Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how mosquitoes control the pathogenicity of viruses, using short-interfering RNAs to modulate disease. By altering the virus genome, the team found a way to upset the balance, potentially targeting mosquito-borne diseases.
The five-year, $4 million grant will support biodiversity field surveys, screen microbes and plants for applications to human health and energy needs. The research aims to conserve endangered species and develop local conservation efforts in Indonesia's tropical forests.
Despite pollinator decline, global crop yields have consistently grown at 1.5% per year since 1961 due to agricultural improvements. However, research detected warning signs of growing demand for pollinators and declining yield growth in highly dependent crops.
Recent studies show that social signals can profoundly affect when and how genes function, leading to changes in behavior. In animals like honey bees and songbirds, social information alters gene expression, allowing for complex adaptations and behaviors.
Researchers found that smaller mosquitoes have higher infection rates and potential to transmit dengue virus than larger individuals. The study suggests that control strategies may benefit from producing larger, less competent adult mosquitoes in terms of infection, potentially mitigating dengue transmission.
A UC Davis team developed an integrated pest management (IPM) program for almond growers, resulting in a 77% reduction in pesticide use. The program, implemented over six to eight years, used biological, cultural, and reduced-risk alternatives.
Walter Leal, a UC Davis professor, received the ESA award for his groundbreaking research on mosquito repellent DEET. His lab discovered the mode of action for DEET, which doesn't mask the host's smell but rather repels mosquitoes through direct detection.
Consuelo M. De Moraes, a Penn State entomologist, has received the ESA's Early Career Innovation Award for her innovative research on chemical communication in ecological interactions. The award recognizes her contributions to promoting minority and women in science.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes Dr. Frederick P. Baxendale for his outstanding contributions to extension entomology, and Dr. Tiffany M. Heng-Moss for her exceptional teaching, including developing a new undergraduate major in insect science. Dr. Ronald D. Oetting receives the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticul...
The Entomological Society of America has named 10 new Fellows, including Dr. Robert N. Coulson, John G. Hildebrand, and Dr. Lawrence A. Lacey, for their outstanding contributions to research and teaching in the field of entomology.
Researchers found unprecedented levels of fluvalinate and coumaphos in beeswax, while pollen and bees showed lower levels of other pesticides. A new method using gamma radiation reduced acaricide load in beeswax by 50%. The study highlights the need for monitoring pesticide interactions and potential links to Colony Collapse Disorder.
A team of researchers discovered a novel fungus in the gut of Asian longhorned beetles that helps break down lignin, a protective barrier for plants. The fungus produces enzymes that enable the beetles to digest hard wood, leading to potential breakthroughs in pest control and biofuel production.
Mosquitoes avoid DEET because of its bad smell, which is detected by specific neurons on their antennae. The study corrects long-standing erroneous dogma about DEET's mode of action, providing new insights into the development of more effective repellents.
A UCR graduate student has discovered a new bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous, closely related to citrus greening disease, that causes yellowing of tomato and potato leaves. The bacterium is vectored by the tomato/potato psyllid into host plants, resulting in yield losses up to 85% in commercial crops.
Researchers created inexpensive blends of pheromones to detect and estimate the population size of invasive pest cerambycid beetles. They identified over 30 species and found reliable characteristics to determine if a new invader uses attractant pheromones.
A new species of Bagworm Moth with predatory larvae has been discovered in Panama's tropical forest. The larvae construct portable structures called 'bags' to capture prey, including spiders and insects.
The journal will play a key role in the Asia-Pacific Region's entomological research community, publishing original research papers and review articles. Elsevier has agreed to publish the journal on behalf of three societies, aiming to promote leading entomological research from Asia and worldwide.
Researchers found that female mosquitoes are attracted to water containers with specific fatty acids and methyl esters from bacteria, which stimulate them to lay eggs. The study aims to use this knowledge to devise lures and traps to control yellow fever mosquito populations, preventing global diseases like dengue fever.
Researchers at UC Davis have isolated and expressed a pheromone-degrading enzyme in the Japanese beetle, which could lead to more effective pest control methods. By degrading pheromones, males may be unable to detect females and reproduce.
Researchers at Purdue University have found that a single dose of insecticide can kill three generations of German cockroaches. The study shows that the insecticide is transferred horizontally from one cockroach to another, leading to a significant mortality rate among the infected insects.
The Brown Argus butterfly has expanded its range northwards in Britain, likely due to warmer temperatures. This shift may allow the species to evade some of its natural enemies, such as parasitoids.
Researchers at CSIRO have identified a new class of alpha-hydroxy polyacetylenic fatty acids with self-assembling and anti-microbial properties. These discoveries could lead to innovative applications in industries such as agriculture, chemistry, and biotechnology.
Biologists call for making detailed maps of biotech crops available to researchers, allowing them to analyze the effects on wildlife and water quality. The government's current data collection system is limited in spatial resolution, making it difficult to answer key questions about genetically engineered crops.
Researchers at Ohio State University identify two genes that regulate mosquito growth and diapause, a hibernation-like state of arrested development. By disrupting these genes, scientists can mimic hormonal shifts that initiate diapause and disrupt fat retention, pointing to separate functions for each gene.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers identifies unit burst generators in the spinal cord that control rhythmic movements such as walking. The discovery may help lead to treatments for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
A team of international collaborators, led by Academy entomologist Brian Fisher, creates a conservation map for Madagascar by analyzing distribution data from 2,315 species. The proposed locations for new protected areas preserve the maximum number of species, providing a valuable model for biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
Cornell researchers have identified 63 proteins in male mosquitoes' seminal fluid that can suppress female appetite for mammalian blood and stimulate egg production. The study's findings could lead to novel strategies to prevent dengue virus spread, a disease affecting 50 million people annually.
A tiny beetle, the mesquite girdler, is speeding up desertification by regulating plant growth. The beetle's actions are depleting nutrients for other plant species, altering the Chihuahuan desert's ecosystem.
Researchers discovered that Librodor japonicus beetles employ distinct strategies to attract mates based on their body size. Smaller males use 'sneaky matings' behind larger males, while medium-sized beetles search for unoccupied feeding sites. This unique approach ensures all individuals have a chance at finding a mate without conflict.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels in soybeans attracted more adult Japanese beetles, Western corn rootworms, and Asian soybean aphids. The study suggests that global environmental change is multifaceted, with increased insect damage due to impaired plant defenses.
A Michigan State University researcher is leading a study on insecticide-treated bed nets to disrupt mosquito populations and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bed nets over time and monitor changes in parasite populations and virulence factors.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified 14 types of mold on and around Madagascar hissing cockroaches, including molds associated with allergies. Handling the insects may trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals if proper cleaning and care are not taken.
A research team led by Mark Hoddle has successfully used biological control to eradicate the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a major agricultural pest, from Tahiti and neighboring islands. The team introduced a microscopic parasitic wasp that attacks the insect's eggs, reducing its population to less than 5% of its original density.
A study found that honey bees invading new areas benefit from the genetic endowment of their predecessors, with functional genes from European bees providing an advantage. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanism behind the expansion of honey bees into temperate regions and their ability to thrive in harsh winter condit...
The Häagen-Dazs brand has gifted a new garden design to Penn State's Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility, featuring interconnected gardens and educational spaces. The design aims to provide year-round food sources for honey bees and raise public awareness about their plight.
A bollworm species has evolved resistance to biotech cotton's Bt toxin in the US, contradicting predictions of rapid pest resistance. The findings confirm the effectiveness of refuge strategies to delay resistance evolution.
Researchers found that New Zealand parsnips had lower levels of chemical defenses than those in Europe and North America, making them more susceptible to the parsnip webworm. The webworms are dramatically affecting the plant's ability to reproduce, with 75% of affected plants devoid of reproductive parts.
Researchers are using UAVs to detect and monitor the spread of Phytophthora infestans, a fungus-like organism responsible for the Irish Potato Famine. The study aims to track the movement of the pathogen in the atmosphere to inform management decisions.
A new study reveals that large numbers of modern-day beetle lineages evolved soon after the first beetles originated and have persisted ever since. The team used DNA sequencing and fossil records to compile an evolutionary family tree for beetles, showing that many species pre-date the appearance of flowering plants.
The Argentine ant's invasive success is attributed to its adaptability and ability to outcompete native ants. As it displaces native species, the ants begin foraging lower on the food chain, exploiting honeydew excretions of aphids and scale insects.
Researchers found that vacuuming is an effective way to kill fleas, with a high success rate in killing adult fleas (96%) and destroying younger stages (100%). The study suggests that the physical abuse caused by the vacuum's brushes and fans leads to flea death.
A US-French research team is creating a comprehensive inventory of all non-microbial life on Moorea, including plants, animals, and fungi. The project aims to catalog and barcode every species on the island, shedding light on ecosystem responses to climate change, invasive species, and human impact.
Researchers discovered the essential design features of coiled coil silks in bees, ants, and wasps, which are produced by larvae using different methods. The unique protein structure produces a lightweight yet tough silk, likely contributing to the social insects' evolutionary success.
Researchers found that animals, like plants, can build tolerance to infections at a genetic level, allowing them to withstand parasite loads. This tolerance is negatively related to resistance, with animals either killing or tolerating parasites but not both.
Researchers have developed new designer toxins that can kill Bt-resistant insect pests, including the pink bollworm, a major cotton pest. The toxins work by modifying the way the insects' gut membranes respond to Bt toxins, rendering them ineffective.
A team of researchers at Kansas State University is working to understand the ecology of E. coli 0157 and develop practical interventions to combat it in cattle. They are also studying salmonella, which causes bloody diarrhea in feedlot cattle and dairy cattle abortions, with a focus on reducing its prevalence.
A genetically engineered eggplant has been developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a highly destructive pest causing up to 40% of crop losses in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The Bt eggplant is expected to reduce insecticide use by 30% while doubling yield, benefiting farmers and consumers in South Asia.
Research finds that honey bee queens who mate with multiple drones are more attractive to worker bees, leading to longer reigns. Pheromone composition changes after mating, with more multiply inseminated queens exhibiting stronger retinue response.
The Entomological Society of America has selected nine new Fellows and one new Honorary Member, recognizing their outstanding contributions to research, teaching, extension, or administration in the field of entomology. The honorees will be recognized during the ESA Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
A study by York University biologists Amro Zayed and Laurence Packer found that a single mated female solitary bee is likely the founder of an invasive population. This contradicts the 'propagule pressure hypothesis,' which suggests that more individuals introduced to an area lead to a higher success rate of invasion.
Researchers at Virginia Tech study a Japanese beetle that may curb the spread of HWA without damaging forest ecosystems. The beetle has shown encouraging results in previous releases, and scientists hope it will be an effective natural enemy against the invasive insect.
A study published by AAAS suggests that Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) is a potential cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a phenomenon where adult bees disappear from hives. Researchers found molecular signs of IAPV associated with CCD, but stressors like poor nutrition and pesticide exposure are also likely involved.
A team of researchers has found a strong correlation between Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) genetic material and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in bees. The prevalence of IAPV, the timing of outbreaks, and geographical circumstances suggest that IAPV is a significant marker for CCD.
Researchers discover Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) significantly associated with colony collapse disorder (CCD) in honey bee colonies. IAPV was found in all four affected operations and correctly distinguished CCD from non-CCD status 96.1% of the time.
A team of scientists has identified an odorant receptor that allows male honey bee drones to detect the presence of a queen up to 60 meters away. The receptor, which can detect the specific pheromone '9-ODA', is expressed in the antennae of male drones and plays a crucial role in their mating rituals.
University of Illinois researchers warn that higher corn prices are causing some farmers to ignore integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which could undermine the effectiveness of technologies that sustain them. IPM is a set of principles developed to minimize ecological impacts of pesticides and transgenic crops.
New research findings suggest tropical insects can be consistently found across hundreds of miles, eating a broader menu of foliage. This challenges the notion that plant-eating insects are picky eaters that stay close to home.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have successfully expressed a foreign gene exclusively in the female mosquito germline, paving the way for genetic control strategies. The discovery enables all progeny of lab and wild mosquitoes to have the gene that blocks virus replication.
The NWO Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who make groundbreaking contributions to their field. This year's winners are Prof. Deirdre Curtin (law), Prof. Marcel Dicke (ecological entomology), Prof. Leo Kouwenhoven (physics), and Prof. Wil Roebroeks (archaeology), each receiving €1.5 million.
Researchers discovered nearly a dozen additional heat-shock proteins that help insects survive cold temperatures. These proteins are essential for insect survival during diapause, a hibernation-like state that allows them to withstand low temperatures.