Saving species no longer a beauty contest Jun 30, 2009
Other fish in the ecosystem benefit, too, but that's still more money than the total spent on all insects, clams, snails, arachnids, corals, crustaceans and every species of threatened plant -- about 72 percent of the whole list. 1. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Flower Color Shows Evolution In Action Jun 30, 2009
In earlier research, Hodges showed that flowers evolve in a predictable fashion to match the mouthparts of pollinating birds and insects. Thus the pollinators of the yellow columbine flower, A. longissima, are predicted to have exceptionally long tongues to reach the nectar at the bottom. (Science Daily)
Straighten up and fly right: Moths benefit more from flexible wings than rigid Jun 30, 2009
New University of Washington research using high-speed digital imaging shows that, at least for some insects, wings that flex and deform, something like what happens to a heavy beach towel when you snap it to get rid of the sand, are the best for staying aloft ... Videos of research involving other insects can be viewed at. (EurekAlert!)
Toxic chemicals affect steroid hormones differently in humans and invertebrates Jun 30, 2009
In a study with important consequences for studies on the effects of chemicals on steroid responses in humans, a team of French and American scientists, including Michael E. Baker, PhD, professor in UC San Diego's Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, have found that contrary to earlier assumptions enzymes used for the synthesis of steroids in insects, snails, octopuses and corals are unrelated to those used in humans ... "For a long time, it has been thought that many... (EurekAlert!)
Fly Larvae Shun The Light Jun 30, 2009
6, 2007) When fruit fly larvae are poked or prodded, they fold themselves up and corkscrew their bodies around, a behavior that appears to be the young insects' equivalent of a "judo move," say researchers. . (Science Daily)
Call to track 'invader' ladybirds Jun 30, 2009
The large insects, about 7mm long, are used as control for greenfly in Europe and also eat soft fruits. The council wants people carrying cameras to snap the Asian insects. (BBC News -- Science)
The march of the insect invaders Jun 30, 2009
Alien insects are having a dramatic impact on the UK's native flora and fauna ... Scientists are still unsure whether the moths are damaging the trees, but some believe the insects may leave the trees more susceptible to other pests. (BBC News -- Science)
Chemicals not always best choice for pests Jun 30, 2009
"The reasons for that is that we have a long growing season, and the heat, rainfall and humidity make things perfect for insects." ... "Sometimes they'll work themselves out because predator insects will eat the harmful insects, sometimes nature just gets out of balance a little," she said ... "It's a type of soap with a lot of fatty acids, and it works well on soft-bodied insects like aphids," Bates said. (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
Things to Do in Cape Tribulation Jun 30, 2009
There are infinite sounds, coming from insects and animals, the rivers and waterfalls, and the falling fruit, branches and leaves that eventually come to litter the forest floor ... Birds, small reptiles and insects scurry, fly and run all around, and endangered animals like the cassowary, striped possum and tree kangaroo also live here ... Water and insects reign the sound waves. (Suite101.com)
Ladybird 'risk to 1,000 species' Jun 30, 2009
The insects are the fastest-spreading alien species on record ... The ladybird has spread to most parts of the UK in just four years, preying on many other insects ... Originally from Asia, the harlequin preys on a wide variety of insects, including the larvae of other ladybirds, and will also eat fruit. (BBC News)
Spray keeps mosquitoes at bay Jun 30, 2009
Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven material to keep the insects away from skin. - Use an insect repellent containing Deet, but avoid products with concentrations higher than 30 percent. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Eddie and the Sham-Wow Jun 30, 2009
Bill Arthur wrote on Jun 26, 2009 11:55 PM:" How about some real facts fellas. 700 scientists now agree Global Warming is a hoax. The Earth's temp has flatlined since 2001. Joanne Simpson, the first woman to receive a Ph.D in meteorology retired and expressed her relief that she could finally voice her non-belief. Dr. Kiminori Itoh, Japanese environmental physical chemist who contributed to the U.N climate report says man-made warming is the worst scientific scandal in history. Norway's Ivar... (Cameron Observer, MO)
• This is a Quark CopyDesk document! Jun 30, 2009
There's a rapidly growing list of natural remedies for the garden and landscape - a fix for everything from poor soil and weeds to insects and disease ... Do research based on last year's gardening experiences and check with your local cooperative extension service on diseases and insects that might harm your plants ... It kills insects, mites and funguses, and is said to repel mosquitoes. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
The silver lining Jun 30, 2009
Insects generally were suppressed by the wet. That includes grasshoppers, which are killed by a fungus that thrives on the moisture - making those who dislike the little buggers pretty happy this year. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Science: Forgotten evolutionist rediscovered Jun 30, 2009
Chitose Suzuki / APBritish entomologist George Beccaloni photographs insects near one of coal mines in Simunjan, Sarawak, Malaysia, where British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace collected many species. . (MSNBC -- Environment)
Khmer Rouge survivor testifies Jun 29, 2009
Van Nath described how hunger had driven him to eat insects, and said he had also eaten the rations beside corpses of starved fellow prisoners. He was appearing at the trial of the man who ran the prison, Comrade Duch. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Expressed sequence tags from larval gut of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis): Exploring candidate genes potentially involved in Bacillus thuringiensis toxicity and resistance Jun 29, 2009
However, the genomic information on lepidopteran insects is very limited. Only a few studies have focused on developing expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries from the guts of lepidopteran larvae. (BioMed Central)
Summer Reading 2009 Jun 29, 2009
BOOKS: In the Blast Zone: Catastrophe and Renewal on Mount St. Helens (2008), The Practice of Home: Biography of a House (2004) and Insects of South Corvallis (2003). Just finished manuscript for Going to Seed: 52 Dispatches from the Garden. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Chipper’s perspective on slump Jun 29, 2009
I can hear the insects buzz and the leaves neath my feet. Ramble up the stairwell, into the hall of books Since we got the interweb these hardly get used. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Organic Disease Control of Strawber... Jun 29, 2009
As if there weren t enough insects and animals clamoring for the first juicy berries in the strawberry patch, strawberry plants are subject to several diseases as well ... Controlling aphids is critical to preventing strawberry viruses, as these sucking insects act as a vector for these diseases. (Suite101.com)
First Khmer Rouge survivor testifies at tribunal Jun 29, 2009
"We were so hungry, we would eat insects that dropped from the ceiling," he said. "We would quickly grab and eat them so we could avoid being seen by the guards.". (San Francisco Chronicle)
Forgotten evolutionist lives in Darwin's shadow Jun 29, 2009
It was here, Beccaloni surmised, that Wallace spent nine months collecting insects, discovering a strange tree-frog and shooting orangutans. But nobody would know. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Cambodian survivor talks Jun 29, 2009
"There were 20 or 30 of us in each row of shackles. The black clothes we were wearing, we were stripped of those clothes," Van Nath told the court, adding prisoners would rush to eat insects that fell from the ceiling. "We only had three spoons of gruel for each meal. And the spoon was like a coffee spoon, it was not a normal rice spoon. I lost my dignity... Even with animals they would give enough food," Van Nath said. (iAfrica.com)
Trout bums: Dumbest fish in America Jun 29, 2009
These are very small insects that are only a bit larger than the "no see ems" of the North Country. Size 26, if you tie flies to match them. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
Eight miles of the Missouri Jun 29, 2009
The feeding fish, the insects on the water, the river s steady push to a place so distant it would take three days to reach it by car. It is here in Montana, after all, where the Missouri River begins its 2,615-mile run to the Mississippi. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Not all who wonder are lost Jun 28, 2009
Liked the bits that implied that insight is not the same as analytical thought, so "structuredinnovation" may be a bad idea - as the article noted, insight has come about in baths, showers, orchards, while staring at insects etc etc. Thsi leads us to wonder whether there is a market for a program on paid "unstructured" innovation, involving "structured unstructured" activities, and "innovation via water" etc. (Multichannel News)
Going All-in: Confed Cup should be a coffee break Jun 28, 2009
A win over Brazil and it's salsa-singing fans (an oh-so-welcome respite from the South Africans' vuvuzela horns which remind one of the pleasant sound insects make as they are swarming) would be perfect, of course. It's also highly unlikely (just like beating Spain was supposed to be, it must be noted), considering the Brazilians beat the U.S. 3-0 in pool play, but a solid showing against the first nation of soccer would be an encouraging sign that the good ship USA Soccer is again on course. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Through bugs, wind and wrecks, just keep on pedalin' Jun 28, 2009
The cloud of blood-sucking insects parted. Maybe there is a pill Yukoners take that keeps bugs at bay. (Anchorage Daily News)
Try these three fragrant trees Jun 28, 2009
There can be occasional problems with insects (aphids) and disease (powdery mildew), but good sanitation and air circulation can help prevent problems from developing. A few especially choice lindens for Western Oregon include. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
* Goosen bugged but holds on to lead Jun 28, 2009
Retief Goosen was plagued by insects during his second round of four-under 68, but they did not bug him enough to keep the South African from clinging on to a one-shot advantage in the BMW International Open on Friday. First round front-runner Goosen moved to 12-under-par 132, a stroke ahead of Denmarks Soren Kjeldsen, who produced an eagle and five birdies during his second round 65 to nearly catch up to the two-time US Open champion. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Bagworms, beetles and bugs Jun 28, 2009
Biological insecticide products containing Bt, Bacillus thuringiensis, are very effective against young bagworm larvae but not harmful to beneficial insects. Be sure to select a Bt product labeled for caterpillars, as there are several different varieties of Bt used on different insects, and follow the label directions for application ... You will often see masses of these insects, ranging in size from very small to almost full-grown, on plants and buildings during June. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Reports show Nestle refused FDA information Jun 27, 2009
During that inspection, the FDA found three live "ant-like" insects on a ledge along a wall by a powdered sugar station in the cookie dough manufacturing area, dirty stainless steel equipment in a bin that was identified as clean and water dripping from an overhead line. The company told the FDA inspector it had called its extermination company and said the other issues would be corrected immediately. (USA Today -- Money)
Buy Rain Barrels Online Jun 27, 2009
Created from recycled food barrels, Big Blue has a brass spigot and a top screen that keeps out insects. Price: $94. (Suite101.com)
MM grad drawn to Africa Jun 27, 2009
In the afternoon, students would take walks in the woodlands, observing plants, animals and insects. In the evening the group spent time with local children and families, telling stories and learning about local culture. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Craig Tufts; naturalist loved backyard gardens Jun 27, 2009
Birds, mammals, butterflies, other insects, reptiles, and amphibians were all encouraged to make homes in gardens free of pesticides. In return, homeowners got a plaque to display. (Boston Globe)
Mormon crickets on the march Jun 27, 2009
A wet, cool spring slowed development of the large insects, and ongoing control programs are helping curtail them, state entomologist Jeff Knight said Thursday. The biggest concentration is north of Elko, Independence Valley, up toward Owyhee, Mountain City, Jarbidge, Knight said, where things were pretty much last year. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Oregon Recreation Report Jun 27, 2009
Cutthroat trout have been pretty active in the mornings feeding on insects and small fish. Anglers using a little stealth and looking for actively feeding fish are doing pretty good. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Mother's Garden: Strawberry week, hurrah! Jun 27, 2009
That's because it s necessary to rotate crops so disease and insects don't get established in any one place. Soon we shall have their fresh picked, vine ripened tomatoes, warm from the sun which is the only way to eat tomatoes. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Rain barrels available to residents at discount Jun 27, 2009
It has a six-inch diameter inlet opening covered with a screened louver to keep debris and insects out. The barrels are also equipped with two brass spigots; one that can be used for a connection for a hose for watering and one for overflow. (Holbrook Sun, MA)
New Online Pest Control Store Offers Lentek Mosquito Repellent Products, Traps, Vacuums, Non-toxic Mosquito Wristbands at Low Cost and Much More, Grea Jun 27, 2009
The wristbands are great to protect against the blood feeding insects and there's no need to apply chemical sprays or lotions. Most of the products are manufactured by Lentek. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Bakker busy studying wildlife Jun 26, 2009
While the burrowing owl will mostly eat insects, it will also eat small animals and leave shredded materials and animal parts outside the burrow. Meanwhile, this summer Bakker and others will be looking at duck nesting success to determine ideal habitats for different populations in northeastern South Dakota. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Changes In Brain Architecture May Be Driven By Different Cognitive Challenges Jun 26, 2009
I would argue social insects like wasps are like us in some ways and should be an important model as well. In this study we found that it s not being social, but how you are social that explains brain architecture. (Science Daily)
Evolution Of A Contraceptive For Invasive Sea Lamprey Jun 26, 2009
29, 2009) The impact fish stocking has on aquatic insects in mountain lakes can be rapidly reversed by removing non-native trout, according to a new. . (Science Daily)
Young farmers help community Jun 26, 2009
To control pests, they squash bugs with their fingers and place grease pots at the end of rows to trap insects. Flowers in the garden attract beneficial insects that eat the pests, Bertler said. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Long-term apple scab resistance remains elusive, Purdue expert says Jun 26, 2009
"Over time, this repeated defoliation weakens the tree. A tree that is defoliated is under stress and can be susceptible to opportunistic insects and other diseases. The apple scab won't kill the tree, but the chronic weakening will.". The data, collected from observations at the Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio, showed that only 29 varieties of crabapple trees had resistance to scabbing for at least 10 years. (EurekAlert!)
Garden Pests: How to keep your plants safe Jun 26, 2009
The best way to prevent damage from (insects) is to pay attention and manage the insects early, Taylor said ... It can kill insects that are beneficial insects that naturally control garden pests and residues can build up on your vegetables ... According to the Web site, repeated use of pesticides can also help insects to develop a resistance to the chemical. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Pine beetle damage could fuel wildfires Jun 26, 2009
Matthew Koehler WildWest Institute wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:04 AM:" For those interested in the latest research and science concerning bark beetles, they may wish to check out this study here:www.cfri.colostate.edu/docs/cfri_insect.pdfThe report, from some of the leading researchers on the topic, answers many common questions such as:Do outbreaks of mountain pine beetles and other forest insects increase the risk of severe wildfires?Does a large insect outbreak constitute an "emergency. "Are... (Missoulian, MT)
Chuffed over egg success Jun 26, 2009
The birds feed mainly on soil-living insects and prefer short turf with a plentiful supply of dung. The chicks, five males and three females, hatched last month - a third pair failed to breed because the female was too immature. (BBC News -- Science)
Lexington spared, so far, from beetles and blights Jun 26, 2009
Lexington lost some maples three to five years ago during summer droughts, but Pinsonneault said the town has not experienced a blight-related disease, which he classifies as a high quantity of trees that are physically diseased as opposed to having moths, beetles, caterpillars and other insects damage them. Red maples are doing OK, but there s decline in sugar maple, he said. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Create memorable outdoor parties for less Jun 26, 2009
But your outdoor party can be spoiled quickly if unwelcome insects show up. More than half of backyard revelers have moved a party indoors due to mosquitoes, and 46 percent have left a party to escape the pests, according to a new survey from the makers of OFF. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Chemical Communication in Aphids Jun 26, 2009
Insects use chemical signals that help them find mates, identify their own colonies, locate food sources, warn of danger, stimulate group cohesiveness, hide predators and parasites, or call in insects to protect them ... Insects and birds often consuming aphids in large numbers. (Suite101.com)
The Farr Side: Im a Celebrity seemed like a good idea, but ... Jun 26, 2009
Challenges like Last Chance Saloon were cool, especially with the exotic jungle insects and such. Sanjaya, Wilson and Phillips definitely tore up the challenges, but it was Sanjaya s fearlessness that surprised me most. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Eight miles of the Missouri Jun 25, 2009
The feeding fish, the insects on the water, the river s steady push to a place so distant it would take three days to reach it by car. It is here in Montana, after all, where the Missouri River begins its 2,615-mile run to the Mississippi. (Helena Independent Record)
Scripps research scientists observe human neurodegenerative disorder in fruit flies Jun 25, 2009
The new breed of insects may help society better understand and treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. La Jolla, CA, June 24, 2009 -- A team of scientists from The Scripps Research Institute, Katholeike Universiteit Leuven, and the University of Antwerp, Belgium, among other institutions, has created a genetically modified fruit fly that mimics key features of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a common neurodegenerative disorder that strikes about one out of every 2,500 people in the United States. (EurekAlert!)
Summer Reading 2009 Jun 25, 2009
BOOKS: In the Blast Zone: Catastrophe and Renewal on Mount St. Helens (2008), The Practice of Home: Biography of a House (2004) and Insects of South Corvallis (2003). Just finished manuscript for Going to Seed: 52 Dispatches from the Garden. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
'Cross' Breeding: What Makes An Angry Fly? Jun 25, 2009
By investigating male flies from a large panel of lines which each carry a mutation in a single gene but are otherwise genetically identical, researchers identified particularly angry and particularly placid insects, uncovering 59 mutations in 57 genes that affect aggressive behavior. See also. (Science Daily)
Editorial: No pain in flies Jun 25, 2009
Insects neurological systems don t allow them to hurt or panic like more advanced organisms can. Would killing a creature just for the sake of killing it be ethical. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
In Summertime, the Livin' Can Be Buggy Jun 25, 2009
"It's the disease that insects carry that can become a serious medical problem.". Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which is caused by one of three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. (MEDLINEplus)
Agencies adopt plan for Madison River use Jun 25, 2009
The fact that a throng of people is compared to a swarm of insects suggests how the pleasure floaters are viewed by some anglers as an annoying affliction and an obstacle to catching fish. Singling out users Kris Kumlien takes issue with the word "crowded" when applied to the Madison. (Montana Standard, MT)
I wonder why the Imperial Valley Mall has no public Wi-Fi? I go have lunch there very often and would like to have some free Wi-Fi while on my lunch break. It’s not an expensive project. It would only take about eight to 10 access points and an Internet connection to set it up. I could help with planning if necessary. Maybe get Time Warner to sponsor the Internet access? It could be good marketing for them. Most malls in San Diego and Yuma have free public Wi-Fi, why can’t ours? — gee4mac, Calexico,/b>'>Is there Wi-Fi access at the mall? Jun 25, 2009
The people gathering in mass at the mall would resemble an infestation of insects. If you don't believe me, just venture across the border and have a look for yourself. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Oregon Recreation Report (3) Jun 24, 2009
Hunters may still find bears using the few manzanita and elderberry patches that are left but bears will be looking for other food sources such as fruit trees at old homesteads and insects and grubs found under logs and rocks ... Along with huckleberries some will also turn to eating mushrooms and tearing up logs looking for insects. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Rats! Theyre on your turf. Now what? Jun 24, 2009
They typically plug into an electrical outlet and are supposed to emit ultrasonic signals that repel rats, other rodents and insects. The University of Florida's Kern said rats can hear it, but the devices will only be effective if the rats are out in the open. (MSNBC -- Health)
Groceries from the Backyard: A Harvest of Savings Jun 24, 2009
If you must spray, do it late in the day when beneficial insects are less active. Pick the Right Plants -- Flower gardeners gravitate to the newest, showiest varieties, but smart food gardeners appreciate the tried-and-true. (South County Chronicle, VA)
Ancient primate sniffed out dinner in the trees Jun 24, 2009
With that result they were able to model the brain structure of the animal showing large olfactory lobes but less development in visual areas, a possible indication of a nocturnal animal that relies on insects for food. Many models of the ancestral primate brain are based on tree shrews, which are distantly related to humans. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
UNL Scientist's Tiny Research Big Boost To Nanotechnology Jun 24, 2009
Flowers and insects like the water strider have tiny hairs that catch and repel water. "The droplet will sit on top of the rough surface. It doesn't stick to the surface," Zeng said. (7 KETV Omaha)
