Genetic modified organism (GMO) crops can benefit from a 'refugia strategy' that preserves susceptible insect genes. This approach aims to counteract potential insect resistance by allowing certain pests to survive and breed in GMO-free areas.
Researchers investigate biocontrol insect failures, such as Urophora gallflies failing to control invasive knapweed, while also exploring chemical cues to deter mosquitoes. Additionally, studies on butterflies reveal increased populations following ponderosa pine restoration and nectar flower abundance.
A Clemson-led team led by Linda J. Gahan has made a breakthrough in tracking genetically the tobacco budworm's efforts to become resistant to biotechnological pest controls. The discovery opens the door for monitoring resistance mechanisms and management strategies in insect pests.
Scientists have discovered the genetic and molecular means by which roundworms develop resistance to Bt toxins, which are safe to humans but threaten long-term effectiveness. The researchers identified a galactosyltransferase enzyme as key to toxin recognition, enabling the development of strategies to delay or circumvent resistance.
Researchers discovered that touching plants can affect insect feeding behavior, with some species experiencing increased leaf area loss and death when visited. The study suggests that future ecological studies should consider the potential effects of researcher interactions on plant biology.
Researchers are creating new strains of rice plants with insect-killing proteins, eliminating the need for insecticides. The genes are designed to escape gene silencing mechanisms, allowing them to produce proteins in plant roots that prevent water weevils from eating the roots.
A study published in Nature found that plant-eating insects have diets so poor in nutrients they impair growth, unlike aquatic animals which thrive on nutrient-rich foods. The researchers analyzed the chemical composition of plants and animals to determine how different environments affect food webs.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified an intracellular target for an antimicrobial molecule, which may lead to the development of new antibiotics tailored to specific disease-causing bacteria. The discovery provides hope for combating antibiotic resistance, a growing threat to human health.
Researchers at Cornell University and the USDA have found that stressed St. John's wort plants produce more of the active compound hypericin, which is a key ingredient in depression remedies. The finding suggests that the plant's chemical arsenal increases when it faces stress from predators like insects.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that stress can increase the amount of hypericin in St. John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy for depression. The study found that plants under attack from insects produce more hypericin, which may contribute to its effectiveness.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered potent antifreeze proteins in insects, which can withstand temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. The findings hold promise for agriculture and the frozen food industry, potentially extending growing seasons and improving crop yields.
Researchers found that field refuges made of non-Bt plants can prevent insects from developing resistance to Bt-engineered crops. The study demonstrated the importance of carefully managing insects within these refuges to ensure their effectiveness.
Butterflies have developed ultrasound-sensitive ears on their wings to detect bat calls and exhibit evasive flight manoeuvres. The study found that rare nocturnal butterfly species in Panama possess this unique adaptation, protecting them from bat predators.
Strepsipteran insects have eyes with larger lenses and more receptors, allowing them to sample 'chunks' of the visual field instead of points. This unique structure improves their visual capabilities and is similar to that of extinct arthropods like trilobites.
Researchers propose hormonal function change led to unique larval stage innovation, allowing population explosion among insect groups. Insects with complete metamorphosis have diverse habitats and food sources due to the lack of competition between juveniles and adults.
Researchers have identified principles for insect flight that will help design and construct tiny robotic flies. The Micromechanical Flying Insect project aims to develop a robotic fly that can fly short distances and maintain stable hover
Researchers at Virginia Tech created an environmentally safe bait to control carpenter ants by understanding the insects' foraging behavior and diet. The bait was developed using a combination of proteins, sugar, and other compounds, and has been shown to be effective in reducing ant populations and improving homeowners' quality of life.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that bug zappers can spread microorganisms including viruses, potentially causing harm to humans. The devices may not be effective in controlling insect populations, as they indiscriminately kill beneficial insects and only kill a small percentage of damaging insects.
Invasive pests are harming California's agricultural industry, ornamental plants, and wildlife. The glassy-winged sharpshooter spreads Xylella fastidiosa, causing Pierce's disease in grapevines and almond leaf scorch disease, while yellow starthistle infests 22% of the state, replacing desirable vegetation.
A new University of Delaware theory explains how good insect moms fiercely protect their young by fanning their wings and charging predators when all hopes are on a single batch of eggs. The semelparous insects, which lay a single clutch, defend their only genetic legacy to the death.
Researchers have discovered a new species of wasp where males dominate the nest, chasing and biting females. Males consume much food gathered by workers, while females remain submissive.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully inserted a human cancer-suppressing gene into fruit flies, demonstrating a direct link between human and fly tumor suppressor genes. The study reveals that the insects can provide important new insights into human cancers.
Researchers May R. Berenbaum and Arthur R. Zangerl found that webworms and parsnips in the Midwest have adapted to each other, with levels of detoxification enzymes matching those of defensive compounds produced by plants. This suggests a reciprocal evolutionary change between interacting species.
Researchers have developed a method to breed flightless Asian ladybirds that can control pests on crops like cucumbers and melons. The new biological pest-control strategy has shown promising results in reducing pesticide use, but further field trials are needed to assess its efficiency.
The USDA has developed two innovative devices to help farmers control insects that devastate their crops. The Aerodynamic Transport Body (ATB) is a clay pigeon-like catapult that launches parasitic wasps at high speeds, while the Mite Meter is an insulated dispenser that keeps tiny mites immobile until they hit the ground. These device...
Scientists have identified a new family of insecticidal toxins produced by Photorhabdus luminescens, which are active against a wide range of insects and at least as potent as Bt. The discovery holds promise for the future of natural pest control, particularly in the face of increasing resistance to Bt.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service are working on a new synthetic trap to lure and capture potato beetles. The trap uses an artificial plant odor that mimics the scent released by damaged plants, which attracts the beetles.
Researchers found that urbanization reduces stream diversity, but tolerates insects like midges, which are pollution-tolerant. Stream quality is affected by factors like road runoff, pavement pollution, and sediment, highlighting the need for sustainable land use practices to preserve aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Penn State aim to protect crops by targeting insect taste buds, which are a direct connection between the central nervous system and the outside. By identifying chemicals that stimulate or suppress feeding behavior, scientists hope to develop more effective control methods for corn rootworm pests.
David Meyer presents evidence that ancient crinoid Uintacrinus could float using a new model. The model explains the organism's ability to support its weight and collect food particles at the sea surface.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness valuable proteins from nearly dead insect pests, producing high-quality pharmaceuticals in a more cost-effective manner. The HeRD system enables the mass production of these proteins, paving the way for the development of novel vaccine treatments and alternative pesticides.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that plants with simulated leaf domatia attract beneficial insects, reducing spider mite populations and increasing cotton yield by 30%. This mutually beneficial relationship offers a natural biological control strategy to pesticides.
A new study reveals that a key signaling mechanism can turn healthy cells into tumors and lead to colon cancer. The researchers identified the role of beta-catenin in this process and found that it is involved in essentially all cases of colon cancer.
Recent insect fossil discoveries show that beetles and ants played a crucial role in recycling nutrients in Jurassic ecosystems. The findings, published by University of Colorado at Boulder researcher Stephen Hasiotis, provide new insights into ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that the millipede Polyxenus fasciculatus uses its rear to confront ants and other attackers, employing a complex defense mechanism involving detachable bristles with barbed hooks. The bristle tufts can entangle predators, making it difficult for them to escape.
A Brown University study reveals that many songbirds migrating south each autumn switch from insects to a berry-rich diet to store fat for the long haul. The study found that these 'pit stops,' crucial for tiny songbirds traveling thousands of miles, are under intense development and ecological pressure.
The US Department of Agriculture has introduced Mediterranean mites to control field bindweed, a perennial weed that infests millions of acres of wheat, corn and other crops in the Pacific Northwest. The mites feed on bindweed leaves, causing galls to form, which weaken the weed and make it more susceptible to herbicides.
A new bait made of natural substances has been discovered that kills cockroaches by disrupting their uric acid production, a crucial resource for survival. The bait, developed by Dr. Heather Wren, is effective against both resistant and susceptible strains and shows promise in controlling large populations of German cockroaches.
In a study by Cornell University, male fire-colored beetles (Neopyrochroa flabellata) entice females with a chemical offering containing cantharidin. The female ingests the chemical, which is then transferred to her eggs, protecting them from predators. This unique strategy highlights the resourcefulness of male insects in seeking mates.
Biologists at Cornell and Washington universities have genetically engineered rice plants to resist some of the most destructive insects as well as salt and drought damage. The technology will be given to developing countries under a Rockefeller Foundation grant.