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Hear Me Out

No ears, no problem. Researchers at ������ɫ, including Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Carol Miles, found that tobacco hornworm caterpillars can detect airborne sound using tiny hairs on their bodies, and they’re especially sensitive to it. By testing them in one of the quietest rooms in the world, the team confirmed that caterpillars respond far more to sound in the air than to vibrations beneath them. This surprising discovery could help inspire new ways to design more sensitive microphone technology. You can actually watch how they respond in this .

Closer than ever

When things get dry, cockroaches get closer. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Lindsey Swierk and her students found that Madagascar hissing cockroaches gather in groups when humidity drops, using each other to create a more moisture-rich microclimate. This behavior helps them avoid drying out – a small but important survival strategy as environmental conditions shift. It also shows how even simple social habits can shape how insects respond to climate-related stress.

Moths on the move

Moths in Ithaca are running a little late these days. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Eliza Grames and her team found that moths are now flying more than two weeks later in the year than they did a century ago, using a mix of historical records and modern data. Along with these shifts, researchers also identified 13 species that haven’t been seen locally in over a decade, pointing to broader environmental changes. While the findings reflect the effects of warming temperatures, this work is helping scientists better understand and track biodiversity over time.

Hidden in the galls

These tiny wasps have been here all along; we just didn’t know it. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Kirsten Prior and her lab helped identify parasitic wasp species previously unknown in the U.S., uncovering surprising biodiversity tied to oak gall ecosystems. Using genetic sequencing, researchers discovered that some of these wasps likely arrived from Europe in multiple introductions and may already be spreading across regions and species. The work highlights how much remains to be learned about even the smallest creatures, and how large-scale efforts, including citizen science, are helping protect biodiversity.

Stronger together

Fire ants don’t just survive floods; they link up. Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Rob Wagner studies how fire ants form floating “rafts” that stay intact even under pressure, demonstrating properties that traditional materials can’t match. His research found that, unlike most materials that weaken when pulled, these living structures actually hold stronger under stress – a phenomenon that could inspire self-healing materials used in everything from medical implants to soft robotics. If scientists can mimic this behavior, future materials could repair and reinforce themselves automatically.

What’s bugging insects?

It’s not just one thing causing insect decline; it’s hundreds. Research led by Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Eliza Grames analyzed more than 175 studies and uncovered over 500 interconnected factors behind shrinking insect populations, with agricultural intensification topping the list. But these factors don’t act alone; they form a complex web, from climate change to urban development, that collectively impacts biodiversity. Mapping these connections is helping researchers better understand how to approach conservation more effectively.

Listening in

Mosquitoes might be hearing more than you think. A research team including Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ronald Miles, found that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can detect sound from at least 10 meters away using their antennae, far beyond what scientists previously believed. Even more surprisingly, they respond to frequencies similar to those of human speech, suggesting that their hearing plays a larger role in behavior than previously thought. Discoveries like this are helping researchers rethink how insects sense the world, with potential applications for more advanced sound-detection technology.

Ticks on the rise

Ticks aren’t just a summer nuisance; they’re becoming more widespread. Research from ������ɫ, including Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Yetrib Hathout, shows that tick populations and the diseases they carry are increasing and expanding across the U.S. due to factors like climate change and changing land use. As ticks move into new regions and carry multiple pathogens, this work is helping improve awareness, diagnosis and prevention – key to staying safe while still enjoying the outdoors.

Jumping to stay cool

Mexican jumping beans aren’t just a toy; they’re a survival strategy. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Lindsey Swierk and her students found that the moth larvae inside these seeds jump in response to light cues, helping them avoid dangerously high temperatures. But when their seed “homes” are damaged, their ability to escape heat drops significantly, showing how multiple stressors can limit survival. This work highlights how even tiny, low-mobility insects rely on surprisingly nuanced behaviors to cope with environmental change.

Fading from view

You might be seeing fewer butterflies, and there’s a reason why. Research involving Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Eliza Grames found that butterfly populations in the U.S. have declined by more than 20% since 2000, based on the largest analysis of its kind. Looking across tens of thousands of surveys, the study revealed widespread losses, with many species experiencing steep declines. While the findings are concerning, they’re helping guide conservation efforts to better protect these essential pollinators. You can see more about the research in this .

Emma Young works for the Office of Media and Public Relations as a digital content producer and is a senior majoring in English with a minor in education. She plans to pursue a career in public relations. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading and writing.