For Monday, September 29, 2008

Ladybug photo licensed under Creative Commons by Thomas Hawk

Ladybug, ladybug, where have you gone?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26857828/

Coccinella novemnotata

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccinella_novemnotata

With that said, we have to mention our rather unscientific observation of the apparent decline of the insects in our region. Not just missing ladybugs, but other whole sections - even families - of the order insecta seem to have disappeared from our landscape. Further examples, notably the honeybee and others - treehoppers, lacewings, and others that once seemed commonplace appear to be, well, just missing. Grasshoppers, flies, crickets, ants and others still seem to abound...but are they becoming less common, too? Even the dreaded Vespa vulgaris appears to be much, much less common and bothersome than previous summers ago. Are we witnessing an even bigger - potentially more catastrophic phenomena than Colony Collapse Disorder? Are we responsible - is it due to cell phone useage, pesticide (notably the Neonicotinoid - clothianidin) use or other human inventions? Has anyone else noticed this? Please comment as we are very disturbed by the anecdotal evidence - though unscientific - as we fear for a total collapse of agriculture in the face of what appears to be a declining insect population.

Even Viruses Catch Viruses

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20080928/sc_livescience/evenvirusescatchviruses;_ylt=Ai6DDACxiiw99tfTv1sq22UPLBIF

Is The Salad Bar Safe? Produce Concerns Linger After Summer Scares

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922135233.htm

Ethical Argument: Include Pregnant Women In Research

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926100627.htm

Deadly Rugby Virus Spreads In Sumo Wrestlers

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080928210041.htm

Scrumpox

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrumpox

When Leaves Fall, More Is Occurring Than A Change Of Weather

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922174511.htm

Abscission

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abscission

Pistachio Nuts May Improve Heart Health

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926105025.htm

Pistacia vera

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistachio_Nut