Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Linda Nordling
Summary: The viral disease is commonly spread across the continent, yet many countries lack the necessary resources to increase public awareness and provide treatment for patients.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Isabelle R. S. Cordeiro, Maria Elina Bichuette, Felipe F. F. Moreira
Summary: Spelaeometra hypogea is a newly described troglobitic insect, distinguished from Spelaeometra gruta by its body color, antenna length, and features of the labial segments and genitalia.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hamid Moazzeni, Mohammad Mahmoodi, Mohammad Jafari, Gerald M. Schneeweiss, Jalil Noroozi
Summary: Although the mountains in South-West Asia are a global biodiversity hotspot, the biodiversity in the alpine and subnival zones is still poorly understood. This study analyzed morphological and molecular data to reveal the restricted distribution of Aethionema umbellatum in southwestern Iran, while populations from central and western Iran belong to new species, A. alpinum and A. zagricum, respectively. The study emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts in the poorly known alpine flora of the Irano-Anatolian region.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Lubos Hrivniak, Michel Sartori, Pavel Sroka, Jindriska Bojkova
Summary: Two new species from Grande Terre Island, New Caledonia - Fasciamirus petersorum and Simulacala rara - are described based on larval morphology and molecular data. Fasciamirus petersorum is distributed in the southern part of the island and characterized by reduced labial palps and divided abdominal gills. Simulacala rara is known from a single locality in the northern part of the island and characterized by elongated abdominal gills. Both species were found only in areas with ultramafic bedrock.
Article
Plant Sciences
Brian A. Atkinson
Summary: Today, asterids, a group of flowering plants, consist of over 80,000 species. However, little is known about the early diversification of this group, especially the lamiid clade which constitutes half of the asterid diversity. By studying a fossil fruit from western North America, researchers have discovered evidence suggesting that lamiids diverged at least 80 million years ago, providing insights into potential Cretaceous rainforest-like ecosystems.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nalin N. Wijayawardene, Lakmali S. Dissanayake, Dong-Qi Dai, Qi-Rui Li, Yuanpin Xiao, Ting-Chi Wen, Samantha C. Karunarathna, Hai-Xia Wu, Huang Zhang, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Ji-Chuan Kang, Yong Wang, Xiang-Chun Shen, Li-Zhou Tang, Chun-Ying Deng, Yanxia Liu, Yingqian Kang
Summary: Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces in Southwestern China are well-known for their biodiversity. This study introduces two new species and six new records, providing full descriptions, color photographs, and phylogenetic trees to indicate the placements of the new species.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sangeeta Hazarika, Pobitra Borah, Pran Kishore Deb, Katharigatta N. Venugopala, Siva Hemalatha
Summary: Icacinaceae, a plant family with 35 genera and 212 species, is widely distributed in tropical regions and includes trees, shrubs, and lianas. Despite its importance in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, it has received little attention from the scientific community. It is considered a potential resource for treating ovarian and metastatic colorectal cancer. The objective of this review is to compile and popularize information on this family to promote further exploration and scientific recognition.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Paulina Strzyz
Summary: Research shows that the stiffness of the extracellular matrix can regulate microtubule posttranslational modification through glutamylation, thereby influencing microtubule dynamics and cell invasiveness.
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Zachee Louis Evariste Akissi, Abdulmagid Alabdul Magid, Akoua Philomene Kouassi-Yao, Nangouban Ouattara, Jean-Michel Kouame Koffi, Laurence Voutquenne-Nazabadioko
Summary: Fourteen undescribed compounds, including five new neoclerodanes (1-5), three labdanes (12-14), three pimarane derivatives (15-17), one carbamate (24), and two clovamide-type amides (25 and 26), along with twenty-two known compounds (6-11, 18-23, and 27-36), were isolated from the tuber and stem of Icacina mannii. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS data analysis, and comparison with literature NMR data.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jose J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, Melanie L. J. Stiassny, Raoul J. C. Monsembula Iyaba, Tobit L. D. Liyandja
Summary: The ichthyofauna of the Lulua River in central Africa is poorly documented, but a recent study has significantly increased our knowledge by reporting 201 species, with 129 of them being recorded for the first time. The Lulua is recognized as a hotspot of ichthyofaunal diversity and faces threats from various human activities, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and sustainable development in the region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sadegh Yari, Volker Mohrholz, Mohammad Hadi Bordbar
Summary: The surface wind field over the Peruvian upwelling system has shown strong seasonal to decadal fluctuations over the past seven decades. These fluctuations are influenced by interannual variations related to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and decadal variations related to the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). The sea surface temperature in the Humboldt Upwelling System is closely connected to local wind stress and wind stress curl. An asymmetric response of local wind to ENSO cycles is observed.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Felix Faltner, Johannes Wessely, Bozo Frajman
Summary: The Mediterranean Basin is home to a diverse range of plant species, including the endangered Euphorbia orphanidis. Our study focused on the distribution and phylogenetic origin of E. orphanidis, finding it to be restricted to a few patches of limestone screes in Mt. Parnassos, Greece. We also highlight the role of microrelief in shaping the distribution patterns of plants in the Mediterranean Basin.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qi Qin, Yubing Yang, Xinyun Lv, Youwei Zuo, Changying Xia, Hongping Deng
Summary: Pleione xiushanensis, a new orchid plant from China, is described based on morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses. It is similar to P. bulbocodioides and P. pleionoides but differs in the characteristics of its lip. Phylogenomic evidence shows that P. xiushanensis is closely related to P. jinhuana.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benjamin Plackett
Summary: Sickle-cell disease is prevalent in the Middle East, with 2.6% of the population in some areas affected by this genetic disorder. Adlette Inati, a specialist in clinical haematology at the Lebanese American University, and president of a foundation supporting sickle-cell disease patients in Lebanon, discusses the potential benefits of genetic screening in this region.
Article
Zoology
Trine Rosenmejer, Henrik Enghoff
Summary: A new large species of the millipede genus Prionopetalum, P. nessiae sp. nov., was described from Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, with SEM imaging and illustrations provided. The study also includes comments on the significance of sternum 9 in Odontopygidae descriptions and on intrageneric differences in Prionopetalum.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeremie Morel, Gilles Le Moguedec, Jerome Munzinger
Summary: Xyridaceae in New Caledonia is represented only by the genus Xyris, with three endemic species identified. Through in-depth analysis of 129 herbarium specimens and anatomical studies, three well-differentiated species-level units were validated, paving the way for a taxonomic revision of Xyris in New Caledonia. All species in New Caledonia belong to Xyris section Pomatoxyris, indicating a non-endemic status to Australia.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeremie Morel, Jerome Duminil, Jerome Munzinger
Summary: A new genus of Gesneriaceae, Bopopia Munzinger & J.R.Morel gen. nov., was discovered in New Caledonia, which is distinct from Coronanthera and belongs to the subtribe Negriinae. The new genus, Bopopia gen. nov., has unique floral characteristics compared to other genera in Negriinae, leading to its provisional assessment as Endangered based on IUCN Red List criteria.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jerome Munzinger, David Bruy, Marc Pignal
Summary: Garcinia urceolata, a new species from New Caledonia, differs from G. virgata in several features of leaves, flowers, and fruits, and grows at higher elevations and in wetter conditions. The new species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) while G. virgata is classified as Near Threatened (NT).
Article
Plant Sciences
Jerome Munzinger, Gordon McPherson
Summary: Two new endemic tree species of Cryptocarya R.Br., Cryptocarya conduplicata and Cryptocarya ovoidea, have been discovered in New Caledonia. They have distinct leaf and fruit characteristics, and are found in dense humid forests with limited distribution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeremie Morel, Jerome Munzinger
Summary: A recent study in New Caledonia recognized three endemic species of Xyris, with a new species named Xyris desquamatus J.R.Morel & Munzinger. The research found that Xyris neocaledonia Rendle was morphologically distinct, while Xyris guillauminii Conert was indistinct from X. pancheri Rendle.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Romain Garrouste, Jerome Munzinger, Andrew Leslie, Jessica Fisher, Nicolas Folcher, Emma Locatelli, Wyndy Foy, Thibault Chaillon, David J. Cantrill, Pierre Maurizot, Dominique Cluzel, Porter P. I. I. I. I. Lowry, Peter Crane, Jean-Jacques Bahain, Pierre Voinchet, Herve Jourdan, Philippe Grandcolas, Andre Nel
Summary: New Caledonia's history is influenced by deep marine sedimentation and tectonic evidence, with some deeply-diverging clades present before the Eocene. Fossil data are crucial for understanding the biota's history in New Caledonia.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Neit Snow, John W. Dawson, Jerome Munzinger, Martin W. Caltmander
Summary: Ongoing taxonomic studies on Eugenia L. in New Caledonia have identified several taxonomic and nomenclatural issues that require clarification. This study proposes a new synonym and new names for certain species, as well as designates lectotypes and a neotype for several taxa.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jerome Munzinger, Gordon McPherson, Stacey Meyer, Chrissen Gemmill
Summary: In this study, the distinction between Adenodaphne and Litsea, two genera endemic to New Caledonia, is questioned based on morphological similarity. Through extensive research, including molecular analysis and examination of specimens, it is concluded that Adenodaphne should be recognized within Litsea. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis suggests a rare long-distance dispersal event from New Caledonia to New Zealand in the evolution of the endemic Litsea species.
Article
Ecology
Guillaume Lannuzel, Lea Pouget, David Bruy, Vanessa Hequet, Shankar Meyer, Jerome Munzinger, Gildas Gateble
Summary: Conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots are hindered by a lack of knowledge, but computerized data and expert examination can help increase understanding and promote conservation measures.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Geology
Emma R. Locatelli, Derek E. G. Briggs, Andrew Leslie, Jerome Munzinger, Philippe Grandcolas, Porter P. Lowry, David J. Cantrill, Pierre Maurizot, Dominique Cluzel, Nicolas Folcher, Romain Garrouste, Andre Nel
Summary: A Neogene hematite-goethite concretionary 'ironstone' horizon in the Massif du Sud of New Caledonia contains abundant fossil dicotyledonous angiosperm leaves. The leaves are preserved mainly in goethite, replicating the morphology and anatomy of the leaf tissues, and are preserved in multiple ways.
Article
Plant Sciences
David Bruy, Guillaume Lannuzel, Gildas Gateble, Jerome Munzinger
Summary: New Caledonia is a tropical archipelago facing significant biodiversity conservation challenges. The knowledge of its flora is limited, and its ecosystems are being increasingly degraded, particularly by mining activity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and protect the most threatened species according to IUCN criteria.
Article
Plant Sciences
Elizabeth M. Joyce, Marc S. Appelhans, Sven Buerki, Martin Cheek, Jurriaan M. de Vos, Jose R. Pirani, Alexandre R. Zuntini, Julien B. Bachelier, Michael J. Bayly, Martin W. Callmander, Marcelo F. Devecchi, Susan K. Pell, Milton Groppo, Porter P. Lowry, John Mitchell, Carolina M. Siniscalchi, Jerome Munzinger, Harvey K. Orel, Caroline M. Pannell, Lars Nauheimer, Herve Sauquet, Andrea Weeks, Alexandra N. Muellner-Riehl, Ilia J. Leitch, Olivier Maurin, Felix Forest, Katharina Nargar, Kevin R. Thiele, William J. Baker, Darren M. Crayn
Summary: This study generated the most densely sampled phylogenetic trees of Sapindales to date, providing key insights into the family and subfamily relationships within the order. The study revealed that all families were monophyletic and identified two core family clades dividing the order. The research also highlighted the importance of factors such as ancient gene duplication events in understanding the evolutionary history of these families.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jerome Munzinger, David M. Johnson, Richard M. K. Saunders
Summary: A new species of Goniothalamus from New Caledonia is described in this article. It is one of the three endemic species from the archipelago. The new species was collected over 150 years ago, but its study was not done until recently. Molecular phylogeny analysis shows that the New Caledonian taxa are related and belong to the same clade, but they can be distinguished by their morphology. The new species is assessed as Vulnerable based on IUCN Red List criteria by the New Caledonian Red List Authority.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ulf Swenson, Jerome Munzinger, Stephan Nylinder, Gildas Gateble
Summary: Pycnandra Benth., a large endemic genus in New Caledonia, is subdivided into six subgenera and contains 59 known species, with three new species described in this study. Two of the new species are assessed as Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction.
AUSTRALIAN SYSTEMATIC BOTANY
(2021)
Review
Evolutionary Biology
Yohan Pillon, Tanguy Jaffre, Philippe Birnbaum, David Bruy, Dominique Cluzel, Marc Ducousso, Bruno Fogliani, Thomas Ibanez, Herve Jourdan, Louis Lagarde, Audrey Leopold, Jerome Munzinger, Robin Pouteau, Jennifer Read, Sandrine Isnard
Summary: New Caledonia demonstrates characteristics in line with the OCBIL theory, including a high rate of micro-endemism, accumulation of relict lineages, a high incidence of dioecy, myrmecochory, and nutritional specializations in plants.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
