Harnessing the hunger of predatory organisms in a reduced tillage system

May 8, 2023

This is the fifth short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2023, about each other's research.

What's the Buzz? April 2023

May 5, 2023

Pollinator Garden of Merit— Lorrie Preston Outstanding Pollinator Plants — Salix discolor, American pussy willow, by Lorri Schmick Protecting Pollinators— Avoiding Invasives: Acer platanoides, Norway maple, by Jen Mohler From the Center for Pollinator Research—New publication: Pollinator Plants to Support Bees

The bite stops here: Fighting Lyme disease with prevention

May 2, 2023

To help the public avoid tick bites, Penn State Extension experts are observing Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May by reminding people about various resources available to aid in protecting themselves, pets, horses and loved ones from Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

Bringing Sight to the World

May 1, 2023

This is the fourth short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2023, about each other's research.

Spotted lanternfly training, vehicle checks required for many faculty, staff

April 21, 2023

With spotted lanternfly season nearing in Pennsylvania, officials at Penn State are reminding employees to take the spotted lanternfly training required by the University and inspect their vehicles when traveling within and outside of the quarantine zone.  

Why are snails and slugs so slow?

April 21, 2023

Wander through your backyard or walk along a stream and it’s likely you’ll see a snail – small, squishy animals with shells on their backs. Snails are found in water, whether in salty oceans, rivers or lakes. They’re also on land: in forests, grasslands and even your garden.

Organic beekeeping rivals conventional methods for bee health, productivity

April 19, 2023

Honey bee colonies managed using organic methods were as healthy and productive as those managed in conventional systems, while avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides to control pests and pathogens inside the hive, according to newly published research led by Penn State entomologists.  

Grozinger receives 2023 President’s Award for Excellence Academic Integration

April 11, 2023

Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology, has been awarded the 2023 President’s Award for Excellence in Academic Integration. The award is given to a full-time faculty member who has exhibited extraordinary achievement in the integration of teaching, research or creative accomplishment and service.

Tomato Drought will Impact Insect Communities Without a Doubt

April 10, 2023

This is the second short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2023, about each other's research.

Two ecology doctoral students receive Alumni Association Dissertation Awards

April 7, 2023

Two doctoral students in the Huck Institutes' Ecology program were recognized at a reception held earlier this month as winners of the prestigious Alumni Association Dissertation Award.

Thirteen graduate students honored with Alumni Association Dissertation Award

April 6, 2023

Thirteen graduate students received the Alumni Association Dissertation Award, one of the most prestigious awards given to Ph.D. candidates at the University. The award was made possible through a gift from the Penn State Alumni Association and provides funding and recognition to outstanding full-time research doctorate students who have passed their comprehensive examinations and have received approval of their dissertation topic.

Soil nutrients affect how attractive plants are to bees from the ground up

April 4, 2023

Pollination is vital for many plants, and nutrients present in the soil before these plants even sprout may affect how attractive they eventually are to pollinators, according to Penn State-led research.

Squash bees flourish in response to agricultural intensification

April 3, 2023

A new study led by Penn State found that the squash bee (Eucera pruinosa) has evolved in response to intensifying agriculture — namely squashes in the genus Curcurbita. The research is the first to demonstrate the role of agriculture as an evolutionary force acting on a wild insect pollinator and may have implications for food security.

The Microbiome Center announces a free bioinformatics resource for Penn State

March 29, 2023

The Penn State Microbiome Center, in coordination with the lab of David Koslicki, is offering free access to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to all Penn State faculty, staff and students.

Geography Coffee Hour talk to explore microorganisms and their impact on life

March 27, 2023

Microbes may be tiny, but they play a big role in shaping the world. Seth Bordenstein, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Endowed Chair in Microbiome Sciences and professor of biology and entomology at Penn State, will offer insights into his research on microbiomes and their impact on the world in his talk, “Why We Look Down (To the Microbes) For Wonder, Impact and Discovery,” on March 31.

How does the Fall Armyworm disarm plant defenses?

March 27, 2023

This is the first short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2023, about each other's research.

Study: Mapping people’s knowledge of bees may aid in pollinator conservation

March 27, 2023

Study: Mapping people’s knowledge of bees may aid in pollinator conservation

March 23, 2023

U.S. college students’ knowledge of bees focuses primarily on honey bees and pollination services, according to Penn State researchers, who said findings from their recent study could help in designing campaigns to generate support for protecting threatened pollinators.

College of Ag Sciences entomologists lauded by Entomological Society of America

March 21, 2023

Six members of the Department of Entomology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have received awards for excellence in research, teaching and extension from the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.

New Buzz on Epidemics: Landscapes Affect the Way Bumble Bee Diseases Beehave

March 20, 2023

This is the tenth short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Fall 2022, about each other's research.

Penn State faculty visit Belize to forge collaborations

March 20, 2023

Over spring break, a group of 14 Penn State faculty visited the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education to explore opportunities to develop long-term collaborative research, education and outreach projects. The multidisciplinary group included faculty from the College of Agricultural Sciences, Eberly College of Science, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and School of International Affairs.

Center for Pollinator Research's 2023 Bee of the Year

March 14, 2023

Center for Pollinator Research's 2023 Bee of the Year

March 13, 2023

Study examines the effects of using insecticides for spotted lanternfly control

March 9, 2023

Neonicotinoid insecticides used to control spotted lanternflies have the potential to harm pollinators, but the degree of risk depends on multiple factors, such as application timing, type of neonicotinoid, the species of tree being treated and pollinator species sensitivity, according to entomologists at Penn State.

Wasps harness power of pitcher plants in first-ever observed defense strategy

March 1, 2023

As the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, turn that tartness into little translucent balls in which to grow your young.” At least, that’s how the saying goes for a tiny insect called a cynipid wasp, whose larvae were recently discovered inducing plant growths called galls that contained acidity levels akin to lemons.

Pest from the West – An Outlaw in the Potato Fields

February 27, 2023

This is the ninth of ten short news articles written by students, during the professional development class of Fall 2022, about each other's research.

Grant will promote STEM graduate studies for students from diverse backgrounds

February 20, 2023

A consortium of institutions led by faculty in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $75,000 planning grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation aimed at expanding the recruitment of and opportunities for Black, Indigenous and Latino students to enroll in science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduate programs.

How I met your mother – A bumble bee perspective

February 20, 2023

This is the eighth of ten short news articles written by students, during the professional development class of Fall 2022, about each other's research.

Beyond “if you see it, squash it”

February 13, 2023

This is the seventh of ten short news articles written by students, during the professional development class of Fall 2022, about each other's research.

2023 Student Award Opportunities in Pollinator Biology and Health

February 6, 2023

Penn State undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply for funds to pursue a research or arts project of their choosing that pertains to pollinator biology and health - applications due Friday March 17!