Research on insects and their role in nature. Covers disease-carrying bugs, insect evolution, wildfire effects, and sensory circuitry.
Researchers found that froghoppers store energy in a composite structure made of hard cuticle and resilin, flexing it like an archery bow before releasing the energy for a powerful jump. This technique allows them to achieve remarkable heights, over 100 times their body length.
Scientists in Montana found that an introduced fly may worsen the effects of a widely invasive plant. The fly's larvae induce the plant to grow tissue around them, reducing its energy for seed production. Deer mice prey on the larvae, further boosting mouse population size and negatively impacting native plants.
Researchers identified flies' planning behavior, which occurs approximately 100 milliseconds earlier than previously known components of the escape response. The study found that flies carefully position their center of mass relative to jumping legs to propel themselves away from threats.
Mosquitoes avoid DEET because of its bad smell, which is detected by specific neurons on their antennae. The study corrects long-standing erroneous dogma about DEET's mode of action, providing new insights into the development of more effective repellents.
Researchers Dagmar Voigt and Stanislav Gorb from the Max-Planck Institute for Metals Research discovered that mirid bugs' non-stick surface disrupts the adhesive properties of Roridula gorgonias' glue. The team found that the mirid bug's greasy coating prevents the glue from adhering to its surface, allowing it to evade capture.
Researchers discovered insects use air bubbles to survive underwater, but find limits to depth and surface area. The study found bugs can dive as deep as 30 meters without bubble rupture.
A team of scientists discovered that mirid bugs possess a 30 times thicker coating than blowflies, which disrupts the glue's adhesive powers, allowing them to escape. The unique greasy layer prevents the glue from forming discrete blobs, instead running like a fluid over the surface.
Researchers found aphids are appearing significantly earlier in the year and in higher numbers due to mild winters. This leads to more aphids flying in spring and early summer when crops are vulnerable.
Social spiders have developed a unique foraging strategy that enables them to capture larger prey despite declining individual catch rates with colony size. This efficiency allows colonies to thrive in tropical areas but dwindle in higher elevations and latitudes.
Research at MIT shows how insects trap air on their bodies to create an external lung, enabling them to stay underwater indefinitely. The stability of the bubble depends on the spacing of hairs on the insect's abdomen, which must be balanced with surface area for breathing.
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.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a key detoxifying protein in Anopheles mosquitoes that metabolizes DDT, a synthetic insecticide used to control malaria-spreading mosquitoes. The protein CYP6Z1 belongs to a class of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases that play key roles in insect defenses against plant toxins.
A recent study published in Science Cornell College biology professor Marty Condon and coauthors discovered multiple new species of fruit flies with overlapping niches, exceeding previous expectations. The research found a greater specialization in plant feeding among herbivorous insects than previously thought.
Tropical species will experience reduced health and population growth rates due to global warming, while high-latitude species may benefit slightly from warmer temperatures. The impacts of global warming on species in the tropics will be more detrimental than those in high latitudes.
Researchers found that bats emit exceptionally loud sounds of up to 140 dB SPL to detect small insects in air using echolocation. The study's results showed that the high frequencies emitted by the bats serve as a countermeasure to attenuation, allowing them to effectively hunt despite the limitations of ultrasonic frequencies.
Researchers at Ohio State University identify two genes that regulate mosquito growth and diapause, a hibernation-like state of arrested development. By disrupting these genes, scientists can mimic hormonal shifts that initiate diapause and disrupt fat retention, pointing to separate functions for each gene.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is expanding its online journal Science Signaling, which focuses on new insights for combating disease and understanding normal human biology. Dr. Michael B. Yaffe will serve as Chief Scientific Editor, aiming to attract and publish top-notch signaling research.
Researchers at Rockefeller University and the University of Tokyo found that insects use fast-acting ion channels to smell odors, a major break with previous understanding. This new strategy allows for direct detection of odor molecules, bypassing complex biological apparatus previously thought to be necessary.
New Bt corn varieties have shown reduced levels of aflatoxin and lower rates of fungal infection, offering a potential solution to the global threat of this deadly toxin. The developments come as part of Monsanto's efforts to engineer better corn crops resistant to insect pests and environmental stressors.
Over 400 alien species are now considered invasive in China, with many causing significant harm to the environment. The rapid growth of China's industrial infrastructure is making it easier for organisms to spread and establish themselves throughout the country.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified 14 types of mold on and around Madagascar hissing cockroaches, including molds associated with allergies. Handling the insects may trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals if proper cleaning and care are not taken.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have pinpointed DEET's molecular target in insects, showing that the widely used bug repellent acts like a chemical cloak, masking human odors. By targeting specific receptors, DEET confuses mosquitoes and prevents bites.
A combination of an insect protein and Bt toxin kills crop pests more effectively than either ingredient alone, inhibiting growth rate and reducing resistance. Researchers found a synergistic effect increasing mortality rates by over 10 times.
Researchers found that male yellow jacket paternity has no impact on colony dynamics, with females exhibiting cooperative behavior despite multiple mating. The study suggests a benefit to colonies for queens having multiple partners, leading to increased success and reproductive output.
Recent decades have seen a significant shift in oil palm research, with an increasing focus on the environment and biofuel production. However, biodiversity assessments remain scarce, particularly for insect species that carry out key ecosystem functions.
Research finds link between temperature and insect feeding on leaves, boosting foraging of plant-eating insects. The study links past climate spike to increased insect damage.
Researchers analyzed fossil leaves to understand the impact of climate change on insect populations, finding a correlation between temperature and herbivore damage. The study suggests that increased insect feeding will be a net effect of anthropogenic carbon dioxide increase and warming temperatures.
Researchers found that New Zealand parsnips had lower levels of chemical defenses than those in Europe and North America, making them more susceptible to the parsnip webworm. The webworms are dramatically affecting the plant's ability to reproduce, with 75% of affected plants devoid of reproductive parts.
New research reveals symbiotic bacteria in black bean aphids can exhibit a disruptive 'Hyde' side, slowing insect growth while allowing bacterial proliferation. This discovery may lead to new methods for controlling insect pests without relying on insecticides.
Researchers found that vacuuming is an effective way to kill fleas, with a high success rate in killing adult fleas (96%) and destroying younger stages (100%). The study suggests that the physical abuse caused by the vacuum's brushes and fans leads to flea death.
A study by Jean Pierre Kapongo found that Muscidifurax raptor is an effective biocontrol agent for controlling fruit flies in vineyards. This method reduces the need for chemical pesticides, benefiting the environment and promoting agricultural sustainability.
A 390-million-year-old sea scorpion fossil found in Germany shows that ancient arthropods like spiders and insects were much larger than their modern-day equivalents. The fossil claw is over a foot-and-a-half long, indicating these creatures were among the largest extinct arthropods.
Scientists have discovered a giant fossilized claw from an ancient sea scorpion, indicating that the creature was approximately 2.5 meters long and much taller than the average man. This finding suggests that spiders, insects, crabs, and similar creatures were larger in the past than previously thought.
Researchers have developed new designer toxins that can kill Bt-resistant insect pests, including the pink bollworm, a major cotton pest. The toxins work by modifying the way the insects' gut membranes respond to Bt toxins, rendering them ineffective.
Bacteria and nematode worms work together to kill insects using insecticidal toxins. The toxins, found in Photorhabdus luminescens, are also found in human pathogens Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
University of Illinois researchers warn that higher corn prices are causing some farmers to ignore integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which could undermine the effectiveness of technologies that sustain them. IPM is a set of principles developed to minimize ecological impacts of pesticides and transgenic crops.
A new study demonstrates classical conditioning of salivation in cockroaches, revealing sophisticated neural control of autonomic functions. The findings provide a useful model system for studying cellular basis of conditioning in insects.
Researchers discovered nearly a dozen additional heat-shock proteins that help insects survive cold temperatures. These proteins are essential for insect survival during diapause, a hibernation-like state that allows them to withstand low temperatures.
Researchers found that thale cress responds differently to various plant pests and microorganisms, with specific hormone compositions leading to unique gene expressions.
Researchers have identified a specific class of small peptide elicitors that help plants react to insect attack, triggering defensive chemistry and improving protection against pests. The discovery opens the door for genetic manipulation of plants with improved defense mechanisms.
Researchers found that Photorhabdus produces a special phenoloxidase inhibitor to protect itself against an enzyme used by insects' immune systems. This discovery provides conclusive evidence for a gene-for-gene interaction between the bacterium and the insect, shedding light on insect immune systems.
Female ixodid ticks exhibit remarkable weight gain following mating, with some species increasing in size up to 100 times their original size. This phenomenon is linked to the tick's unique lifestyle and reproductive strategy, which involves prolonged feeding periods and specialized signals triggered by copulation.
Scientists discovered that European Beewolf females deliberately cultivate bacteria in their antennae to shield their larvae from fungal infections. The bacteria produce antibiotics, significantly enhancing the larvae's chances of survival during hibernation.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered genes in wheat that neutralize toxic compounds produced by the Hessian fly larvae, making them vulnerable to attack. The study provides insight into the biochemical mechanisms involved in insect-plant interactions and may lead to novel strategies for enhancing wheat resistance.
Scientists studying hawk moths discovered the Johnston's organ, a tiny structure above the antenna, senses movement and sends signals to the brain. The antennae guide the insect's body back to correct heading through a fine-tuned mechanism.
Researchers have created a fly-by-sight micro-helicopter that mimics the flight capabilities of insects, including takeoff, level flight, and landing. The study reveals how insects use optic flow to maintain their position relative to the ground, providing insights into previously unexplained observations about insect flight.
Researchers discovered the first human case of insect-transmitted Chagas parasite in Louisiana, with over half of collected insects carrying the parasite. The finding, while significant, does not represent a widespread public health concern due to limited rural housing conditions.
A newly identified wheat gene produces proteins that bind to the stomach lining of Hessian fly larvae, causing them to starve. The gene's role in creating resistance to Hessian flies was a surprise to researchers, who found that it triggers a localized defense response that reduces energy costs for the plant.
A graduate student has discovered 25 new spiders and one previously unknown species in Brazos County, expanding the knowledge of local natural resources. The study highlights the importance of diverse spider populations in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Researchers found that moths can detect and respond to bat calls, even when others cannot. The yellow underwing moth's ear adjusts its sensitivity in response to changing sound frequencies, allowing it to stay 'tuned' for up to several minutes after the call stops.
Researchers have identified two molecular receptors in fruit flies that detect carbon dioxide, a key factor in attracting blood-feeding insects. This finding could lead to the design of insect repellents to combat global infectious diseases.
Researchers discovered a new diamondback moth variety that can thrive on hyperaccumulator plants guarded by toxic levels of selenium. The moth's adaptation allows it to accumulate selenium like the plant, rendering its defense ineffective. This finding suggests a potential
Researchers have discovered that female wasps release a potent gas when losing fights over larvae, which could help control crop-destroying pests. This finding has great potential for applied spin-offs in biological control.
A team of biologists at the University of California - San Diego has identified 27 different Tweedle genes in fruit flies, which they believe strengthen the cuticle. This discovery could lead to novel insecticides as the gene family appears to be unique to insects.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a unique enzyme residue in greenbugs and aphids that could be targeted by a new generation of pesticides. This discovery opens the door to creating safer pesticides that would not harm humans and animals.
A new study reveals that plataspid stinkbug gut symbionts have evolved in tandem with their hosts, sharing unique genetic traits. The symbiotic lifestyle is crucial for the stinkbugs' survival, and its influence on genome evolution has been observed.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive NMR probe to analyze small samples, unlocking volumes of information from tiny amounts of venom. This breakthrough could aid in finding natural substances for medicines and advance understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that caterpillars evolved different physiological mechanisms to adjust to carbohydrate-rich and low-carbohydrate diets. This study suggests that animals can adapt metabolically to extreme nutritional environments, which may have implications for understanding the human obesity epidemic.
Scientists discover GAL83 gene that allows plants to store carbon in roots, reducing damage from herbivore attacks. This adaptation enables plants to withstand voracious insects and extend seed production period.
New fossil evidence reveals plant and insect diversity were out of balance during Paleocene Epoch. Insect predation was low in most areas, but unexpectedly high in two early Paleocene sites, Castle Rock and Mexican Hat.