Wild Genomics, Inc.

A groundbreaking analysis on the link between biodiversity 🦇 and human well-being was published this week in Science. Bats, often overlooked in biodiversity discussions, play a critical role as natural pest controllers—benefiting both the economy and human health. Eyal Frank, known for his work linking vulture declines to human mortality in India, illustrates the cascading effects of biodiversity loss on agriculture and public health, using the decline of bat populations in the U.S. due to white-nose syndrome as a case study. The findings are alarming. Between 2006 and 2017, counties affected by white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease decimating bat populations, saw a 31% rise in insecticide use. Farmers, deprived of the pest control provided by bats, turned to chemicals as a substitute. However, this stopgap came at a steep cost—not just financially. The study shows infant mortality rates in those counties increased by nearly 8%, resulting in 1,334 additional infant deaths during this period, a grim consequence of increased chemical exposure. Frank aimed to quantify both the economic and human costs of losing this vital ecosystem service. His work illustrates the interconnectedness of biodiversity and human well-being. With fewer bats to prey on insects, crop revenues in affected areas dropped by 28.9%, with total agricultural losses estimated at $26.9 billion. The compensatory rise in insecticide use failed to fully replace the lost pest control and likely worsened declines in crop quality and farm revenue. While much of the biodiversity conversation focuses on species loss, this research underscores broader impacts, extending to agricultural productivity and public health. It serves as a stark warning to policymakers about the hidden costs of biodiversity decline. As efforts to protect 30% of the planet’s land and marine ecosystems by 2030 gain momentum, studies like this provide crucial evidence that conservation is not just about saving species but also safeguarding human life and livelihoods. Key Figures: 👉 31% increase in insecticide use in affected counties. 👉 8% rise in infant mortality in those same regions. 👉 1,334 additional infant deaths attributed to bat population declines. 👉 28.9% drop in crop revenue in areas impacted by white-nose syndrome. 👉 Estimated agricultural losses of $26.9 billion between 2006 and 2017. Eyal G. Frank. The economic impacts of ecosystem disruptions: Costs from substituting biological pest control. Science. 6 Sep 2024 Vol 385, Issue 6713 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg034 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gn4Kh5xE

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the future of innovation in San Diego! Join us for Innovation Day 2024 on September 24th at Petco Park for an unforgettable event full of insightful talks, exhibits, panels, pitches, performances, arts, culture, and so much more! Hosted by UC San Diego and Connect, Innovation Day 2024 is the perfect opportunity to connect with visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders. This event is where San Diego’s brightest minds come together to showcase our region’s true potential and collaborate on shaping a future that benefits all. Secure your ticket today- connect.ticketsauce.com More event details- innovationday.ucsd.edu   Paul Roben, Lisel Gorell-Getz, M.A., Shane Moise, Christine L., Jacques Chirazi, David Favela, Christiana Russell, M.Ed, Priya Sinha Cloutier   #whereinnovatorsconnect, #designandinnovation, #Officeofinnovationandcommercialization, #Innovation, #UCSanDiego, #entrepreneurship, #startup, #ID24, #InnovationDay2024, #SanDiegoInnovation #UCSDID24

🚀  Applications are officially OPEN for the THRIVE Canada IV Accelerator Program! Are you a Seed to Series A AgriFoodTech startup looking to scale? This is your chance to accelerate your growth and join a thriving community of innovators. 🌱Program Benefits: -Access to investors, corporates, and customers -Expert mentorship tailored to your needs -Brand exposure and global recognition -Virtual & in-person programming, including Silicon Valley Week -Networking opportunities with farmers and industry leaders -Apply today and unlock the resources you need to take your business to the next level. 💡 Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/gH49UzHe Don’t miss out—applications close October 27, 2024! #AgriFoodTech #StartupGrowth #ApplyNow

Our world is going silent… and we don’t even notice. Listen to this. Sugarlofe Park, California. 30-year decline of sound. 🔔 It makes my heart break. What are we doing? And what world are we leaving to our children? If I have one big dream: it would be regeneration everywhere! And these sounds coming back. Shall we do this together? 💪 With a team of partners, we are starting land restoration investments at Earth Plus: - If you have/know lands that got deserted, let us know. We’d love to help bring them back to life! 🌱 - If you are a company, looking for land investments or carbon removal, let us know too. We might have an offer you can’t refuse! 😉 Article credit: Guardian US & Guardian Audio recordings: Bernie Krause Photograph: Cayce Clifford Link to the original post: https://lnkd.in/eH-AF49W #sustainability #nature #future