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New eyes discovered in trilobites

Scientists uncover evidence of median eyes in trilobites, which were previously unknown due to fossilization process. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of arthropods and provides a new tool for classifying species.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

In hot water: Ocean warming impacts growth, metabolic rate and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish

A new study finds that ocean warming can impact the growth, metabolic rate, and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish larvae. The researchers found that warmer temperatures led to faster growth rates, higher metabolic rates, and changes in gene expression.

Remarkable squirting mussels captured on film

Cambridge researchers observe Unio crassus mussels squirting water jets up to a meter away from the riverbed to increase the chances of their larvae attaching to specific host fishes. This behavior has never been seen in any other mussel species and may be crucial for the endangered species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2023

Illuminating the evolution of social parasite ants

Researchers at Rockefeller University have found queen-like mutants among social parasite ants, which can infiltrate and take over host colonies. These unique ants exhibit intermediate traits between worker and queen behavior, allowing them to thrive in the colony while avoiding dangers associated with leaving their nest.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2023

Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests

Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJan 18, 2023

Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Plastic pollution kills sea urchin larvae

Researchers found that sea urchin larvae exposed to high levels of plastic pollution developed significant developmental abnormalities, including malformation of the skeleton and immune cells. The study reveals how newly made PVC pellets and beach-collected fragments cause harm to the embryos.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022

Cell quality control

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have found that gland cells in Drosophila melanogaster can remove defective secretory particles as early as the secretion process begins. This discovery sheds new light on crinophagy, a previously understudied process crucial for maintaining cellular quality and function.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTraffic·DateDec 15, 2022

Fish larvae find their way using external cues, new study finds

Researchers from University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that fish larvae use external directional cues for orientation, contrary to previous assumption that they rely on internal cues. This discovery offers insights into understanding marine fish dispersal, protected areas and population connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022

Harpoon heads, sweeping tails: How predatory mosquito larvae capture prey

Predatory mosquito larvae employ two distinct methods to capture prey: one involves a harpoon-like head-propulsion action, while the other uses a sweeping tail to snare insects. This new research provides insight into the behavior of these tiny predators and their ability to feed on other aquatic insects.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Life at close quarters

Researchers discover fossil lacewing larvae with enlarged abdomens, providing insights into the evolution and lifestyle of early lacewings. The discovery sheds light on the successful evolutionary strategy of physogastry, which allows insects to greatly increase their body volume when required.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2022

Climate factors predict future mosquito activity

A new study finds that climate variables like temperature, rainfall, and ocean warming predict mosquito population growth in Sri Lanka for the next one to six months. The research can inform programs to limit dengue transmission, a major public health problem in the country.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 6, 2022

CABI-led study creates first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval stages for Africa to help fight against devastating pest

A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...

SourceCABI·JournalCrop Protection·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Freshwater mussels can inhibit bacterial diseases

Researchers discovered that freshwater pearl mussel larvae can protect brown trout from Flavobacterium disease outbreaks. The mussels' filtering ability removes bacteria from water, suggesting a potential application in water treatment. This finding highlights the importance of ecosystem services provided by endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalParasitology Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

English Channel stops new rockpool species reaching UK

The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2022

Integrative approach by NUS biologists increases accuracy of mosquito vector surveillance

A team of researchers from NUS developed an integrative approach to boost accuracy in mosquito surveillance by including larvae and species identification using mini-barcodes. This approach improves overall diversity estimates by 38% compared to adult-only data, contributing to baseline knowledge on potential vectors in Singapore.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 20, 2021