Entomologists from Around the World Meet Next Week to Discuss New Research Discoveries

Lanham, Md., October 20, 2003 -- Next week, thousands of entomologists from across the world will gather at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). From October 26-29, 2003, these insect scientists will have the opportunity to attend nearly 100 sessions exploring a wide variety of topics. Three discussions of special note are:

The Discipline of Insect Rearing and Contributions to Esthetics, Education, and Pest Management (Sunday, October 26, 8-11:30 a.m., Room 201)
During this symposium, entomologists will present the latest developments in the science of insect rearing and how it impacts the natural control of insect pests and insect-related educational programs. Featured presentations include those from two highly regarded insect educational display institutions -- The Insectarium at the Cincinnati Zoo and The Land at Disney's Epcot Center. Another topic to be covered is the mass rearing of insects, specifically new trends in artificial diets and the use of technology from the food industry to mass rear insects.

Ticks and Mites as Vectors of New and Re-Emerging Diseases (Sunday, October 26, 1-5 p.m., Room 204)
This symposium will focus on some of the most important pathogens transmitted to humans, animals, honey bees, and plants by specific species of mite. Topics will include the pathogens responsible for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other diseases. Studies will be presented on the immune response to tick feeding, how well carrier species transmit tick-borne pathogens, and biological competition between pathogens in vectors and new pathogens that may pose a threat to man and animals.

Eating Healthy: Nutritional Aspects of Insectivory (Wednesday, October 29, 1-5 p.m., Room 203)
Despite a rather cool reception as an academic pursuit, entomologists are noticing that the use of insects as food is thriving. This is documented by the increase of books published on the subject (a 3.5-fold increase), the number of insect festivals (a 6-fold increase) with a food-insect component; and the number of people eating insects in the United States and Canada during the 1990s (a 10-fold increase). This symposium addresses the nutritional consequences of consuming insects by humans. What are the specific biochemical benefits? Are there negative consequences (e.g., toxicity, microbial contamination, lipids, steroids, and other biochemical or physical problems)?

Media may attend ESA's Annual Meeting free of charge. However, you must register; proper credentials are required. Please sign in at the ESA Information Booth located in the Hall B Foyer, First Floor, Convention Center. The meeting's scientific program is available online via the ESA Personal Scheduler. The Personal Scheduler allows you to search the entire scientific program. Details on the meeting can be found at http://www.entsoc.org/annual_meeting/index.htm.

Founded in 1889, ESA is a non-profit organization committed to serving the scientific and professional needs of nearly 6,000 entomologists and individuals in related disciplines. ESA's membership includes representatives from educational institutions, government, health agencies, and private industry.

Contact: Lisa Spurlock, ESA Society Relations Officer, 301-731-4535, ext. 3009, sro@entsoc.org.