Scientists in field gear studying insects in nature using tools and cameras

How Scientists Study Insects in the Wild and What They’re Learning

Muhammad Sharif

The world of insects represents one of our planet’s most diverse and fascinating realms of biodiversity, with over a million described species and potentially millions more awaiting discovery. These tiny creatures, often overlooked in our daily lives, play critical roles in ecosystems worldwide—from pollination and decomposition to serving as food sources for countless other animals. ...

Detailed macro image of a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) on a green leaf.

From Fruit Flies to Robo-Flies: Insects in Modern Research Labs

Rica Rosal

In the gleaming corridors of modern scientific laboratories, some of the most valuable research subjects measure just millimeters in length. Insects, from the ubiquitous fruit fly to sophisticated robotic replicas, have become indispensable to scientific advancement across multiple disciplines. These tiny creatures offer researchers unprecedented opportunities to study fundamental biological processes, develop new technologies, and ...

A person using a smartphone to observe and record insects in a backyard setting

Citizen Science and Insects How You Can Help Researchers From Home

Muhammad Sharif

In our interconnected world, scientific discovery no longer requires a laboratory coat or formal credentials. Citizen science—the collaboration between scientists and everyday people—has revolutionized how we understand the natural world, particularly the fascinating realm of insects. These tiny creatures, comprising over 75% of all animal species on Earth, are experiencing concerning population declines worldwide, yet ...

Illustration of insect DNA double helix overlaid on a beetle silhouette

The Bug Genome How Genetic Studies Are Unlocking Insect Secrets

Muhammad Sharif

In the miniature world of insects, a revolution is underway – not visible to the naked eye, but transforming our understanding of these six-legged creatures that dominate our planet. Scientists armed with advanced genetic tools are decoding the blueprint of insect life, revealing mysteries that have remained hidden for millions of years. Insect genomes, once ...

Bugs in Space: What Happens When Insects Go to Orbit

Rica Rosal

When we imagine space travelers, we typically picture astronauts in bulky suits floating gracefully through spacecraft—but they’re not the only Earth species to venture beyond our atmosphere. Insects, our tiny terrestrial neighbors, have been silent pioneers in space exploration since the early days of the space race. From fruit flies to silkworms, these small creatures ...