Ever since Louis Pasteur saved the French silk industry by identifying a disease affecting silkworms, scientists have focused their attention on smaller and smaller organisms. Once upon a time, the rhinoceros beetle threatened the coconut plantations of Polynesia until scientists discovered the virus that would control it. In more modern times, the first experimental vaccine for HIV was produced using recombinant baculovirus introduced into insect eggs. Meanwhile, soybeans, corn, and cotton are protected from insects by genes from one insecticidal bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis—and a related strain might hold clues for combating West Nile virus and malaria. In this book, Elizabeth Davidson shares amazing stories about diseases of insects and other invertebrates important to people—and about the scientists who learned to use those diseases to control pests and create products beneficial to humans. Focusing on insect-microbial interactions crucial to public health, she tells detective stories ranging across global history, from the silkworm farms of nineteenth-century Japan to the research labs of modern America. In these fascinating accounts, Davidson shows us how human health often comes down to a contest of bug against bug. Even habitats seething with bacteria, such as the runoff from cattle farms or sewage treatment plants, are also teeming with invertebrate life—animals that, like ourselves, have ways of fighting infection. Scientific curiosity about what allows creatures as simple as water fleas to survive in such polluted environments has led to the discovery of chemicals with remarkable properties and potential usefulness to humankind. From diseases of shellfish to parasites of bees, Davidson opens a window on a world most of us never stop to consider—but which matters to all of us more than we might ever imagine. In our present era of pandemic scares, Big Fleas Have Little Fleas is a sweeping historical review that’s as timely as tomorrow’s headlines, showing us that the most exciting discoveries can emerge from the smallest sources.

Big Fleas Have Little Fleas: How Discoveries of Invertebrate Diseases Are Advancing Modern Science

Science & Math

Davidson, Elizabeth W.

Biological Sciences

University of Arizona Press

Ever since Louis Pasteur saved the French silk industry by identifying a disease affecting silkworms, scientists have focused their attention on smaller and smaller organisms.Once upon a time, the rhinoceros beetle threatened the coconut plantations of Polynesia until scientists discovered the virus that would control it. In more modern times, the first experimental vaccine for HIV was produced using recombinant baculovirus introduced into insect eggs. Meanwhile, soybeans, corn, and cotton are protected from insects by genes from one insecticidal bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis — and a related strain might hold clues for combating West Nile virus and malaria.In this book, Elizabeth Davidson shares amazing stories about diseases of insects and other invertebrates important to people — and about the scientists who learned to use those diseases to control pests and create products beneficial to humans. Focusing on insect-microbial interactions crucial to public health, she tells detective stories ranging across global history, from the silkworm farms of nineteenth-century Japan to the research labs of modern America.In these fascinating accounts, Davidson shows us how human health often comes down to a contest of bug against bug. Even habitats seething with bacteria, such as the runoff from cattle farms or sewage treatment plants, are also teeming with invertebrate life — animals that, like ourselves, have ways of fighting infection. Scientific curiosity about what allows creatures as simple as water fleas to survive in such polluted environments has led to the discovery of chemicals with remarkable properties and potential usefulness to humankind.From diseases of shellfish to parasites of bees, Davidson opens a window on a world most of us never stop to consider — but which matters to all of us more than we might ever imagine. In our present era of pandemic scares, Big Fleas Have Little Fleas is a sweeping historical review that’s as timely as tomorrow’s headlines, showing us that the most exciting discoveries can emerge from the smallest sources.

This state-of-the-art volum provides a previously unavailable single reference source of prime importance to all concerned with economic and medical entomology, biocontrol research and teaching, and pertinent aspects of clearance for field use at national and international levels. The editors, chairpersons of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology's Safety Working Group since 1971, have collaborated with twenty researchers to compile this reference. The book presents, through an internationally diverse group, authoritative analysis of all safety aspects from the standpoints of systematics"viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal and helminthic. Included here is the currently controversial issue of genetic manipulation. Other topics covered and non-target impact, compatibility with other biocontrols, geographical considerations and registration matters. This book is especially timely because of the recent addition of the first microbial control agent to the the mosquito/blackfly control armory. There is also the prospect of additional microbial weapons that are highly selective as well as effective. Safety of Microbial Insecticides is a key source of information for investigators who have previously had to wade through an enormous amount of scattered literature. This volume is invaluable to those in forestry, agricultural entomologists, and all working towards disease vector suppression.

Safety of Microbial Insecticides

Laird, Marshall

Lacey, Lawrence A.

CRC-Press

Leopard Frogs are declining in number and facing extinction. Through Cheery, a friendly little Chiricahua Leopard Frog, author Dr. Elizabeth W. Davidson, a research scientist at Arizona State University, helps young readers grasp the problem and to understand the solutions. The book raises awareness in children, our planet's future stewards. Five Star Publications is grateful to the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission for its official designation of Cheery as an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project. www.azcentennial.gov

Cheery: The True Adventures of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog

Children's Books

Animals

Little Five Star

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Davidson, Elizabeth W.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Davidson, Elizabeth W.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Davidson, Elizabeth W.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Big Fleas Have Little Fleas: How Discoveries of Invertebrate Diseases Are Advancing Modern Science

Big Fleas Have Little Fleas: How Discoveries of Invertebrate Diseases Are Advancing Modern Science

Safety of Microbial Insecticides

Cheery: The True Adventures of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog