Fireflies Face Global Threats
BioScience Talks24 Helmi 2020

Fireflies Face Global Threats

Worldwide declines in insect populations have sparked considerable concern. To date, however, significant research gaps exist, and many insect threats remain under-investigated and poorly understood. For instance, despite their charismatic bioluminescent displays and cultural and economic importance, the 2000-plus species of firefly beetles have yet to be the subject of a comprehensive threat analysis.

Writing in BioScience, Sara M. Lewis of Tufts University and her colleagues aim to fill the gap with a broad overview of the threats facing these diverse and charismatic species—as well as potential solutions that may lead to their preservation into the future. Lewis and colleagues catalog numerous threats, foremost among them habitat loss, followed closely by artificial light and pesticide use. The future is not bleak, however, and the authors describe considerable opportunities to improve the prospects of bioluminescent insects, including through the preservation of habitat, reduction of light pollution, lowered insecticide use, and more-sustainable tourism. Dr. Lewis and coauthors Candace Fallon and Michael Reed join us on this episode of BioScience Talks to shed light on these challenges and opportunities. Listeners are also invited to read Dr. Lewis's book on fireflies, linked below.

Jaksot(177)

In Their Own Words: Joel Cracraft

In Their Own Words: Joel Cracraft

This episode is the fourth in our oral history series, In Their Own Words. These pieces chronicle the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields, particularly within the b...

8 Huhti 202043min

American Society for Gravitational and Space Research 2019 Annual Meeting (Denver)

American Society for Gravitational and Space Research 2019 Annual Meeting (Denver)

In November 2019, through the collaboration of the American Institute of Biological Sciences and the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR), BioScience Talks was lucky enough to...

31 Maalis 20201h 8min

The Ecological Context of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

The Ecological Context of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

In this episode of BioScience Talks, we welcome previous guest Dan Salkeld of Colorado State University back to the show. He is joined by CSU colleague and 2016 coauthor Mike Antolin to discuss the di...

24 Maalis 202045min

In Their Own Words: Susan Stafford

In Their Own Words: Susan Stafford

This episode is the third in our new oral history series, In Their Own Words. These pieces chronicle the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields, particularly within th...

11 Maalis 202050min

In Their Own Words: Diana Wall

In Their Own Words: Diana Wall

This episode is the third in our new oral history series, In Their Own Words. These pieces chronicle the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields, particularly within th...

12 Helmi 202019min

Impact Series: Tympanogen, Gels, and Helping Children Heal

Impact Series: Tympanogen, Gels, and Helping Children Heal

Each year, tens of thousands of patients undergo invasive surgery to repair perforated eardrums. The surgery, called tympanoplasty, is time consuming, costly, and difficult for patients—many of whom a...

30 Tammi 202021min

Room for Complexity? The Many Players in the Coffee Agroecosystem

Room for Complexity? The Many Players in the Coffee Agroecosystem

Agricultural areas are often considered distinct from local ecosystems, and in many cases, such an assessment rings true. Single-crop farmlands, reliant on the liberal use of pest- and herbicides, oft...

22 Tammi 202037min

Suosittua kategoriassa Tiede

tiedekulma-podcast
rss-mita-tulisi-tietaa
rss-poliisin-mieli
docemilia
radio-antro
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-ammamafia
rss-sosiopodi
utelias-mieli
ihanat-ipanat
mielipaivakirja
filocast-filosofian-perusteet
rss-bios-podcast
rss-tiedetta-vai-tarinaa