All in the Family: Within-Population Transmission of Dengue Virus in Mosquito Communities

March 14, 2024

This is the first short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2024, about each other's research.

How does a virus hijack insect sperm to control disease vectors and pests?

March 8, 2024

A new study led by researchers at Penn State has clarified how a widespread bacteria called Wolbachia and a virus that it carries can cause sterility in male insects by hijacking their sperm. These findings could improve techniques to control populations of agricultural pests and insects that carry diseases like Zika and dengue to humans.

Hidden Gems: Frost Entomological Museum

February 29, 2024

The wide world of insects is open for exploration at the Frost Entomological Museum at Penn State. Visitors to the facilities can get up-close and personal with weird and wonderful creatures from around the world, ranging from Pennsylvania pollinators to fossils or invasive species.

Ladybug scents offer a more ecologically friendly way to protect crops

February 22, 2024

A team of researchers led by Sara Hermann, assistant professor of arthropod ecology and trophic interactions in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, has developed pest control tools based on chemicals present in interactions between ladybugs and aphids. These tools could offer farmers more sustainable pest-control options.

Edge habitats along roads and power lines may be key to conserving rare plants

January 31, 2024

Managing forest edge habitats to maintain a gradient of canopy cover and plant density could be key to conserving some threatened native plant species such as wild lupine, according to Penn State researchers, who said edge habitats along roadways and utility rights-of-way provide prime opportunities to promote rare native plant populations.

Penn State entomologists appointed to national committee on pollinator research

January 29, 2024

Two entomologists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have been appointed to serve on a new U.S. Department of Agriculture subcommittee on pollinators.

Penn State Graduate Students Link Entomology and Engineering in Two New INSECT NET Courses

January 3, 2024

Why are bees making less honey? Study reveals clues in five decades of data

January 3, 2024

Honey yields in the U.S. have been declining since the 1990s, with honey producers and scientists unsure why, but a new study by Penn State researchers has uncovered clues in the mystery of the missing honey.

Penn State students secure first place at national entomology games

December 13, 2023

A team of Penn State graduate students recently secured first place in the national 2023 Entomology Games, marking the first time a school from the eastern division earned the honor.

Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab offers pollen identification service

December 8, 2023

The Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab now is accepting honey and pollen samples from researchers and beekeepers who would like to identify the plants at the genus level from which honeybees are collecting nectar and pollen.

College of Ag Sciences recognizes faculty, staff for research achievements

November 21, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences lauded outstanding accomplishments in research during the 2023 Research Awards Ceremony, held Nov. 1 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.

$7M grant funds project to develop new ways to protect mushroom crops

November 16, 2023

A new grant for more than $7 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will fund an upcoming project led by Penn State researchers, who aim to develop new pest management tools for mushroom crops.

Nittany AI Challenge Ideation Workshop set for Nov. 30

November 15, 2023

The Nittany AI Challenge Ideation Workshop: Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability workshop on Nov. 30 will connect students with experts and local nonprofit leaders in agricultural and environmental sustainability to explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to address real-world problems in the field.

Dangerous bee virus less deadly in at least one US forest, researchers find

November 9, 2023

This year’s cold and flu season is bringing good news for honey bees: Penn State researchers have found that the deadly deformed wing virus may have evolved to be less deadly in at least one U.S. forest.

Grants awarded to Penn State faculty for tropical ecosystems research in Belize

October 16, 2023

A collaboration among scientists from Penn State and the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education is aimed at developing agroforestry systems for Belize and Central America to support sustainable development while conserving the rainforest. As part of the initiative, three teams were awarded seed grants to pursue research on agricultural and ecological sustainability, preservation of tropical rainforest ecosystems and sustainable development in Belize.

Honey bees may inherit altruistic behavior from their mothers

October 12, 2023

True altruism is rare behavior in animals, but a new study by Penn State researchers has found that honey bees display this trait. Additionally, they found that an evolutionary battle of genetics may determine the parent they inherit it from.

AgSci ActionLab family series continues with focus on Colorado potato beetle

September 13, 2023

The newest AgSci ActionLab, "Bugs Win," is a two-part evening event for the whole family. The series will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Pasto Agricultural Museum.

New updates come to 'Beescape,' an online tool for supporting pollinators

September 11, 2023

New updates have come to 'Beescape,' an online tool created by a Penn State-led team for assessing the quality of landscapes for supporting bees and other pollinators.

Penn State receives $3M grant to address insect biodiversity crisis

September 11, 2023

A team of Penn State researchers has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to spearhead a new initiative to create novel monitoring systems for insect populations, many of which are experiencing dramatic changes across the globe due to changes in land use, pollution and climate change.

One Health Microbiome Center honors creativity and mentoring with award series

September 7, 2023

The One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State has named eight recipients for its 2023-24 Inaugural Award Series, which reflects on a profound year of impacts and achievements and recognizes the talents of the OHMC community.

Penn State’s Great Insect Fair returns to Snider Ag Arena on Sept. 30

September 5, 2023

Technology is an integral part of everyday life in the 21st century. Fittingly, Penn State’s 2023 Great Insect Fair will highlight the theme, “Bugs in the System,” focusing on the technology used in entomology. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Snider Agricultural Arena on the University Park campus.

Invasive spotted lanternfly may not damage hardwood trees as previously thought

September 5, 2023

In 2012, when the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) arrived in the U.S. from its home in China, scientists, land managers and growers were concerned that the sap-feeding insect would damage native and commercial trees. New long-term research led by Penn State has revealed that hardwood trees, such as maple, willow and birch, may be less vulnerable than initially thought.

New updates come to 'Beescape,' an online tool for supporting pollinators

September 1, 2023

New updates have come to 'Beescape,' an online tool created by a Penn State-led team for assessing the quality of landscapes for supporting bees and other pollinators.

Penn State receives $3M grant to address insect biodiversity crisis

August 28, 2023

A team of Penn State researchers has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to spearhead a new initiative to create novel monitoring systems for insect populations, many of which are experiencing dramatic changes across the globe due to changes in land use, pollution and climate change.

INSSECT NET Careers Symposium

August 22, 2023

The INSSECT NET Careers Symposium provides a fun and engaging online platform for undergraduate students to learn about how graduate school can lead to a rewarding and well-paying career in a STEM field.

Bee populations at risk of one-two punch from heat waves, pathogen infection

August 16, 2023

A global research team led by Penn State was the first to study how extreme heat waves affect the host-pathogen relationship between two species of solitary bees (Osmia cornifrons and Osmia lignaria) and a protozoan pathogen (Crithidia mellificae).

The Great Insect Fair

August 7, 2023

SAVE THE DATE - Bugs in the System 2023

Workshop empowers beekeepers to breed more resilient honey bees

July 26, 2023

Honey bees are crucial for pollinating crops, but in Northeastern states, more than 40% of honey bee colonies die each winter partly due to susceptibility to parasites and pathogens. Honey bee instrumental insemination is a technique designed to enhance genetic resistance to harmful parasites and pathogens. To learn this advanced skill, participants attended a hands-on workshop July 20-22 at Penn State’s University Park campus.

Ag Progress Days highlights biodiversity, climate-smart ag, spotted lanternfly

July 25, 2023

Climate-smart agriculture, the importance of biodiversity and the latest news about the spotted lanternfly will be among the displays and presentations at the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theater during Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10.

Penn State announces faculty recipients of 2023-24 U.S. Fulbright Scholar awards

July 14, 2023

Ten Penn State faculty have received Fulbright Scholar Awards for the 2023-24 academic year, according to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.