Entomology

Returning a 170-year-old preserved lizard to Jamaica is a step toward redressing colonial harms

Retrieved on: 
Montag, Juni 3, 2024
American Museum, Botany, University, Society, Ecology, Natural history, Natural History Museum, Physician, World War II, Cyclura, Getty, CC BY-SA, Attention, CC BY-ND, CC, Knowledge, Person, Mouse, Biodiversity Heritage Library, Optimism, Saint Louis Zoo, Jamaican monkey, Map, Animal, Colonialism, Female, Plant, Celestus, Book, Denver Botanic Gardens, Artifact, Lizard, Rat, British, Classification, Hope, Museum, Bird, Biology, University of London, Collection, Entomology, Exploration, Organization, Snake, News, Geology

In April 2024, scientists from the Natural History Museum of Jamaica and The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus accepted a very rare and historic specimen: a 16-inch lizard called the Jamaican giant galliwasp (Celestus occiduus).

Key Points: 
  • In April 2024, scientists from the Natural History Museum of Jamaica and The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus accepted a very rare and historic specimen: a 16-inch lizard called the Jamaican giant galliwasp (Celestus occiduus).
  • Why would a preserved lizard, some 170 years old, evoke such excitement?
  • Scientists in Jamaica, who have never seen or handled one of these lizards, are elated to have one to study.

Gathering specimens worldwide

  • Many objects they brought back, as well as items formally archived through natural history expeditions, are housed today in European libraries and museums.
  • In recent decades, museums have begun to repatriate some objects to their places of origin.
  • Exploration and collecting specimens often relied on the knowledge and labor of enslaved persons who acted as field assistants and guides – but the historical record has little to say about their roles.

Species loss in Jamaica

  • His collections include more than 1,500 plant specimens from Jamaica, which he acquired there from 1687 to 1689.
  • After England gained formal possession of Jamaica in 1670, it established monoculture production of sugarcane across the island.
  • Colonizers also introduced harmful species, such as the Indian gray mongoose ( H. edwardsii), which was brought to Jamaica to prey on rats in plantation sugarcane fields.
  • The Indian grey mongoose quickly became a major threat to numerous species, including the Jamaican giant galliwasp.

Repairing an island’s ecology

  • These papers were unpublished notes and illustrations by a naturalist who died in Jamaica in 1768 after some 20 years of observing and collecting flora and fauna.
  • These photographs can aid the study of natural landscape or rural land cover changes due to agricultural expansion or abandonment.
  • Returning specimens, artifacts and other materials is an important way to show respect for the societies and cultures that produced them.
  • Rather than sitting in storage, Celeste has returned to Jamaica to be a centerpiece in the story of Jamaican environmental history.

E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Names New Half-Earth Chair

Retrieved on: 
Dienstag, April 23, 2024
Organization, Jack Dangermond, Learning, Yale school, Biodiversity, Mentorship, Esri, Florida International University, Research, Environment, Science, Gorongosa National Park, Ecology, IUCN Red List, Amphibian, ADM, Biology, Associate, Entomology, Quality of life, Knowledge, Agriculture

Wilson Biodiversity Foundation has named Dr. Alessandro Catenazzi as its new Half-Earth Chair.

Key Points: 
  • Wilson Biodiversity Foundation has named Dr. Alessandro Catenazzi as its new Half-Earth Chair.
  • Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Brooks Bonner remarked, “I hope the next Half-Earth Chair will build on the incredible foundation established by the inaugural Chair, Dr. Piotr Naskrecki.
  • Wilson Biodiversity Foundation; along with Dr. Paula Ehrlich, president and CEO of the Foundation; and Dr. Walter Jetz, scientific chair of the Foundation.
  • Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, a title that honors the Dangermond family’s continued support of the Foundation and its programs.

Rising Malaria Threat: International SOS Shares Advice on How to Keep Your Workforce Healthy

Retrieved on: 
Dienstag, April 23, 2024
Technology, Mobile, Wireless, Other Travel, Health, Human Resources, Travel, Other Transport, Other Health, Consulting, Banking, Professional Services, Transport, Other Technology, Data Management, Education, Climate change, RTS, International, WHO, Diagnosis, World Health Organization, Risk, Insecticide, Parasitism, Death, Entomology, Life, Occupational medicine, NGO, Global Health, International SOS, Data management, Workforce, Non-governmental organization, Private sector, Mining, Fever, Infection, Vaccine

International SOS global assistance data reports a 15% increase in malaria-related assistance requests in 2023 compared to 2022.

Key Points: 
  • International SOS global assistance data reports a 15% increase in malaria-related assistance requests in 2023 compared to 2022.
  • It is predicted with climate change that this risk could grow, and malaria transmission could spread into countries previously free of malaria.
  • International SOS also provides consulting services for every part of a company’s malaria risk mitigation programme.
  • Join International SOS webinar ‘Climate Change and Malaria: Navigating the Global Health Landscape’ on 7 May, where our experts will discuss the relationship between climate change and malaria.

Filippo Berio announces exclusive partnership with Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, supporting critical research and brain health

Retrieved on: 
Montag, April 8, 2024
Olive, Fillit, American Museum, Olive oil, Health, Diet, Brain, Cardiovascular disease, Cauchy stress tensor, Natural history, Polyphenol, Antioxidant, Entrepreneurship, Entomology, Partnership, Risk, Inflammation, Ageing, Research, Traffic barrier, MD, Marketing, Cancer, Filippo Berio, Dementia, Drug discovery

LYNDHURST, N.J., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Filippo Berio, one of the nation's top-selling and longstanding olive oil brands, has established an exclusive partnership with the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease and contribute crucial funds to support groundbreaking research aimed at finding a cure for Alzheimer's and related dementias. The collaboration is a natural fit, given the growing body of research that indicates properties in olive oil may not only play a pivotal role in cardiovascular health but also provide important benefits to brain health. The partnership aims to increase overall awareness of lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, that may positively affect brain health, which can help consumers to make healthier, informed choices.

Key Points: 
  • The collaboration is a natural fit, given the growing body of research that indicates properties in olive oil may not only play a pivotal role in cardiovascular health but also provide important benefits to brain health.
  • The partnership aims to increase overall awareness of lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, that may positively affect brain health, which can help consumers to make healthier, informed choices.
  • Studies indicate that consuming olive oil may have protective effects on the brain and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's."
  • This will be the second consecutive year Filippo Berio is supporting one of the ADDF's signature fundraising events.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Presents FarmSense Co-Founder, Dr. Eamonn Keogh, with 2024 SFI St. Patrick's Day Science Medal

Retrieved on: 
Freitag, März 15, 2024
Saint Patrick's Day, Climate change, Organization, Computer science, Entomology, Data mining, Government, Distinguishing, SFI, SBIR, Research, Food, Classification, Science, University, Science Foundation Ireland, IEEE, SVG, ACM, University of California, Riverside, Thrive, Machine learning, CSO

RIVERSIDE, Calif., March 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, FarmSense proudly announces that co-founder and distinguished professor at the University of California, Riverside, Dr. Eamonn Keogh, has been named recipient of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) 2024 St. Patrick's Day Science Medal Award. A ceremony was held in Washington D.C., where Taoiseach Leo Varadkar presented Dr. Keogh with the award to recognize his immense contributions to research and innovation in academia.

Key Points: 
  • The SFI St. Patrick's Day Science Medal Award for Academia is bestowed annually "to a distinguished scientist, engineer, or technology leader living and working in the USA with strong Irish connections" [ Ref ].
  • "I am honored to accept the 2024 SFI St. Patrick's Day Science Medal for my work on data mining and computational entomology," said Keogh.
  • In addition to the award in academia, SFI also presents a second medal to a leader in the industry category.
  • This award recognizes their outstanding success in data mining and agri-food," said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, upon presenting the award recipients.

Termites Holding Strong in America's Warmer Cities: Miami Remains Worst City on Orkin's Top Termite Cities List

Retrieved on: 
Donnerstag, März 14, 2024
Weather, Checklist, Wood, Eye, Ant, Entomology, Orkin, Lumber

ATLANTA, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami ranks #1 on Orkin's Top 50 Termite cities list for the second year in a row, and once again Los Angeles ranks #2. While Tampa held onto third place, and New York City jumped five spots to claim #4 on the list. Washington, D.C., rounds out the Top 5. Four cities are new to this year's list, including Louisville, which climbed a whopping 34 spots to make this year's Top 50 cities.

Key Points: 
  • Termites thrive in warm environments, therefore, now is the perfect time for home and business owners to help protect their property.
  • There are more than 2,000 species of termites in the world, and 40 of them are active in the United States.
  • Termites can range in color from white to light brown, and worker termites are often lighter in color compared to winged reproductive termites or swarmers .
  • Each circumstance is different, so be sure to contact an Orkin Pro for a free termite inspection .

Rewilding America Now Appoints Dr. Ross MacPhee as Scientific Advisor/Spokesperson to Preserve Wild Horses and Promote Environmental Conservation

Retrieved on: 
Dienstag, März 12, 2024
Cattle, American Museum, Horse, Health, Natural history, Paleontology, Environment, Entomology, Bison, Knowledge, Research, Ecosystem, Culture, Fossil, McPhee, Movement, Western United States, RAN, Deer, Management

Using both fossils and modern genomic methods, he and his colleagues seek to show that all modern horses, whether domestic or wild, have ancestries that ultimately originated in North America.

Key Points: 
  • Using both fossils and modern genomic methods, he and his colleagues seek to show that all modern horses, whether domestic or wild, have ancestries that ultimately originated in North America.
  • "His extensive knowledge and experience will be invaluable in our efforts to protect America's wild horses and promote environmental conservation.
  • Dr. Ross MacPhee shared his vision, "I am really looking forward to expanding the strategy and influence for RAN's critical advocacy efforts.
  • RAN's appointment of Dr. MacPhee as Director of Science marks a significant step towards attaining their goal of rewilding America and preserving its natural heritage.

Butterfly Pavilion and Colorado State University form groundbreaking partnership to battle "Invertebrate Apocalypse"

Retrieved on: 
Dienstag, Februar 27, 2024
Natural science, Entomology, Butterfly Pavilion, Student, Agricultural science, Animal, Plant, Colorado State University, Natural Resources, Invertebrate, Water quality, Climate change, Habitat, Nutrient, Ecosystem, Zoo, CSU, Agriculture, Workforce, Research, IUCN, Environment, Partnership

"CSU is proud to formalize this unique partnership with such an important research and cultural institution," CSU President Amy Parsons said.

Key Points: 
  • "CSU is proud to formalize this unique partnership with such an important research and cultural institution," CSU President Amy Parsons said.
  • "Butterfly Pavilion and CSU have long connected students for internship opportunities and engaged in collaborative research.
  • Butterfly Pavilion does great work and is an amazing venue where CSU entomologists can communicate their research to large audiences.
  • "In this groundbreaking partnership between CSU and Butterfly Pavilion, we're unlocking a world of boundless opportunities for both current and future students," said Shartrina White, Butterfly Pavilion's vice president of Education.

PEPSICO'S $5M COMMUNITY PROGRAM ENTERS THIRD YEAR OF IMPACT WITH YOUTH FROM CHICAGO'S SOUTH AND WEST SIDES

Retrieved on: 
Mittwoch, Februar 21, 2024
Student, Partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Quality of life, Mentorship, LOV, Credentialing, Organization, SWOP, Employment, Entomology, Interview, PepsiCo, Nursing

CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its more than 100-year history in Chicago, local employer PepsiCo is entering the third year of its $5 million Pathways to Readiness and Empowerment Program (PREP), which aims to advance career opportunities for at least 3,000 youth from the South and West Sides. Since launching PREP in 2021, PepsiCo has invested in grassroots organizations that provide career resources to more than 2,200 youth and young adults through career exposure, paid internships, credentialing and full-time employment. Based on the efficacy of community-based programming and the outsized impact of PepsiCo's recent grants to local nonprofits, the company recommits to helping support the great potential of youth on the South and West Sides, awarding $250,000 to Imagine Englewood if, Girls in the Game, Chicago Cares, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, Field Museum, Ladies of Virtue and Southwest Organizing Project.

Key Points: 
  • "Financial support for local organizations on the South and West Sides has decreased, while community needs persist," said Jamila Trimuel, the founder of Ladies of Virtue.
  • We count on partners to tackle challenges together and sustain their commitment in order to create lasting wins for our youth."
  • "Working day in and day out with our community partners, I see firsthand the positive impact these groups have in people's lives," said Brittany N. Wilson, PepsiCo Chicago Community Relations Manager.
  • That's why PepsiCo remains unwavering in our commitment to support these hyperlocal community networks that empower and uplift young people every day.

QIAGEN announces partnership with Penn State University to advance microbiome sciences

Retrieved on: 
Donnerstag, Januar 25, 2024
Senior, Student, Chitin, NGS, Research, Microbiome, Arthropod, Animal, Health, RNA, Partnership, Joint, Spider, Faculty, Genetics, Pennsylvania State University, Skeleton, Real-time, Environment, Bacteria, Arbovirus, Human, Reproduction, Entomology, Dengue fever, State College, Pennsylvania, Laboratory, Zika virus, QIAGEN, MITES, Virus, Organization, Wolbachia, Plant, PCR, Automation, Ecology, Education, QGEN, Nested polymerase chain reaction, Fungus, Antibiotics

Germantown, Maryland, and State College, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced a first-in-kind collaboration with Penn State University in the United States to create a shared research and education facility for the fast-developing microbiome sciences.

Key Points: 
  • Germantown, Maryland, and State College, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced a first-in-kind collaboration with Penn State University in the United States to create a shared research and education facility for the fast-developing microbiome sciences.
  • In doing so, this new partnership will provide QIAGEN with a site to support the development of new products as a testing center.
  • This includes an internship program for graduate students from Penn State at QIAGEN laboratories at the European operational headquarters in Hilden, Germany, and helps them prepare for careers in the biotechnology industry.
  • “Additionally, it will foster relationships with the microbiome research community and enable us to better develop new products for microbiome research based on direct customer feedback.”
    Seth Bordenstein, Director of the One Health Microbiome Center, Professor of Biology and Entomology, and Huck Endowed Chair in the Microbiome Sciences, at Penn State said: “The ‘One Health’ vision shared by QIAGEN and Penn State University is critical for microbiome research.