UMass Amherst Researchers Use AI to Eavesdrop on Insects for Environmental Health Assessment
UMass Amherst researchers are leveraging machine learning to eavesdrop on the insect world, aiming to enhance environmental health assessment. By identifying different insect species through their sounds, researchers hope to gain insights into the shifting populations of insects, which can provide valuable information about the overall health of the environment. The study, recently published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, highlights the increasing significance of machine and deep learning in automated bioacoustics modeling. Laura Figueroa, assistant professor of environmental conservation at UMass Amherst and the senior author of the paper, emphasizes the crucial role of insects in ecosystems and the challenges in monitoring their populations. With the rise of environmental stressors and drastic changes in insect populations, traditional sampling methods are proving to be insufficient. The collaboration between ecologists and machine-learning experts is seen as a promising approach to fully unlock the potential of AI in identifying and monitoring insect populations. The potential of AI in environmental health assessment is evident, offering a non-invasive and efficient alternative to traditional entomological methods. As Figueroa points out, the ability to differentiate insect sounds and train AI models to identify species based on their unique sounds opens up new possibilities for understanding and safeguarding insect populations in the face of environmental challenges.
Report Highlights Health Hazards of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Plastics and Pesticides
A new report by the Endocrine Society and IPEN highlights the health hazards associated with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics and pesticides. The report raises concerns about the risks to human health and emphasizes the urgent need to address the implications of these chemicals. With EDCs being linked to hormone-related health conditions, the report serves as a wake-up call to the potential risks associated with these chemicals in our daily lives.