Suffering for science: why I have insects sting me to create a pain index

Business Insider Australia

Photo: Tom Ervin/ Getty Images.

Over the past 40 years (but in reality since I was five years old), I’ve been fascinated with insects and their ability to sting and cause pain. In graduate school, I became interested in why they sting and why stings from such tiny animals hurt so much.

To answer these questions, we first needed a way to measure pain – so, I invented the insect pain scale. The scale is based on a thousand or so personal stings from over 80 insect groups, plus ratings by various colleagues.

Insects sting to improve their lives and increase their opportunities. The stings provide protection, thereby opening doors to more food resources, expanded territories, and social life within colonies. By studying stinging insects, we gain insight into our own lives and the societies we live in.

Why sting?

To say that insects sting “because they can” isn’t all that helpful. The real question is why insects evolved a stinger in the first place. Obviously, it had some value, otherwise it would have never evolved – or, if initially present, it would have been lost through natural selection.

Stingers have two major uses: to get food and to avoid becoming food for some other animal. Examples of the stinger used for sustenance include parasitic wasps that sting and paralyse caterpillars that become food for the wasp young, and bulldog ants that sting difficult prey insects to subdue them.

More importantly, the stinger is a major breakthrough in defence against large predators. Imagine, for a moment, that you’re an average-sized insect being attacked by a predator a million times larger than you. What chance would you have?

Honeybees face this problem with honey-loving bears. Biting, scratching or kicking won’t work. But a stinger with painful venom often does.

In this sense, the stinging insect has found a way to overcome its small size. The stinger is an “insect gun” of sorts – it neutralises the size difference between assailant and victim.

The insect sting pain index

This is where the insect sting pain index comes in. Unless we have numbers to compare and analyse, sting observations are just anecdotes and stories. With numbers, we can compare the effectiveness of one stinging insect’s painful defence against others and test hypotheses.

One hypothesis is that painful stings provide a way for small insects to defend themselves and their young against large mammalian, bird, reptile or amphibian predators. The greater the pain, the better the defence.

Greater defence allows insects to form groups and become complex societies as we see in ants and social wasps and bees. The greater the pain, the larger the society can become. And larger societies have advantages not enjoyed by solitary individuals or smaller societies.

Human and insect societies

Human sociality allows individuals to specialise and do a particular task better than most others. Examples of human specialists include plumbers, chefs, doctors, farmers, teachers, lawyers, soldiers, rugby players and even politicians (a profession sometimes viewed dubiously, but required for society to function).

Social insect societies also have specialists. They forage for food, tend to young, defend the colony, reproduce and even serve as undertakers removing the dead. Another advantage of societies is the ability to recruit others to exploit a large food source, or for the common defence, or to have additional helpers for difficult tasks.

Sociality also has a more subtle advantage: it reduces conflict between individuals within a species. Individuals not living in social groups tend to fight when they come in contact. But to live in a group, conflict must be reduced.

In many social animals, conflict is reduced by establishing a pecking order. Often, if the dominant individual in the pecking order is removed, violent battles erupt.

In human societies, conflict is also reduced via pecking order, but more importantly through laws, police to enforce laws, and gossip and societal teachings to instil co-operative behaviour. In insect societies, conflict is reduced by establishing pecking orders and pheromones, chemical odours that identify individuals and their place in society.

Why do we love pain?

The insect sting pain index also provides a window into human psychology and emotion. Put simply: humans are fascinated by stinging insects. We delight in telling stories of being stung, harrowing near-misses, or even our fear of stinging insects.

Why? Because we have a genetically innate fear of animals that attack us, be they leopards, bears, snakes, spiders or stinging insects.

People lacking such fear stand a greater chance of being eaten or dying of envenomation and not passing on their genetic lineage than those who are more fearful.

Stinging insects cause us fear because they produce pain. And pain is our body’s way of telling us that bodily damage is occurring, has occurred, or is about to occur. Damage is bad and harms our lives and ability to reproduce.

In other words, our emotional fear and infatuation with painful stinging insects enhances our long-term survival. Yet, we have little emotional fear of cigarettes or sugary, fatty foods, both of which kill many more people than painfully stinging insects. Fear of those killers is not in our genes.

The insect sting pain index is more than just fun (which it is too). It provides a window into understanding ourselves, how we evolved to where we are, and what we might expect in the future.

This article is the final part of the series Deadly Australia. You can see the whole series here.

Justin Schmidt, Entomologist, Southwest Biological Institute, University of Arizona

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

For more: http://www.businessinsider.com/suffering-for-science-why-i-have-insects-sting-me-to-create-a-pain-index-2016-1?utm_source=feedburner&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+businessinsider+%28Business+Insider%29

COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)

WED MAY 25

Cayman Islands: Mother to Child HIV Transmission and Congenital Syphilis

Educational sessions with Dr. Karina Palmer to discuss the elimination of mother to child HIV transmission and congenital syphilis in the Cayman Islands will be held on Wednesday, 25 May from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and on Tuesday, 31 May from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Next month, the regional validation committee is expected to verify that the Cayman Islands has been certified as free of both these conditions.

The educational sessions, explaining the implications of this verification, are open to the public and will take place in the Hibiscus Conference Room at Cayman Islands Hospital.

Cayman Islands: Call for Hurricane Shelter Volunteers

The Department of Children and Family Services is inviting individuals to sign up as shelter volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season.

The Shelter Operations 2016 Hurricane Training for Shelter Managers & District Representatives Volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season will be held over two days on Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May at the Prospect Primary School Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Registration begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.

All volunteers MUST complete both days of training.

For more information contact Ernesto Carter at the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 or

email Ernesto.carter@gov.ky 

CIAA Seeks Volunteers for Emergency Exercise

The CIAA is looking for volunteers who would be willing to wear special make-up and act as injured passengers in the upcoming Full Scale Airport Emergency Exercise on Wednesday (25 May.) The CIAA organizes this event to test the readiness of emergency responders to handle an aircraft accident and form an organized response in those critical moments that could mean the difference between life and death. If you’re interested, call the Red Cross on 949.6785.

Session on mother to child HIV transmission

Educational sessions to discuss the elimination of mother to child HIV transmission and congenital syphilis will be held on Wednesday (25 May) at 630pm in the Hibiscus Conference Room at Cayman Islands Hospital.

CIAA Full Scale Emergency Exercise set for Wednesday 25 May

The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) would like to advise the public that it will be conducting an emergency exercise on Wednesday, 25 May near the Cricket Pitch.

Motorists traveling around the airport area may experience some delays as a result of road closures for the exercise. The CIAA would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however the CIAA is required by international regulations to simulate an aircraft accident on or near the airport every two years.

WED & THU MAY 25 & 26

NWDA Community Outreach on Cayman Brac

Representatives from the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA) will be on Cayman Brac to meet with the public and assist with online registration for employers and jobseekers. This will include resume preparation, interview preparation and other job search activities. The dates are Tuesday, 24 May from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 25 May from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday, 26 May from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will also be workshops on communications skills held on Thursday, 26 May from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and conflict resolution from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

To register, call 945-3114 or email nwda.training@gov.ky. Walk-ins to the DLP Office at 256 Creek Road are also welcomed.

THU MAY 26

Inspired Lifestyles with Donna – Summer Programmes

See us at the upcoming HR Conference at the Ritz Carlton, May 26th.

FREE SME Workshop: Identifying Occupational Fraud Risk and Fraud Prevention Controls

The Chamber of Commerce presents a FREE SME Workshop: Identifying Occupational Fraud Risk and Fraud Prevention Controls by Kevin Haywood-Crouch of KRyS Global on Thursday (26 May) from 5:30 pm — 7:30 pm at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky

 Cayman Islands’ Smoking Cessation Classes: ‘I Can Quit’

The Public Health Department reminds smokers who wish to quit the habit that there are still some spaces left for the upcoming smoking cessation classes the department is offering. Classes start on 1 June 2016 from 5.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. every Wednesday for 7 weeks in the Public Health Waiting Room.

Registration deadline is 26 May, 2016.

For more information or to sign up, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889/244-2621, or email sarah.hetley@hsa.ky or nola.sanderson@hsa.ky

THU & FRI MAY 26 & 27

DLP to visit Cayman Brac

The Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP) office at 256 Creek Road, Cayman Brac, will open on Thursday, 26 May from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 27 May from 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. to assist with inquiries and complaints about labour and pensions matters only. No appointments are necessary.

The DLP will also be holding a question-and-answer session at its office on Thursday, 26 May from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for employers and employees.

FRI 27 MAY

Cleveland’s kidnapping survivor – Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

Cayman Islands Crisis Centre fundraiser

Cayman Islands’ Dress Down Day Supports Student Meals

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Feed Our Future is hosting its annual Child Month dress down day on Friday 27 May, 2016 in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Feed Our Future school lunch programme, the dress down day is to encourage school students, businesses and individuals to donate for those in need.

All persons asked to dress in bright colours to support the day or purchase a commemorative t-shirt for $15. To purchase a Feed Our Future t-shirt call 916-0923.

For more information contact the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 and dcfs@gov.ky .

Brac Movie Night

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is inviting families in Cayman Brac to a movie night.
A part of the DCFS’s Child Month celebrations, the Movie Night offers a fun and exciting way to share quality time by watching a family friendly movie.
The movie night will be held at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre on Friday 27 May, 2016 from 7:00 pm to 9:00pm. Popcorn will be provided.
For more information contact the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 and 948-2331 or dcfs@gov.ky

FRI MAY 27 & SAT MAY 28

Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Annual Coin Collection Drive

Please note that the Meals on wheels Coin Collection drive will be held this year a little later on May 27th and 28th. volunteers will be outside all supermarkets on the island as well as Kirks Home Centre and AL Thompsons hardware. for those companies that see heavy traffic i.e. banks, collection boxes will be available for that week.

For more information please don’t hesitate to call

Pat Bazell-Taylor

916-6249

SAT 28 MAY

Cayman Islands’ Young At Arts® Auditions

Aspiring actors, dancers and musicians are invited to audition for Young At Arts® (YAA) Summer Theatre Arts Intensive which is produced annually by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and supported by Butterfield.

Auditions will take place on Saturday 28 May 2016, starting at 10 a.m. at the Harquail Theatre. Booking an audition time is essential as spaces are limited.

Performers ages 14 – 22 must prepare a memorised monologue, one to three minutes in length, as well as a dance, or song, or piece of music that will be played on an instrument. In addition, performers must be prepared to take direction on stage when asked by adjudicators.

Call backs will take place if required. Students will be advised within one week of auditioning if they have been selected.

CNCF will offer a total of three scholarships for exceptional performers who are in need of financial assistance.

The YAA Intensive will begin 5 July and end with a weekend of shows 5 – 7 August. For more on the programme or to book an audition, send an email to cncf@artscayman.org or call 949-5477. Additional information can be found on artscayman.org/young-at-arts.

Charity Yoga Event

You’re invited to a charity yoga event on Saturday (28 May) at 11am at the ARC at Camana Bay. Proceeds raised with go to the National Trust, Feed our Future and Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts.

Butterfield 800m Sea Swim

The Butterfield 800m Sea Swim is Saturday (28 May) at 4pm at Governor’s Beach. Log on to caymanactive.com to register.

Child Month Cupcake Wars

Stage is Set for Child Month Cupcake Wars

The stage is set for the 2016 Child Month Cupcake Wars. Team Vargas, the winning Cayman Brac team, will take on five other baking teams at the finals on Saturday 28 May at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman.

Taking on team Vargas are Sweet Sensations, Cupcake Queens, Dip and Dab Cupcakes, Baking Bumblebees, and the substitute team Sugar Rush Bakers of the National Youth Culinary Programme. The teams were announced on the radio show Talk Today on Wednesday 18 May. Registration for the competition is now closed.

The competition, now in its 4th year, challenges bakers to create two cupcakes, one using fruit in the recipe, as well as a diabetic friendly cupcake.  The public is welcomed to watch the judging from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Space is limited in the judging room.

The competition is sponsored by the Youth Services Unit, Kiwanis Club, Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), Department of Children and Family Services, The Ministry of Tourism and the Layman Scott Senior High School.

For more information email james.myles@gov.ky<mailto:james.myles@gov.ky>.

Team members:

  *   Vargas – Captain Jzane Vargas, teammates Haylie Tibbetts, Jhadarie Smith

  *   Sweet Sensations – Captain Charles CJ Evans and teammate Tanya Henderson

  *   Cupcake Queens – Captain Jenel Rankin, teammates Kaelyn Oliver and Khyla Oliver

  *   Dip and Dab Cupcakes – Captain Riley Doyle teammates Ciara Bradley and Kayla Bradley

  *   Baking Bumblebees – Captain Alisha Kee, teammates Adelaide Walton and Carmella Ylagan

  *   Sugar Rush Bakers – Captain Chambria Dalhouse, teammates Shantoy Guthrie and Gabriella Watson

Business Men’s Breakfast Meeting

The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday May 28th at 8:00am, at The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. A tour of the current show will follow.

Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.

SUN MAY 29

DEW Cycling Classics Circuit Race 2

The DEW Cycling Classics Circuit Race 2 is Sunday (29 May) at 7am from Cost U Less. Log on to caymanactive.com to register.

Child Month Family Fest

As part of Child Month, you’re invited to a Family Fest at the Agriculture Grounds from 10am until 4pm on Sunday (29 May)

MON MAY 30

Let’s Stay Together

The Bethesda Counseling Centre and Margaritaville invite you to Let’s Stay Together: The Marriage Course, starting Monday (30 May) for five Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00pm at Margaritaville. For details and registration call 949-7923 or email elmslie@candw.ky. Childcare available.

Cayman Islands LA State Opening date announced

The LA State Opening, which will include the Throne Speech, Budget Address and Policy Statement, will take place on Monday, 30 May 2016 commencing at 9:40 a.m. Members of the public are to be seated by 9:30 a.m.

TUE MAY 31

Session on mother to child HIV transmission

Educational sessions to discuss the elimination of mother to child HIV transmission and congenital syphilis will be held on Tuesday (31 May) at 4pm in the Hibiscus Conference Room at Cayman Islands Hospital.

Legal Bootcamp Series: Landlord & Tenant Relationship

The Chamber of Commerce presents its Legal Bootcamp Series: Landlord & Tenant Relationship by Sarah Allison on Thursday (31 May) from 9:00 am — 11:00 am at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky

Providing Optimum Customer Service

The Chamber presents the Providing Optimum Customer Service by Catherine Tyson on Tuesday (31 May) from 9:00 am — 4:30 pm at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky

Seafarers Information Update

Seafarers, veterans and their spouses have until Saturday (31 May) to provide their current information to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Call 244-2224 for more information. Failure to respond may result in the discontinuation of health insurance benefits.

FRI JUNE 3

Cayman National Choir & Orchestra Presents The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration Concert

THU JUNE 9

Book Launch By J. Lemuel Hurlston

May Events at Camana Bay

Thursday 26 May

7pm

Ortanique

Vegan Essentials Cooking Class

Tuesday 31 May

6-8pm