Insects are an intrinsic part of the natural world, existing as the largest class of the phylum Arthropoda, which is itself the largest class of Kingdom Animalia. Utilized in numerous ways, insects are crucial components in fields of study such as genetic exploration, evolutionary biology, and immunology. On June 12th, students mainly from year 10 and faculty members of HFI set out on their exploration of these fields in the Institute of Insect Science and Technology.

The institute of Insect and Technology is located in South China Normal University in Tianhe District. Established in 2016, the institute has focused on insect developmental biology and has integrated basic insect research, technology development, and application into one major system.

The journey started with expert Dr. Luo giving students a brief overview of the tour and facilities of the institute and proceeded with a precise introduction of the equipment. Brimming with expectation and curiosity, students primarily investigated two insects that contributed to genetic biology and insect developmental biology: the American Cockroach and the fruit fly. The American cockroach excretes a substance that induces skin or appendages to regrow themselves; therefore, this property may be exploited in curing diseases such as oral ulcers. Moreover, Fruit flies have the advantageous natures of laying up to 50 eggs per day, retaining large and polytene chromosomes, and having a life expectancy of ten days. Due to the brief life cycle of the fruit fly, researchers of the lab applied this characteristic in various aspects such as in examining their specific protein expression.

Following the lead of Dr. Luo, students viewed the cultivation grounds of the cockroaches and found themselves surrounded by high-tech equipment and insects crawling in jars and vessels. Gazing at the scene of bustling scientists with their insects, students marveled at the respect researchers demonstrated towards their job and the dedication of the scientists towards their task. Ascending up a flight of stairs, students accessed a room filled with jars of numerous species of fruit flies and witnessed the cultivation habitats of fruit flies. Full of eager anticipation, students had the opportunity to observe live fruit flies under a microscope, broadening their knowledge and insight into entomology.

With the event drawing to a close, Dr. Luo elaborated on the main directions of developments of their research which are genetic regulation, insect evolution and immunity, and application technology of insect development regulation. Students actively raised questions related to entomology and discussed the advantages of utilizing respective insects in their studies, extending all present HFIers’ cognition on the subject. They all left with enlightened minds and enhanced interests in entomology and biology.

With rising issues and challenges humanity faces, the fields of research this institute intensively inspects may resolve numerous predicaments and illnesses by embracing plausible opportunities in areas of insects’ immunology and genetics. With the positive impact of this episode, HFIers acquired the spirits of devotion and innovation and will one day engage in areas of entomology and immunology, contributing to the general welfare of citizens all over the globe.

Acknowledgements:

Writer: Sophie Li

Editor: Selena Yao