Article
Evolutionary Biology
Sofia Paz-Sedano, Maria Candas, Terrence M. Gosliner, Marta Pola
Summary: The study focused on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of one species within the genus Lophodoris, using micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy for the first time. Results revealed the phylogenetic relationship of the species within the family Goniodorididae, separating each included genus. Further sequencing of more species is needed to clarify the evolutionary relationships among Goniodorididae species and genera.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcella D. D. Baiz, Andrea C. Benavides, Eliot T. T. Miller, Andrew W. W. Wood, David P. L. Toews
Summary: Understanding the factors influencing microbiome diversity is crucial for understanding host-symbiont interactions and co-evolutionary dynamics. This study focused on wood-warblers and found that host evolutionary history has the strongest influence on gut microbiome differentiation, compared to environmental factors and diet diversity. The similarity of gut microbiomes was more congruent with the host phylogeny than with host diet similarity, suggesting that host traits may play a role in colonization and maintenance of microbes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiqi Chao, Zhifeng Gu, Aimin Wang, Chunsheng Liu, Yi Yang
Summary: The study revealed a close symbiotic relationship between giant clams and Symbiodiniaceae in the South China Sea, but research in this area is still limited. Three species of giant clams collected from Xisha Islands and Hainan hosted Symbiodiniaceae species belonging to the genera Symbiodinium and Cladocopium, with Cladocopium predominantly found in the waters of Xisha Islands.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Yasser Abobakr, Ali S. Al-Sarar, Ali A. Alzabib, Amgad A. Saleh
Summary: The first record of Macrochlamys indica in Saudi Arabian agricultural nurseries is reported, suggesting recent introduction. Control measures should be implemented to prevent its dissemination to natural habitats or agricultural fields.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edison Lea-Charris, Lyda R. Castro, Natalia Villamizar
Summary: This study revealed a high rate of fraudulent labeling in common snook products in the seafood market of Santa Marta, Colombia, with nearly 98% of supermarket fillets being found to be substituted with other species. The most common substitutions identified were Pacific bearded brotula, Nile perch, and acoupa weakfish. Urgent actions are needed by local authorities to address this issue and protect consumers from fraudulent practices.
Article
Zoology
Tomoyuki Komai
Summary: Examination of material from Japanese waters reveals the presence of two distinct species previously classified as Tymolus uncifer. One of the species is identified as T. melanommus. Comparison of characteristics and genetic sequences confirms the differentiation between the two species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mirela Petric, Branko Dragicevic, Rino Stanic, Zeljka Trumbic
Summary: This study investigated four female specimens of Tremoctopus violaceus caught in the Central Eastern Adriatic Sea in 2019. The individuals had smooth, firm and muscular bodies, with dark bluish purple on the dorsal side and iridescent silvery on the ventral side. Phylogenetic analysis supported the existence of a T. violaceus clade consisting of individuals from the Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, excluding the Indo-Pacific clade corresponding to T. gracilis. Future research should combine DNA-based methods, morphological characters, geographic distribution and ecological information to understand the life-history traits of Tremoctopus species.
Article
Ecology
M. Marrero, P. J. Pascual-Alayon, M. V. Martin, I. Casanas, M. Freitas, M. Hernandez
Summary: This study aimed to update the taxonomic status of deep-sea shark genus Deania, especially focusing on D. hystricosa, D. calceus, and D. profundorum. Genetic analysis showed that D. calceus and D. hystricosa are synonyms, with genetic differences within the range of intraspecific variations.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyu Fang, Shen Lin, Yuting Zhang, Zonghua Wang, Konglin Zhou, Jianming Chen
Summary: A new species of Cladonema, named Cladonema digitatum sp. nov., was identified in a laboratory aquarium in Fuzhou, China, based on its morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding. It has distinct features that differentiate it from other Cladonema medusae. However, species identification based solely on morphology is difficult due to the phenotypic plasticity displayed by C. digitatum. Therefore, updating information on the life cycle and DNA barcoding is necessary to improve the taxonomy of the genus Cladonema.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Anh D. Nguyen, Katsuyuki Eguchi
Summary: A new and distinct Tylopus species, T. helicorthomorphoides sp. nov., found in Northern Vietnam, is described. The new species can be identified by the distinct characteristics of its male reproductive organs, as well as supported by genetic analysis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Md. Sagir Ahmed, Anindita Barua, Sujan Kumar Datta, Tonmoy Saha, Durjoy Raha Antu, Sumaiya Ahmed
Summary: This study successfully identified and characterized the phylogenetic relationships of spiny lobster species based on the analysis of mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes. Both COI and 16S rRNA markers were effective in differentiating lobster species.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Naruemon Bunchom, Weerachai Saijuntha, Warayutt Pilap, Warong Suksavate, Kotchaphon Vaisusuk, Narufumi Suganuma, Takeshi Agatsuma, Trevor N. Petney, Chairat Tantrawatpan
Summary: This study found that the freshwater snail Hydrobioides nassa in Thailand has relatively high genetic diversity, classified into three haplogroups, with specimens from the Yom river basin in Phrae province showing the most genetic distinctiveness.
Article
Parasitology
Kirstin A. Williams, Louwrens P. Snyman
Summary: This study demonstrated that COI barcodes can differentiate species of Afrotropical Atylotus and identified misidentifications as a common issue. The revival of Atylotus fuscipes as a distinct species and the problems with using sequences from public databases were also addressed.
Article
Ecology
M. J. I. Briones, D. Garcia-Souto, J. Galindo, P. Moran, A. Keith, O. Schmidt
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the genetic variation of Lumbricus friendi and related species, and discovered high cryptic diversity within L. friendi populations. The findings also supported the elevation of L. friendi bouchei and L. rubellus friendoides to independent species.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Caio M. C. A. de Oliveira, Fernando L. Mantelatto, Mariana Terossi
Summary: The Atya genus classification is mostly stabilized with 13 species in the Americas and West Africa, but some taxonomic questions remain. Through the first Atya molecular systematic assessment, several species have been verified and further research directions have been proposed.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sara Fernandez, Aitor Ibabe, Fernando Rayon-Vina, Alba Ardura, Marlene Bartolome, Yaisel J. Borrell, Eduardo Dopico, Monica Gonzalez, Laura Miralles, Horacio Montes, Trinidad Perez, Noemi Rodriguez, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: The study conducted in the bay of Gijon found that marine litter could potentially serve as a vector for the dispersal of non-indigenous species (NIS), with floating litter containing higher densities of both native and exotic species compared to beaches or port surfaces. Shared haplotypes between port, flotsam, and beaches in some invasive species may indicate that marine litter could represent a new habitat for species to disperse into new areas.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Linguistics
Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Maria Turrero-Garcia, Noemi Rodriguez
Summary: Multilingualism can increase empathy and facilitate contact between nationals and immigrants. The results of the study showed that multilingual students had higher acceptance of immigrants compared to monolingual students. Additionally, empathy was correlated with acceptance of immigrants from poor countries, regardless of the number of languages spoken. The study highlights the importance of multilingualism in improving crosscultural attitudes and suggests that learning the languages spoken by immigrants may facilitate positive contact between different groups.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gemma Palomar, Albert Fernandez-Chacon, Jaime Bosch
Summary: Chytridiomycosis, caused by Bd, has led to a decline in amphibian populations globally. However, without empirical data on the population-level effects of Bd, it is difficult to assess this infectious disease. Often, assessments are based on expert opinions, leading to the overlook of its impact on temperate species. Here, the study investigated the survival probability of a temperate amphibian species and found that Bd-positive individuals had lower survival rates, suggesting a greater impact on temperate species than previously thought.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carmen Blanco-Fernandez, Alba Ardura, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Cristina Garcia-Ael, Maritza Librada Caceres Mesa, Noemi Rodriguez, Eduardo Dopico
Summary: Microplastics (MP) are a global threat to all organisms, and a survey conducted on university students from Mexico and Spain revealed that despite having less knowledge about MP, Mexican students checked product labels for microbeads more frequently than Spanish students and expressed a stronger desire to reduce MP consumption. This could be due to stricter plastic control legislation in Mexico, which creates a more favorable environment for MP control.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Guillaume Wos, Gemma Palomar, Marzena Marszalek, Wieslaw Babik, Szymon Sniegula
Summary: This study linked gene expression and phenotypic data to identify candidate genes underlying existing phenotypic trait differentiation under individual and combined environmental variables. Latitudinal differences in coping with mild warming and predator cues were shown. Transcriptome analysis revealed different metabolic pathways responses to mild warming and predator cues between high-latitude and central-latitude individuals.
FRONTIERS IN ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Michal Vinkler, Steven R. Fiddaman, Martin Tesicky, Emily A. O'Connor, Anna E. Savage, Tobias L. Lenz, Adrian L. Smith, Jim Kaufman, Daniel I. Bolnick, Charli S. Davies, Neira Dedic, Andrew S. Flies, M. Mercedes Gomez Samblas, Amberleigh E. Henschen, Karel Novak, Gemma Palomar, Nynke Raven, Kalifa Samake, Joel Slade, Nithya Kuttiyarthu Veetil, Eleni Voukali, Jacob Hoglund, David S. Richardson, Helena Westerdahl
Summary: Driven by co-evolution with pathogens, host immunity continuously adapts to optimize defence against pathogens within a given environment. Recent advances in genetics, genomics and transcriptomics have enabled a more detailed investigation into how immunogenetic variation shapes the diversity of immune responses seen across domestic and wild animal species. However, a deeper understanding of the diverse molecular mechanisms that shape immunity within and among species is still needed to gain insight into-and generate evolutionary hypotheses on-the ultimate drivers of immunological differences.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amaia Bilbao-Kareaga, Daniel Menendez, Paloma Peon, Alba Ardura, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: Microplastics pollution is a global issue that affects marine ecosystems and organisms worldwide. The red alga Gelidium sp. is a valuable source of agar and is consumed as seafood in many countries. This study found that G. corneum collected near sandy substrates accumulates more microplastics than those from rocks, indicating that substrate dynamics play a key role in the entry of microplastics into these algae and the human diet. Harmful microplastic types were identified in the algae samples, highlighting potential risks to consumers. Further research and preventive measures are recommended to address microplastics pollution in coastal areas.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carlos Valiente-Diaz, Alejandra del Valle, Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Alba Ardura
Summary: The incorrect labeling and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in seafood pose a global problem for natural resources and consumer health. Arsenic, unlike other heavy metals, does not have a concentration limit on food. Tuna species, with high consumption rates worldwide, are known to be a toxicological issue due to heavy metal contamination. A study analyzed 80 samples of canned tuna to examine the accuracy of labeling and found that some exceeded safety standards set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Activities (JECFA).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan L. Mateo, Carmen Blanco-Fernandez, Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino
Summary: Genome resources are crucial for assessing genomic variation and detecting adaptive variation in marine species affected by global change. The genome of Merluccius polli was sequenced, assembled, and annotated, with improved quality and increased length compared to previous versions. The genome contains low heterozygosity and repeat content. Candidate genes associated with various stressors along the geographical distribution were identified and characterized in the genome. This genome serves as a valuable tool for investigating global change in highly stressed marine regions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Sara Fernandez, Alvaro Gutierrez, Dumas Deconinck, Jose Luis Martinez, Almudena Alvarez, Isabel Marquez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: The European eel Anguilla anguilla is a critically endangered catadromous species, and close surveillance is urgently needed for the viable populations in European rivers. A new highly sensitive method based on A. anguilla-specific qPCR marker and environmental DNA (eDNA) is presented, which can estimate the eel biomass in running waters. This method could complement or replace current eel surveys without disturbing wild populations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Menendez, Carmen Blanco-Fernandez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino, Alba Ardura, Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Summary: In this study, microplastics were quantified and identified in the gills, liver, and muscle of Benguela hakes caught in northwest African waters. The presence of hazardous plastic polymers and their negative effects on the condition factor and liver DNA degradation were observed. This study highlights the potential damage caused by microplastic pollution in demersal species, urging further research on the impact of microplastics on these marine organisms.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Gemma Palomar, Guillaume Wos, Robby Stoks, Szymon Sniegula
Summary: Many species are adapting to cities at different latitudes, with eco-evolutionary changes in response to temperature and invasive species. In this study, damselfly populations were studied to understand how they respond to increased temperatures and an invasive predator, with differences observed between central and high latitudes. Urbanization type and temperature had an impact on damselfly traits, but these effects were dependent on latitude and sex. Our findings highlight the context-dependency of responses to urbanization and caution against generalizing findings from a single latitude population.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva Garcia-Vazquez, Cristina Garcia-Ael, Alba Ardura, Noemi Rodriguez, Eduardo Dopico
Summary: Emerging microplastics pollution in the oceans is a significant threat, and consumer behavior can be modified to reduce this pollution. Online nudges, such as images and short messages, were tested to promote MP-conscious behavior in Spain. Messages about MP in seafood and plastic-polluted marine environments were more effective than images of animals harmed by plastics. Feeling responsible for MP pollution predicts intention to adopt MP-reducing behaviors. Women are more likely to adopt these behaviors, while men are more responsive to nudges. Increasing environmental responsibility is a priority in education campaigns.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Ecology
David Herczeg, Gemma Palomar, Piotr Zielinski, Isolde van Riemsdijk, Wieslaw Babik, Robert Dankovics, Balint Halpern, Milena Cvijanovic, Judit Voros
Summary: This study examined the population genomic structure of smooth newt lineages in the Carpathian Basin and found high genetic diversity, especially in the North Hungarian Mountains and at the interfluves of the main rivers in the South. The study also revealed that the river Tisza acts as a geographical barrier limiting gene flow between different lineages of smooth newts.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
