SoT 323: Very Small Frogs
Channel: Science on Top
Date: 2019-03-01

SoT 323: Very Small Frogs
https://scienceontop.com/323

A review study published in the journal Biological Conservation has found that over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction.
Queensland has seen record-breaking floods this year, and everyone knows that mosquitoes love water. But what do floods mean for mosquito-borne diseases?
By studying sleepless flies, scientists have identified a gene that puts them to sleep when they need it the most. And interestingly, it doubles as part of their immune system.
From our immune system to taste and even our emotions - our guts have a big influence on our brains. And now new research shows that gut bacteria can affect our our mental health.

Dr. Cameron Webb is a medical entomologist from the University of Sydney and NSW Health Pathology primarily interested in mosquitoes, mosquito-borne disease management, insect repellents and wetland rehabilitation.

This podcast relies on the generosity of our listeners. To become a supporter, go to https://scienceontop.com/donate

This episode contains traces of Abigail Fraeman, Mars Exploration Rover (MER) deputy project scientist at JPL.

https://scienceontop.com/323

Chapters:
00:00:26 
00:01:24 Plummeting insect numbers 'threaten collapse of nature' https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/10/plummeting-insect-numbers-threaten-collapse-of-nature
00:29:32 After the floods come the mosquitoes – but the disease risk is more difficult to predict https://theconversation.com/after-the-floods-come-the-mosquitoes-but-the-disease-risk-is-more-difficult-to-predict-111173
00:36:36 The Special Sleep That Kicks In During a Sickness https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/01/sleeping-when-sick-could-have-its-own-gene/581719/
00:42:58 Gut bacteria may have impact on mental health, study says https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/feb/04/gut-bacteria-mental-health-depression-study
00:51:56 Science on Top https://scienceontop.com