Article
Entomology
Jai A. Denton, Ivan Koludarov, Michele Thompson, Jaroslaw Bryk, Mariana Velasque
Summary: Global scientific literacy can be enhanced through researchers' engagement with the community, with honeybees proposed as a tool for public engagement due to their cognitive abilities and ease of cultivation. High school students showed that caffeine, but not dopamine, improved honeybee learning, demonstrating the potential for hands-on scientific activities to provide educational value and reliable data on stimuli impacts.
Article
Entomology
Maryse Vanderplanck, Benoit Lapeyre, Sheherazade Lucas, Magali Proffit
Summary: Interactions among organisms in ecological networks, crucial for species biodiversity, are threatened by environmental risks like air pollution. Tropospheric ozone can disrupt plant-pollinator communication, with alarming predicted concentration increases. Direct effects of ozone on pollinator behavior have not been explored, but this study found even low concentrations induced abnormal movement in fig wasps, impacting their recovery chances. These findings suggest ozone can affect pollinator behavior with potential detrimental implications for pollination systems.
Article
Neurosciences
Swati Trisal, Marcia Aranha, Ankita Chodankar, K. VijayRaghavan, Mani Ramaswami
Summary: Habituated animals have the ability to engage with familiar stimuli, and the override of habituation is explained by disinhibition and potentiation of inhibitory inputs. In the case of Drosophila, inhibitory plasticity contributes to olfactory and gustatory habituation. Exposure to a novel stimulus triggers activity in dopaminergic neurons, which can override gustatory habituation. Activation of sensory neurons or tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons can restore the proboscis extension reflex (PER) response to sucrose stimulation. These findings have implications for understanding attentional and sensory override of habituation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanting Xie, Shimin Tao, Bin Pan, Wenhui Yang, Wenpu Shao, Xinyi Fang, Dongyang Han, Jingyu Li, Yubin Zhang, Renjie Chen, Weihua Li, Yanyi Xu, Haidong Kan
Summary: Previous research has shown that the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) can regulate inflammatory responses. This study found that PM2.5 exposure can induce inflammations and the CAP can mitigate these effects. Activation of the CAP reduced inflammatory responses, while inhibition of the CAP worsened pulmonary inflammation. DEP affected the CAP by altering cell balance and polarization in the spleen, and the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor played a role in this pathway. The study suggests that the CAP plays a critical function in mediating PM2.5 exposure-induced inflammatory response.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maxence Gerard, Anahit Amiri, Berenice Cariou, Emily Baird
Summary: Global warming has a significant impact on bee declines, as elevated temperatures impair the cognitive abilities of bees and may explain the reduction in bee populations.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Bin Han, Qiaohong Wei, Fan Wu, Han Hu, Chuan Ma, Lifeng Meng, Xufeng Zhang, Mao Feng, Yu Fang, Olav Rueppell, Jianke Li
Summary: Behavioral specialization is crucial for the success of social insects, and honeybee workers show different response thresholds to task-specific stimuli corresponding to their behavioral phenotypes. Tachykinin signaling plays a functional role in regulating the responsiveness of specialized honeybee workers to specific tasks, suggesting a potential mechanism for controlling behavior in animals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabien Demares, Laetitia Gibert, Pierre Creusot, Benoit Lapeyre, Magali Proffit
Summary: Air pollution caused by human activities has negative effects on the environment and human health. This study focuses on the effects of ozone on honey bees' olfaction and learning memory processes, revealing that ozone exposure can impair honey bees' olfactory perception and learning memory, potentially impacting pollination services in the long term.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yansong Bao, Khalid Mehmood, Saifullah, Muhammad Yaseen, Saad Dahlawi, Muhammad Mohsin Abrar, Muhammad Ajmal Khan, Shah Saud, Khadim Dawar, Shah Fahad, Turki Kh. Faraj
Summary: Electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly reduce atmospheric pollutant emissions, improve air quality, reduce global warming, and enhance human health. Research in this field has focused on applying and optimizing existing technologies to decrease air pollution and mortality rates. There is a need for more comprehensive analysis and the use of cutting-edge technology for long-lasting and sustainable batteries in future studies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Chong-Yu Ko, Yu-Shin Nai, Wei Lo, Chun-Ting Chen, Yue-Wen Chen
Summary: There may be high levels of fluvalinate residue in bee colonies and products, which can negatively affect both larvae and adult honey bee workers. Feeding larvae with sublethal doses of fluvalinate decreases brood-capping, pupation, and eclosion rates, while treating larvae with low doses impairs the olfactory associative behavior of adult bees. These findings suggest that low doses of fluvalinate can have a detrimental effect on the survival conditions of the entire colony.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sagaya John Paul Joseph, Sreekala Kannikulathel Gopidas, Gomathi Gnanam, Sathish Kumar Boopathi, Nagaraj Subramani
Summary: This study focused on terrestrial epiphytic microalgae in different areas of Chennai District and found a significant correlation between members of Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Cyanophyceae with air pollutants. Cluster analysis and other methods identified potential indicator species of microalgae.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ping Chen, Zhi Yuan, Lin Miao, Liyan Yang, Hua Wang, Dexiang Xu, Zhijing Lin
Summary: This study found a short-term association between air quality index (AQI) and cardiorespiratory risk factors, suggesting adverse effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health following air pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nuodi Fu, Moon Keun Kim, Long Huang, Jiying Liu, Bing Chen, Stephen Sharples
Summary: This study conducted experimental and numerical analyses on the influence of outdoor air pollutants levels, infiltration rate, and occupants' behaviours on indoor air quality. It also established a numerical model to validate the research findings.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Ricarda Scheiner, Kayun Lim, Marina D. Meixner, Martin S. Gabel
Summary: This study compared the associative learning performance of six honeybee subspecies from different European regions, with results showing that the Iberian honeybee displayed significantly poorer learning performance. Possible causes for this discrepancy were discussed in the study.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Micaela Buteler, Ethel Villalobos, Andrea Marina Alma, Leonel Silva, Juan Pablo Tomba
Summary: Microplastics from non-woven microfiber wipes used to trap small hive beetles were found to contaminate bees and honey. The study raises concerns about the incorporation of microfibers into the ecosystem and food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Lifei Qiu, Jiangxing Dong, Xingan Li, Sajad H. Parey, Ken Tan, Michael Orr, Aquib Majeed, Xue Zhang, Shiqi Luo, Xuguo Zhou, Chaodong Zhu, Ting Ji, Qingsheng Niu, Shanlin Liu, Xin Zhou
Summary: Despite the lack of strategic action plans for the preservation of the Asian honeybee, this study identified eight putative subspecies of the A. cerana based on genome variations. The study suggests that subspecies boundaries should be determined by evolutionary independence, trait distinction, and geographic isolation. These findings are crucial for developing customized conservation strategies and guiding colony introduction and breeding.
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Elliot B. Webb, Clare McArthur, Laura Woolfenden, Damien P. Higgins, Mark B. Krockenberger, Valentina S. A. Mella
Summary: Providing wildlife with supplementary water can have positive impacts, but potential negative effects such as predation and disease transmission should be assessed. This study found that koalas, brushtail possums, and foxes visited water stations for longer periods during hot, dry weather, indicating benefits for both native and invasive species. However, the presence of pathogens at the water stations, particularly in summer, poses a potential risk of disease transmission.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Holly R. Cope, Clare McArthur, Christopher R. Dickman, Thomas M. Newsome, Rachael Gray, Catherine A. Herbert
Summary: Millions of native animals are rescued and rehabilitated by wildlife rehabilitators worldwide. This study conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis to determine factors associated with the survival of native mammals and birds during rehabilitation and after release. The study found that survival rates varied between locations and certain factors, such as anthropogenic factors and species-specific characteristics, influenced the likelihood of survival. Evidence-based and species-specific protocols are needed to maximize wildlife survival.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
R. Fleck, M. T. Westerhausen, N. Killingsworth, J. Ball, F. R. Torpy, P. J. Irga
Summary: This study describes the performance of the sister buildings Daramu house and International house in Barangaroo, Sydney, with and without a green roof. The results show that the green roof can effectively remediate soluble and particulate trace metal contamination, as well as reduce peak stormwater flow during heavy rainfall events.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Holly R. Cope, Tamara Keeley, Joy Keong, Daniel Smith, Fabiola R. O. Silva, Clare McArthur, Koa N. Webster, Valentina S. A. Mella, Catherine A. Herbert
Summary: This study investigates the physiological responses of native wildlife to novel stimuli during rescue and rehabilitation. The common brushtail possum was used as a species commonly rescued for rehabilitation. The study highlights the changes in faecal glucocorticoid metabolites during captivity and rehabilitation in injured and orphaned possums, and identifies events that can induce physiological responses in some individuals.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Peter J. Irga, Robert Fleck, Ekaterina Arsenteva, Fraser R. Torpy
Summary: Green roofs are known for their ability to reduce air pollution. This study presents the longest in-situ air quality monitoring on an Australian green roof, showing that it can lower the concentrations of ozone and nitrogen dioxide compared to a conventional roof. However, its removal efficiency for particulate matter is lower.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Casey L. L. Taylor, Siobhon L. L. Egan, Alexander W. W. Gofton, Peter J. J. Irwin, Charlotte L. L. Oskam, Dieter F. F. Hochuli, Peter B. B. Banks
Summary: Little is known about which native and introduced small mammals maintain tick populations in urban landscapes of Australia, preventing host-targeted tick management and leading to human-wildlife conflict. This study found that introduced black rats and long-nosed bandicoots are the main hosts for urban tick populations and medically significant tick species.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kyla Chloe Johnstone, Clare McArthur, Peter Bruce Banks
Summary: For monitoring endangered species, representative sampling is vital. Existing methods only gather data from trappable and re-trappable individuals, posing challenges for small or vulnerable populations. Understanding biases can lead to improved survey methods and more reliable data.
Article
Plant Sciences
Laura Dominici, Elena Comino, Fraser Torpy, Peter Irga
Summary: Due to the shortage of urban space, vertical greening systems are increasingly popular. This study explores low-cost vertical greening systems and provides design suggestions through a star rating system to encourage community-scale implementation of DIY vertical greening.
Article
Entomology
Caitlyn Y. Forster, Faelan Mourmourakis, Dieter F. Hochuli, Thomas E. White, Tanya Latty, Rosalyn Gloag
Summary: The floral choice of bees is influenced by their previous experience with flowers. However, this study found that the stingless bee Tetragonula carbonaria's floral choice is not influenced by the color similarity to high-quality neighboring flowers.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peter J. J. Irga, Fraser R. R. Torpy, Daniel Griffin, Sara J. J. Wilkinson
Summary: Vertical greening systems (VGSs) are an emerging technology in building-integrated horticulture that can help address the global issues of urbanization and climate change. This paper aims to review existing VGS technologies, analyze their impact on sustainable development, and propose a new VGS design that maximizes the benefits of installing a VGS.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Casey L. Taylor, Henry W. Lydecker, Dieter F. Hochuli, Peter B. Banks
Summary: Zoonotic disease vectors, their wildlife hosts, and the surrounding landscape interact in complex ways that vary spatially, temporally and with anthropogenic change. A study in peri-urban areas of Australia investigated the drivers of human-tick encounters at both the local and landscape scales. The results showed that sightings of potential hosts and broader landscape traits were important predictors of reported tick encounters. These findings provide a critical foundation for further research and tick management strategies in urban environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ashley N. J. Douglas, Peter J. J. Irga, Fraser R. R. Torpy
Summary: Globally, rapid urbanisation has a significant impact on urban air quality. Urban forestry is proposed as a means of reducing airborne pollutants, but limited studies have assessed the relationship between land-use types, including urban forestry, and air pollution on a city scale. This study investigated the spatial relationships between air pollutant concentrations and different land uses and land covers in a major city. The findings support the capabilities of urban forestry to mitigate air pollution across a city-wide scale.
Article
Entomology
C. Y. Forster, E. J. T. Middleton, R. Gloag, D. F. Hochuli, T. E. White, T. Latty
Summary: The presence of empty flowers may not directly impact foraging preferences in bees, but it can have an impact on visitation within patches and in the surrounding area, with possible knock-on effects for the pollination of both the emptied flower and neighboring plants.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camilo Ordonez, Caragh G. Threlfall, Dave Kendal, Jess Baumann, Cherese Sonkkila, Dieter F. Hochuli, Rodney van der Ree, Richard A. Fuller, Melanie Davern, Kelly Herzog, Alex English, Stephen J. Livesley
Summary: This study experimentally quantifies the benefits of urban trees on humans and wildlife by taking advantage of scheduled tree removals. The results demonstrate that the removal of trees in urban parks led to a decrease in bird and possum abundance, an increase in invertebrate predation, and a decrease in people's perception of the importance of trees.
Article
Ecology
Casey L. Taylor, Dieter F. Hochuli, Peter B. Banks
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the activity patterns and behaviors of small mammals in the urban fringe of Australia. It found that black rats were the most active in residential yards, while long-nosed bandicoots preferred bushland habitats. Residential yards are likely to be important for the persistence of long-nosed bandicoots in urban environments. It is important to control black rat activity in residential yards located adjacent to bushland to avoid negative impacts.