Articles tagged with Insects
A fossilized bushcricket from the Jurassic period has revealed a new species' musical call, shedding light on the acoustic environment and potential auditory capacity of other animals. The song was reconstructed using biomechanical principles and is believed to have been used for long-distance communication.
A study by Max Planck scientists found that available scientific information on genetically modified insect releases is highly restricted. They call for clear and accurate descriptions to be widely circulated before releases, particularly if mosquito species are involved.
Scientists implanted a miniature biofuel cell into False Death's Head Cockroaches, converting trehalose and oxygen into electricity. The device operates intermittently due to low energy output, but could power microdevices in the future.
A new collection of articles in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examines the use of genetically modified (GM) insects for controlling infectious diseases. The articles discuss technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and societal dialogue necessary for widespread application.
A new species of horse fly, Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae, has been discovered in Australia and named after Beyoncé. The fly's golden abdomen makes it a unique specimen. Horse flies are important pollinators of plants, acting like hummingbirds during the day.
Two studies by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott Wiltermuth found that synchronized physical activities can foster aggression and obedience, potentially leading to destructive outcomes. Participants who moved in sync with their groups or authority figures performed better in tasks that involved harming others.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed an implantable biofuel cell that converts a cockroach's internal chemicals into electricity. The device can provide enough power to control the bug or transmit sensor data, and has shown promise for long-term use without harming the insect.
A new study has discovered well-preserved fossil insect ears from 50 million year-old crickets and katydids, shedding light on the evolution of insect hearing. The findings suggest that these insects evolved their supersensitive hearing long before bat predators came to be.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a new material called Shrilk that replicates the exceptional strength and versatility of insect cuticle. With its unique mechanical and chemical properties, Shrilk could be used to replace plastics in consumer products, suture wounds, and serve as scaffolding for tissue regeneration.
Researchers discovered plant bedding with insecticidal properties at a 77,000-year-old South African rock shelter. The bedding, made from sedges and rushes, was used to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
The sequenced spider mite genome provides insights into its feeding frenzy, pesticide resistance, and web-making abilities. The study reveals the genetic basis for these traits, including the acquisition of bacterial genes that enhance digestion and detoxification.
Researchers sequence the two-spotted spider mite's genome, revealing genes capable of detoxifying pesticides and plant toxins. This breakthrough sheds light on how these pests counteract plant defenses and provides new insights for developing targeted pesticides.
A new analysis of ancient midge larvae reveals that the region was significantly cooler than expected during the early Holocene epoch. The findings offer a detailed record of temperature variation over the last 10,000 years in Alaska and have important ecological and societal implications.
Invasive false brome grass has spread rapidly in Oregon, thanks to its ability to evade fungal and mollusk enemies, with generalist insects being the primary attackers. The grass now threatens ecosystems and forests across the state, highlighting the need for public awareness and cleanup efforts to control its spread.
Scientists identified a molecule that manipulates plant development to favor insect hosts, increasing leafhopper reproduction and pathogen transmission. This phenomenon demonstrates the extended phenotype, where an organism's impact on its environment extends beyond biological processes.
New research from NC State University sheds light on how blow flies survive when buried underground during their development. The study found that blow flies can survive burial and provides additional information for murder investigations, helping forensic entomologists determine body burial times and potential relocations.
Scientists have developed two new Bt toxins, Cry1AbMod and Cry1AcMod, to overcome resistance in pest insects. These novel toxins are effective against five resistant species, including the diamondback moth and European corn borer.
In a study of wild field crickets, males are found to protect females from predators, increasing their chances of survival. In exchange, paired males sire more offspring with each partner, suggesting that this 'chivalry' may have evolutionary benefits. The findings challenge traditional interpretations of male guarding behavior.
Epidemiological maps suggest South Texas is an area of high risk for Chagas infection, with potentially hundreds of undiagnosed cases. The disease can be hard to detect and may be misinterpreted as a flu-like illness, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that male insects are not aggressive towards their mates but instead protective and willing to risk their lives to ensure female safety. This challenges previous assumptions about insect relationships, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of natural selection in the wild.
A new species of fossil silky lacewing insects has been discovered in China, providing insights into the evolutionary history of the family Psychopsidae. The newly found species, Undulopsychopsis alexi, exhibits unique characteristics, including an undulate wing margin and unusual venation patterns.
A University of Hull study found that weeds are vital to the existence of many farmland species, providing food for over 330 species of insects, birds, and animals. The research also showed that increasing farm management intensity can lead to a decline in seed biomass and energy, affecting farmland biodiversity.
Scientists have created compounds that can force corn earworms out of dormancy prematurely, prevent them from entering diapause, or block its termination. This could lead to effective tools for controlling pests and reducing agricultural losses estimated at $2 billion annually in the US.
A team of Chinese researchers analyzed 4793 publications to identify potential host species for the Tibetan medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis. The study found 57 recognizable potential hosts, 8 indeterminate hosts, and 26 non-hosts, providing basic information for managing insect resources and conserving the fungus.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes Marvin K. Harris, Gail E. Kampmeier, Kevin L. Steffey, and two others for their significant contributions to the field of entomology. These honorees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the society through their service, research, and leadership.
Research by Thomas Marler and Karl Niklas examines environment's influence on Guam cycad reproduction, finding wind's role in seed production is less crucial than initially thought. The study suggests insects play a more significant role in pollination, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
A combination of strategies, including eliminating stagnant water and removing vegetation, significantly reduced the number of tiger mosquito eggs in treated areas. The study, published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, demonstrates a substantial reduction in eggs compared to control areas.
Scientists uncover ancient fossils of Coxoplectoptera, an insect order that defies classification, offering clues to the evolution of wings and lifestyle. The discovery presents a new hypothesis on the development of insect wings, suggesting they originated from thoracic backplates.
Researchers discovered that hummingbird beaks can 'snap-buckle' to catch insects in mid-air, using elastic energy stored in the bone. This phenomenon allows for faster and more powerful insect capture than could be achieved by jaw muscles alone.
A rare bioluminescent fungus has been rediscovered in Brazil, shedding new light on its unique glowing properties. The fungus, previously seen since 1840, was reclassified and found to have a different bioluminescent mechanism than other fungi.
In the annual MEMS student design contest, Texas Tech University won for their novel insect-inspired micro-dragonfly design that generates aerodynamic lift and thrust. Carnegie Mellon University took the educational category with a highly sensitive microvalve that requires picoJoules of energy to switch its state.
A 100-million-year-old mayfly fossil has provided valuable insights into the ecology of ancient ecosystems. The discovery of a rare ovipositor and long antennae sheds light on the life cycle and adaptations of this ancient species.
A Kansas State University plant pathologist is discovering high levels of viral infections in the state's wheat crops. Anna Whitfield's research reveals that viruses are a significant threat to wheat yields, with losses due to these diseases expected.
Scientists from LMU Munich have developed a concise and efficient method for synthesizing the alkaloid loline and related compounds. The new approach enables the production of these compounds in sufficient quantities to investigate their various aspects, including their interactions with insects and bacteria.
A four-year study aims to understand the role of serpin-2 in mosquito immunity and physiology. Researchers hope that targeting this molecule could make mosquitoes more susceptible to diseases like malaria.
Researchers warn that seed mixtures could increase the risk of pest resistance and reduce choices for growers, highlighting concerns over integrated pest management. The use of biotechnology in seed mixtures may lead to increased pressure on the soil insecticide market as resistance develops.
Michigan State University researchers found that scorpion venom selectively targets insect sodium channels, making it a valuable tool for developing new insecticides. The study aims to understand how insects develop resistance and create alternatives to control resistant pests.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology sequenced the antennal transcriptome of the tobacco hornworm moth, revealing specific proteins involved in olfaction. The study identifies 18 odorant binding proteins and 21 chemosensory proteins, providing new insights into the insect's ability to detect and process odor molecules.
Research from the University of Arizona found that bacteria in the genus Rickettsia can rapidly evolve whiteflies, making them more likely to survive and reproduce. The bacteria manipulate sex ratios, causing more female offspring to be born, which is unusual for such a short period.
Bats play a crucial role in reducing pesticide use and crop damage, with estimates suggesting their value to agriculture is roughly $22.9 billion annually. However, widespread bat population declines due to diseases like White-Nose Syndrome and wind turbine collisions threaten this ecological balance.
A recent study reveals that bats save the US agricultural industry at least $3 billion a year by controlling insect pests. The analysis also warns of potential losses due to white-nose syndrome and wind-energy facility fatalities, emphasizing the need for bat conservation.
Scientists at Cardiff University discovered that spiders can intercept and use vibrational signals from insects to locate their prey. The study found that male leafhopper vibrations are more attractive to predatory spiders, suggesting a preference for males during courtship.
A collaborative EUREKA project developed an integrated pest management system, reducing rice waste by over 95% through sustainable technologies. The system uses electronic insect traps, aeration, and modified atmosphere to protect rice during storage, improving quality and food security.
Researchers found that night-flying moths match the migration speeds of songbirds, traveling between 30-65 km/h. Moths use favorable tailwinds to aid their journeys, while birds take advantage of winds from various directions.
A new study uses genetic techniques to link bat diet to habitat quality, showing that bats rely heavily on insects from aquatic environments. The research also identifies specific pollution tolerances among insect species, providing insights into the bats' foraging behavior and conservation efforts.
The University of Illinois team produces animated educational videos on topics like insect control and water treatment to reach a larger audience at a fraction of the cost. The initiative uses cell phones as a platform to distribute the content, targeting viewers in both developing and developed countries.
Research at the University of Michigan suggests that rising carbon dioxide levels associated with global warming may affect interactions between plants and insects, altering the course of plant evolution. The study found that plant families responded differently to elevated carbon dioxide in their production of chemical and physical de...
Scientists discovered an 'atmospheric imprint' in insects, revealing where they can survive under climate change. By analyzing oxygen isotopes, researchers determined the type of atmosphere each insect needs to thrive.
Researchers have discovered a 100-million-year-old ancestor of large, carnivorous insects still alive today. The genus has undergone little change since the Early Cretaceous Period.
A study investigated the impact of disease-resistant genetically-modified (GM) wheat lines on insect food webs. The findings show that the differences between GM and non-GM wheat strains are similar to those found between different conventional wheat strains, suggesting no ecological problems with GM wheat.
A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.
Researchers discovered aphids on ginger and heliconia plants have genetic differences from those on banana plants, reclassifying them as a separate species Pentalonia caladii. This finding has significant implications for the biological control of banana aphids and preventing the spread of BBTV.
Researchers found that mechanical shaking was more effective than manual shaking in removing yellowjacket queens from Christmas trees. The study also showed that pre-harvest insecticide sprays can be 100% effective in killing yellowjacket queens, even after heavy rainfall.
Researchers at Caltech, with support from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, have found that flies follow horizontal edges to regulate altitude, unlike earlier studies suggesting they measure motion beneath them. This edge-following behavior is similar to their steering mechanism and relies heavily on vision.
A study published in BioScience found that nonindigenous insects are being detected at a rate of 2.5 per year, with high-impact insects and pathogens causing tree death and other effects every 2 to 2.5 years. The researchers advocate strengthening efforts to prevent arrivals of nonindigenous organisms.
Researchers identified top 100 known insect pests most likely to establish in the US and individual states, finding that many pests are missing from neighboring states. The study found significant negative relationships between state size, biodiversity, domestic air passengers, and GDP and absent pest species.
Researchers have modeled and mimicked the natural designs of falling geckoes, gliding snakes, and flying birds to improve air vehicle design. The special edition, 'Bioinspired Flight', reveals innovative approaches for controlled hovering, forward flight, and exploitation of thermal updrafts.
New study maps koala habitats using taste preferences, while ancient insects migrated to warmer climates in response to rising temperatures. Koalas prefer large trees with palatable leaves and avoid smaller unpalatable trees, highlighting the importance of habitat quality.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a single P450 enzyme responsible for producing two common plant volatiles that defend against insect attacks. The discovery provides new insights into the biosynthesis of these compounds and offers potential applications in improving crop pest controls.
Arizona State University has received a $100 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop long-acting insect repellents for malaria prevention. The project aims to create skin-bonding repellents that can provide continuous protection against mosquitoes for two to three weeks.