Monthly Archives: November 2011

Living With Pepper Spray

Posted on November 23, 2011 by jjneal

Pepper Spray is a hot topic in the news recently after it was used on passive OWS protestors in California. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that binds to human nociceptors (pain receptors) producing a “spicy” hot or burning sensation … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, Environment, Food, Health, News, Pest Management, Policy | 7 Comments

Flying With Dragonflies

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jjneal

Dragonflies use their flying speed and agility to capture insects such as mosquitoes that they eat for survival. We marvel at the quick maneuvers of dragonflies and appreciate their flying ability. Dragonflies can hover, turn in place, feed and even … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Biomaterials | Leave a comment

Inspired By Fleas

Posted on November 21, 2011 by jjneal

The US Army in Afghanistan is challenged by insurgents using partisan tactics. In many cities, houses may be protected by high walls up to 18 feet high to give the residents privacy and to protect the housing inside from intruders … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, News | Leave a comment

Insects and Climate Change

Posted on November 20, 2011 by jjneal

The evidence is clear that the earth is slowly getting warmer. The warming is mostly due to the increase in “greenhouse effect” gasses that trap heat from the sun. The interior of your car will heat up in the sun … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Policy | 2 Comments

Living With Fleas

Posted on November 19, 2011 by jjneal

Fleas plague pet owners everywhere. A severe flea infestation can lead to flea allergy, dermatitis, and loss of hair. Flea allergy can turn a pet into an unkempt pariah. Fleas are among the most common reasons that people take their … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Pest Management | 3 Comments

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Forensic Entomology Edition

Posted on November 18, 2011 by jjneal

Caterpillars have numerous natural enemies including predators, parasitoid wasps, viruses and even fungal diseases. The Himilayan bat moth, Hepialus armoricanus, feeds on grasses high in the mountains of Nepal. During the rainy season many caterpillars are infected with a fungus, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, Health, News | Leave a comment

Insects On Planes

Posted on November 17, 2011 by jjneal

From CNN, I learn that a couple was so “grossed out” by cockroaches “free to move about the cabin”, that they are suing an airline for damages. The plaintiffs claim that flight attendants did nothing about the cockroaches and negligence … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, News, Pest Management, Policy | 2 Comments