Insect Investigation
The Call of the Wild
Elena grew up in Rome, but her true passion lay in nature. “I never imagined I could make it my career. I thought I would follow in my mother’s footsteps and become a lawyer like her.”
That was until a friend introduced her to the world of biology.
Now, deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, she lives in a scientific research camp, uncovering nature’s secrets. This adventurous life, as she puts it, is nothing short of “a waking dream.”
A Tiny World Under Threat
Elena and her team focus their research on insects. “We have discovered dozens of previously unknown species, which we are now cataloguing,” explains the biologist.
But above all, Elena studies the impact of mercury pollution on this fragile fauna. The region is under siege from illegal gold mining, which releases this toxic metal into the water and soil, posing a serious threat to biodiversity.
When mercury rises…
Elena examines the effects of mercury on insects to determine whether increased concentrations of this metal affect their survival and resilience to climate change.
Moreover, “if this neurotoxin is present in insects, it means the entire ecosystem is contaminated.” A disturbing truth that unsettles the local trafficking networks—but one that must be exposed.
Elena’s goal? To spark awareness and turn the lungs of our planet into a fully protected zone.
