York biology Professors Jean-Paul Paluzzi and Andrew Donini in the Faculty of Science are once again organizing the annual Insect Biotech Conference. The event, which will take place June 6, 7 and 8, will be situated in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
The conference will bring together some of the leading researchers in entomology from Canada, USA and Europe to discuss and explore developing trends and new research findings in the growing area of insect biology and biotechnology.
Insect biotechnology focuses on the use of insects in medicine, agriculture and industry. It also explores ways to limit the negative effects of insects, including blood-feeding disease vectors such as mosquitoes and kissing bugs, and the threats posed by agricultural pests such as the emerald ash borer and the potato beetle.
The conference kicks off June 6 with a plenary talk by Professor Megan E. Meuti of the Department of Entomology, Ohio State University. Meuti will speak about the molecular differences that lead to seasonal changes in mosquito physiology.
On June 7 and 8, more than 35 researchers will present their latest findings from a wide range of projects exploring topics such as how insects regulate salt and water in their bodies, protect themselves against pathogens, tolerate changes in temperature in their environment, and more.
For more information, visit the Insect Biotech Conference website.