Article
Biology
Ann Kathrin Huylmans, Ariana Macon, Francisco Hontoria, Beatriz Vicoso
Summary: The study found that only a few genes are consistently associated with asexual evolution, suggesting that extensive restructuring of the meiotic machinery may not be necessary. Sex-biased genes in Eurasian Artemia have high rates of expression divergence, but do not show unusual evolutionary patterns after the loss of sexuality.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ross Bicknell, Marion Gaillard, Andrew Catanach, Robert McGee, Sylvia Erasmuson, Beatrice Fulton, Christopher Winefield
Summary: Pilosella piloselloides var. praealta is a model species used to study gametophytic apomixis. The study identified three loci that control gametophytic apomixis, and one of these loci, LOP, was mapped to a specific genomic interval. The analysis of allele sequence divergence revealed differences between dominant and recessive alleles, as well as the presence of transposable elements in the promoter of a gene. The study also found that P. piloselloides is a polyploid species with tetrasomic inheritance.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brenna A. Levine, Gordon W. Schuett, Warren Booth
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of long-term sperm storage in vertebrates, particularly focusing on reptiles, with a case study of a Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake producing offspring after a prolonged period of isolation from males. Genomic analysis confirmed paternal contribution in all offspring, ruling out facultative parthenogenesis, and revealing a sperm storage duration of approximately 6 years, the longest recorded in female vertebrates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Josephine Pierrat, Helene Magalon, Noa Libaud, Nicolas Oury
Summary: This study investigated clonality and genetic connectivity in the tropical sea cucumber Holothuria atra using microsatellite markers. The results indicate low levels of asexual reproduction in the population, highlighting the low clonal diversity. These microsatellite markers provide useful tools for further understanding the reproductive strategies and population connectivity of H. atra.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Gracielle F. Braga-Pereira, Adalberto J. Santos
Summary: The study demonstrates that in a population of Brazilian yellow scorpions, there are female individuals reproducing through parthenogenesis. The results from the experiments suggest that asexual reproduction is facultative in this population.
JOURNAL OF ARACHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chih-Yi Hu, Hsien-Tsung Tsai, Chui-Feng Chiu, Tsung-Chen Su, Nguyen Hoang Khoi Le, Shu-Dan Yeh
Summary: Taiwan specialty teas are produced with unique manufacturing processes from specific cultivars of tea plants. To protect the image of premium Taiwan specialty teas, an accurate and reliable method to identify tea cultivars at the border is crucial. In this study, a Taiwan Tea Variety Identification (TTVID) kit was introduced, which consisted of a capillary electrophoresis-based multiplex PCR assay with 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The TTVID kit effectively identified cultivar composition in loose-leaf tea and is helpful for border control in preventing adulteration and fraud in the Taiwan tea market.
JOURNAL OF FOOD AND DRUG ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sydney Stork, Joseph Jalinsky, Maurine Neiman
Summary: Research found that in the New Zealand freshwater snail P. antipodarum, asexual individuals did not show differences in the frequency and duration of mating behaviors with conspecific and heterospecific mates, compared to sexual individuals. This suggests that the evolutionary decay of mating-related traits is associated with asexual reproduction in this system.
Article
Oceanography
Riho Murai, Mamiya Shiomi, Masa-aki Yoshida, Satoshi Tomano, Yoko Iwata, Kyoko Sugai, Noritaka Hirohashi
Summary: This study reported on a mature/maturing female giant squid caught in a set-net, with microsatellite paternity analysis indicating that all successfully genotyped spermatangia originated from a single male. This finding suggests that single-pair copulation may be the reproductive mode for this species.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Abdelmonem Awad Hegazy, Aiman Ibraheem Al-Qtaitat, Raafat Awad Hegazy
Summary: This study aims to explain the occurrence of parthenogenesis (PG) and ovarian teratoma (OT) in humans based on a new hypothesis. Previous literature on human PG and OT was sparse and mainly consisted of case reports. Human PG appears to be more common than previously reported and may occur spontaneously, resulting in the formation of OT. However, the cause and mechanism of spontaneous PG remains unclear in the available literature, calling for further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Alzbeta Radacovska, Eva Cisovska Bazsalovicsova, Katarina Soltys, Jan Stefka, Gabriel Minarik, Andrea Gustinelli, Julia K. Chugunova, Ivica Kralova-Hromadova
Summary: This study analyzed genes and microsatellite loci to explore how the recently detected triploidy/parthenogenesis in tapeworms from the Alpine lakes region (ALR) is displayed at the DNA level. The results showed that the tapeworms from ALR had higher mitochondrial haplotype diversity compared to a geographically distant population from Russia. This suggests that the diploid/sexually reproducing population in Russia is the ancestral population, while the triploid/parthenogenetically reproducing population in ALR is at the margin of the distribution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Steitz, Robert J. Paxton, Stefan Schulz, Manfred Ayasse
Summary: The study compared the chemical profiles of social and solitary populations of Halictus rubicundus in Europe and North America, revealing unique odor differences possibly due to phylogeographic drift. Overproduced compounds in queens compared to workers were found in both populations, suggesting a conserved queen signal. However, North American populations had lower caste-specific chemical dissimilarity, raising questions about potential differences in mechanisms regulating reproductive division of labor.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Y. I. Zabotin, V. G. Evtugyn
Summary: This study focuses on the ultrastructural investigation of the reproductive system of asexually-reproducing acoel Convolutriloba retrogemma, finding that while the spermatozoa and female copulatory organs are fully developed, the oocytes are absent, leading to infertility.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cristian Alberto Durante, Rocio Loizaga, Gregory R. McCracken, Enrique Alberto Crespo, Daniel E. Ruzzante
Summary: This study investigated the population genetics of Commerson's dolphin and found low genetic diversity compared to other dolphin species, but consistent within the genus. Strong population structure based on mitochondrial DNA indicated female philopatry, but this pattern was not detected using microsatellites, suggesting male-mediated gene flow.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Natalia de Souza Araujo, Simon Hellemans, Yves Roisin, Denis Fournier
Summary: The development pattern of termite queens and workers differ, with the former developing through nymphal line and the latter through apterous developmental line. However, in Cavitermes tuberosus, secondary reproductives can also develop through nymphal line. The study showed that gene expression differs between primary queens and secondary queens, with muscle development and contraction, flight, and olfactory learning genes down-regulated in both primary and secondary queens.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jie Cheng, Qian Dong, Yujia Lu, Liya Shi, Guangxin Yao, Chaojun Wang, Cheng Zhou, Zhaoming Zhou, Zhuxi Huang, Ziang Han, Ming Zhu, Weijun Feng
Summary: This study reveals the specific role of CHD7 during oocyte development, showing that its deletion can cause infertility or sub-fertility in female mice, along with decreased follicle numbers and increased granulosa cell apoptosis.
ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Fu-Min Wang, Zhi-Jie Shen, Coby Schal, Junwei J. Zhu, Guo-Xin Zhou, Yu-Lei Wang, Ji-Rui Wang, Jian-Yu Deng, Nian-Feng Wan
Summary: The study revealed that pheromone components from different species may interfere with each other, and innovative pest management strategies can be developed through pheromone antagonism.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Xian Cui Zhang, Meng Jiang, Ya Nan Zang, Hai Zheng Zhao, Cai Xia Liu, Bao Rui Liu, Hua Xue, Coby Schal, Xing Meng Lu, Dong Qin Zhao, Xue Xia Zhang, Fan Zhang
Summary: The widespread resistance of German cockroaches to chemical insecticides has led to the exploration of biopesticides using entomopathogenic fungi as a promising alternative. Resistance can alter physiological characteristics and gene expression in insects, impacting susceptibility to fungal infections. The study found that resistant cockroaches were more susceptible to Metarhizium anisopliae infection and had alterations in gut microbiota and gene expression, highlighting the potential of fungal biopesticides in pest control and resistance management.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Cari D. Lewis, Brenna A. Levine, Coby Schal, Edward L. Vargo, Warren Booth
Summary: Over the past decade, the continuous use of pyrethroid insecticides has resulted in a significant increase in knockdown-associated insecticide resistance (kdr) mutations in bed bugs. The presence of multiple kdr mutations in recent infestations suggests that strong selection pressure has driven the rapid evolution of adaptive traits in bed bug populations.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Megan N. Moran, Carlos M. Aguero, Pierre-Andre Eyer, Edward L. Vargo
Summary: Social insects have an efficient division of labor to protect high-value individuals from pathogen exposure. Infected termites may be groomed or cannibalized, but the mechanisms for these behaviors are unclear. Infected termites do not self-isolate and may gather in the densest part of the colony.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Jamora A. Hamilton, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Coby Schal
Summary: Gel bait formulations of insecticides are effective in managing German cockroach populations due to the palatability of baits, slow-acting insecticides, and their horizontal transfer within aggregations. The study aimed to investigate the extent of tertiary and quaternary effects of horizontal transfer, and compare different gel baits with varied active ingredients. The results showed high mortality rates among adult females and secondary mortality within 48 hours. Some baits caused tertiary mortality, and only fipronil and indoxacarb baits led to quaternary mortality. The importance of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary transfer in field populations remains to be determined.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Margaret L. Allen, Perot Saelao, Godfrey P. Miles, David C. Cross, JoVonn G. Hill, Edward L. Vargo, Michael J. Grodowitz
Summary: The tawny crazy ant is an invasive species that threatens native flora and fauna and human structures. It has been misidentified in the U.S. and genetic analysis helped correctly identify it. The genome was sequenced using samples from the coastal region of Mississippi.
Article
Entomology
P. -A. Eyer, M. N. Moran, S. Richardson, P. T. Shults, K. -L. k. Liu, A. J. Blumenfeld, R. Davis, E. L. Vargo
Summary: In insects, competition leads to phenotypic changes and modifications in foraging areas. In termites, colonies cannot easily escape competition through relocation, so competition outcomes are influenced by various life history traits. This study investigated breeding systems and spatial distribution in two termite species within an urban landscape. The results showed drastic differences in colony structure, breeding systems, and foraging ranges, suggesting that these species face different degrees of intra-specific competition. These differences likely reflect variations in food preference and availability, enabling their coexistence in the same urban environment.
Article
Entomology
Samantha McPherson, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Jules Silverman, Coby Schal
Summary: Glucose aversion in German cockroaches leads to resistance to insecticidal baits. Glucose-averse (GA) cockroaches reject glucose-containing foods, even in low concentrations, protecting them from ingesting toxic baits. The ingestion of glucose or glucose-containing disaccharides in baits results in behaviorally relevant glucose levels in the feces, deterring coprophagy by GA nymphs. Baits containing glucose or glucose-containing oligosaccharides may impede cockroach interventions as first instars reject the glucose-containing feces of any wild-type (WT) cockroaches that consumed the bait.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ahmed M. Saveer, Eduardo Hatano, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Robert L. Meagher, Coby Schal
Summary: The fall armyworm is a global pest that severely impacts the production of various plants. Using traps baited with species-specific synthetic sex pheromone lures is an efficient way to detect and monitor infestations of this pest.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Eduardo Hatano, Coby Schal
Summary: Human-imposed selection can lead to adaptive changes in sensory traits. However, rapid evolution of the sensory system can interfere with other behaviors, and animals must overcome such sensory conflicts. In response to intense selection by insecticide baits, German cockroaches evolved glucose-aversion (GA), which affects their mate selection. Comparative analysis reveals that GA males have two adaptive traits that allow them to cope with the altered sexual behavior of GA females. These traits are not genetically associated with the GA trait, suggesting independent evolution.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Liu, Jeremy J. Heath, Sai Zhang, Michiel van Wijk, Guirong Wang, Jan Buellesbach, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Astrid T. Groot, Coby Schal
Summary: Insects use olfaction for various adaptive behaviors, such as mate and food localization, mate choice, oviposition site selection, kin recognition, and predator avoidance. The study reveals the composition of male moth pheromones, which consist of compounds resembling female emissions, unique compounds specific to males, and sequestered plant compounds and hormone derivatives. This mosaic pheromone blend may serve multiple functions during courtship. The importance of methyl salicylate in facilitating female acceptance of males is also highlighted. Rating: 8/10
Article
Entomology
Y. Mitaka, E. L. Vargo
Summary: Termites are both decomposers in ecosystems and pests of wooden buildings. Researchers have developed two media for rearing American termite species, using winged elm and loblolly pine. The results show that these media can be used for colony foundation and rearing workers, and the BPC medium is more suitable for R. virginicus workers. These new media will contribute to the maintenance of termite colonies in the laboratory.
Article
Parasitology
Maria A. Gonzalez-Morales, Andrea E. Thomson, James Yeatts, Hiroko Enomoto, Ahmed Haija, Richard G. Santangelo, Olivia A. Petritz, Rocio Crespo, Coby Schal, Ronald Baynes
Summary: Bed bug infestations are re-emerging in the poultry industry, causing adverse effects on bird health and welfare. Fluralaner has shown promising results in controlling these pests, with a treatment effect lasting for at least 28 days.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johnalyn M. Gordon, Richard G. Santangelo, Maria A. Gonzalez-Morales, Mark Menechella, Coby Schal, Zachary C. DeVries
Summary: Histamine, a component of bed bug aggregation pheromone, has been identified as an environmental contaminant in homes with bed bug infestation, posing potential health risks to humans. This study quantified histamine levels in household dust from infested and uninfested apartments, and found the highest concentration in bedding material. Infestation severity did not affect histamine levels. The findings suggest the importance of focusing on the bedroom for histamine mitigation and the persistence of histamine even after pest eradication.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)