Research reviewed by North Carolina State University suggests that cities display predicted effects of climate change, including urban heat islands and drought rates. Urban areas can show how plants and animals respond to changes in climate over long stretches of time, providing insights into potential future effects.
Researchers at UC Riverside are exploring a hormone-targeting approach to control mosquito reproduction, which is linked to blood feeding. The goal is to develop innovative vector control methods and potentially reduce the spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
A new study reveals the presence of Asian tiger mosquitoes is negatively associated with altitude and positively associated with fresh water surfaces. Effective prevention and control campaigns can be planned by removing breeding sites, according to lead author Dr. Ana Sanz-Aguilar.
Researchers successfully attached miniature radio transmitters to kissing bugs in Texas, tracking their movements and revealing average distance traveled of 12.5 feet. The study opens the door for more in-depth studies into kissing bugs' movements and potential impact on Chagas disease.
Researchers found that host plant quality determines whether brown planthoppers grow short wings or long wings, with higher glucose levels triggering the development of long-winged adults. This discovery could lead to new methods for controlling the insect, a major pest on rice in Asia.
Researchers documented termites' behavior in a tiny, built-to-scale dream home, revealing key findings about their destructive nature. Termites require moisture to survive and quickly find structural weaknesses, causing damage to the foundation and walls.
A study found that exposure to neonicotinoid insecticide and a poor diet negatively impacted bumblebee queens' health, work, and nest establishment. Bumblebees are key pollinators of crops like tomato and blueberry.
A study has revealed that pyraclostrobin, a widely used fungicide, impairs silk production in silkworms by increasing caterpillar mortality up to three times and reducing cocoons size. This finding suggests that pesticide poisoning may be one of the causes of the decline in Brazilian silkworm cocoon production.
Researchers found that climate change led to a shift in the host choice of zombie ant fungi, from leaves to twigs and bark, as tropical forests transitioned to temperate areas. The study, published in Evolution, reveals that this adaptation occurred independently in different locations around the world.
A new CDC study reveals that permethrin-treated clothing is effective in repelling disease-carrying ticks, with the insects experiencing sluggish movement after contact. The study found strong toxic effects on three primary tick species, including blacklegged and lone star ticks.
Aphids rely on symbiotic bacteria to produce essential nutrients from sugar-rich diets. Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns in aphid cells influence gene expression related to nutrient production.
A recent IUPUI study has made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the role of blow flies in transmitting pathogens. Researchers found that analysis of blow fly digestive tracts can detect fecal metabolites, providing valuable insights into pathogen transmission and conservation.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified volatile biomarkers that can detect malaria in people with no external symptoms. The study found that changes in human odours are characteristic of both acute and asymptomatic malaria infections, allowing for nearly 100% detection rate even at low pathogen quantities.
A new study reveals that a polydnavirus suppresses the defense mechanisms of both caterpillar hosts and plant hosts, allowing parasitic wasps to thrive. The virus reduces glucose oxidase in caterpillars' saliva, triggering lower enzyme activity and defense-gene expression in plants.
A team of biologists and immunologists from Penn State will study bear ecology, movement, and immune response to understand the spread of sarcoptic mange in Pennsylvania bears. The research aims to identify genes associated with resistance to the disease and develop effective management strategies.
The Earth BioGenome Project proposes sequencing genomes of all known eukaryotic species, an undertaking estimated to take 10 years and cost $4.7 billion. This initiative aims to create a complete digital library of life that will guide future discoveries, building on the success of previous genomics projects like the Human Genome Project.
Researchers have identified three aldehydes in the skin of infected children that attract mosquitoes, which could lead to better malaria detection and control. The study's findings provide insight into the parasite's infection route and offer opportunities for developing new biomarkers and insect traps.
Researchers at UCR have isolated three new bacterial species from wild bees that may inhibit fungi growth in pollen provisions. These Lactobacillus strains could help preserve nectar and pollen for larvae, promoting bee health.
A team of researchers will create decision-support tools to help beekeepers and land managers maintain pollinator populations. The tools will assess landscape factors, predict bee health, and provide information on flowering plant species.
Researchers have discovered specific enzymes in honeybees and bumblebees that enable them to metabolize neonicotinoid insecticides safely. This knowledge can be used to design bee-friendly insecticides, potentially reducing the harm caused by these chemicals to pollinators.
Researchers have identified a wax-like hydrocarbon called heneicosane as a royal recognition pheromone in termites, enabling workers to recognize and care for queens and kings. This discovery could upend current understanding of insect social behavior and evolution, suggesting that CHCs evolved as royal pheromones 150 million years ago.
A 2015 flood in south central Oklahoma led to a 93% decrease in invertebrate abundance, a 60% decrease in species presence, and a 64% decrease in biomass among insects and other invertebrates. Only well-adapted creatures were quick to return.
A study found that urban trees can tolerate increased heat and insect pests but struggle with water stress, highlighting the importance of hydration strategies in urban forestry management.
A 40-year study quantifies Bt corn's benefits for offsite crops like sweet corn, peppers, and green beans, showing 90% European corn borer population suppression. The adoption of Bt corn reduces spraying regimens and overall crop damage by up to 90%.
A new study reveals that stick spiders have evolved and differentiated into distinct ecological types on each Hawaiian island, with remarkable predictability in their physical traits. The research sheds light on the origins of biodiversity and highlights the need for conserving nature's forms.
A MSU team is working to support Latino migrant farmers in Michigan by providing training and resources to improve farming practices. The project aims to increase the sustainability of small-scale farms, particularly those owned by Latino farmers, who are increasingly transitioning from industrial farms to independent land ownership.
A comprehensive review of 30 years' worth of research concludes that lone star ticks do not transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but can transmit other human illnesses such as ehrlichiosis and red meat allergy. The evidence, based on over 60 published articles, shows that lone star tick saliva is a barrier against Lyme bacteria.
Researchers developed an automated system to monitor honey bee interactions, revealing a network structure that facilitates fast information spread. The study found that the bees' social network exhibited a 'bursty' pattern similar to human networks, but with rapid information spreading.
Entomologist Paul Marek has discovered a new millipede species, Apheloria polychroma, which boasts an impressive array of colors and contains cyanide that deters birds from snacking on it. This unique trait also helps other millipedes evade predators through Mullerian mimicry.
Entomologist Brian Brown discovers the new fly species, named Megapropodiphora arnoldi, with highly reduced legs and tiny wings. The fly is likely a parasitoid of ants or termites.
Researchers found that city lights in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia attract large densities of migratory birds, even from far away. This can lead to increased mortality risks from collisions with buildings, vehicles, and predators like domestic cats, as well as resource depletion.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment can reduce the fertility of adult house flies by interfering with gene expression. The treatment, which targets specific genes involved in the fly's reproductive process, resulted in reduced egg development and oviposition rates.
Researchers have identified 18 new species of pelican spiders in Madagascar, known for their unique biology and hunting behavior. The discovery sheds light on the island's biodiversity and emphasizes the need to conserve its shrinking forests and unique species.
Honey bee researchers found that foragers prefer sugar syrup laced with the fungicide chlorothalonil over a control at low concentrations, but avoid it at higher doses. The unexpected finding highlights the complex relationship between honey bees and environmental toxins.
A UCR study reveals how intensive pesticide use is driving mosquito evolution at the genetic level, boosting resistance to insecticides. The findings highlight the need for new strategies to overcome pesticide-resistant mosquitoes and control malaria.
Researchers have identified genetic differences between mosquitoes that prefer plants and those that consume blood. The study suggests that the shift from blood to plant-based diet may be driven by reduced risks of predation and stress associated with consuming blood meals.
Scientists have discovered a mass emergence of rare mantis-flies in an Australian macadamia orchard, capturing the first-ever images and videos of their larval stage. The larvae feed on unknown prey, prompting further research to uncover their diet.
Research by Stellenbosch University found that fynbos seeds can still be viable in soils where pines have grown for up to 30 years, enabling restoration. Clearing pine plantations within 40-50 years saves time and effort in rehabilitating sites.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a key to designing more selective pesticides that target pests without killing beneficial insects like bees. By understanding the molecular differences between mammals and insects, they hope to create new chemicals that spare bees while effectively controlling agricultural pests.
A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that fungicides can harm bumblebees, particularly when used in combination with insecticides. Chlorothalonil, a general-use fungicide, has been linked to stunted colony growth and increased vulnerability to Nosema, a fatal gut infection.
Researchers at UCR have developed transgenic mosquitoes stably expressing the Cas9 enzyme, enabling efficient genome editing to disrupt genes controlling vision, flight, and feeding. The long-term goal is to use these mosquitoes with gene drives to insert genes that suppress disease-spreading insects.
A study led by Penn State researchers found that a fungal parasite controls the behavior of carpenter ants without infecting their brains. The fungus surrounds and invades muscle fibers throughout the ant's body, forming a network to collectively control host behavior.
A Colorado State University team will research how a deadly citrus disease propagates and can be stopped, supported by a $1.2 million gift from Cutrale. The team aims to understand the spread of the disease and identify effective control methods.
University of Delaware doctoral student Desiree Narango found that native trees are better at providing caterpillars for birds, which is a crucial food resource. In contrast, non-native plants offer little to no resources for breeding birds.
A global assessment reveals that genetically engineered crops producing insect-killing proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis have led to a fivefold increase in pest resistance cases over the past decade. However, some pests remain suppressed due to factors such as recessive inheritance of resistance and abundant refuges.
Researchers have developed a self-righting robot inspired by the legless jumping mechanism of click beetles. The beetle's unique hinge-like structure allows it to flip back onto its feet after being knocked over, and the researchers aim to integrate this mechanism into their robot prototypes.
According to a new study by CDC researchers, three-quarters of US counties are suitable for Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. The mosquito species thrive in regions with mild winters and high humidity, with the eastern and southern US being most at risk.
Researchers have identified new hosts for Chagas Disease vectors, including tayras, monkeys, sloths, porcupines, and coatis, using DNA analysis. This discovery increases knowledge of Chagas disease transmission in rural environments and will support efforts to control the disease, particularly in poor, rural populations in South America.
A UC Riverside-led study identified two hormones (ecdysis triggering hormone and juvenile hormone) and a neurotransmitter (dopamine) that regulate courtship memories in males. The study found that these molecules are critical to maintaining aversive memories of failed courtship attempts, influencing future behaviors.
Scientists discover new species of clearwing moth in Malaysian rainforest, displaying rare mud-puddling behavior. The newly discovered species, Pyrophleps ellawi, is a wasp-mimicking insect with transparent wings and blue sheen.
Researchers developed verified guidelines for monitoring 5 saproxylic beetle species in Europe, utilizing citizen scientists' data collection. The project also found that children's participation in environmental education programs positively impacts their attitude towards nature.
Researchers discovered a method to track gypsy moth fungus, understanding its range and predicting damage. The study suggests that understanding the distances these killer spores travel could help scientists correlate the fungus' range with weather patterns.
Scientists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History discovered that Myrmoteras ants' jaws work independently of other known ant species. The study revealed that the ants' predatory strike takes only half a millisecond and reaches speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour.
A team of researchers found that goldenrod plants can detect a specific chemical compound emitted by gall-inducing flies, triggering a defense response. The plants respond strongly to E,S-conophthorin, a blend of chemicals that attracts females and fertilizes eggs.
A Penn State researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to develop a genetic lab tool using a mosquito virus to control malaria. The virus, called AgDNV, will be used to insert specific genes into mosquitoes, allowing scientists to study their phenotypes and develop malaria-control strategies.
Researchers found that high levels of silicon concentrations decrease insect growth and root consumption by up to 71%. Silicon helps plants build phytoliths, making them less digestible to insects, and triggering an immune system response. This natural defense mechanism could provide a sustainable solution for crop protection.
Researchers studied viruses from different eras to understand how they evade the host's immune response. Viruses collected in the 1990s are more effective at suppressing immune systems than those from the 1950s, leading to severe symptoms and high mortality rates.
Researchers studied cicada wings to understand their water-repelling ability, discovering that habitat is not a good predictor of superhydrophobicity. The team found that life cycles and species relatedness are better predictors of this extreme water-repelling ability.
A review of over 170 studies reveals that insect analysis is only useful in a few forensic cases. The method's success relies on species distribution, temporality, behavior, and genetic analysis, which should be applied case-by-case.
Researchers found that genes closely associated with autism in humans are regulated differently in unresponsive honey bees than their more responsive nest mates. The study reveals unique parallels between the behavior of these unresponsive bees and those with autism.