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Discovery of bacterial proteins that induce asexual reproduction in insects

Researchers have identified two bacterial proteins, PifA and PifB, that mediate asexual reproduction in insect hosts by interfering with host chromosome segregation and gene expression. The discovery provides new avenues for studying Wolbachia-mediated reproductive manipulation.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2024

Sex pays off

Research shows that asexual reproduction in stick insects, such as parthenogenesis, reduces genetic variability and slows down adaptation to environmental changes. This negatively impacts the speed of adaptation and genetic diversity in these insects.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Clues as to why cockroaches are so prolific

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that grouping female American cockroaches promotes asexual egg production, with synchronized egg case delivery in synchrony. The females perceive female-specific chemosensory signals via their antennae, leading to increased fecundity and colony survival.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalZoological Letters·DateApr 19, 2017

Virgin births may be common among snakes

Researchers reveal that facultative parthenogenesis is prevalent among snake species, with potentially significant implications for vertebrate evolution. The study proposes splitting this phenomenon into two forms and identifies snakes as ideal model species to investigate the evolution of vertebrate parthenogenesis.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJan 4, 2016

Main squeeze not needed for boa mom

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that female boa constrictors can reproduce asexually, producing all-female babies with rare genetic traits. The study found that these WW-chromosome females retained their mother's color mutation and lacked any male influence.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 3, 2010