Aphids manipulate their food
Scientists found aphids change the quality of plant sap depending on the infested plant part, benefiting from these changes. This 'niche construction' enables aphids to thrive on specific host plants.
Insects
Articles tagged with Insects
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New research collection targets insect pests of pulse crops
A new research collection targets insect pests of pulse crops, providing guidance on integrated pest management. The collection features nine articles covering major pests, microbial control methods, and economic threshold levels.
Sap-sucking bugs manipulate their host plants' metabolism for their own benefit
Researchers discovered that free-living insects can copy and inject plant hormones into leaves to increase nutrient content. This strategy is similar to endophytic insect species and could aid in developing effective pest management strategies.
Stripes may be cool -- but they don't cool zebras down
A study published in Scientific Reports refutes the long-held hypothesis that zebra stripes aid cooling, instead revealing no significant temperature difference between black and white stripes.
Host plants tell insects when to grow longer wings and migrate
Researchers found that host plant quality determines whether brown planthoppers grow short wings or long wings, with higher glucose levels triggering the development of long-winged adults. This discovery could lead to new methods for controlling the insect, a major pest on rice in Asia.
Looking to mosquitoes for a way to develop painless microneedles
A team of researchers at Ohio State University has developed a painless microneedle technology inspired by the mosquito's proboscis. The new design incorporates four key elements: a numbing agent, a serrated design, vibration during insertion, and a combination of soft and hard parts on the proboscis.
Tiny jumping roundworm undergoes unusual sexual development
Scientists have discovered significant differences in gonad development between Steinernema carpocapsae and C. elegans, highlighting the diversity of neuronal anatomy across nematode species. This research has practical applications for commercializing biocontrol products and advancing our understanding of genetic processes.
Sugarcane pest produces foam to protect itself from heat
Researchers discovered that the root spittlebug produces a thermal insulator-foam to maintain an optimal body temperature during development. The foam, composed of palmitic acid, stearic acid, proteins, and carbohydrates, protects nymphs from temperature fluctuations in the external environment.
The stick insects that survive being eaten by birds
Researchers found that between 5-20% of stick insect eggs were excreted unharmed after being fed to a bird species. The study suggests that this process could contribute to the dispersal of stick insects across different habitats, similar to how plants use animals for seed distribution.
Above us only sky -- The open air as an underappreciated habitat
Bats inhabit high altitudes, utilizing the troposphere as an important food source, but face threats from collisions with anthropogenic structures and light pollution. Conservation strategies, such as reducing wind power impacts and limiting artificial light emission, can help protect these habitats.
High stakes for biodiversity, depending on which climate change target we reach
By 2100, a 2°C limit could see insect species lose over half their ranges double, while a 1.5°C target halves this number, highlighting the importance of ambitious climate targets for biodiversity conservation
Biodiversity suffers as climate warms
A global temperature increase of 2°C would double risks for plants, animals, and insects, leading to widespread biodiversity loss. If left unchecked, warming could trigger systemic ecological simplification, threatening ecosystem services crucial for human well-being.
Visual homing for micro aerial vehicles using scene familiarity
Researchers develop algorithm allowing MAVs to find their way back to earlier visited locations efficiently using familiar views and small neural networks. The algorithm shows promise in enabling computationally efficient homing capabilities for most MAVs.
Are damselflies in distress?
Researchers found that damselfly genes strongly responded to environmental changes as they moved towards the northern edge of their range. The study suggests that the blue-tailed damselfly has a wealth of evolutionary strategies available to help it adapt to a changing climate.
100-million-year-old liverwort mimicry in insects
Researchers uncovered a new lacewing species with anatomical modifications mimicking coeval liverworts, demonstrating the first record of liverwort mimicry by fossil insects. The larvae's foliate lateral plates and unique morphological features aid their survival and likely enable stealthy hunting or ambush predation.
World's oldest insect inspires a new generation of aerogels
A team of international scientists has created a new form of highly-efficient, low-cost insulation based on the wings of a dragonfly. The material is ultralight and porous, with a piece weighing less than a kilogram, and can be replicated at an affordable cost.
Blowfly uses saliva to keep cool
Researchers discovered that blowflies use a unique mechanism called 'bubbling' to cool down, moving a droplet of saliva in and out of their mouths to promote evaporation. This behavior helps lower the insect's body temperature by up to 8°C below ambient temperature, with a significant impact on its flight muscles and brain.
Fossils highlight Canada-Russia connection 53 million years ago
A new insect fossil discovery highlights a striking resemblance between Canadian and Russian fossils from the same age period, further solidifying an ancient connection between the two regions. The similarity is remarkable, with only the wing color distinguishing the two species, Eomerope eonearctica and Eomerope asiatica.
Understanding the strange behavior of water
Researchers uncovered the anomaly in water's properties by using supercomputers to 'untune' its interactions, revealing a specific molecular arrangement that contributes to its unusual behavior. This discovery provides a simple explanation for phenomena such as water expanding on cooling and insects walking on its surface.
Research reveals a new direction for halting the citrus greening epidemic
A new study suggests that psyllid nymphs infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus exhibit resistance to the bacteria's effects, thanks to symbiotic bacteria in their gut. Researchers aim to understand and reverse this mechanism to develop a management strategy for citrus greening.
Discovered mode of drinking in mosquitoes carries biomedical implications
Researchers discovered a new mode of drinking in mosquitoes, allowing for burst feeding and generating low-pressure vacuum on demand. The findings have significant implications for understanding mosquito morphology and potentially developing targeted drug therapy.
Lack of water is key stressor for urban trees
A study found that urban trees can tolerate increased heat and insect pests but struggle with water stress, highlighting the importance of hydration strategies in urban forestry management.
Predicting an insect community structure based on genomic variation in a tree species
A study by Hokkaido University researchers predicts insect community structure by analyzing genomic variation in a tree species. The findings show that genetic distance between alders is the most important predictor of arthropod communities, providing clues for effective ecosystem preservation plans.
Heat shock system helps bug come back to life after drying up
Researchers discovered a gene called heat shock factor is co-opted by the sleeping chironomid to survive desiccation. The gene's activation leads to the synthesis of heat shock proteins protecting cells from misfolding, allowing the insect to regain life.
Heat shock system helps bug come back to life after drying up
Researchers uncover genetic mechanism behind insect's ability to revive after drying up. Heat shock factor plays key role in activating genes that protect cells from dehydration damage.
Why are some mushrooms 'magic?'
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that psychedelic mushrooms developed psilocybin to interfere with insect neurotransmitters, lowering the chances of being eaten. This evolutionary explanation could guide medical science in finding novel treatments for neurological disorders.
Scientists identify specialized brain areas for feeding and egg-laying in hawkmoths
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology found that activity in specific brain areas correlates with different behaviors in female Manduca sexta. The study identified a functional atlas of the antennal lobe, which is linked to feeding behavior, whereas other areas are related to egg-laying.
Comes naturally? Using stick insects, scientists explore natural selection, predictability
Researchers from Utah State University and the University of Sheffield explore evolutionary predictability using data on cryptic body coloration in stick insects. They found that natural selection drives change, but environmental fluctuations and complex ecological processes limit prediction.
'Spectacular' finding: New 3-D vision discovered in praying mantis
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new form of 3D vision in praying mantises that works differently from previously known forms. This unique vision system allows mantises to detect movement and distance without detailed image matching, making it robust and efficient for processing.
Brazilian scientists identify pheromone from insect that transmits citrus greening (HLB)
Researchers have identified a pheromone from the Asian citrus psyllid that transmits citrus greening disease. The discovery enables the synthesis of the substance and use in traps to lure and kill the insect, reducing HLB incidence.
Remarkable spider with a tail found preserved in amber after 100 million years
A new species of arachnid resembling a spider with a tail has been discovered in 100-million-year-old amber from Myanmar. The finding provides insight into arachnid evolution and suggests that tailed descendants may still be alive today.
IA in pest control increases its eficiency and environmental impact
A Brazilian startup has developed an AI-powered pest control system that uses IoT technology to help farmers apply agrochemicals at the right time and in the right amount. The system, which integrates integrated pest management techniques with machine learning algorithms, is expected to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
UC biologists peek into the past to see the future through tiny spider eyes
Researchers at UC are studying the genetic development of spider eyes to find opportunities for research into human visual challenges. They found that spiders evolved from simple compound eyes to complex eyes over a short period of 50 million years, and that they use similar genetic pathways to build their eyes as insects do.
University of Montana publishes research on unusual gene evolution in bacteria
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery at the cellular level, studying the unique adaptations of bacteria living inside cicada insects. These tiny organisms lost nearly all their genes to survive within their insect hosts and now rely on multiple types of bacteria working together to provide essential amino acids and vitamins.
Bird recognition
Researchers have developed an automated bird recognition system using spectrographic analysis of bird calls and songs, improving accuracy by reducing background noise and applying pattern recognition techniques.
Math for midges that pull 10g
Researchers at Rothamsted Research have developed a simple mathematical model to predict the behavior of midge swarms, which can help protect crops from airborne pests. The model uses basic physics principles to simulate the complex flight dynamics of midges and predicts their dispersal patterns.
Insect communication
Entomologist Gia Aradottir from Rothamsted Research explores insect communication through chemical signals and sound-based interactions. Her experiments with aphids and parasitic wasps demonstrate the complex ways insects convey information to each other.
Sugar-coated world
Glycans are complex structures composed of sugar molecules that play vital roles in cell communication, immunity, and inflammation. Researchers have created a library of enzymes to study glycans' functions, revealing their importance in health and disease. This discovery may lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics for various conditions.
Wing structure vital in producing a range of tones in bush-cricket mating calls
The density and length of teeth on male bush-crickets' wings play a crucial role in altering the tone of their mating calls, with shorter files producing more musical calls and rigid files with higher tooth density producing lower tonal purity.
The strange case of the scuba-diving fly
Researchers at Caltech have characterized the adaptations of Mono Lake flies, enabling them to crawl underwater without getting wet. The flies create a protective bubble around their bodies using an extreme water-repelling phenomenon called superhydrophobicity.
To save Florida's oranges, Colorado State University team will study deadly citrus disease
A Colorado State University team will research how a deadly citrus disease propagates and can be stopped, supported by a $1.2 million gift from Cutrale. The team aims to understand the spread of the disease and identify effective control methods.
UTSA researcher receives $1 million award to aid food security
Garry Sunter, a UTSA researcher, has received a $1 million award to develop an insect-based technology that delivers genetic therapies to improve the health of mature, vulnerable plants. The goal is to enable plants to thrive in challenging conditions such as drought and disease.
Fly hunter has described 30 new species
A Norwegian PhD candidate has discovered 30 new species of non-biting midges, using DNA barcoding to confirm the identities of the insects. The research provides significant contributions to the knowledge of this insect group and highlights the importance of DNA barcoding in understanding biodiversity.
A mosquito's secret weapon: a light touch and strong wings
Researchers found mosquitoes make stealthy takeoffs with barely a push-off, instead relying on strong wing beats for lift. They can carry blood meals without issue, using sweeping wing movements to generate extra lift.
How well-fed mosquitoes outwit victims at take-off
Researchers discover that well-fed mosquitoes use a softer take-off technique to evade detection, utilizing their long legs and high wingbeat frequency. This strategy allows them to minimize tactile detection without compromising on take-off speed.
Invasive ladybird species threatens other ladybirds in England
A long-term study reveals a significant decrease in the numbers of the 2-spot ladybird on lime trees due to the invasion of harlequin ladybirds. The invasive species accounts for up to 70% of all recorded ladybirds and may drive population changes through predation.
Gene drives have the potential to suppress mosquito populations, but resistant mosquitoes crop up
Researchers successfully built a gene drive to reduce female fertility in malaria-spreading mosquitoes, but mutations soon arose that blocked the spread of new genes. This study documents the emergence of resistance and will help improve future gene drives.
The Lord Howe Island stick insect lives: A story of survival
Researchers used genetic sequencing to confirm that Ball's Pyramid stick insects are the same species as Lord Howe Island's, making them officially resurrected. The discovery provides hope for reintroducing the insect into its native home on Lord Howe Island.
Once declared extinct, Lord Howe Island stick insects really do live
Researchers have analyzed DNA of living and dead Lord Howe Island stick insects, confirming their species identity and increasing likelihood of successful reintroduction. The study highlights the importance of museum collections in taxonomic validation.
Finnish researchers discover what is on the menu for dragonflies
Researchers from Finland's Universities of Turku and Helsinki have identified dozens of prey species consumed by adult dragonflies using DNA analysis of faecal samples. The study provides unprecedented specificity on the position of dragonflies in natural food webs.
New study changes our view on flying insects
Researchers at Lund University have discovered an optimal speed for certain insects when they fly, consuming the least amount of energy. Flying slowly or fast requires the most effort, with a moderate speed of 2-3 meters per second being the most energy-efficient.
Bed bugs attracted to dirty laundry, study finds
New research suggests that residual human odour on soiled clothes acts as an elicitor of host-seeking behaviour in bed bugs. This could lead to the dispersal of bed bugs through dirty laundry, particularly when left exposed in sleeping areas.
New clues from brain structures of mantis shrimp
Researchers discovered mushroom bodies in mantis shrimp brains, a structure previously only found in insects. The findings suggest that these complex structures may have evolved early in the evolution of all arthropods.
Broad swath of US deemed environmentally suitable for mosquitoes that transmit disease
According to a new study by CDC researchers, three-quarters of US counties are suitable for Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. The mosquito species thrive in regions with mild winters and high humidity, with the eastern and southern US being most at risk.
A new estimate of biodiversity on Earth
Researchers estimate 2 billion species, with bacteria dominating the 'Pie of Life'. This new estimate incorporates DNA sequence data and parasite-host associations to arrive at a higher number than previous estimates.
SLU biologist receives $480,000 to study singing insects' serenades
Kasey Fowler-Finn's research explores how temperature variation affects treehoppers' ability to recognize potential mates and reproduce. The study aims to understand the potential impact on ecosystems if some species drop out due to temperature changes.
Forensic entomologist unearths Chinese migrant fly in Europe
A tropical insect, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, has been detected in corpses in North West Italy, according to a study by Dr Stefano Vanin. The research suggests that climate change and globalization have enabled the fly's migration from China.
BTI receives DARPA 'Insect Allies' Award
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have received a four-year DARPA award to develop insect-vectored viruses for disease-resistant maize. The project, titled Viruses and Insects as Plant Enhancement Resources (VIPER), aims to engineer genes into maize that can help combat disease, drought, and other yield-reducing stresses.
Dodder: A parasite involved in the plant alarm system
Scientists discover dodder parasite transmits insect feeding-induced signals among different hosts, triggering defense reactions in neighboring plants. The parasitic plant's vascular system connects with its hosts, enabling the transfer of warning signals.
Infected insects cause a stink
Researchers at UCR discovered that infected insects emit an odor called prenol that repels nematodes looking for a new host. This finding supports the use of nematodes as a tool for controlling crop pests.