We might think of insects as pests, annoying little creatures that enter our homes uninvited, that buzz incessantly and bite us without cause. But insects make the world go round. They can be found in nearly every environment, and it’s estimated that over 90% of the animal life forms on Earth are insects. The balance of the natural world depends on them. 

This week, we’re putting insects front and center. We unpack the mysterious patterns of cicadas in the US, investigate the presence of radioactive isotopes in bees, meet a self-professed edible insect ambassador, and do some insect cooking of our own. 

Further Reading and Listening: 

For more of DJ Armen Hammer’s music, check out his Soundcloud.

Find professor Raupp’s undergraduate lab, the Cicada Crew.

To learn more about Paul Volante’s study on cesium-137 in honey, you can read the full article in Nature Communications.

Learn more about Joseph Yoon and Brooklyn Bugs at brooklynbugs.com or on Instagram. 

For more on David George Gordon visit davidgeorgegordon.com or on Twitter.

Keep Meat and Three on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. 

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