Grasshopper wing structure inspires design of gliding robot wings
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A collaboration between Princeton University engineers and entomologists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign began with the researchers chasing grasshoppers in a hot parking lot. Their eventual focus on the hindwings of one species of grasshopper, Schistocerca...
Bringing dragons to life: how science and fantasy unite at the Multi-Planar Dragon Expo
At the intersection of science, storytelling, and creativity lies the Multi-Planar Dragon Expo—an innovative outreach event that uses the magic of fandoms and fantasy to make real-world science engaging and accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a scientist, a fantasy fan, or simply...
Durbin discusses critical bee research at University of Illinois
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today held a roundtable discussion at the University of Illinois with scientists, administrators, and beekeepers regarding their bee genomics research—which is sequencing the genomes of more than 4,...
Entomology grad student Lizzie Bello celebrated for stunning research images
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bello, a doctoral student in entomology, has been recognized for her groundbreaking work in visualizing insect nanostructures. Bello was the winner of the...
Researchers investigate tomato plant defense mechanisms in response to environmental stressors
A recent study published in Plant and Soil explores how tomato plants utilize both aboveground and belowground defense strategies when exposed to simultaneous environmental stressors. The research, titled "Interactions between soil source, flooding, and herbivory shape tomato plant...
Acting Head and Entomology Professor Andrew Suarez named a 2025 Fellow of ESA
The Entomological Society of America (ESA) has honored Dr. Andrew Suarez, acting head and professor in the Department of Entomology, by naming him a 2025 Fellow of the Society.Being named an ESA Fellow is a recognition of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the science and...