Jan
14

New video series will feature Tropical Research Institute scientists

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Entomologist Sunshine Van Bael primarily examines the relationship between leaf cutter ants–the world’s first farmers–and the fungi that they cultivate.

Her research is critical in the fight to protect agricultural crops from heavy destruction from these insects. By examining the types of fungi leaf cutter ants are attracted to and those they are not, Van Bael hopes to help find solutions for those in the farming industry.

Sunshine Van Bael examines a leaf cutter ant. (Photo by Brian Ireley)

Johnny Gibbons and Brian Ireley  met up with Van Bael on Jan. 13 for a personal tour of her labs, which contain a number of ant colonies nurturing their fungi food. She took time out of her busy schedule to sit down for a video interview and explain the process and importance of her team’s work.

Check back for Van Bael’s and other video interviews with Tropical Research Institute scientists beginning next week.

In the meantime, enjoy this recent video from Rob Nelson films starring STRI’s Barro Colorado Island.

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Posted: 14 January 2011
About the Author:

Brian Ireley is a digital media specialist at the Smithsonian’s Central Office of Public Affairs. Specializing in science communication and multimedia production, most of Brian’s work aims to make nerdy topics more accessible and fun.