Fruit-boring moths such as the oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta) and the peach fruit moth (Carposina sasakii) represent some of the most damaging pests in orchard systems worldwide. Their larvae tunnel into apples, pears, peaches, and other fruit, compromising both yield and quality. In severe cases, infestations can result in crop losses of up to…

Fruit-boring moths such as the oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta) and the peach fruit moth (Carposina sasakii) represent some of the most damaging pests in orchard systems worldwide. Their larvae tunnel into apples, pears, peaches, and other fruit, compromising both yield and quality. In severe cases, infestations can result in crop losses of up to…

The battle against invasive species has found an unlikely ally in one of nature’s most organised workforces: ants. Recent research has uncovered that these industrious insects can serve as remarkably effective biological collectors of environmental DNA (eDNA). Specifically, ants are proving instrumental in detecting one of North America’s most damaging invasive pests: the spotted lanternfly…

Understanding biodiversity in forest ecosystems is fundamental to assessing environmental health and guiding conservation strategies. Yet, for all our advances in ecological science, one part of these ecosystems has remained largely invisible: the microbial life beneath our feet. A recent study led by a German research team has opened up a bold new frontier in…

Forests play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and the provision of economic resources. However, plant pests and pathogens pose significant threats, resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses and reducing the effectiveness of forests in mitigating climate change. Traditional forest health surveillance, which relies largely on visual inspection, often detects disease…

Biodiversity monitoring is a cornerstone of ecological research, guiding conservation initiatives and environmental policy. Traditionally, this research has grappled with complex challenges, especially in accurately measuring and interpreting the intricate relationships within ecosystems. However, recent advancements in technology, particularly in environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and deep learning, have introduced transformative methods for studying biodiversity. A…

Have you ever sat in an airport lounge, gazing out at the runway, and found yourself marvelling at just how quickly the world can change? That was precisely my mood yesterday at Heathrow as I prepared to depart for Kenya. My companions and I, from Kenyatta University, are about to embark on an exciting endeavour—using…

Urban waterways often seem harmless, but hidden beneath their calm surfaces can lurk serious health hazards. Advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding techniques have transformed the way researchers monitor microbial pathogens in aquatic ecosystems. In a study conducted in Okinawa, Japan, the research team set out to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira—bacteria known to…

Natural history collections have long served as invaluable archives of our planet’s biological heritage. In recent years, technological breakthroughs in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis have opened up new pathways for exploring the interactions between plants and their animal visitors. By retrieving genetic material remaining on preserved flowers, researchers are now able to infer historical ecological…

Forests are complex and dynamic systems supporting everything from towering trees to microscopic fungi, and providing essential benefits such as carbon storage, flood mitigation, and wildlife habitat. Under increasing pressure from climate change and development, these ecosystems require accurate, timely monitoring to guide conservation and land management. Conventional field surveys, while valuable, can be labour-intensive,…