Articles tagged with Insects
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.
A study by the University of Würzburg found that grasshoppers eat a wide range of plants in cold regions, but are more specialized in temperate habitats. The researchers suggest that this adaptation allows them to survive in extreme climatic conditions.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that climate change is causing the pine beauty moth to shift its range northward 50 years ahead of earlier predictions. The larvae feed on pine needles, and their population size is linked to warmer temperatures and forest health decline.
Researchers found that greater mouse-eared bats imitate the buzzing sound of a stinging insect to avoid predatory owls. The study, published in Current Biology, provides evidence of interspecific mimicry between mammals and insects.
Scientists at UC Riverside demonstrate CRISPR technology can make permanent physical changes in the insect, passed down to three or more generations. The technology may hold promise for controlling the sharpshooter and preventing Pierce's Disease.
Scientists have partnered with park rangers in Ecuador to monitor butterfly populations, which serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity changes over time, addressing the limitations of traditional conservation methods.
A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.
UK wildlife recorders generally welcome newly arrived bird and insect species due to climate change, but have reservations about invasive species that harm native animals. The survey suggests that public opinion plays a crucial role in managing these arrivals, with scientific evidence being a key factor.
A study by Kyoto University reveals that crickets' wings form from the lateral tergum of their wingless ancestors. The researchers used gene knockouts and microsurgery to identify key cell types involved in wing formation.
Researchers found that non-biting midge larvae accumulate pesticides from polluted water and retain them into adulthood. Adult female midges have higher pesticide concentrations than males, which are transferred to their offspring. The study suggests that midges can be a source of pesticides in terrestrial ecosystems.
A new study by University College London (UCL) researchers found that climate change and intensive agricultural land use have already led to a 49% reduction in insect populations in the most impacted parts of the world. Insect declines are linked to rising temperatures and land use changes, with tropical areas seeing the biggest declines.
Researchers at Ohio State University discover that carbon black nanoparticles are fatal to yellow fever mosquito larvae in standing water. The material accumulates on the larvae's head, abdomen, and gut, blocking basic biological functions.
A new study forecasts 1.4 million US street tree deaths from invasive insects by 2050, with the emerald ash borer responsible for most fatalities. Urban diversity can help mitigate this impact, and prioritizing management efforts like quarantining wood products may be necessary.
Scientists are working on understanding the interplay between flaviviruses and mitochondria in hopes of finding new treatment options. By deciphering this process, researchers may be able to find broad-spectrum therapeutic targets for diseases like Zika, dengue, and West Nile.
A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.
Researchers at NC State University developed a new textile crop cover called Plant Armor that can effectively protect plants from insect infestation. The design features a maze-like structure that forces insects to navigate through it, making it difficult for them to reach the plant.
Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University discovered that fruit fly eyes can distinguish six types of global motion patterns generated by self-motion. The T4/T5 cell subtypes directly represent complex motion cues rather than uniform directions, matching the fly's actual behavior closely.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
Research at Clemson University reveals that flowers use UV-absorbing chemicals to create a 'bulls-eye' effect for pollinating insects, aiding survival. Plants adapt to different environments by producing varying amounts of UV-blocking or absorbing chemicals.
A University of Alberta study found that environmentally aware consumers are more inclined to buy insect- or algae-fed chicken if provided with information about its health and environmental benefits. Consumers who received nutrition facts on the packaging were more likely to purchase the alternative product, while those without this i...
Scientists developed a natural antibacterial texture inspired by insect wings, killing up to 70% of bacteria. The innovation aims to reduce food waste, particularly in meat and dairy exports, and extend the shelf life of packaged food.
Researchers found that Chagas trypanosomes change the bacterial community in predatory bugs' intestines, leading to a decrease in diversity and an increase in certain pathogenic bacteria. The study also identified four bacteria species crucial for bug survival, which could be used to develop defensive substances against the parasite.
Researchers found that mosquitoes' odor sensors shut down when forced to produce odor-related proteins, ignoring common insect repellents. This 'expression' process allows mosquitoes to adapt to their surroundings and avoids human scents.
Australian researchers have mapped the visual systems of hoverflies to detect drones' acoustic signatures, showing a 30-49% improvement in detection rates compared to traditional methods. The technology has potential applications for aviation safety and combatting IED-carrying drones.
Researchers discovered that honeybee tongue hairs are hydrophobic, allowing the tongue to bend and reach food in crevices. This unique property enhances durability and flexibility, inspiring design of new materials.
Using insect exoskeletons and feces to promote sustainable crops could enhance plant growth, health and resilience. Insect-rearing byproducts may also act as pest control agents.
Researchers discovered calcification and silicification of insects in Kachin amber, preserving complete compound eyes, cuticle structures, and skin sensillae. The study sheds light on the role of mineralization in preserving fossils and challenges existing views on amber taphonomy.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed an AI method to recognize and detect insect species based on their wingbeats, enabling easier monitoring of biodiversity. The method uses infrared sensors to measure wingbeats and group insects into different species without human input.
Scientists have identified a link between temperature and insect reproduction, finding that cold temperatures slow down reproduction in fruit flies and other insects. This discovery could lead to new control strategies for mosquitoes and agricultural pests, potentially reducing the spread of diseases like malaria.
Female mosquitoes learn to avoid pesticides after a single exposure, allowing them to seek out safer food sources and resting sites. The study found that pre-exposed mosquitoes were more likely to avoid pesticide-treated nets and rest in pesticide-free containers.
A new study identifies at least 16 distinct wasp species previously grouped as one, Ormyrus labotus, which lays eggs in over 65 insect species. The discovery highlights the importance of seeking out hidden diversity and underscores the need for precise identification to understand ecosystem health.
Researchers successfully edited the genomes of black-legged ticks using CRISPR-Cas9, overcoming technical challenges and advancing tick genetic research. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding tick-pathogen-host interactions and developing new approaches to tick-borne disease control.
A new fossil discovery at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has provided a crucial link in understanding how arthropods evolved specialized limbs for breathing. The 520-million-year-old Erratus sperare organism has revealed the origins of biramous limbs, found in modern water-dwelling arthropods.
New research reveals mosquitoes use red and orange colors to detect hosts, influenced by their sense of smell. By filtering out these colors or wearing specific attire, individuals can potentially prevent mosquito bites, reducing the risk of diseases like dengue and Zika.