Wednesday, January 13
Maceli’s (1031 New Hampshire)
Doors at 7:30 PM, presentations at 8:00 PM $1.00 Cover
BUGS!
Bees. There’s more to them than you might think. It’s complicated. And what’s the most common infection in the world? Here’s a hint: it lives inside the cells of half the known insect species of the world. Then, carmine dye is derived from the cochineal insect and is commonly used as a coloring for food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Learn how this small insect played a big role in history and was at one point Mexico’s second most sought-after export after silver.
Join us in January as we explore the tiny world of insects and three examples of their significant impact on global events.
TOPICS:
Cochineal, Colonialism, and Cartels -one little bug, one big commodity. by Kristin Soper
The Most Common Infection in the World by Chris Hamm
Beyond Honeybees: The Unseen World of Wild Bees by Daphne Mayes
About the Topics:
“Cochineal, Colonialism, and Cartels“
by Kristin Soper
One little bug, one big commodity.
Biography
Kristin is a librarian at Lawrence Public Library and loves stories, art, and history. She came across the story of cochineal and the history of red dye at the folk art museum in Santa Fe. She mostly retweets things about feminism and libraries, but, if you’d like to, you can follow her @soperific
The Most Common Infection in the World
by Chris Hamm
Description
The bacterium Wolbachia lives inside the cells of half of all insect species and many parasitic worms, making it the most common infection in the world. Wolbachia is often considered a reproductive parasite that can manipulate its host’s reproduction to promote the growth of more Wolbachia. This bacterium has been living with insects and worms for millions of years, and scientists are now using this bacterium to combat diseases from heartworm to Dengue fever and Malaria. I will talk about the biology of this bacterium, some of the fascinating things it can do, and what researchers around the world are doing to trick bacteria into helping humans.
Biography
Biologist, Insufferable geek, way too into butterflies, Dodgers, lover of delicious beer and pizza.
Beyond Honeybees: The Unseen World of Wild Bees
by Daphne Mayes
Description
Native bees make important contributions to our environment and the economy via their role in pollination. Concerns regarding the status of many bee species have urged greater attention and awareness. This presentation aims to open your eyes to the world of our wild bees—a remarkable unseen world.
Biography
Daphne Mayes is a doctoral student at the University of Kansas, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology department and is studying how changes in land use impact wild bee communities. She earned a M.S. degree in Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she studied as a Master’s International Student in the U.S. Peace Corps in Zambia, Africa from 2009-2011. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Emporia State University.
Doors open at 7:30 PM. Presentations begin at 8:00. $1 Cover.