: Sahil Pawar. All Rights Reserved.

Apr 16, 2025

Feeling salty? Increased salt stress reduces tomato pest activity

Increased soil salinity can reduce damage from prominent tomato pests such as the tomato fruitworm, according to researchers at Penn State. They published their findings in the Journal of Plant, Cell and Environment.

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Apr 09, 2025

Complete genome sequences of six ape species unveiled

Differences among the DNA of seven ape species — including humans — are greater than originally thought, according to an international team led by researchers at Penn State, the National Human Genome Research Institute, and the University of Washington.

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The findings could help drive future research as well as help evaluate the costs and benefits of pesticide use in agroecosystems, the researchers said. Credit: Kym MacKinnon/Unsplash. All Rights Reserved.

Apr 10, 2025

Even sublethal insecticide dose may disrupt pollinator mating process

Insecticides can help protect crops against troublesome pests, but they also pose a risk for beneficial insects such as pollinators. A new study led by researchers at Penn State provided insight into how even sublethal doses of insecticides can negatively affect pollinators by disrupting the mating process.

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Credit: guenterguni/Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

Apr 09, 2025

Complete genome sequences of six ape species unveiled

Previously inaccessible regions reveal novel insights that may advance understanding of evolution and conservation genetics for endangered apes as well as human health.

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As AI expands, so does its environmental footprint, from high energy use to e-waste. But with efficient models, greener infrastructure and smarter design, the tech industry can curb its impact and improve its sustainability. Credit: Adobe Stock. All Rights Reserved.

Apr 10, 2025

Q&A: Can artificial intelligence growth and sustainability go hand in hand?

Optimizing AI to use less energy and protect the environment

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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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