Episode 3

full
Published on:

14th Jul 2020

Ep. 3: Dr. Brent Sinclair: Insect Cold Tolerance (Pt. 2)

In this second part, we learn about a recent publication exploring a new potential organism for studying freeze tolerance. Dr. Brent Sinclair is known for his research in low and high temperature tolerance of arthropods, such as fruit flies and crickets. Some insects can tolerate being completely frozen and thawing out alive, whereas others cannot. This is the second part of a two-part episode with Dr. Sinclair.

Watch the video interview at: https://youtu.be/tfX570tQooE

Toxopeus, J., A.H. McKinnon, T. Štětina, K.F. Turnbull and B.J. Sinclair. 2019. Laboratory acclimation to autumn-like conditions induces freeze tolerance in the spring field cricket Gryllus veletis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). J. Insect Physiol. 113:9–16. 

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Talking Bugs

About the Podcast

Talking Bugs
Interviews with Entomologists from around the World
The field of entomology is incredibly vast, with professionals focusing on viruses vectored by the deadliest animal (mosquitoes), academics studying the mechanisms of freeze tolerance, government researchers tackling insects that could pose biosecurity threats, and forensic entomologists arriving at the crime scene. In this series, learn a bit more about who these entomologists are, what inspired them to get into the field, and discuss some of their most recent research.

About your host

Profile picture for Erfan Vafaie

Erfan Vafaie

I'm an entomologist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, based out of Overton, Texas (U.S.A.). I conduct research and educational programming on integrative pest management of ornamental and nursery crops, working mainly with producers and other green industry professionals. My online 'pseudonym' is the SixLeggedAggie.