The Amazon in us (Ep 83)

<p>How does one of the most diverse groups on the planet, the ants, interact with the extremely diverse group of microbes that live on and inside them?</p> <p>On this episode, we talk to <a href="https://www.moreaulab.entomology.cornell.edu/"><u>Corrie Moreau</u></a>, a professor of entomology at Cornell University, about the diversity and influence of microbes in ants. For Corrie, these microbes are a sort of internal rainforest, whose presence directly impacts the lives of the ants who carry them. Many ant-microbe relationships have evolved over millions of years, resulting in specialized interactions – from fungus-farming in leaf cutter ants, to insect mind control by the <em>Ophiocordyceps</em> fungus, to distortion of insect reproduction by <em>Wolbachia</em> bacteria. We also chat with Corrie about science communication, and how making biology a welcoming and diverse place will inspire the next generation of researchers and promote greater trust in science by the public.</p> <p>Cover art: Keating Shahmehri</p>