Research on insects and their role in nature. Covers disease-carrying bugs, insect evolution, wildfire effects, and sensory circuitry.
Researchers propose that an enzyme called multicopper oxidase-2 (MCO2) gives insects a disadvantage in the sea while conferring advantages on land. This hardening mechanism is also linked to their ability to climb and fly, making it a defining feature of insects.
A team of IUPUI researchers has developed an AI-powered approach to classify insect species, tackling the challenge of discovering new species. The method uses deep hierarchical Bayesian learning to distinguish between known and unknown species, providing insight into their taxonomy and ecosystem impacts.
A worldwide decline in insect populations is attributed to land-use intensification, climate change, and the spread of invasive animal species. The consequences of this trend include a loss of biodiversity, reduced pollination services, and increased risk to food sources for animals.
Researchers combine theory and observation to understand damselfly responses to warming temperatures, discovering a more realistic predator-prey simulation model. This work provides groundwork for understanding how other species will adapt to a warmer world, particularly species like mosquitoes.
Researchers discovered that autophagy plays a crucial role in facilitating the co-transmission of two distinct arboviruses by insect vectors. The study found that RSMV nucleoprotein activates complete anti-viral autophagy, while RGDV nonstructural protein Pns11 induces incomplete autophagy to promote viral propagation.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two hornet species, revealing clues to their invasive success. The study found rapid genome evolution and genes related to communication and smell, which may help explain why hornets are successful as invasive species across the globe.
A new study found that dim light pollution can disrupt the dormant state of moths, leading to reduced survival rates. Researchers exposed urban and rural moth populations to artificial light at night, revealing a lack of adaptation in response to pollution.
Despite a parasite killing most males, female monarch butterflies still find mates about 1.5 times on average, suggesting high reproductive success throughout the year round. Uninfected females produce healthy male offspring, allowing the parasite to be transmitted in rare populations.
A recent study reveals the first high-quality nuclear genome sequence and assembly of Babesia duncani, a neglected species until now. The parasite's evolution and mechanism of virulence have been identified, providing leads for the development of effective therapies.
A study by the University of Exeter and Bayer AG found that pollinators produce a conserved family of cytochrome P450 enzymes to tackle alkaloid toxins in plants. These enzymes allow bees to safely consume nectar and pollen from toxic plants, shedding light on insect tolerance mechanisms.
Early mammals reduced skull bones to redirect stresses during feeding, allowing brain size increase. The combination of miniaturization, reduced skull bones and insect-based diet enabled ancestors to thrive before dinosaurs' extinction.
Scientists discovered that male yellow crazy ants have maternal and paternal genomes in different cells, making them chimeras. This unique phenomenon occurs within a single fertilized egg, contradicting the fundamental law of biological inheritance where all cells should contain the same genome.
A study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts the winter dormancy period of mosquitoes, causing them to bite humans and animals longer into the fall. This delay in diapause may increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission.
Researchers tracked female bushcrickets' movement and found they tend to fly more frequently and longer distances than males, making them more vulnerable to bats. This contradicts the assumption that males take higher risks in search of mates.
A new study by University of Utah researchers finds that US forests may lose carbon through fire, stress, and insect damage, compromising their role as a climate solution. The study suggests urgent need to update carbon offset protocols with best available science on climate risks.
A comprehensive study across six continents found intercropping to be effective against pests, with cabbage and squash showing the strongest resistance. The analysis of 44 field studies revealed that interspersed planting schemes were more effective than border plantings.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that birds eat fewer invertebrates in coffee plantations than in forests, threatening their survival. The disturbance of ecosystems significantly impacts dietary options, leading to reduced survival and population declines.
Researchers found that the spotted lanternfly population is largely due to human-mediated dispersal via transportation. The insects can hitchhike on cars, trucks, and trains, making this a critical time of year for monitoring and removal. Public education and outreach are crucial to slowing the spread.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a way to deactivate mosquito sperm, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs. This breakthrough could help control populations of Culex mosquitoes that transmit infectious diseases like encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
Researchers discovered that jewel beetles have duplicated genes allowing them to see new colors, including ultraviolet and blue light. This evolution likely occurred after the loss of blue vision in beetle ancestors around 300 million years ago.
A new fossil discovery dating back 247 million years provides the earliest evidence of dipterans, including mosquitoes and flies. The immature insect's preserved breathing system offers insights into its adaptations to a post-apocalyptic environment.
Researchers have completed the most advanced brain map to date, tracing every neural connection in the brain of a larval fruit fly. The team's achievement is expected to underpin future brain research and inspire new machine learning architectures.
A study reveals that plant roots are crucial for belowground life in the tropics, supporting decomposition and soil health. Removing living roots decreases animal abundance by 42% in rainforest plots and 30% in plantations.
Researchers discovered that wasps lower the pH level of their developing gall to acidic levels similar to those found in pitcher plants, potentially using it as a defense mechanism against predators. The study reveals a novel manipulation of host-plant chemistry, where malic acid accumulation and low pH levels deter enemies.
Researchers discovered that glassy-winged sharpshooters use a 'superpropulsion' mechanism to launch droplets of pee at high speeds, conserving energy in the process. This innovative strategy helps the insect efficiently excrete its 99% water fluid waste.
Researchers found that indoor refrigeration units increased queen survival rates and reduced maintenance needs compared to outdoor storage. The study suggests that 'queen banking' could be a key strategy for strengthening honey bee survival in the face of a changing climate.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a volatile pheromone emitted by the tsetse fly, which could be used to control their populations and slow the spread of diseases like African sleeping sickness and nagana.
Scientists have found the first fossil evidence of plants' leaves folding up at night, a behavior known as foliar nyctinasty. This discovery provides insight into the evolution and ecology of plants with this unique characteristic, which may offer ecological benefits to the parent plant.
A new biomaterial platform mimics human skin to analyze mosquito feeding behavior, using machine learning models and video monitoring. The results show an average precision of 92.5%, with potential applications for developing more effective repellents to combat diseases.
Researchers have developed a new synthetic skin, made of hydrogels, to study how mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. The hydrogel system can mimic different blood vessel patterns, allowing for more consistent testing and analysis. This breakthrough may help identify ways to prevent the spread of disease.
A Lund University study finds that temperate regions have larger insects due to bird predation pressure and temperature, reversing a 200-million-year-old trend. This shift helps explain the global variation in body size among dragonflies and damselflies.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that a small red-eyed damselfly from Europe has established itself in the UK without harming native species. Most native dragonflies and damselflies were either found more often or unchanged in areas colonized by the newcomer.
A severe begomovirus-satellite DNA disease complex has been detected in okra fields in the lower Rio Grande Valley area of Texas, posing a significant threat to cotton production. The complex involves the exotic cotton leaf curl Gezira virus and its associated satellite DNA molecules.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that rock ants follow a methodical search strategy, combining systematized meandering with random movement to efficiently explore new areas. This unique behavior may provide insights into the evolution of exploration strategies in other species.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that matador bugs wave their legs to signal aggression or to advertise their toxicity to predators, not for sexual attraction. The study revealed no differences in waving behavior between males and females.
A new study found that 76% of global insect species are not adequately covered by protected areas. This underrepresentation is particularly concerning for critically endangered insects, with some species having no overlap with protected areas at all.
Scientists have identified horizontally transferred genes in insect genomes as valid targets for selectively killing green peach aphids and whiteflies. Silencing these genes using RNA interference reduces pest survival by up to 40%, with potential expansion to other insects through 'stacking' multiple targets.
Researchers found that rock ants display a striking regular meandering pattern when exploring their surroundings, combining systematic movement with random walks. This behavior may make their search more efficient by reducing the frequency of crossing their own paths.
Scientists have recorded two new caddisfly species in Thailand, expanding the country's known fauna by 10 documented representatives. The newly discovered species are Diplectrona erinya and Diplectrona extrema, both belonging to the genus Diplectrona.
Researchers have designed new mosquito repellents that surpass DEET's effectiveness while minimizing its drawbacks. The compounds provide human volunteers with over 95% protection from bites for at least eight hours, making them a promising alternative to traditional repellents.
A survey of 1,034 people found that most believe insects can be a sustainable source of protein in the future. Key factors improving acceptance include preparation methods and information on insect potential as a food source.
Researchers found that flower patterns guide bumblebees' approach flight and landing, reducing search time by up to 30%. The patterns also shorten the time until take-off, allowing bees to quickly orient themselves for departure.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that ants do not adjust their behavior in response to rising temperatures, persisting in sub-optimal microhabitats. The study suggests that ants may not be able to adapt to warmer ecosystems, with potential implications for forest ecosystems.
A new species of aquatic insect, Potamophylax humoinsapiens, has been discovered in the Sharr Mountains of Kosovo. The species was named to raise awareness about human activities that have degraded habitats and led to extinction. Researchers hope this naming convention will make insects 'talk' to humanity's collective consciousness.
Researchers have documented cases of Japanese macaques hunting and eating fish in the Kamikochi region of Japan, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh winter conditions. The behavior appears to be an extension of existing feeding habits on vegetation and aquatic plants, with potential implications for future generations.
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that volatile repellents containing ammonia and amines can be used to combat insect-borne diseases by disrupting their sense of smell and taste. The research found that these compounds can silence olfactory neurons in mosquitoes, preventing them from detecting human skin odor.
Researchers tracked tweets about two invasive insects, spotted lanternfly and Tuta absoluta, on Twitter and in news stories. They found that activity patterns on these platforms aligned with official surveys, providing insights into pest spread timing and location.
Research reveals dramatic shifts in pollinators across the last century, with hoverflies and moths becoming less frequent visitors to flowers, replaced by flies of the genus Thricops. The findings suggest that plants may be able to compensate for these losses, but changes in insect communities could lead to reduced pollination services.
The report highlights that European taxonomic expertise is declining, with nearly half of insect orders not covered by sufficient scientists. The lack of expertise correlates with GDP and is more pronounced in biodiverse countries, posing significant problems for species conservation.
A new genus of scorpionflies has been discovered in Nepal, characterized by a spindly and extremely elongated abdomen. The males have long grasping pincers for mating, while the females lack these distinctive features, making classification more challenging.
A recent study on fossil katydids from the Mesozoic Era provides novel insights into the evolution of acoustic organs and behavior. The research team discovered exceptionally preserved Mesozoic katydids with the earliest known insect ears, extending the age range of modern-type auditory tympana by 100 million years.
Researchers found the emerald ash borer completes its life cycle in one year in North Carolina, contrasting with a two-year cycle in northern US. This knowledge will aid in releasing parasitoid wasps to manage the insect.
Through its Integrated Pest Management program, WVU Extension educates growers on safe techniques, including barriers, insect traps, and predatory insects. The goal is to reduce pesticide use and promote environmentally friendly practices.
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
A study characterizes secreted proteins from Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, a newly emerging pathogen of tomato and potato. The proteins, called effectors, offer clues into the manipulation tactics used by the bacterium to subdue its plant host.
Researchers used weather radar to track bird movements and found peak roosting stages shifting earlier due to warmer temperatures. This shift may lead to a shortened pre-migratory season, impacting birds' survival during migration.
Research found that air pollution from diesel exhaust and ozone significantly reduces the reproductive success of parasitic wasps controlling aphids on oilseed rape plants. The pollutants alter plant chemistry, attracting a specific wasp species more successfully.
A new study has found that springtails' jumping, soaring, and landing patterns are precise and controlled, with some species able to land on their feet. The research, led by Victor Ortega Jiménez, aims to teach robots how to replicate this ability.
A recent study by 70 scientists highlights the devastating effects of climate change on insects, which play critical roles in ecosystems. Gradual warming and extreme events harm insects, affecting their physiology, behavior, and interactions with other species.