Integrative biologist Dr. Shoshanah Jacobs spoke to Scientific American about how parasitic flies attach to honeybees could be used in the study of biomimetics, an area of engineering that uses nature and biology for inspiration.  

Jacobs agreed the research, in which she did not participate, has value within biomimetics before noting better knowledge mobilization is needed within the field to help ensure its value.  

A professor in the Department of Integrative Biology whose work has included the eco-physiology of breeding seabirds, Jacobs currently is focused on biomimetics and higher education.