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A peachy defense system for seeds

Researchers have developed a biodegradable seed coating that functions like nature's defense system, protecting plant seeds from insects without impairing germination. The coating has been shown to be effective against various cereal pests, including mealworms and beetles, but not against wheat weevils.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 23, 2016

Invasive species not best conservation tool: Study

A University of Guelph study finds that introducing invasive round goby fish does not help conserve endangered native mollusks, but rather hampers their reproduction. The research team discovered that the fish essentially 'wastes' mussel larvae, further threatening the species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 6, 2016

Potential Western Atlantic spawning area found for Atlantic bluefin tuna

Scientists have identified a new potential spawning ground for Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Slope Sea off the northeastern US coast. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of a single Gulf of Mexico spawning area, suggesting that western Atlantic bluefin may be less vulnerable to fishing and stressors.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Wasp larvae jump to the dark side

Researchers found that wasp larvae jump towards shaded areas to develop, with lower body mass individuals experiencing more jumps. The behavior helps them survive in unfavorable environments, but comes at a cost of increased energy use.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateDec 21, 2015

Enemy odors help flies protect their offspring

Female Drosophila flies avoid laying eggs near parasitic wasps due to an innate early warning system that detects their odor. The study identified the specific olfactory circuit responsible for this detection, revealing a highly specific and efficient defense mechanism against predators.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 2015

Breeding in the crowns of coconut palms

Researchers found that coconut rhinoceros beetles were breeding in the crowns of coconut trees on Guam, with all life stages present. This unusual behavior is attributed to the loss of birds and rats due to brown treesnake predation, which normally feeds on larvae in this habitat.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalFlorida Entomologist·DateOct 26, 2015

These social bees farm and eat fungus or die

Researchers have discovered that a Brazilian social bee must cultivate fungus to survive, highlighting the importance of symbiotic relationships in colony health. The fungus is grown in the nest and is transferred to newly built cells, with larvae surviving 76% of the time when fed fungal mycelia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015

New AUV plankton sampling system deployed

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed a novel plankton sampling system utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect and analyze small planktonic larvae in coastal waters. The SUPR-REMUS system combines cutting-edge technologies, including DNA barcode analysis, to provide fine-scale information...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateAug 17, 2015

NSU researchers find more strategic culling needed to reduce lionfish invasion

Researchers at Nova Southeastern University found that localized derby efforts are insufficient to curb the lionfish population, emphasizing the need for consistent removal across all areas of their habitat. The study recommends targeting all lionfish ages and sizes, as well as considering ocean currents' impact on larvae spread.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateAug 11, 2015