Articles tagged with Insect Physiology
Researchers discovered that water collector bees respond to thirsty nest mates' begging, increasing their water-bearing activity. The team found that the hive stabilized its temperature at 40°C by controlling its water intake.
The first issue of Current Opinion in Insect Science is now available for free online on ScienceDirect, featuring articles on insect body size, genetics, and social structure. The journal aims to provide a unique platform for specialists to keep up-to-date with the expanding volume of information published in the field of insect science.
Researchers found that suppressing taste buds in fruit flies can significantly increase or decrease lifespan and potentially promote healthy aging. Bitter tastes had negative effects on lifespan, while sweet tastes had positive effects, particularly for water taste.
Male fruit flies that expect sex but don't receive it experience rapid decreases in fat stores, resistance to starvation, and more stress. Mating partially reverses the negative effects on health and aging. The study provides new insights into how sensory perception and physiological state are integrated in the brain.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can control their body temperature by releasing cooling fluid during feeding, a strategy that protects them from heat stress and potential hosts' defenses. This finding has implications for controlling mosquito populations and diseases they spread.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes two entomologists with Distinguished Achievement Awards: Dr. Angela Douglas for her research on insect nutrition and symbiotic microorganisms, and Dr. Michael Parrella for his work on integrated pest management in the floriculture industry.
The ESA has elected ten new Fellows for their outstanding research, teaching, and extension work in entomology. Dr. Gary Blomquist and Dr. David Boethel are recognized for their research on pheromones and insect IPM, respectively.
Thomas Miller, UCR entomologist, to advise State Department on biotechnology and pest management globally. He will also engage with non-specialists and travel to embassies to share expertise.
A North Carolina State University study found that examining an insect's 'family tree' can help predict a cousin insect's level of tolerance to pollutants. The research used 21 species of insects from different families to test their sensitivity to cadmium, a toxic metal.
A study published in PLoS Genetics identified five seminal proteins necessary to elevate offspring production in mated females. These proteins modulate egg production, sperm storage and release, as well as female post-mating behavior and physiology.
Research by Professor Anurag Agrawal reveals that plants can detect the difference between various insect species and respond accordingly, adjusting their growth, behavior, and chemical defenses. In turn, insects adapt their phenotype and physiology to better digest the plant, highlighting a flexible co-evolutionary strategy.