Research on insects and their role in nature. Covers disease-carrying bugs, insect evolution, wildfire effects, and sensory circuitry.
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.
A new study found that bats play a crucial role in protecting young tree seedlings from insect damage, with three times fewer bugs and five times more defoliation when bats are absent. The research reveals a mutually beneficial relationship between bats and oak trees, with bats serving as a key predator for insects that harm the trees.
A new study by Pitt mathematicians uses math borrowed from neuroscience to describe how swarms of synchronous fireflies coordinate their light show. The researchers found that varying distances between fireflies affects the resulting blinks, producing patterns like ripples or spirals.
Researchers found that 90% of surveyed individuals did not recognize six out of seven endangered species. Increasing public knowledge and recognition can boost conservation support for these vulnerable animals. The study highlights the need for targeted marketing initiatives to change people's perception of lesser-known species.
A new paper highlights the crucial role insects play in ecosystems, including pollination, food sources, and mental health benefits. The authors advocate for a shift in public perception of insects, citing government inaction on biodiversity policy, and outline strategic priorities to support insect conservation.
Researchers discovered that two approved insecticides can damage honey bees' intestinal flora, making them more susceptible to disease. The study highlights the need for rigorous research on pesticide effects on beneficial insects before approval.
Researchers developed a new principle for estimating gravity direction in flying insects and drones by combining optical flow with movement modeling. This allows them to determine the direction of gravity in most situations except when completely stationary, which destabilizes their flight.
Researchers have created a wearable insect repellent by encapsulating IR3535 in biodegradable polymer and shaping it into a ring or bracelet. The repellent continuously evaporates, forming a barrier for insects, offering several hours of protection.
Insect larvae may contribute to microplastic pollution in rivers by chewing up litter. Researchers found that larvae use sharp teeth to break down plastic into smaller pieces, building their protective casing.
A recent study found that insect herbivores have caused more damage to plant matter from leaves in recent history than millions of years ago. The frequency of leaf damage by insects among forest plants in recent history is more than twice that of vegetation from the Pleistocene and Late Cretaceous periods.
Scientists at Tianjin University have discovered a way to make silkworm silk 70% stronger than spider silk by removing its sticky outer layer and manually spinning it. This breakthrough could lead to the production of profitable high-performance artificial silks, revolutionizing industries such as biomedicine and tissue regeneration.
Predatory mosquito larvae employ two distinct methods to capture prey: one involves a harpoon-like head-propulsion action, while the other uses a sweeping tail to snare insects. This new research provides insight into the behavior of these tiny predators and their ability to feed on other aquatic insects.
Excess ground-level ozone damages plant foliage, alters flowering patterns, and blocks pollinators' access to flowers. Ozone also disrupts plant-pollinator communication through altered chemical signatures.
Researchers have isolated a new fungus, Beauveria caledonica, that can be used for biological control of banana borers and Fusarium wilt, two major threats to tropical and subtropical crops. The fungus produces a secondary compound called oosporein, which intensifies its action against the disease.
Researchers discover that male spotted lanternflies are strongly attracted to the smell of honeydew produced by male conspecifics, emitting specific sex-attractant profiles. This finding may lead to the development of new pest management tools to reduce the population and spread of this invasive species.
A recent study found that climate change could increase suitable habitat for the brown marmorated stink bug in the US by 70%. The insects are a generalist herbivore, known to feast on nearly 170 different plants, including crops and ornamental plants.
Higher temperatures shorten the lifespan of fig wasps, making it difficult for them to pollinate fig trees. This could have major consequences for animals in tropical forests that rely on figs as a food source.
A new international study reveals termites' pivotal role in wood decay, contributing to the earth's carbon cycle, and their sensitivity to temperature and rainfall. Termites may increasingly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions with climate change.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.
Researchers found that soybean thrips infected with the SVNV virus survived longer and reproduced better than uninfected ones. Infected thrips also produced more offspring and had a faster population doubling time.
A recent study in Peru revealed a 50% decline in arthropod biomass following short periods of drought and increased precipitation. Tropical insects are sensitive to both extreme weather events, with rainfall patterns being a key factor in their decline.
Researchers found that insects have a weak ability to acclimate to high temperatures, with only small compensations of 10-15°C. Juvenile insects show greater resilience, but this may be limited to specific critical periods. The study highlights the need for further research on insect responses to climate change.
Exosomes have been identified as possible vehicles for virus transmission, and a recent study found that the saliva protein exportin 6 plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers isolated exosomes from the saliva of insect vectors and showed that they can transport plant virions into rice plants.
A Tel Aviv University study challenges the widely-held assumption that COVID-19 originated from bats, instead highlighting their highly effective immune system. The researchers found that many reported findings on bat-borne viruses are based on antibody presence or PCR tests rather than actual virus isolation.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
Researchers have successfully created a 'meat-like' seasoning by cooking mealworms with sugar, producing a sustainable alternative to traditional meat protein sources. The team identified 98 volatile compounds and optimized 10 reaction flavors that were deemed favorable by consumer panels.
Researchers developed a novel biologically-inspired intraoral camera with a wide-angle insect eye structure, increasing field of view and resolving optical aberrations. The device provides multifunctional dental imaging, including high dynamic range, 3D depth, and autofluorescence, without discomfort or image blur.
A new paper in The Quarterly Review of Biology reviews studies on workload distribution and division of labor to better understand individual differences in cooperation. The authors argue that integrating collective action and offspring care literatures could lead to a deeper understanding of these factors.
Researchers found that mosquitoes have co-expressed receptors in their neurons, allowing them to detect multiple types of human odors. This redundancy makes it difficult to eliminate mosquito attraction to humans using repellents or other methods.
A nationwide survey in El Salvador identified areas with high Chagas disease transmission, highlighting the need for targeted vector control measures. The study suggests that continued efforts are necessary to combat this neglected tropical disease.
A newly identified species of Liberibacter, a family of bacteria known for causing citrus greening disease, is rapidly evolving its ability to infect insect hosts. The research team found 21 genes associated with infectious qualities and identified mutations affecting pilus proteins that allow the bacteria to move into host insects.
Researchers discovered a relict group of singing insects produced pure-tone songs at low frequencies, enabling them to travel longer distances. This finding advances our understanding of ancient soundscapes and highlights the importance of bioacoustics in understanding insect behavior.
Climate change is driving the expansion of invasive insect species, such as the oak gall wasp, into more northerly oak savannas. This can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, as these insects can overwhelm native species without natural predators or competitors.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered two defense methods in wild emmer wheat that can protect cultivated wheat from insects. The wheat produces a poison called benzoxazinoid and has a coating of 'hairs' that prevent insects from burrowing, allowing for improved pest resistance
A Singapore-based research team has created a systematic engineering approach for optimizing the production of 3D printed food inks with alternative proteins. The method uses Response Surface Methodology to minimize time and resources, resulting in visually appealing, flavorful, and nutritionally adequate foods enhanced with sustainabl...
A new study provides critical insights into the pGC-A membrane receptor, a vital component of cardiovascular regulation. The research offers a clearer understanding of this complex receptor and its signaling mechanisms, paving the way for new anti-hypertensive drugs.
Rice University mechanical engineers repurpose deceased spiders as small-scale, naturally derived grippers. The spiders can lift more than 130% of their own body weight and perform tasks like sorting or moving objects around. Future research will focus on testing the concept with smaller spiders.
Researchers discovered the earliest direct evidence of brood care among insects in the Middle-Late Jurassic Daohugou Biota. Fossils of a water boatman insect showed it carrying a cluster of eggs on its left mesotibia, providing protection from predation and environmental risks.
Researchers propose that arthropod shells evolved from a common ancestral structure, contrary to the prevailing gene co-option theory. This discovery suggests that many 'novel' structures in arthropods are actually homologous and share a single origin dating back to the Cambrian period.
A study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from flies and roaches to humans in households with confirmed COVID-19 cases. The researchers sampled over 1,300 insects from 40 homes with at least one human COVID-19 case, but none tested positive for the virus.
Researchers at Rice University have created a system that uses the physiology of deceased spiders to create small-scale grippers. The spiders' unique hydraulic system allows them to lift and manipulate objects, making them a promising technology for pick-and-place tasks and capturing smaller insects in nature.
Researchers have developed Fanflow4Insects, a functional annotation workflow that annotates gene functions in insects. The team has annotated the Japanese stick insect and silkworm, providing valuable information for entomological research and genome editing.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw ants use a combination of head tendon and exoskeleton energy storage to drive perfectly circular mandible rotations. This mechanism allows the ants to repeatedly strike victims without damaging themselves.
Researchers used phylogenomics to evaluate relationships among species in the B. frauenfeldi complex, concluding there are five distinct species and a continuum between B. frauenfeldi and B. albistrigata pests. The study's findings provide essential data for pest management and international agricultural trade.
A unique fungus infects common houseflies, causing them to become necrophilic and mate with infected female corpses. The longer the corpse remains dead, the more attractive it becomes to male flies, allowing the fungus to spread its spores.
Researchers discovered that stressed plants produce salicylic acid, a protective hormone, to counteract stress caused by climate change. This discovery could help plants survive increasing stress and ultimately protect the food supply.
Researchers have identified over 1,500 genetic differences between migratory and non-migratory hoverflies, shedding light on the genetic pathways involved in migration. The study reveals suites of genes being activated in concert, including insulin signalling for longevity and pathways for immunity.
Researchers identified a specific bacterial microbe, Bombella apis, that can thrive in royal jelly and increase its amino acid content. This microbe helps developing bees build resilience against nutritional stress, making them smaller but healthier.
Researchers at the University of Bonn present a mobile sensor system called forceX to measure insect bite forces, allowing them to understand how these forces evolved. The system achieves high accuracy, with a deviation of only 2.2 percent between measurements.
Research on the invasive Sirex woodwasp estimates it can reproduce up to 2-3 times higher in North America than in its native range, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems. The wasp's ability to tolerate climate extremes and spread rapidly makes it a challenging insect to control.
Researchers draw inspiration from insect intelligence to create more efficient and robust AI for small autonomous robots. Advances in biology and technology enable fine-grained investigations of insect brains, leading to faster energy efficiency and speed in sensing and neural processing.
A UC Riverside genetic discovery found that mosquitoes lack the primary ecdysone transporter, allowing researchers to develop a mosquito-specific insecticide. This breakthrough could help control Zika, dengue, and other virus-carrying mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects.
A massive analysis of data from over 700 studies revealed that genetically modified Bt corn has no negative effects on most invertebrate groups, including ladybeetles and lacewings. However, populations of Braconidae insects were reduced with Bt corn.
A new discovery in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has found the oldest known mayfly swarm, dating back to the Early Jurassic period. The finding reveals complex mating-swarm behavior in stem-group mayflies, highlighting the underappreciated ecological significance of insects in ancient ecosystems.
A study by Dr. Anja Weidenmüller reveals that glyphosate affects the collective thermoregulatory capacity of bumblebee colonies, impacting brood development and colony growth. This effect is particularly pronounced in times of resource scarcity, highlighting the need to reassess pesticide approval procedures.
Researchers found that tobacco hawkmoths can identify vital nectar sources and suitable host plants despite a complex odor mixture, with female moths responding strongly to specific floral scents after mating. The study suggests that plant-typical mixing ratios play a crucial role in guiding the moths to the right oviposition sites.
Great Salt Lake wetland plants can accumulate hazardous metal pollution, which can be passed up the food chain to herbivorous insects. This study found high concentrations of lead, mercury, and other metals in plant tissues, threatening terrestrial ecosystems.
A WHO-supported series has collected 13,700 new database records on mosquito-borne diseases, providing valuable resource for studying and containing infectious diseases. The data can be used to train machine-learning models for vector detection and classification, improving global human health.
A growing market for pet insects is driving interest in praying mantis conservation; hobbyists and enthusiasts share valuable knowledge, while also raising concerns about the trade's regulation.
In the species Isodontia harmandi, siblings regularly consume each other to ensure access to their mother's food resources. This unique behavior is observed in communal brood cells, where siblings compete for limited resources.