Article
Food Science & Technology
Miriam Hernandez-Jimenez, Maria Inmaculada Gonzalez-Martin, Ivan Martinez-Martin, Isabel Revilla, Ana Maria Vivar-Quintana
Summary: This study explores the application of NIR for predicting stable isotopes and fatty acid composition in Iberian pigs, showing significant correlations and differentiation potential between samples from different feeding regimes.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jon D. Richey, Lee Nordt, Joseph D. White, Daniel O. Breecker
Summary: This study compiled and updated a database of terrestrial plant organic carbon isotope data, revealing a gradual decrease in carbon isotope ratios of plant material from the Mesozoic to the Cenozoic. Comparisons with marine carbonate carbon isotope ratios and atmospheric CO2 carbon isotope ratios showed both correspondence and divergence, indicating the presence of major carbon cycle and/or climatic events. A key finding is an increased discrimination in both plant organic carbon and atmospheric CO2 carbon isotope records starting from the Miocene Climatic Optimum.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Anders Persson
Summary: This study investigates the prospects of using emissions from a microplasma source to measure the C-13/C-12 isotope ratio in CO2. The study reveals that the visible emission spectrum can be used to quantify the abundance of C-12 and C-13 in the sample, but further improvements in precision and accuracy are needed for most scientific applications.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tobias Hesse, Milen Nachev, Shaista Khaliq, Maik A. Jochmann, Frederik Franke, Joern P. Scharsack, Joachim Kurtz, Bernd Sures, Torsten C. Schmidt
Summary: Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool for studying nutrient origin and conversion in host-parasite systems. In a controlled infection experiment, the carbon isotope composition of amino acids and glucose in the cestode Schistocephalus solidus and in its second intermediate host was measured over a period of 90 days. The results provide insights into the nutrient assimilation and metabolism of the parasite.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
John B. Hopkins III, Cheryl A. Frederick, Derek Yorks, Erik Pollock, Matthew W. H. Chatfield
Summary: This study developed a predictive model based on stable isotopes to classify confiscated wood turtles as wild or captive. The researchers found distinct isotopic differences between wild and captive wood turtles and achieved a high accuracy rate in classifying them. This research is significant in combating wildlife trafficking and conservation efforts.
Article
Soil Science
Guangyu Zhu, Zhouping Shangguan, Lei Deng
Summary: In this study, the dynamics of soil aggregate associated organic carbon (OC) following temperate natural forest development in China were investigated. It was found that different soil depths showed varying trends in OC changes, and factors such as land use change, soil particle characteristics, plant diversity, and C:N ratio had significant impacts on SOC stocks, rate of total SOC increase, and decomposition rate constants.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sonia Valladares, Miquel Planas
Summary: Stable isotopes were used to assess the assimilation of food in early juvenile seahorses reared under two feeding conditions, with copepods being more efficiently assimilated than Artemia. The stable carbon isotopes could trace the consumption and assimilation of preys by juvenile seahorses, offering insights into nutrient processes and ontogeny in the early life stages of the species. The study highlights the importance of nutrient assimilation in the initial survival and growth of juvenile seahorses.
Article
Ecology
Nathan Wolf, T. Scott Smeltz, Craig Cook, Carlos Martinez del Rio
Summary: This study assessed the relative use of feeder and flower nectar by Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds using the delta C-13 values of exhaled CO2. The results showed variability in the contribution of the two dietary sources within and among species and timescales, with most birds using a mixture of feeder and flower sugars as fuel sources. This diversity in resource use may help mitigate potential negative effects of supplemental feeding on hummingbirds and their plant symbionts.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Maria-Theresia Verwega, Christopher J. Somes, Markus Schartau, Robyn Elizabeth Tuerena, Anne Lorrain, Andreas Oschlies, Thomas Slawig
Summary: Observations of marine particulate organic carbon stable isotope ratios are crucial for understanding carbon cycling, but the interpretation is complicated by phytoplankton photosynthesis. By collecting and homogenizing a large dataset, insights into the temporal and spatial distribution of marine δ C-13(POC) can be gained, revealing varying trends across different ocean basins.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Andrew C. Smith, Melanie J. Leng, Suzanne McGowan, Virginia N. Panizzo, Thi Thu Trang Ngo, Thi Nguyet Minh Luu, Ioannis Matiatos, Thu Nga Do, Thi Thao Ta, Anh Duc Trinh
Summary: Anthropogenic activities have caused nitrate pollution and changes in the metabolic state of aquatic ecosystems in the Red River delta, Vietnam. Soil leachate, domestic waste, and agricultural fertilizers were identified as the main sources of nitrate. The delta's geographical location and seasonal changes affect the relative impact of each source. Low dissolved oxygen saturation in the river system is a concern due to high nitrate loads and inputs of organic matter from untreated waste.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Robotics
Anthony E. Scibelli, Cassandra M. Donatelli, Ben K. Tidswell, Micah R. Payton, Eric D. Tytell, Barry A. Trimmer
Summary: MONOLITh is a bioinspired, untethered crawling soft robot, made from lightweight reticulated foam material. It uses tendons and differential friction elements for locomotion, and can lift 100% of its body weight. The design principles and materials used in this robot are expected to contribute to the development of affordable and scalable terrestrial or extraterrestrial vehicles.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Irmak Kurtul, Ali Serhan Tarkan, J. Robert Britton
Summary: Non-lethal sampling methods can be used for trophic studies on inshore flatfish populations of high value. Fin tissue and epidermal mucus can serve as alternatives to muscle for stable isotope analysis. Differences in isotopic values can be predicted and converted using linear regression. These tissue alternatives allow for non-lethal sampling and analysis of flatfish populations.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas A. Langer, Kyle D. Zimmer, Brian R. Herwig, William O. Hobbs, James B. Cotner
Summary: Biogeochemistry patterns in shallow lakes are influenced by both in-lake factors and watershed-level factors. The relative importance of these factors is not well understood. A study in Minnesota, USA demonstrated that lake size had the strongest influence on fish δC-13 ratios, while all agriculture in watersheds influenced fish δN-15 ratios. Water column TN and TP concentrations were influenced by the in-lake factor of ecosystem state, with lower concentrations in the clear state. Land use did not have a significant effect on TN or TP concentrations, likely due to the masking effect of ecosystem state.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Rafael Ma Navarro-Cerrillo, Antonio M. Cachinero-Vivar, Francisco J. Ruiz-Gomez, J. Julio Camarero, Jose A. Gonzalez-Perez, Oscar Perez-Priego
Summary: Increasing droughts are causing forest dieback and growth decline worldwide. This study investigated the response of natural and planted pine forests to droughts using dendrochronological data and stable isotopes. The results showed contrasting resilience patterns among forest types and species, suggesting the importance of considering forest type in assessing the vulnerability of pine forests to climate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lena K. Champlin, Andrea Woolfolk, Autumn J. Oczkowski, Audrey Rittenhouse, Andrew B. Gray, Kerstin Wasson, Farzana I. Rahman, Paula Zelanko, Nadine B. Quintana Krupinski, Rikke Jeppesen, John Haskins, Elizabeth B. Watson
Summary: This study reconstructs the spatial and temporal changes in nutrient dynamics in the Elkhorn Slough estuary using historical sediment core isotope data. The results show significant shifts and increases in nutrient inputs, and attribute the increase in nutrient loads during the 20th century to increased fertilizer application.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Shahar Dubiner, Nitzan Cohen, Mika Volov, Abraham Hefetz, Rya Seltzer, Eran Levin
Summary: The parasitoid Sphecophaga orientalis targets the pupae of Oriental hornets and is able to evade detection and aggression from the host by using oleic acid and rose oxide compounds in its body, which make the host consider it as refuse and repel aggressive workers. The chemical composition of the parasitoid differs significantly from that of the host workers, allowing it to survive within the host colony without being aggressed.
Article
Ecology
Tali Magory Cohen, Yosef Kiat, Haggai Sharon, Eran Levin, Adam Algar
Summary: The study found a correlation between ambient temperature and patterns of separation among males and females, with temperature negatively correlated with the proportion of males in bats and birds. The variance in the data that was not explained by elevation and latitude was accounted for by geographical separation and temperature. This suggests that females prefer higher ambient temperatures, a phenomenon termed as differential sex-related thermal preference (DSTP), which may play a significant role in shaping animal dispersal, sociality, and behavior.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Tomer Urca, Eran Levin, Gal Ribak
Summary: The study successfully measured the flight metabolic rate of insects using the "isotopic C-13 Na-bicarbonate" method, achieving a 90% accuracy compared to respirometry. The method can measure MR during free flight and tethered flight, and demonstrates the ability to repeatedly use the technique on the same individual.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Hagai Y. Shpigler, Tali Magory Cohen, Einat Ben-Shimol, Roi Ben-Betzalel, Eran Levin
Summary: Juvenile hormone (JH) can accelerate metabolic rate in bumble bees, leading to increased food consumption and protein turnover. Its effects on queens also include reducing flight muscle mass and lipid levels, as well as decreasing diapause survival.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Levona Bodner, Sofia Bouchebti, Eran Levin
Summary: The study investigates the metabolism of leucine, glycine, and proline in Oriental hornet foragers, showing that proline is primarily used as a metabolic fuel while glycine and leucine are incorporated into various tissues as well as being used for energy, mostly during rest. The findings highlight the compatibility between the hornet's metabolic needs and amino acid utilization in different body tissues.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Tomer Urca, Eran Levin, Gal Ribak
Summary: Rose chafer beetles are both pollinators and agricultural pests. Their flight efficiency is around 10.4%, with larger individuals having higher efficiency. The transition from a pollen diet to a fruit diet in the summer may affect their energy budget for foraging. The high cost of aerial locomotion explains their short flight bouts and prolonged feeding activity.
Article
Ecology
Mika Volov, Nitzan Cohen, Levona Bodner, Shahar Dubiner, Abraham Hefetz, Sofia Bouchebti, Eran Levin
Summary: The specific lipid composition of hornet bodies is highly regulated and deficient in essential PUFA, even under different climates or high Omega-3 or Omega-6 PUFA diets. The study found that environmental temperature affects hornet colonies' thermal environments, but the hornets do maintain their colony temperature within a narrow range. Different caste of hornets showed differences in unsaturation levels of body lipids, with gynes and males containing less unsaturated lipids than workers.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Levona Bodner, Sofia Bouchebti, Omar Watted, Rya Seltzer, Ariel Drabkin, Eran Levin
Summary: The study found that male Oriental hornets cannot digest protein and rely entirely on larval secretions for their nutrition, while adult workers can metabolize protein independently. Additionally, larval secretions contribute significantly to the protein uptake of both males and workers, playing a key role in maintaining the social structure of the hornet colony.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sofia Bouchebti, Levona Bodner, Maya Bergman, Tali Magory Cohen, Eran Levin
Summary: This study investigates the effect of three dietary amino acids on the physiology and nest construction behavior of the Oriental hornet. The results show that high concentrations of beta-alanine and GABA have deleterious effects on the hornets' lifespan and construction behavior, while proline has a similar but milder effect. At low concentrations, these amino acids do not affect hornet survival but slow down the nest construction process. Moreover, beta-alanine is stored in various body tissues after consumption.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Nitzan Cohen, Mika Volov, Levona Bodner, Sofia Bouchebti, Eran Levin
Summary: Temperature and precipitation have a significant impact on the distribution and body size of insects, with the Oriental hornet's standard metabolic rate and diapause metabolic rate varying between different climatic regions in Israel's Great Rift Valley. The differences in physiological responses may reflect adaptations to specific environmental conditions and seasons.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sofia Bouchebti, Levona Bodner, Eran Levin
Summary: Nutritional exchanges play a fundamental role in the evolution of animal societies. Hornets and wasps maintain social cohesion through the continuous cycle of nectar nutrients, and they also have important ecological functions as pollinators in natural ecosystems.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Tomer Urca, Eran Levin, Eran Gefen, Gal Ribak
Summary: The scaling of flight metabolic rate with body mass in free-flying insects is investigated in this study. A C-13 stable isotope method was used to study the relationship between metabolic rate and body mass in the beetle Batocera rufomaculata. The results show that flight metabolic rate scales with body mass to the power of 0.57, and smaller individuals have higher mass-specific flight metabolic rate compared to larger ones. The energy expenditure during free-flight is more than 2.7 fold higher than for tethered-flight, suggesting that the metabolic cost of flight should be studied under free-flight conditions.
Article
Ecology
Shahar Dubiner, Simon Jamison, Shai Meiri, Eran Levin
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Rya Seltzer, Adi Domer, Sofia Bouchebti, Ariel Drabkin, Eran Levin
Summary: Pollen serves as an important source of protein and lipids for insects, but the digestibility and absorption of different fatty acids by bees remain poorly understood. This study found that the absorption efficiency and allocation of certain fatty acids differ in bumble bees, impacting their utilization. This research highlights the importance of considering the digestibility and absorption of different fatty acids, and raises questions about the influence of pollen lipid composition on the nutritional content for pollinators.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shivang Parikh, Roma Parikh, Keren Michael, Lior Bikovski, Georgina Barnabas, Mariya Mardamshina, Rina Hemi, Paulee Manich, Nir Goldstein, Hagar Malcov-Brog, Tom Ben-Dov, Ohad Glaich, Daphna Liber, Yael Bornstein, Koral Goltseker, Roy Ben-Bezalel, Mor Pavlovsky, Tamar Golan, Liron Spitzer, Hagit Matz, Pinchas Gonen, Ruth Percik, Lior Leibou, Tomer Perluk, Gil Ast, Jacob Frand, Ronen Brenner, Tamar Ziv, Mehdi Khaled, Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu, Segev Barak, Orit Karnieli-Miller, Eran Levin, Yftach Gepner, Ram Weiss, Paul Pfluger, Aron Weller, Carmit Levy
Summary: Ultraviolet exposure on the skin increases food intake and body weight in males, but not in females. This sexual dimorphism is mediated by the expression of ghrelin in skin adipocytes. These findings highlight the significant metabolic differences between males and females and the important role of the skin in energy homeostasis. Furthermore, this research may lead to potential sex-based treatments for endocrine-related diseases.
