Search

A recent study conducted by investigators from the University of Thessaly focused on the reproductive biology of the commercial sea cucumber Holothuria poli in the Central Aegean Sea, Greece. The research found that the sample population exhibited a female predominance, with a size at first maturation of 156.3 mm and a reproductive pattern that reached its mature stage in the summer months. These findings aim to contribute to the sustainable management of sea cucumber stocks in the Hellenic Seas. For more information, readers can contact Chrysoula Apostologamvrou at the University of Thessaly. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Jiroft in Iran discusses the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as alternatives to antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp aquaculture. The intensification of shrimp farming has led to an increase in diseases that threaten the industry's sustainability. The researchers suggest that functional dietary supplements can strengthen the immune system and enhance disease resistance in farmed shrimp. The study reviews the effects of these additives on growth performance, immune responses, and gut microbiome in shrimp. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ningbo University in China has investigated the neuroendocrine system of the razor clam, Sinonovacula constricta, to understand the mechanisms behind its nocturnal spawning behavior. The study analyzed the transcriptomes and phosphoproteomes of the clam at different time points and identified differentially expressed genes and phosphorylated proteins associated with energy metabolism, substance metabolism, the circadian clock, the neuroendocrine system, and reproduction. The findings suggest that these genes and proteins may play a role in the nocturnal spawning of razor clams and provide insights into the artificial breeding of molluscs. The study was published in Aquaculture Reports. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Beibu Gulf University in Guangxi, China, focused on the embryonic development and larval feeding of the clam Paphia textile. The study examined the growth, metamorphosis, locomotion, and feeding behaviors of the larvae, and provided dietary recommendations based on the observed patterns. The researchers found that the larvae primarily used their cilia for locomotion and feeding, and transitioned to using their axe feet for crawling and filtering food as they entered the late stage. The study recommended a feeding strategy emphasizing small, frequent meals to promote optimal digestion and larval health. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Jiangsu Second Normal University in Nanjing, China, focused on the immune response of the hepatopancreas in the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, against a new microsporidium called Potaspora macrobrachium. The researchers used gross pathology, histology, and transmission electron microscopy to confirm the microsporidian infections. They also conducted de novo transcriptome sequencing to analyze the prawn's anti-microsporidian response. The study identified differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways involved in the prawn's immune and metabolic response to the infection. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between microsporidian parasites and the commercially important prawn species. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Ningbo University in China has identified a potential antiviral therapy for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in shrimp seedlings. White spot disease caused by WSSV poses a significant threat to the shrimp industry, resulting in substantial economic losses. The study synthesized 15 new compounds and found that N-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)acetamide (P13) exhibited a high antiviral response, inhibiting the replication of WSSV and reducing the mortality rate of infected post-larvae. The researchers concluded that P13 shows promise as an antiviral therapy for WSSV infection. Further research and development are needed to explore its potential. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Dalian Ocean University in China has found that the administration of the drug mifepristone can induce masculinization and alter the expression of sex-related genes in the Takifugu rubripes fish species. The researchers administered mifepristone to fugu larvae and observed complete masculinization of the XX fugu population, with the treated fish developing testes-like structures. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differentiation in fugu and highlights the potential regulatory role of progestins in teleost sex differentiation. This research has implications for aquaculture practices and further studies in this field. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences discusses the effects of dietary vitamin C on the growth, muscle composition, non-specific immunity, and resistance of juvenile ivory shell (Babylonia areolata) to ammonia stress. The study found that supplementation with dietary vitamin C increased the growth, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and resistance against ammonia stress in the ivory shell. The optimal dietary vitamin C requirement for juvenile ivory shell was determined to be 400-800 mg/kg. This research provides valuable insights into the role of vitamin C in the physiological function and growth of aquatic animals. [Extracted from the article]

A research report from South China Agricultural University discusses the effects of dietary lipid levels on the growth, lipid metabolism, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity of juvenile greasyback shrimp. The study found that shrimp fed a diet with 7.50% lipid exhibited higher weight gain and growth rate compared to those fed other diets. As the dietary fat content increased, the lipid levels in various parts of the shrimp increased, and there were changes in fatty acid composition and gene expression related to lipid metabolism. The research concludes that optimal dietary fat levels enhance growth performance, while high lipid levels impede growth and decrease antioxidant enzyme activities in greasyback shrimp. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hefei, China, explored the effects of folic acid (FA) on the growth and immune response of red swamp crayfish. The study found that a dietary FA level of 2 mg/kg promoted growth and increased villus length, lipase activity, and antioxidant superoxide dismutase activity. Transcriptome analysis revealed differentially expressed genes related to glucose metabolism. The findings suggest that dietary FA can enhance nutrient bioavailability and regulate glucose metabolism to improve crayfish growth performance. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Guangdong Ocean University in Zhanjiang, China, explored the impact of cadmium, a heavy metal pollutant, on the hepatopancreas of Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, a species of aquatic organism. The study found that exposure to cadmium resulted in oxidative stress and histopathological changes in the gills and hepatopancreas of F. merguiensis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of genes associated with metabolism, antigen processing and presentation, and cell apoptosis, indicating adaptive response mechanisms to cadmium exposure. The study provides valuable insights into the toxicological mechanisms and impacts of cadmium on F. merguiensis. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Hebei Normal University in Shijiazhuang, China, investigated the effects of different levels of dietary carbohydrates on the growth, feed utilization, liver histology, and intestinal microflora of juvenile Takifugu rubripes, also known as tiger pufferfish. The study found that the supplementation of carbohydrates in the diet promoted growth performance and feed utilization in the fish. It also increased liver lipid and muscle glycogen content, as well as intestinal microbial diversity. The optimal dietary carbohydrate level for juvenile Takifugu rubripes was determined to be 21.6%. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Yancheng Teachers University in China conducted a study on the damage mechanism of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) on crayfish. The study utilized pathological section observations, biochemical indicator detection, and transcriptomics analysis. The results showed that V. parahaemolyticus infection led to oxidative stress damage in crayfish, causing irreversible damage to the oxidative phosphorylation and innate immune systems. The findings provide valuable insights for reducing bacterial and viral diseases in aquaculture. Understanding the effects of pathogens on aquatic organisms can help develop more effective prevention and control strategies in aquaculture. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China, aimed to enhance the cold tolerance of the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in order to reduce the cost of aquaculture and promote its cultivation. The researchers performed transcriptome sequencing and physiological analysis of the prawn's hepatopancreas and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to proteasome, spliceosome, lysosome, peroxisome, and lipid metabolism pathways. Histological examination revealed hepatocyte vacuoles and cell apoptosis under cold stress, while oxidative stress and impaired lipid metabolism were found to contribute to the prawn's poor cold tolerance. The study provides insights at the molecular level for improving the cold tolerance of the giant freshwater prawn. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Henan Normal University in Xinxiang, China, explored the role of Rspo1 in the early stages of ovarian development in Qi River crucian carp. Rspo1 is known to play a crucial role in female sex determination and differentiation in mammals and teleosts, but its contribution to ovarian development in teleosts is not well-documented. The study found that Rspo1 expression peaked at 90 days after hatching, a critical period for ovarian development in the carp, and then decreased. Suppression of Rspo1 expression resulted in a significant reduction in the number of oocytes and a decline in the expression of genes associated with female development. The findings suggest that Rspo1 may regulate germ cell proliferation and influence ovarian development. This research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the early stages of ovarian development in teleosts. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Guangdong Ocean University in Zhanjiang, China, examined the effects of dietary tea polyphenols (TPs) on the intestinal microbiota and metabolism of juvenile hybrid sturgeon. The study found that TPs had a modulatory effect on the intestinal microbiota, increasing the abundance of potential probiotics and decreasing the abundance of potential pathogens. Additionally, TPs influenced amino acid metabolism pathways in the sturgeon's intestines. These findings provide insight into the immune-protective effects of TPs and their potential as natural feed additives. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences investigated the effects of high-temperature stress on the leech Whitmania pigra Whitman. The researchers used transcriptome analysis and detection of antioxidant markers to examine the mechanisms of high-temperature stress in the leech. The study found that high-temperature stress caused oxidative damage in the leech intestine and suppressed immune capacity. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the detailed mechanisms of high-temperature stress in leeches. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Guangdong Ocean University in Zhanjiang, China, examined the effects of ammonia and nitrite on the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The researchers analyzed the histopathology, antioxidant defense, immune competence, and transcriptional responses of the shrimp under these stressors. The study found that combined stress caused more extensive histopathological damage compared to single stresses, with deeper damage observed in the hepatopancreas and gills. The study also identified differentially expressed genes and enriched metabolic pathways in response to the stressors. Overall, the study deepens our understanding of how L. vannamei responds to ammonia and nitrite stress. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Gansu Agricultural University in Lanzhou, China, explored the effects of acute alkalinity stress on the hepatopancreas of Pacific white shrimp. The researchers used physiological, histological, transcriptome, and metabolome analyses to investigate the response of the shrimp to high alkalinity levels. They found that acute alkalinity stress led to changes in energy metabolism, ammonia detoxification, and oxidative stress in the hepatopancreas. The study provides important insights into the stress response mechanism of Pacific white shrimp and could contribute to the optimization of saline-alkaline aquaculture practices. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the CSIR - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute in Bhavnagar, India, explores the biosecurity aspects of commercial Kappaphycus alvarezii farming in the country. The research highlights the potential economic growth and livelihood opportunities that this industry provides to low-income artisanal fishermen. However, it also emphasizes the need for improved biosecurity measures to mitigate the impact of disease outbreaks, infestations, and pest attacks. The study calls for the strengthening of regulatory frameworks and policies to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the seaweed aquaculture industry in India. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences in Guangzhou, China, has found that dietary supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) can have positive effects on the growth, metabolism, and immunity of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at low salinity. The study found that the optimal level of 25-OH-D3 supplementation for growth promotion was 2615 IU/kg. Additionally, the study found that 25-OH-D3 supplementation at certain levels could improve calcium-phosphorus metabolism, lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immunity in the shrimp. The researchers concluded that the best effects were achieved at an additional level of 2138-4069 IU/kg. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Shanghai Ocean University in China has shed light on the secondary sexual characteristics of female crayfish. The study found that cement glands, which appear in the abdominal pleopods and telson of female crayfish during the spawning period, can be used as an indicator to evaluate ovarian development and the reproductive spawning period of the female crayfish. The research compared the histological changes and proteome profiles of crayfish with and without cement glands, and found that female crayfish with cement glands had better developed ovaries. The study suggests that the function of cement glands is mainly to prepare for spawning and egg hatching. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the National University in Chimbote, Peru, explored the effects of crude chitin on the growth, survival, and immune response of male freshwater prawns. The study found that prawn diets supplemented with different amounts of chitin obtained from prawn exoskeletons did not significantly impact growth or survival rates. However, diets with higher levels of chitin did lead to an increase in circulating hemocytes, indicating a stimulated immune response. These findings suggest that chitin could be used to improve aquaculture productivity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Burapha University in Chonburi, Thailand, aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate reproduction in the mantis shrimp species Harpiosquilla raphidea. The researchers performed transcriptome sequencing of the ovaries of female H. raphidea and identified genes involved in ovarian development. They found a total of 962 differentially expressed genes between early and mature ovarian stages, with the vitellogenin gene being upregulated in mature ovaries. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling ovarian development in H. raphidea. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in China examined the effects of dietary protein on the reproductive performance, egg quality, and larval health of the blotched snakehead fish. The study found that a high protein diet significantly improved maternal fecundity, egg size, and offspring health. The diet also affected the levels of certain hormones and enzymes in the fish. The researchers concluded that the high protein diet influenced reproductive processes and egg quality by upregulating certain signaling pathways and metabolic processes. The study provides valuable insights into the factors that affect the reproductive success of this fish species. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill examined the pathology associated with summer oyster mortality in North Carolina. The expansion of oyster aquaculture industries in the southeastern United States has been hindered by recurring mortality events. The researchers conducted a histological survey at a commercial oyster farm in North Carolina and found that oysters presented with persistent digestive diverticula pathology leading up to and during the mortality event, suggesting that mortality was due to nutritional deprivation. The study highlights the need for further research into oyster mortality events worldwide and understanding resistance to recurring mortality events in commercially available oyster lines. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Taipei Medical University have made significant progress in the discovery of natural products through the use of advanced spectroscopic technologies. In their study, they focused on the aquaculture soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum and identified two novel biscembranoids, sarcotroxide A and B, which contain a unique 3-hydroperoxy-3-methylcyclohex-1-ene moiety. These biscembranoids exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the accumulation of superoxide anion and elastase release in activated human neutrophils. The findings suggest that these biscembranoids have potential as promising candidates for the development of anti-inflammatory agents. [Extracted from the article]