Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhen-Tian Yan, Zhen-Huai Fan, Shu-Lin He, Xue-Qian Wang, Bin Chen, Si-Te Luo
Summary: This study analyzed the mitochondrial genomes of Nymphalidae butterflies and revealed their gene features and phylogenetic relationships. It provides a foundation for future studies on population genetics and phylogenetic relationships within this family.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiaoqiao Xiao, Zhongqiu Li, Mengmeng Qu, Wenying Xu, Zhen Su, Jiaotong Yang
Summary: Lonicera japonica, a traditional Chinese herb, has had its genome decoded and a database named LjaFGD constructed for analyzing gene function, providing researchers with a reliable platform for further biological discovery through gene co-expression network analysis.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiedong Hu, Kaihui Li, Chengjun Deng, Yanming Gong, Yanyan Liu, Lei Wang
Summary: The semiparasitic weed Pedicularis kansuensis Maxim. has rapidly spread in the alpine grasslands of northern China over the past twenty years and has caused serious ecological problems. Thorough understanding of the dormancy type and seed-germination ecology of P. kansuensis is required to effectively halt the spread of this weed. The study found that the dormancy type of P. kansuensis seeds is non-deep physiological dormancy, and the findings will help in paving the way for the creation of effective weed management strategies based on a thorough knowledge of germination ecology.
Article
Plant Sciences
Natsumi Masumoto, Yuki Suzuki, Songkui Cui, Mayumi Wakazaki, Mayuko Sato, Kie Kumaishi, Arisa Shibata, Kaori M. Furuta, Yasunori Ichihashi, Ken Shirasu, Kiminori Toyooka, Yoshinobu Sato, Satoko Yoshida
Summary: This study reconstructed the haustoria of two Orobanchaceae species, revealing the spatial arrangement of multiple cell types inside the haustoria and their interaction with host roots. The 3-D internal structures of the haustoria highlighted differences between the two parasites, providing insights into haustorium function.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wentao Yu, Man Luo, Huan Wu, Yayun Yu, Junmao Li, Minzhen He, Yunlin Feng, Shilin Yang, Wugang Zhang, Min Yao
Summary: This study compared the chemical constituents of P. flava and P. muscicola and determined that P. flava is more suitable for use as 'LuRu'. P. flava showed higher content of active components and better biological activities compared to P. muscicola. Mixing the two herbs should be avoided in clinical medication.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jinqian Yu, Kai Wang, Hengqiang Zhao, Long Chen, Xiao Wang
Summary: Six new compounds were identified from the leaves of Lonicera japonica, including one pair of configurational isomers with remarkable antioxidative activity.
Article
Remote Sensing
Wuhua Wang, Jiakui Tang, Na Zhang, Xuefeng Xu, Anan Zhang, Yanjiao Wang
Summary: This paper proposes an automated detection method based on UAV images to extract Pedicularis and reveal its spatial distribution. The results show that multi-class classifiers have better accuracy than one-class classifiers, and the PUL algorithm achieves the highest F score. Additionally, the green band is crucial for extracting Pedicularis.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yu Zhang, Li Cui, Yizeng Lu, Jixiang He, Hidayat Hussain, Lei Xie, Xuan Sun, Zhaoqing Meng, Guiyun Cao, Dawei Qin, Daijie Wang
Summary: The present study successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles (LLJ-AgNPs) using L. japonica leaves as a reducing agent, and characterized their physicochemical properties. The LLJ-AgNPs exhibited excellent antioxidant properties, antibacterial properties, and anticancer potential.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jasna Hodzic, Ian Pearse, Evelyn M. Beaury, Jeffrey D. Corbin, Jonathan D. Bakker
Summary: Root hemiparasitic plants have a significant impact on plant community structure, but do not affect community richness. Hemiparasite abundance is positively associated with evenness of herbaceous species, but not species richness. Hemiparasites play a crucial role in mediating competitive exclusion for species coexistence.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Glyn Howatson, Gemma C. Snaith, Rachel Kimble, Gavin Cowper, Karen M. Keane
Summary: This study found that consuming Haskap berries can improve endurance running performance in athletes, including increasing time to exhaustion during (V) over dotO(2peak) testing and improving performance in a 5 km time trial.
Article
Plant Sciences
Elizabeth Rubio-Rodriguez, Ileana Vera-Reyes, Aida Araceli Rodriguez-Hernandez, Alma Rosa Lopez-Laredo, Ana C. Ramos-Valdivia, Gabriela Trejo-Tapia
Summary: Single or mixed elicitation with salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide can stimulate specialized metabolism and activate oxidative stress in C. tenuiflora plants. Mixed elicitation with salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide significantly increased total phenolic content, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and accumulation of specialized metabolites.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jian-liang Geng, Hai-bo Li, Wen-jun Liu, Zhen-zhong Wang, Wen Ge, Wei Xiao
Summary: Two new chemical constituents, japopenoid D and japopenoid E, were isolated from the flower buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb. One of the compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by reducing PGE(2) and IL-6 levels in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haining Li, Yanming Gong, Fei Fang, Kaihui Li, Yanyan Liu
Summary: This study investigated the changes in invasive plant population characteristics under different nutrient addition treatments using the native invasive species Pedicularis kansuensis. The results showed that nitrogen addition effectively inhibited the growth and development of P. kansuensis, while phosphorus addition had no significant effect on its invasive characteristics.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xin Wang, Yu Luo, Rui Ma, Zhili Wang, Shiyou Yu, Chenchen Li, Chunran Han
Summary: Fluorescence spectroscopy, particle size determination, and potential analysis were used to investigate the effect of Lonicera edulis polysaccharide on polyphenol protein. The results showed that Lonicera edulis polysaccharides mediated the binding of polyphenols and proteins through competition and formation of ternary complexes, and also improved the stability of the polyphenol-protein complex solution system.
APPLIED BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lu-Xi Lu, Xiao-Liang Wang, Shu-Liang Li, Yao Tang, Xian-Min Mai
Summary: In order to reduce heating energy consumption and operating costs in winter, it is necessary to improve building insulation performance. In Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, there is a unique filling material called lonicera rupicola grass that is widely used for thermal insulation of buildings. However, its thermal performance has not yet been determined. This study determines the thermal conductivity of different lonicera rupicola samples with various densities and compares its thermal performance with that of other common building materials in the Tibetan areas. The experimental results show that lonicera rupicola grass has a very low thermal conductivity which improves with increasing packing density. In addition, as a locally and widely available plant, lonicera rupicola can be obtained at minimal cost. Therefore, it has the advantage of saving energy, reducing costs, and protecting the environment as a green and ecological building material for floors and roofs.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nonno Hasegawa, Maeva Techer, Alexander S. Mikheyev
Summary: This study developed methods for preserving Varroa DNA and RNA from the field to the lab and processing them into sequencing libraries. Preservation in ethanol successfully protected Varroa DNA and RNA, providing a simple and cost-effective method.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Alejandro Reyes-Bermudez, Michio Hidaka, Alexander Mikheyev
Summary: The study reported the gene expression profiles of cultured coral cells initiated from Acropora digitifera tip fragments, focusing on regulatory gene networks underlying pluripotency and differentiation. The cultured cells were found to be synthesizing protein, differentiating, and proliferating.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia H. Wepfer, Yuichi Nakajima, Makamas Sutthacheep, Veronica Z. Radice, Zoe Richards, Put Ang, Tullia Terraneo, Atsushi Fujimura, Robert J. Toonen, Alexander S. Mikheyev, Satoshi Mitarai, Evan P. Economo
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michael C. Singer, Camille Parmesan
Summary: As species' poleward range limits expand under climate change, generalists are expected to expand their ranges faster than specialists. Through long-term studies, it has been found that colonization events can lead to an increase in diet breadth as a result of preference diversification among individuals, potentially caused by cryptic genetic variation or host shifts. Range expansions can lead to increases in population-level diet breadths and may drive specialization, influencing the persistence of populations at expanding range margins.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Camille Parmesan, Michael C. Singer
Summary: Studies on birds and trees have shown that climatic stresses are distributed within species' ranges, not just at the limits of their ranges. This study on the butterfly Euphydryas editha reveals that geographic mosaics of natural selection cause some central populations to evolve to the limits of climatic tolerance, while others remain resilient. The findings have important implications for conservation planning, as adaptive evolution can reduce population-level resilience to climate change.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gladys Barragan-Jason, Claire de Mazancourt, Camille Parmesan, Michael C. Singer, Michel Loreau
Summary: The study shows a positive correlation between high levels of human-nature connectedness (HNC) and pro-nature behaviors, as well as better health outcomes. Additionally, interventions involving contact with nature and mindfulness practices lead to significant increases in HNC.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kumar P. Mainali, Eric Slud, Michael C. Singer, William F. Fagan
Summary: This study proposes an index alpha that is insensitive to the prevalences of entities and demonstrates its effectiveness through reanalyzing published datasets. The use of alpha instead of traditional co-occurrence indices leads to significantly different biological inferences.
Article
Ecology
Melanie R. Smee, Tory A. Hendry
Summary: Research has shown that pea aphids can sometimes promote the epiphytic growth of Pseudomonas syringae, but the bacteria may not benefit from using aphids as hosts. Additionally, the influence of aphids on bacterial populations is correlated with the initial population densities.
AMERICAN NATURALIST
(2022)
Article
Biology
Maren Wellenreuther, Rachael Y. Dudaniec, Anika Neu, Jean-Philippe Lessard, Jon Bridle, Jose A. Carbonell, Sarah E. Diamond, Katie E. Marshall, Camille Parmesan, Michael C. Singer, Janne Swaegers, Chris D. Thomas, Lesley T. Lancaster
Summary: Evolutionary change plays a significant role in the expansion or contraction of geographic ranges for insect pests, pollinators, or disease vectors. However, these effects are often overlooked in management efforts. Improved study design, innovative technologies, and comprehensive approaches are needed to understand the causes and consequences of ecoevolutionary dynamics in insect range shifts. Future efforts should incorporate demographic and evolutionary changes in forecasts and develop management strategies that maximize or minimize the adaptive potential of range-shifting insects, benefiting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Kalle Tunstrom, Christopher W. Wheat, Camille Parmesan, Michael C. Singer, Alexander S. Mikheyev
Summary: In this study, a highly contiguous and complete assembly of the E. editha genome was generated using a combination of genomic technologies, providing valuable resources for studying the genetic basis of adaptive responses to environmental change.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Gladys Barragan-Jason, Michel Loreau, Claire de Mazancourt, Michael C. Singer, Camille Parmesan
Summary: Despite the numerous benefits that the connectedness of humans with nature brings, health and conservation policymakers have not fully taken these benefits into consideration. There is a lack of comprehensive overview due to scattered studies across various disciplines. This systematic review focused on recent meta-analyses and found consistent conclusions, indicating that both physical and psychological connection with nature have positive impacts on human well-being and attitudes towards nature conservation.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camille Parmesan, Michael C. Singer, Brian Wee, Sasha Mikheyev
Summary: Climate change reinvigorates debates on the relative roles of taxonomic, genetic, and phenetic criteria in conservation prioritization and the role of hybrids in biodiversity assessments. Rapid climate change requires a shift in conservation prioritization towards selecting populations with appropriate phenotypes for climate adaptation and preferences for host and habitat. The example of a climate-sensitive butterfly, Euphydryas editha, illustrates the importance of considering evolutionary preferences and the potential for hybridization in conservation efforts.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kumar Mainali, Subodh Adhikari, Sushila Shrestha, Michael C. Singer, Joseph White, Camille Parmesan
Summary: As plant species expand their distribution under global warming, Rhododendron campanulatum encountered novel conditions when expanding its elevational range limit in the Eastern Himalayas. Contrary to expectation, plants at a lower elevation experienced colder temperatures and longer snow cover compared to conspecifics at treeline, likely explaining the smaller leaves at treeline. Survival was reduced more by downslope movement, potentially due to extreme cold temperatures at treeline in spring. Species at the elevational limit displayed asymmetric adaptation, being more tolerant of extremes in the growing season but less in winter and early mid-spring.