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Professor Evan Economo, head of the Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, has been chosen as Japan's National Champion for the Frontiers Planet Prize. The prize recognizes scientists whose research contributes to human safety in Earth's ecosystems. Economo's research, published in the journal Science Advances, created the first high-resolution global biodiversity map for ants, an important invertebrate group. This map can be used for global conservation planning and provides a guide for further discovery. The three International Champions will be announced in June. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, we report the first records of Eresus moravicus Řezáč, 2008 from Romania. The collected specimens from the new localities are described with phenological and ecological data. The new records are also confirmed by the first molecular data (mitochondrial gene fragments COI and ND1) for E. moravicus from Romania and compared with other European congeners. The distribution and possible occurrence of other Eresus species in Romania is discussed on the basis of sampling bias, past taxonomic confusion and habitat suitability. This work highlights the need for revision of this cryptic spider family in the light of new data on its taxonomy and for the preservation of fragile rocky steppes in southern Romania, which constitute an important refuge for invertebrate biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland and Taipei Medical University in Taiwan suggests that jumping spiders, specifically the regal jumper (Phidippus regius), may have the ability to recognize and distinguish between each other. The researchers conducted an experiment where they divided 20 regal jumpers into pairs and observed their behavior when reintroduced to each other after a period of separation. The spiders showed less interest in individuals they had seen before, indicating some form of memory and recognition for individuals. This finding adds to the limited knowledge we have about invertebrates' ability to recognize individuals within their species. [Extracted from the article]

The article looks at key reports in the field of science in 2018. A study published in "Current Biology" suggests that the actual word in a sound clip that circulated on social media in May was "laurel." Findings from a study published in the journal "PNAS" suggest that human brains have evolved complexity first and size second. A paper published in "Science Robotics" has described an origami-inspired tool to collect data on delicate invertebrates, such as jellyfish, without harm.

The article present comments of certain persons regarding the type of living beings that eats wasps. The lowly wasp certainly has its place in the food chain. There are a lots of invertebrates that feeds on wasps. Several species of dragonflies (Odonata); robber and hoverflies (Diptera); wasps (Hymenoptera), usually the larger species feeding on smaller species, such as social paper wasps (Vespula maculata) eating V. utahensis; beetles (Coleoptera); and moths (Lepidoptera) eats wasps. Among the vertebrates that feed on wasps are numerous species of birds, skunks, bears, badgers, bats, weasels, wolverines, rats, mice, etc.

In 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey partnered with Fairfax County, Virginia, to establish a long-term waterresources monitoring program to evaluate the hydrology, water quality, and ecology of Fairfax County streams and the watershed-scale effects of management practices. Fairfax County uses a variety of management practices, policies, and programs to protect and restore its water resources, but the effects of such strategies are not well understood. This report used streamflow, water-quality, and ecological monitoring data collected from 20 Fairfax County watersheds from 2007 through 2018 to assess the effects of management practices, landscape factors, and climatic conditions on observed nutrient, sediment, salinity, and benthic-macroinvertebrate community responses. Urbanization, climatic variability, and an increase in management practices occurred within Fairfax County during the study period. Impervious cover, housing units, wastewater infrastructure, and (or) stormwater infrastructure increased in most study watersheds. Climatic conditions varied among study years; countywide estimates of averageannual air temperature differed by about 3 degrees Celsius, and total precipitation ranged from about 34 to 63 inches per year. The effects of the management practices, implemented to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and (or) sediment loads, are considered in this study. These management practices primarily consist of stormwater retrofits and stream restorations; however, stream restorations account for most of the financial investment and expected load reductions. Management practices were implemented in half of the study watersheds, and most practices were installed and reductions credited late in the study period. Changes in hydrologic response during storm events were evaluated over the study period because many management practices that were implemented were designed to achieve nutrient and sediment reductions by slowing or intercepting runoff. The average number and length of storm events was mostly unchanged throughout the monitoring network. Four watersheds with 10 years of streamflow data showed a mixture of trends in stormflow peak, volume, and rate-of-change. Event-mean nutrient and sediment concentrations from these watersheds were evaluated during storm events and generally showed increases in total phosphorus (TP) and suspended sediment and reductions or no changes in total nitrogen (TN). Landscape inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus and the percentage of inputs delivered to streams were estimated for the study watersheds. Estimated phosphorus from fertilizer and nitrogen from atmospheric deposition represented large nutrient inputs in most watersheds; amounts of other nonpoint sources varied based on land use. Estimated nitrogen inputs declined throughout Fairfax County and in most study watersheds from 2008 through 2018; in comparison, phosphorus input changes were relatively small. Most nonpoint-nutrient inputs were retained on the landscape and did not reach streams, with slightly more nitrogen retention than phosphorus, on average. Retention rates were lower for years with more precipitation and streamflow. After adjusting for streamflow, TN and TP loads were generally higher for years with more nutrient inputs. Calculated as a function of flow-adjusted loads, TP retention declined at most stations from 2009 through 2018, in comparison, TN retention was relatively unchanged. Landscape and climatic conditions affected spatial differences and changes in Fairfax County stream conditions from 2009 through 2018. TN concentrations were higher and increases over time were larger in watersheds with elevated septic-system density. TP concentrations were higher in watersheds with more turfgrass; concentrations were lower, but had larger increases over time, in watersheds with deeper soils. Suspended-sediment concentrations were higher in watersheds with greater stream densities. Specific conductance was higher in watersheds with more developed land use and shallower soils. Benthic-macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity (IBI) scores were lower in watersheds with high road density and had larger increases over time in bigger, more developed watersheds. Annual variability in TN and TP concentrations and benthic-macroinvertebrate IBI scores was affected by precipitation; annual variability in suspended sediment concentrations and specific conductance was affected by air temperature. After accounting for influences from landscape and climatic conditions, expected management-practice effects were not consistently observed in monitored stream responses. These effects were assessed by comparing expected management-practice load reductions with the timing, direction, and magnitude of changes in storm-event hydrology, nutrient and sediment loads, median-annual water-quality conditions, and benthic-macroinvertebrate IBI scores. An important consideration for future investigations of management-practice effects is how to control for water-quality and ecological variability caused by geologic properties, the urban environment, precipitation, and (or) air temperature. The interpretation of management-practice effects in this report was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including (1) the amount, timing, and location of management-practice implementation; (2) unmeasured landscape and climatic factors; (3) uncertain management-practice expectations; (4) hydrologic variability; and (5) analytical assumptions. Through continued data-collection efforts, particularly after management practices have been completed, many of these factors may become less influential in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses studies on how aging evolved in wild organisms. Topics covered include a study on aging of the pond invertebrate Hydra vulgaris by Daniel Martínez, the stand of evolutionary thinkers about aging followed by death, and opinions about the inevitability of aging. A 2003 tally by Dan Nussey and colleagues which documented examples of aged organisms in the wild is also mentioned.

This article highlights five books about minibeasts, providing a brief overview of each. "The Incredible Pop-Up Bug" by Ben Hoare is a visually stunning book that showcases various bugs and invertebrates. "Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery" by Laura Ellen Anderson follows a young moth's adventures at Minibeast Academy. "The Bee Connection" by Ben Newman combines fiction and facts to teach readers about bees. "One Million Insects" by Isabel Thomas explores the importance of insects and offers tips on observing and encouraging them. Lastly, "Beetle Boy" by M.G. Leonard tells the story of Darkus and his quest to find his missing father with the help of a giant beetle. [Extracted from the article]

In following up on observed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the organic extract of the marine sponge-derived fungus Aspergillus tamarii MCCF102, two new dipyrrolobenzoquinones, terreusinone B and C (1 and 2), were discovered along with the known analogue, terreusinone (3). The structures of 1 – 3 were determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses, along with chemical inter-conversion. In vitro testing on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells revealed that 1 – 3 exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide production in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 < 1 µM) without any cytotoxicity observed at the same concentrations. Due to this and the UV-A absorptive properties imparted by the highly conjugated structures of these molecules, the potential for using 1 – 3 or related analogues as natural sunscreen components is suggested. Gene sequencing and informatics biosynthetic gene cluster comparisons were insufficient to confidently elucidate the biosynthetic origins of these compounds, possibly suggesting the occurrence of a gene cluster not detected in the initial sequencing or a non-canonical pathway that should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to evaluate possible antiallergic effects of an extract of pigments from green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) shells. Effects were studied on animal models -- guinea pig ileum contraction, rabbit eyes allergic conjunctivitis, and rabbit local skin irritation. The extract significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the histamine-induced contractions of the isolated guinea pig ileum with ID50 = 1.2 μg/mL (in equivalents of spinochrome B), had an inhibitory effect on the model of ocular allergic inflammation surpassing the reference drug olopatadine, and did not show any irritating effect in rabbits. The extract predominantly contained polyhydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone which would be responsible for the pharmacological activity. The active compounds of the extract were evaluated in silico with molecular docking. Molecular docking into H1R receptor structures obtained from molecular dynamic simulations showed that all spinochrome derivatives bind to the receptor active site, but spinochrome monomers fit better to it. The results of the present study suggest possibilities for the development of new agents for treating allergic diseases on the base of pigments from sea urchins shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information related to "Ubiquitous Little Earthworms Might Have Got Around on Driftwood: Researchers also tried placing the worms on pigeons as part of a study aiming to uncover how the tiny invertebrates ended up all around the world" by Annie Melchor, which appeared in the periodical "The Scientist Magazine" on November 8, 2021 is presented. Topic includes on the impressive biodiversity.

The article informs that the House Mice Mus musculus have been present on South Africa's sub-Antarctic Marion Island (29 000 ha) for over 200 years. Topics include they are part of an interacting syndrome of threats such as warming and drying climate, invasive weeds, and exotic invertebrates; and House Mice have been eradicated from 62 islands around the world with eight attempts awaiting a confirmed outcome.

The 70% of Earth's surface covered by oceans supports significant biological diversity and immense untapped potential for marine bioproducts. The recently completed international Census of Marine Life (2000-2010) invested heavily in evaluating the diversity, abundance, and distribution of life in the ocean but concluded that at least 50% and potentially >90% of marine species remain undescribed by science. Despite this potential, and numerous successes spanning pharmaceuti-cals, nutraceuticals, anti-foulants and adhesives, biofuels, biocatalysts (enzymes), and cosmetics, several impediments have slowed marine bio-product development. First, the sheer size of the ocean constrains comprehensive exploration. Second, marine taxonomists and ecologists generally do not focus on the most promising groups for bioproduct development. Third, the geographic mismatch between (often remote) biodiversity hotspots and science capacity limit discovery. Despite these challenges, new ocean sampling tools (digital imaging, remote vehicles, genetic approaches, in situ samplers), many developed or improved during the Census of Marine Life, should enhance future marine biodiversity and thus marine bioproduct discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive predators can induce trophic cascades in the open water of lakes; however, much less is known about their effect on benthic invertebrates, which inhabit the lake bottom, or benthic zone. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were introduced to Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming, and reduced the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clakrii bouvieri ) population. We predicted that lake trout indirectly reduced predation of benthic invertebrates through cutthroat trout. To estimate how the benthic invertebrate assemblages differed under cutthroat trout- versus lake trout- dominated food webs, we collected benthic invertebrate samples from two areas of Yellowstone Lake in 2004 using a Ponar sampler and compared them with stomach contents from cutthroat trout. Cutthroat trout selectively ate benthic invertebrates with the largest body sizes. The amphipod genus, Gammarus, had the highest biomass of all benthic invertebrates. Gammarus biomass was higher in West Thumb (6,000 mg/m2 [0.02 oz/ft2]) where lake trout dominated and lower in South Arm (3,160 mg/m2 [0.01 oz/ ft2]) where cutthroat trout dominated (p = 0.01). Additionally, individual body mass of Gammarus was greater in West Thumb (1.6 mg/individual [0.000056 oz/individual]) than in South Arm (1.1 mg/individual [0.000039 oz/individual; p = 0.01). Our results suggest that lake trout predation on cutthroat trout indirectly reduced predation on Gammarus in West Thumb, leading to a relative increase in the local Gammarus biomass and body mass. Monitoring the benthos of Yellowstone Lake may allow managers to understand the food web dynamics at higher trophic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sponges are rich sources of natural products exhibiting diverse biological activities. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the Red Sea sponge Callyspongia aff. implexa led to the isolation of two new compounds, 26,27-bisnorcholest-5,16-dien-23-yn-3β,7α-diol, gelliusterol E (1) and C27-polyacetylene, callimplexen A (2), in addition to the known compound β-sitosterol (3). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques as well as high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and by comparison to the literature. The three compounds (1-3) were tested against Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium, which is the leading cause of ocular and genital infections worldwide. Only gelliusterol E (1) inhibited the formation and growth of chlamydial inclusions in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 2.3 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports a new type of actinospore, Unicapsulactinomyxon, which exhibits a unique morphological characteristic in that it has a single and large polar capsule (9·3×4·1 μm) (which possesses a longitudinally-folded polar filament) instead of the 3 polar capsules previously described for actinosporeans. The spore has a binucleated sporoplasm and 3 valves, each of which forms a long process. The spore has a total length of 241·3 μm. This parasite develops in groups of 8 inside pansporocysts in the coelomic cavity of the polychaete host. Molecular investigations on the SSU rDNA show that the new actinospore type is most closely related to Enteromyxum species (81–84% similarity). A survey of actinospore infections of the marine polychaete Diopatra neapolitana in 2007 and 2009, in the Aveiro Estuary (Portugal), showed an annual prevalence of 1·0% and 0·3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses how researchers led by Gane Ka-Shu Wong, of the Beijing Institute of Genomics have developed a genetic blueprint of Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm, in a paper published in Science. Dr Wong's team also made a significant contribution to the elucidation of the genome of another Asian species, the chicken. Wong and his colleagues were particularly involved in comparing the genome of the wild red jungle fowl of South East Asia, the ancestor of the domestic chicken, with several agricultural varieties. Their findings confirm China's rise to prominence as a power in the world of genomics. It also allows biologists to start comparing species from related, but not too closely related, groups of organisms. Not surprisingly, the analyses showed that birds have a lot in common with mammals, such as humans, rats and mice, and moths with flies. The two insect lines, for example, share two-thirds of their genes. That suggests these areas have some crucial, but as yet unperceived, function.

Presents information on beetles.

Profiles United States paleontologist Andrew Knoll of Harvard University. His study of the Cambrian Explosion, an event that created the evolutionary dynamic which produced most of the species that subsequently populated the earth; Biographical details; Future research plans.

The article discusses the fieldwork contract for the Forestry Commission in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire which focused on surveying for several rare species that had not been recorded for many years including Tapinocyba mitis (Linyphiidae) and Sitticus caricis (Salticidae). It states that collecting spiders and other grounddwelling invertebrates in wet weather produces satisfactory results.

The article reports that biologist Mark Laidre has reported coconut crab killing and eating seabird called as a red-footed booby. Topics discussed include study undertaken by Laidre to understand natural behaviors of the crab in the Indian Ocean, similar story heard by Laidre from a local plantation worker and views of Laidre on predation.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "7 Animals That Should Never Be Allowed to Go Feral" by John T. Price in the January/February 2013 issue.

The article presents the report entitled "A Deadly Toll: The Gulf Oil Spill and the Unfolding Wildlife Disaster" released by the Center for Biological Diversity. It states the number of dead animals collected in February and the effects of Gulf oil spills. It mentions the number of fishes and invertebrates killed by the oil spill.

The article presents information on a study conducted on the muscles of organisms called mussels, by molecular biologist J. Herbert Waite of the University of California. Waite said that these invertebrates have a great ability to stick to wet surfaces. Research has found that mussels have fibers that are highly stretchable, and they produce adhesives that help them stick around in wet conditions, such as the ocean or lake water.