Research on insects and their role in nature. Covers disease-carrying bugs, insect evolution, wildfire effects, and sensory circuitry.
A study by the University of Würzburg found that grasshoppers eat a wide range of plants in cold regions, but are more specialized in temperate habitats. The researchers suggest that this adaptation allows them to survive in extreme climatic conditions.
A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that climate change is causing the pine beauty moth to shift its range northward 50 years ahead of earlier predictions. The larvae feed on pine needles, and their population size is linked to warmer temperatures and forest health decline.
Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats imitate the buzzing sound of a stinging insect to avoid predatory owls. The study, published in Current Biology, provides evidence of interspecific mimicry between mammals and insects.
Scientists at UC Riverside demonstrate CRISPR technology can make permanent physical changes in the insect, passed down to three or more generations. The technology may hold promise for controlling the sharpshooter and preventing Pierce's Disease.
Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.
A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.
UK wildlife recorders generally welcome newly arrived bird and insect species due to climate change, but have reservations about invasive species that harm native animals. The survey suggests that public opinion plays a crucial role in managing these arrivals, with scientific evidence being a key factor.
A study by Kyoto University reveals that crickets' wings form from the lateral tergum of their wingless ancestors. The researchers used gene knockouts and microsurgery to identify key cell types involved in wing formation.
A new study by University College London (UCL) researchers found that climate change and intensive agricultural land use have already led to a 49% reduction in insect populations in the most impacted parts of the world. Insect declines are linked to rising temperatures and land use changes, with tropical areas seeing the biggest declines.
Researchers found that non-biting midge larvae accumulate pesticides from polluted water and retain them into adulthood. Adult female midges have higher pesticide concentrations than males, which are transferred to their offspring. The study suggests that midges can be a source of pesticides in terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers at Ohio State University discover that carbon black nanoparticles are fatal to yellow fever mosquito larvae in standing water. The material accumulates on the larvae's head, abdomen, and gut, blocking basic biological functions.
A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.
A new study forecasts 1.4 million US street tree deaths from invasive insects by 2050, with the emerald ash borer responsible for most fatalities. Urban diversity can help mitigate this impact, and prioritizing management efforts like quarantining wood products may be necessary.
Scientists are working on understanding the interplay between flaviviruses and mitochondria in hopes of finding new treatment options. By deciphering this process, researchers may be able to find broad-spectrum therapeutic targets for diseases like Zika, dengue, and West Nile.
Researchers at NC State University developed a new textile crop cover called Plant Armor that can effectively protect plants from insect infestation. The design features a maze-like structure that forces insects to navigate through it, making it difficult for them to reach the plant.
Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University discovered that fruit fly eyes can distinguish six types of global motion patterns generated by self-motion. The T4/T5 cell subtypes directly represent complex motion cues rather than uniform directions, matching the fly's actual behavior closely.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
Research at Clemson University reveals that flowers use UV-absorbing chemicals to create a 'bulls-eye' effect for pollinating insects, aiding survival. Plants adapt to different environments by producing varying amounts of UV-blocking or absorbing chemicals.
A University of Alberta study found that environmentally aware consumers are more inclined to buy insect- or algae-fed chicken if provided with information about its health and environmental benefits. Consumers who received nutrition facts on the packaging were more likely to purchase the alternative product, while those without this i...
Researchers found that Chagas trypanosomes change the bacterial community in predatory bugs' intestines, leading to a decrease in diversity and an increase in certain pathogenic bacteria. The study also identified four bacteria species crucial for bug survival, which could be used to develop defensive substances against the parasite.
Scientists developed a natural antibacterial texture inspired by insect wings, killing up to 70% of bacteria. The innovation aims to reduce food waste, particularly in meat and dairy exports, and extend the shelf life of packaged food.
Researchers found that mosquitoes' odor sensors shut down when forced to produce odor-related proteins, ignoring common insect repellents. This 'expression' process allows mosquitoes to adapt to their surroundings and avoids human scents.
Australian researchers have mapped the visual systems of hoverflies to detect drones' acoustic signatures, showing a 30-49% improvement in detection rates compared to traditional methods. The technology has potential applications for aviation safety and combatting IED-carrying drones.
Researchers discovered that honeybee tongue hairs are hydrophobic, allowing the tongue to bend and reach food in crevices. This unique property enhances durability and flexibility, inspiring design of new materials.
Using insect exoskeletons and feces to promote sustainable crops could enhance plant growth, health and resilience. Insect-rearing byproducts may also act as pest control agents.
Researchers discovered calcification and silicification of insects in Kachin amber, preserving complete compound eyes, cuticle structures, and skin sensillae. The study sheds light on the role of mineralization in preserving fossils and challenges existing views on amber taphonomy.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed an AI method to recognize and detect insect species based on their wingbeats, enabling easier monitoring of biodiversity. The method uses infrared sensors to measure wingbeats and group insects into different species without human input.
Scientists have identified a link between temperature and insect reproduction, finding that cold temperatures slow down reproduction in fruit flies and other insects. This discovery could lead to new control strategies for mosquitoes and agricultural pests, potentially reducing the spread of diseases like malaria.
Female mosquitoes learn to avoid pesticides after a single exposure, allowing them to seek out safer food sources and resting sites. The study found that pre-exposed mosquitoes were more likely to avoid pesticide-treated nets and rest in pesticide-free containers.
A new study identifies at least 16 distinct wasp species previously grouped as one, Ormyrus labotus, which lays eggs in over 65 insect species. The discovery highlights the importance of seeking out hidden diversity and underscores the need for precise identification to understand ecosystem health.
Researchers successfully edited the genomes of black-legged ticks using CRISPR-Cas9, overcoming technical challenges and advancing tick genetic research. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding tick-pathogen-host interactions and developing new approaches to tick-borne disease control.
A new fossil discovery at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has provided a crucial link in understanding how arthropods evolved specialized limbs for breathing. The 520-million-year-old Erratus sperare organism has revealed the origins of biramous limbs, found in modern water-dwelling arthropods.
New research reveals mosquitoes use red and orange colors to detect hosts, influenced by their sense of smell. By filtering out these colors or wearing specific attire, individuals can potentially prevent mosquito bites, reducing the risk of diseases like dengue and Zika.
Researchers discovered all-female, forest-dwelling drywood termite colonies in Japan and found they evolved through human-assisted hybridization, leading to stronger offspring and double breeding. This can outcompete incumbent species, posing a risk to homeowners with drywood termite infestations.
Researchers discovered that Chaoborus larvae adjust their air-sacs' volume by changing the pH level, utilizing resilin's elastic properties. This unusual adaptation enables them to float neutrally buoyant in water.
A 100-million-year-old cockroach fossil provides insights into its sensory organs, which suggest the species lived in bright environments during the day. The study found that the extinct species had well-developed eyes and a unique pattern of receptors on its antenna, indicating it may have used these to communicate between sexes.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new insect species, Neuroterus valhalla, alongside its fully sequenced genome. The tiny wasp spends most of the year in a crypt and has unique life cycle habits.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a unique jumping behavior in the larvae of a species of beetle, where they curl into a loop and leap forward. The mechanism behind this behavior is distinct from other insects that rely on a latch-mediated spring actuation mechanism.
Researchers found that trees that induce defense mechanisms against herbivores attract more predators, reducing insect abundance. This defense is critical for tree canopies and promotes biodiversity.
A new study found that farmers are extremely knowledgeable about pollinators and have taken initiatives to protect insects on their farms. However, more flexible funding options and cooperation between research and practice are needed to realize their full conservation potential.
Research found that cacao agroforestry systems support unique bird species in tropical dry forests, while bats are more abundant in these areas than in nearby forests. This suggests that cacao farms can serve as biodiversity-friendly oases, providing food and refuge for birds and bats.
Scientists have measured the speed of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, a bacterium causing citrus greening disease. The bacteria can colonize a tree in around 80-100 days, faster than symptoms appear, making it difficult to control.
A study by UC Riverside scientists has identified a set of genes on a single chromosome associated with the production of male or female offspring in ant colonies. The discovery sheds light on the complex relationships between genetics and environmental factors in shaping the sex ratio of these societies.
A citizen science project found urban growers in Brighton and Hove harvested 1kg of insect-pollinated fruit and vegetables per metre squared, comparable to conventional farming. Urban farming benefits biodiversity and human health while offering sustainable and productive alternatives.
Scientists have discovered new targets for insecticides by analyzing the structure of potassium channels in Drosophila. The study provides a detailed map of the channel, enabling the design of highly selective and safe insecticides.
Researchers at Lund University have successfully detected insect DNA in the air, offering a novel approach to monitoring terrestrial biodiversity. This method, known as airborne DNA metabarcoding, allows for the detection of multiple species from single samples and could accelerate biodiversity surveys.
Current climate models underestimate species extinction rates by neglecting the complexities of ecosystems. Researchers used piñon pine data to model how climate affects tree populations and distribution, finding indirect effects that cannot be captured by climate-only models.
Researchers investigated how providing information about alternative feedstuffs impacts consumer preferences. They found that consumers are more likely to prefer insect-based feed due to sustainability claims. The study emphasizes the importance of labelling and transparency for the acceptance of these alternatives.
New research shows that bumblebees waste no time enjoying flowers but instead learn the bare minimum about where to land and find food. Bees extract just the necessary information from artificial flowers, suggesting a simple, low-effort form of learning is sufficient in some situations.
Research reveals Japanese macaques in Kamikochi feed on aquatic insects and molluscs, supplementing their winter diet with high-nutritional value food sources. The unique behavior is attributed to the region's topography and hydrological environment, providing a stable food source for the macaques.
Researchers discovered a new species of parasitoid wasp that forms star-shaped cocoon masses suspended by threads up to 1 meter long, providing protection against natural enemies. The structure can accommodate over 100 cocoons and is believed to help the wasps survive during critical periods.
A previously unknown glacial relic, the Alpine rose leaf-miner moth, has been discovered in the Alps. The caterpillars specialize on the rust-red alpine rose, avoiding it like most other moths and butterflies due to its toxicity.
A team of researchers developed a sophisticated study design to investigate the effects of climate change and land use on species diversity. The design allowed for the selection of 179 study sites across Bavaria, taking into account various factors such as habitat size, distance to other habitats, and land use patterns.
The 74th APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting featured presentations on COVID-proofing daily life, kimchi physics, and extreme heat waves. Researchers also discussed advancements in fire-fighting trees and the science behind jellyfish engineers.
A new study reveals that climate change is altering the balance of microbes in nectar, making it less palatable for bumblebees. This could lead to a decline in pollinator populations and affect human health by reducing fresh food availability.
A new study reveals that Asian honeybees use distinct signals to alert nestmates of giant hornet attacks, employing a sophisticated communication system. The research found that these signals are designed to get the attention of colony members and convey a sense of urgency.
A team of researchers from the University of Münster has identified a second barrier in the fly brain, formed by glial cells that regulate molecule distribution. The discovery is essential for understanding nervous system functioning and may have implications for human neural health.
A University of Cambridge study reveals that periodic caterpillar outbreaks improve lake water quality but increase CO2 emissions by altering nutrient cycling and favouring greenhouse gas-producing bacteria. This phenomenon is likely to worsen as climate change expands the insects' range, threatening northern forests.
A recent USDA study analyzed two centuries of alien species discoveries to estimate the rate of new insect arrivals and potential future invasions. The research found that efforts to reduce biological hitchhiking on live plant imports have been successful, but a significant number of Hemiptera insects remain undetected.