Researchers used X-ray images to study tracheal systems in four beetle species, finding that larger beetles devote more space to tracheal tubes. This discovery suggests that leg size is a key limiting factor for insect body size, explaining the extinction of giant insects.
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.
A study of lowland rainforests in New Guinea found low beta diversity across the study area, indicating widespread distribution of insect species and limited specialization. The results have implications for biological conservation and may suggest that bigger is better when preserving these forests.
Researchers compared genes involved in insects' immunity and their ability to spread disease, gaining insights into halting the transmission of diseases like malaria. By analyzing gene sequences with computers, scientists identified key genes to study, paving the way for new experimental research.
A newly discovered transmembrane protein called 'Wurst' appears to play a decisive role in breathing, ensuring proper lung maturation and gas exchange in both insects and mammals. The protein's defect is linked to respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants, and researchers aim to develop new treatments for this condition.
A new study demonstrates classical conditioning of salivation in cockroaches, revealing sophisticated neural control of autonomic functions. The findings provide a useful model system for studying cellular basis of conditioning in insects.
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.
A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher discovered over 50 new insect species in Thailand's mountainous streams and waterfalls. The newly identified species possess painful bites but serve no specific ecological purpose, feeding on other insects and small fish.
Researchers found that thale cress responds differently to various plant pests and microorganisms, with specific hormone compositions leading to unique gene expressions.
Researchers found that Photorhabdus produces a special phenoloxidase inhibitor to protect itself against an enzyme used by insects' immune systems. This discovery provides conclusive evidence for a gene-for-gene interaction between the bacterium and the insect, shedding light on insect immune systems.
The study reveals surprising similarities in the developing CNS of Platynereis embryos and vertebrates, suggesting that the vertebrate nervous system is probably much older than expected. This finding provides strong evidence for a theory that vertebrates and annelid CNS are of common descent.
Researchers have discovered a reflex mechanism in insects that allows them to maintain constant speed and altitude, even in strong headwinds. By controlling lift force using the optic flow regulator, insects can fly safely without measuring their speed or altitude.
Researchers have created a fly-by-sight micro-helicopter that mimics the flight capabilities of insects, including takeoff, level flight, and landing. The study reveals how insects use optic flow to maintain their position relative to the ground, providing insights into previously unexplained observations about insect flight.
Scientists studying hawk moths discovered the Johnston's organ, a tiny structure above the antenna, senses movement and sends signals to the brain. The antennae guide the insect's body back to correct heading through a fine-tuned mechanism.
Researchers discovered the first human case of insect-transmitted Chagas parasite in Louisiana, with over half of collected insects carrying the parasite. The finding, while significant, does not represent a widespread public health concern due to limited rural housing conditions.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that large herbivorous mammals can have a significant impact on ecosystem health. In an experiment in central Kenya, the removal of cattle, elephants, and zebras led to an increase in the populations of trees, beetles, lizards, and other species.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop toxic pesticides. The residues are found in three mosquito species and the German cockroach, but not in mammals.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop pesticides toxic to the Anopheles gambiae mosquito and other species. This finding could lead to a safer and more effective method to control mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
A study found that oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, decreased neuron death in these insects.
Researchers have identified two molecular receptors in fruit flies that detect carbon dioxide, a key factor in attracting blood-feeding insects. This finding could lead to the design of insect repellents to combat global infectious diseases.
New research suggests that insect species adapted to warmer climates have faster population growth rates, which could profoundly alter entire ecosystems. This adaptation is not limited to a few species, but can impact many insects, leading to changes in food webs and species diversity.
Researchers at UC Davis have successfully engineered fruit flies to respond to the scent of silkworm moths, a breakthrough that could lead to designing better chemicals to attract insects. The findings have important implications for agricultural pest control and medical entomology, with potential applications in suppressing insect com...
A new genetic analysis has revealed that flies and moths are most closely related to beetles, contrary to previous theory. This finding suggests that the ability of insects to cooperate in social groupings may have evolved just once, rather than independently in several different species.
The Honey Bee Genome Sequencing Project has shed light on the biology of honey bees, revealing a possible cause for their sensitivity to insecticides and the characteristics of their silk. The study also found that bee silk is more amenable to artificial production than other insects, with potential applications in textile manufacturing.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a unique enzyme residue in greenbugs and aphids that could be targeted by a new generation of pesticides. This discovery opens the door to creating safer pesticides that would not harm humans and animals.
Researchers have discovered a way to sort through large numbers of bacterial gene sequences by testing them in caterpillars, allowing pinpointing of virulence genes. The new technique, Rapid Virulence Annotation (RVA), is helping bridge the knowledge gap in post-genomic era.
A new study suggests that some insects could have grown larger during the late Paleozoic period due to higher oxygen levels. The tracheal system of insects allows them to transport oxygen efficiently, but this system limits their growth.
Researchers at UCSD discovered a key protein that enables distinct light gathering units in fruit fly compound eyes, improving visual acuity and angular sensitivity. The presence or absence of this protein can convert open to closed eye systems in insects.
Researchers found that caterpillars evolved different physiological mechanisms to adjust to carbohydrate-rich and low-carbohydrate diets. This study suggests that animals can adapt metabolically to extreme nutritional environments, which may have implications for understanding the human obesity epidemic.
New fossil evidence reveals plant and insect diversity were out of balance during Paleocene Epoch. Insect predation was low in most areas, but unexpectedly high in two early Paleocene sites, Castle Rock and Mexican Hat.
A recent study published in Science found that the number of tree species consumed by rainforest insects is comparable to those in temperate forests. The research, led by University of Minnesota plant biologist George Weiblen, rejects the notion that tropical insects are picky eaters who prefer fewer host plants.
A recent study published in Science found a direct link between tropical tree species diversity and the diversity of leaf-eating insects. The research team compared insect feeding habits in temperate and tropical forests, concluding that higher tree diversity supports more insect species.
Researchers identified the AgDscam gene, essential for recognizing a broad range of pathogens in mosquitoes. Silencing this gene increases susceptibility to bacterial infections and malaria, highlighting its potential as a target for novel control methods.
A recent study has identified a hormone called juvenile hormone that inhibits the growth of imaginal discs in insects, which can have implications for understanding cancer treatment and long-term effects of early infant malnutrition. Without this hormone, the discs can form and grow at the expense of the rest of the animal.
A recent study compared how natural 'machines' and man-made technologies overcome similar problems, revealing that only 5% of natural machines rely on energy in the same way. Instead, insects, plants, birds, and mammals use the structure and organization of their body parts and behavior to solve problems.
Researchers studied gene regulation in fruit flies and beetles, finding that some genes are necessary for both species to make segments. The findings will help better understand the basic process of segmentation and its genetic regulation.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered a regulatory gene named broad that is necessary for insect metamorphosis. The study shows that the broad gene regulates the nymphal stage in lower insects, equivalent to the pupal stage of advanced insects like butterflies.
Researchers at UCSC discover that Hymenopteran insects create new centrosomes in unfertilized eggs using accessory nuclei. This process allows for the development of haploid males, which have half the number of chromosomes as females. The study sheds light on basic cell biology and the evolution of these social insects.
Modern ants arose between 140-168 million years ago, coinciding with the emergence of flowering plants. This shift provided new habitats and food sources for ants, allowing them to diversify and become dominant in terrestrial ecosystems.
A recent study reveals that ancient ants arose 140-168 million years ago, in concert with the emergence of flowering plants. The researchers used DNA sequencing and fossil records to reconstruct the ant family tree, pushing back the origin of modern-day ants by at least 40 million years.
Native insects provide valuable services worth $50 billion in recreation industry, $4.5 billion in pest control, $3 billion in crop pollination, and conserving grazing lands valued at $380 million annually. Insects are crucial for human survival, and their ecological functions need to be conserved or enhanced through research investment.
A study by Losey and Vaughan estimates the economic value of ecological services provided by insects at $57 billion annually in the United States. The services include natural control of crop pests, pollination, and wildlife nutrition, valued at $4.5 billion, $3 billion, and $50 billion respectively.
Researchers have discovered a plant enzyme called Mir1-CP that protects corn from pests by degrading insects' peritrophic matrix. The enzyme accumulates at feeding sites within an hour of caterpillar feeding, causing impaired nutrient utilization and inhibiting growth.
Researchers discovered that bats employ sophisticated techniques to locate prey in cluttered environments, including adjusting the timing and frequency of their ultrasonic pulses. By analyzing high-speed camera footage and audio recordings, the team found that bats 'strobe' the air with sound to distinguish insects from background noise.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Metals Research and University of Hohenheim investigate the effect of two-layered crystalline wax on insect attachment. The upper layer contaminates insects' feet, while the lower layer reduces contact area between feet and substrate, resulting in slippery zone that traps insects.
A study found that the Hh pathway in insects determines whether adult stem cells are fated for fat or bone, with implications for treating osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity. The researchers also discovered that drugs targeting this pathway could potentially build stronger bones while reducing fat.
Using genetic evidence from over 20 species of locusts, researchers found that ancestors of the African desert locust flew across the Atlantic, giving rise to diverse New World species. The study's findings suggest high-altitude winds were essential for the swarm's flight, with modern-day examples supporting this hypothesis.
Researchers found that wood crickets hide more when others have experienced danger and continue to do so after they are gone. This suggests that social learning is possible in insects without large brains, questioning the assumption that it requires superior cognitive abilities.
Researchers are exploring possible links between biting water insects, water quality, and Buruli ulcer transmission, with the goal of understanding the disease's transmission. The study aims to identify potential insect vectors and man-made changes in water quality that may be contributing to the increase in Buruli ulcer infections.
Researchers discovered that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in transporting atmospheric carbon to soil. The study found that insects consuming the fungi disrupted this process, highlighting the importance of preserving healthy soil biodiversity and nutrient flow for sustainable agriculture.
Insects use unique postures and forces to propel themselves up steep, slippery menisci in water. Researchers found two species of water treaders create dimples in the surface with their legs, generating forces that suck them up the slope.
Researchers are studying how insects recognize infection caused by microorganisms and the pathway of reactions that follow in their immune systems. The goal is to understand how to disrupt disease transmission by blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes.
Bumblebees are twice as likely to choose green flowers over orange flowers when they watch others foraging on them. This is the first demonstration of insect social learning, where bumblebees learn by observing other insects.
Researchers have identified two novel compound classes that target the ryanodine receptor in insects, offering a promising alternative to older, less-selective insecticides. These compounds, developed by Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd. and Bayer CropScience AG, show high potency and mammalian safety against pest insects.
Scientists study soil insects to develop sustainable pest control methods, such as using flavanoid compounds and silk to deter pests. Researchers also investigate the impact of genetically modified crops on soil organisms, revealing potential effects on springtails and earthworms.
Researchers found DDT-resistant fruit flies confer a two-fold advantage when inheriting the resistance gene, allowing them to thrive even without pesticide use. This discovery has implications for antibiotic resistance in bacteria, suggesting measures may not halt its spread.
Researchers discovered a new protein, CBP21, that speeds up chitin degradation by breaking down its structure. This discovery has potential applications in combating fungi and producing biofuels.
Researchers discovered that hawkmoth caterpillars infected with non-pathogenic bacteria produce antibacterial peptides that confer resistance against lethal insect pathogens. This finding suggests that field-immunized insects may exhibit different immune responses than laboratory models, challenging the validity of current studies.
Researchers used digital particle imaging velocimetry to document the movement of air around a hummingbird's wings, revealing that it develops only 25% of its weight support during the upstroke. This unique wing structure enables hummingbirds to tap into 'leading edge vortices' and gain hovering ability.
Researchers from Oregon State University and colleagues used digital particle imaging velocimetry to analyze the wing movement of hummingbirds. The study found that hummingbirds support 75% of their weight during the down stroke and 25% on the up stroke, unlike insects which produce equal amounts of lift during both strokes.