How Do We Know Which Invasive Plant Pests Will Be the Next Big Threats?
Entomologists and plant-protection experts around the world share knowledge through a variety of online early warning systems. Learn about these important information exchanges in a new guide in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management.
What’s That Beetle? Ask the Algorithm
Can machine learning be used for accurate species identification of beetles and other invertebrates? Researchers using carabid beetle data from the National Ecological Observatory Network created an algorithm that reached 85 percent accuracy on unidentified images. Eventually, they hope machine learning could one day be used to classify unidentified species in NEON bycatch and answer new questions about invertebrate diversity and abundance across North America.
Interagency Cooperation Drives Discovery of Lyme Disease Spirochete in Exotic Tick
Analysis of Asian longhorned ticks collected in Pennsylvania found just one—out of more than 250 tested—carrying the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The invasive tick is unlikely to play a role in Lyme transmission, but the research underscores the importance of active tick and pathogen surveillance and collaboration among agencies at local, state, and national levels.
Job Talks: How Entomology Students, Postdocs Can Prepare
The in-depth presentation that's part of many academic job interviews comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Here's some advice for building skills and experience to ace your next job talk.