Die Naturwissenschaften[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Cajanus cajan pods assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and assessment of their cytotoxicity.
Patil SP, Chaudhari RY, Nemade MS
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Aug · PMID 40762698 · Publisher ↗
Nowadays, the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is receiving considerable attention due to their wide range of applications in various domains. The green approach to synthesizing Ag NPs is cost-effective and e...
Nowadays, the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is receiving considerable attention due to their wide range of applications in various domains. The green approach to synthesizing Ag NPs is cost-effective and ecologically safe, as it does not involve any sophisticated instruments or hazardous chemicals. Cajanus cajan (CC, Pigeon pea) is a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. So far, only pigeon pea leaves and seeds have been used in the synthesis of NPs. After the removal of edible seeds, pods are fed to cattle as fodder. The pods contain different flavonoids, iridoids, and other miscellaneous compounds. The present research focuses on the use of C. cajan pods in the fabrication of Ag NPs and the evaluation of their cytotoxicity against normal and breast cancer cells. On characterization, Ag NPs were found to be oval in shape, crystalline in nature, and capped with phytochemicals present in CC. The results of the MTT assay revealed that Ag NPs are cytotoxic to breast cancer cells. It can be concluded that phytochemicals present in C. cajan pods reduced the precursor into Ag NPs, which were significantly biologically active.
Revealing ivory origin: a novel ATR-FTIR spectroscopic and chemometric approach to distinguish Asian and African variants.
Sharma CP, Bhatia D, Singh R
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Aug · PMID 40760110 · Publisher ↗
In wildlife seizure proceedings, it is essential to accurately identify and differentiate between seized Asian and African elephant ivory and their carved products. This differentiation is necessary for effectively track...
In wildlife seizure proceedings, it is essential to accurately identify and differentiate between seized Asian and African elephant ivory and their carved products. This differentiation is necessary for effectively tracking the ivory trade, which will assist in combating illegal ivory trafficking. However, distinguishing similar types of samples from closely related species poses a challenging task, as they share similar chemical compositions. Therefore, the present study aimed to differentiate Asian and African elephant ivory samples, collected from ten individuals of each species. To achieve this objective, a rapid and cost-effective ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was employed. The spectra of the ivory samples were visually compared and subsequently subjected to chemometric analysis. The PCA model differentiated Asian and African elephant ivory samples into two distinct clusters, achieving an accuracy of 95%. Furthermore, the PLS-DA model successfully classified the ivory samples into two distinct categories with 100% accuracy. To validate the performance of the developed PLS-DA model, both cross-validation and external validation were conducted, yielding a classification accuracy of 100%. A blind test was also conducted to assess the prediction accuracy of the PLS-DA model, which also achieved 100% prediction accuracy. Additionally, the PLS-DA model effectively differentiated ivory from bone samples. The findings of this study highlighted the effectiveness of employing ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with PLS-DA tool to differentiate ivory samples sourced from Asian and African elephants. The present approach is effective even for the samples that have lost their morphological characteristics or consist of powdered ivory traces recovered from crime scenes.
Correction: Three new species from the Middle Jurassic of China provide insights on wing spots diversity of Bittacidae (Insecta: Mecoptera).
Yu J, Wang J, Zhang Y … +4 more , Shih C, Ren D, Lin X, Yang H
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jul · PMID 40705126 · Publisher ↗
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Phenotypic and functional trait variation in Malvastrum coromandelianum under different tree plantations in Pakistan.
Zahra A, Ahmad F, Asghar A … +4 more , Iqbal U, Shafqat J, Raza A, Ahmad KS
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jul · PMID 40699336 · Publisher ↗
Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke (Malvaceae) is a widely distributed herbaceous species known for its ecological adaptability and invasive behavior in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. In plantation forests, suc...
Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke (Malvaceae) is a widely distributed herbaceous species known for its ecological adaptability and invasive behavior in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. In plantation forests, such invasive understory species can alter community composition, affect regeneration, and influence ecosystem functioning. Understanding their trait plasticity across contrasting tree plantation environments is critical for managing understory biodiversity and assessing the ecological consequences of afforestation practices. This study examined the phenotypic and functional responses of M. coromandelianum across different tree plantations in Pakistan, focusing on how canopy-driven microclimatic variation and soil physicochemical conditions influence its morphological, physiological, and anatomical traits. Results revealed that functional trait responses were highly variable and plantation-specific. Plant height, shoot length, and glycine betaine accumulation were highest under Morus nigra, corresponding with elevated soil phosphorus and calcium, while the longest roots and highest proline levels occurred under Melia azedarach, where soil calcium and magnesium were also enriched. The smallest individuals were observed under Tecomella undulata, where higher sodium and lower nutrient availability may have constrained growth. Ion concentrations in plant tissues varied significantly across plantation types, generally aligning with soil ion availability-for instance, elevated shoot and root sodium under Melia azedarach corresponded with higher soil salinity, while calcium accumulation was greatest in soils with higher calcium. Leaf anatomical traits, including thicker mesophyll and midrib tissues under Morus nigra, suggested resource-acquisitive strategies, while root epidermis and stem sclerenchyma thickening under Conocarpus lancifolius reflected stress-tolerant adaptations. Structural traits varied along the Leaf-Stem-Root Economics Spectrum (LSRES), indicating a balance between conservative and acquisitive strategies depending on resource availability. These findings highlight the species considerable plasticity in response to integrated canopy and soil factors. However, given its invasive nature, M. coromandelianum should not be promoted for use in ecological restoration without careful consideration of its ecological impacts. Instead, its consistent trait responses make it a potentially valuable bioindicator for assessing understory microhabitat conditions, especially in semi-arid plantations.
Effects of neural stem cell-derived exosomes on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease in mice.
Guo X, Xing J, Shi X … +2 more , Cao Y, An L
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jul · PMID 40699331 · Publisher ↗
The objective of the study is to establish an extraction method of exosomes (Exos) from neural stem cells (NSCs) and to explore the effect of exosomes on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,...
The objective of the study is to establish an extraction method of exosomes (Exos) from neural stem cells (NSCs) and to explore the effect of exosomes on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, MPTP). In this study, neural stem cell-derived exosomes (NSC-Exos) were extracted for treatment; a mouse model of PD induced by MPTP was established. After the treatment with NSC-Exos, the behavioral ability of mice in the EXO group was significantly improved compared to that in the MPTP group. The biochemical index test results showed that compared with that in the MPTP group, the activity of SOD and the content of GSH in the serum of mice in the EXO group increased (P < 0.01), while the content of MDA decreased (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the histopathological morphological changes in the brain of PD mice. Western blot results showed that compared with that in the MPTP group, after the treatment with NSC-Exos, the expression level of α-syn protein in the brain tissue of mice in the EXO group decreased, while that of TH protein increased (P < 0.05); compared with those in the MPTP group, the expression levels of I-κB, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α proteins increased (P < 0.01). The 16S rDNA sequencing results of mouse gut microbiota showed that compared with that in the MPTP group, the abundance of Firmicutes decreased (P < 0.05), while the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria increased (P < 0.05) in the EXO group. The results of this study indicate that NSC-Exos have a certain therapeutic effect on the MPTP-induced PD in mice.
Arsenic exposure in insects from green spaces near a former copper smelter.
Rebolloso-Hernández CA, Vallejo-Pérez MR, Carrizales-Yáñez L … +3 more , Deloya-López AC, Razo-Soto I, Diaz-Barriga F
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jul · PMID 40637824 · Publisher ↗
Urban green spaces play a crucial role in protecting insect biodiversity against habitat loss. However, chemical pollution poses a potential threat to these ecosystems, making ecological risk assessment essential. In the...
Urban green spaces play a crucial role in protecting insect biodiversity against habitat loss. However, chemical pollution poses a potential threat to these ecosystems, making ecological risk assessment essential. In the city of San Luis Potosí, a former copper smelter operated for several decades, releasing arsenic into the environment. Despite this, its ecological impact has received no attention, which is important given the presence of nearby green spaces that provide habitat for urban insects. This study assessed arsenic levels in soil, plants, and insects near this former copper smelter to determine whether this pollutant poses risks to local insects. The study sites included green spaces near the smelter (smelter-impacted zone) and reference green spaces (reference zone), both ubicated within the same city. The study sites harbor more than 50 insect families with different ecological roles. Arsenic levels in soil, plants, and insects in the smelter-impacted zone were 4, 2, and 20 times higher compared to the reference zone, respectively. The analysis of exposure routes indicates that soil is a direct route for plants and insects, plants transfer the arsenic to several herbivores, decomposers reincorporate arsenic into the trophic chain, and predators are also exposed. Moreover, Cotinis mutabilis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) was identified as a bioindicator of arsenic pollution, showing a positive correlation between its tissue concentrations and arsenic levels in soil. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that arsenic pollution threatens insects in the smelter-impacted zone, highlighting the need for further research to assess the potential ecological risks.
Sublethal effect and molecular responses of Musca domestica to cinnamon extracts.
Alghamdi A, Naqqash MN, Batool N … +6 more , Farooq MA, Noureldeen A, Darwish H, El-Kott AF, Salama SA, Elmarassi YR
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jun · PMID 40531234 · Publisher ↗
The house fly, Musca domestica L., plays a crucial role as a mechanical vector for a variety of pathogens that impact both humans and animals, highlighting the need for effective control measures. Conventional approaches...
The house fly, Musca domestica L., plays a crucial role as a mechanical vector for a variety of pathogens that impact both humans and animals, highlighting the need for effective control measures. Conventional approaches, including sanitation and waste management, exhibit certain constraints, resulting in a dependence on synthetic insecticides that carry potential risks of toxicity and the development of resistance. This research examined the lethal and behavioral effects of Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon) extracts on house flies, employing an age-stage two-sex life table methodology to evaluate life table parameters. The analysis utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed significant phytochemicals present in cinnamon bark, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which are recognized for their insecticidal and behavioral effects in insects. Acute toxicity assessments demonstrated lethal concentrations (LC, LC, and control) of cinnamon extracts, significantly affecting developmental and reproductive parameters. Interestingly, lower concentrations (LC) promoted fecundity and intrinsic growth rates compared to higher concentrations (LC), suggesting a biphasic response that aligns with the concept of pesticide-induced hormesis. Furthermore, oviposition preference trials confirmed a concentration-dependent deterrent effect of cinnamon extracts, with higher doses significantly reducing egg-laying behavior in gravid females. This research has included traditional GC-MS-based phytochemical screening by incorporating comprehensive biological and molecular assessments, offering a more integrated approach for biopesticide identification. The identification of phytochemicals like cinnamaldehyde and α-muurolene establishes a robust basis for the screening of additional bioactive compounds and exploring novel insecticidal agents.
The small size of a myrmecophyte and its associated ant colony facilitate ambushing by large Ectatomma tuberculatum workers.
Dejean A, Rossi V, Azémar F
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jun · PMID 40522536 · Publisher ↗
Cecropia obtusa is a Neotropical myrmecophyte (i.e., plant sheltering ant colonies in hollow structures in exchange for protection against different enemies) that, in French Guiana, is associated with the dolichoderine a...
Cecropia obtusa is a Neotropical myrmecophyte (i.e., plant sheltering ant colonies in hollow structures in exchange for protection against different enemies) that, in French Guiana, is associated with the dolichoderine ants Azteca alfari or A. ovaticeps that nest in this tree's internodes and are provided food, mostly food bodies called Müllerian bodies. We show that the workers of the ectatommine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum are able to select small C. obtusa individuals (i.e., they were never noted on trees more than 3 m tall) to ambush the Azteca workers exiting the entrance holes to the internodes on these trees. Their presence is more frequent diurnally when the Azteca must leave their nest to harvest Müllerian bodies, whose production requires sunlight, than at night. We witnessed 36 E. tuberculatum foragers ambushing Azteca workers, then seizing and stinging them. Exceptionally, they captured three Azteca workers successively. In all cases, they retrieved them by carrying them between their mandibles. These results confirm that E. tuberculatum foragers, which nest at the base of different tree species, are well adapted to ambushing insect prey, including social insects exiting their nests.
Alternative reproductive strategies in two cryptic species of the European earwig complex.
Pasquier L, Dupont S, Devers S … +2 more , Lécureuil C, Meunier J
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jun · PMID 40488861 · Publisher ↗
Reproductive strategies often reflect species-specific adaptations to ecological pressures. However, identifying such strategies within cryptic species complexes remains challenging. We addressed this gap in two cryptic...
Reproductive strategies often reflect species-specific adaptations to ecological pressures. However, identifying such strategies within cryptic species complexes remains challenging. We addressed this gap in two cryptic species of the European earwig complex (Forficula dentata and Forficula auricularia), both known for their agricultural importance, invasive potential, and maternal care. Using a common garden experiment with adults from seven populations, including sympatric ones, we quantified four forms of maternal egg care (egg gathering, egg defence, egg retrieval, and frequency of mother-egg contacts) and 20 additional life-history traits across the female life cycle. Species identity was then determined using COI analyses. Our results revealed that nine traits were species-specific, indicating distinct reproductive strategies. Both species produced a similar number of eggs. However, F. dentata females prioritized pre-ovipositional investment by delaying oviposition, a strategy that enhanced egg provisioning and offspring quality but shortened post-ovipositional egg development and reduced hatching success. Conversely, F. auricularia females invested more post-ovipositionally by laying earlier, which limited pre-ovipositional egg provisioning and resulted in lower-quality juveniles, but prolonged egg development, thereby increasing hatching success. These strategies did not alter three of the four maternal care behaviours, although F. dentata mothers showed stronger egg defence. Overall, these strategies may confer species-specific advantages in colonizing and competing for new environments, potentially contributing to the global invasive success of the European earwig complex.
Curcumin protects extracellular matrix to maintain microenvironmental stability inhibiting colon cancer metastasis through HPSE/IL-6/STAT5 axis.
Wang X, Chai R, Li J … +4 more , Chen Y, Li Z, Bian Y, Zhao S
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jun · PMID 40464979 · Publisher ↗
Our previous research demonstrated that curcumin suppresses mouse colorectal cancer (CRC) cell CT26 migration and invasion by inhibiting heparanase (HPSE) mRNA expression. To further elucidate the mechanism of curcumin i...
Our previous research demonstrated that curcumin suppresses mouse colorectal cancer (CRC) cell CT26 migration and invasion by inhibiting heparanase (HPSE) mRNA expression. To further elucidate the mechanism of curcumin in human CRC treatment, we hypothesized that HPSE plays a pivotal role in human CRC metastasis and that curcumin inhibits this process by downregulating HPSE expression through epigenetic regulation mediated by non-coding RNAs. For further research, human CRC cells were infected with lentivirus to establish overexpression of HPSE cell lines and corresponding negative control cell lines. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that curcumin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of CRC cancer by inhibiting HPSE expression. In the tumor microenvironment, HPSE played an important role in activating the IL-6/STAT5 axis signaling pathway by destructing the extracellular matrix and releasing large number of cytokines, while changing the tumor microenvironment and EMT process, thus promoting tumor metastasis. RNA-seq analysis combined with qRT-PCR results showed that curcumin's inhibition of HPSE expression involved the regulation of non-coding RNAs. Taken together, our results suggested that HPSE promotes CRC metastasis by activating the IL-6/STAT5 signaling axis, disrupting the ECM, releasing cytokines, and altering the tumor microenvironment to facilitate EMT. Curcumin significantly inhibits CRC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis by downregulating HPSE expression via non-coding RNAs, which related to IL-6/STAT5 axis signal pathways. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying curcumin's anti-CRC effects, emphasizing the role of HPSE and non-coding RNAs in tumor metastasis. These findings pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting HPSE and its regulatory pathways in CRC.
Potential feeding deterrents of Adelges tsugae found in biological control flies.
Andrews O, Jones AC, Whitmore M … +1 more , Salom S
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jun · PMID 40455269 · Full text
The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (HWA, Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is a detrimental pest to native eastern and Carolina hemlocks. In the last 2 decades, biological control utilizing two species of Laricobiu...
The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (HWA, Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is a detrimental pest to native eastern and Carolina hemlocks. In the last 2 decades, biological control utilizing two species of Laricobius beetles (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) has been of focus in the widespread effort to control HWA. Recently, two species of silver flies, native to the Pacific Northwest, Leucotaraxis argenticollis Zetterstedt and Leucotaraxis piniperda Malloch (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), are being investigated as additional biological control agents. Releasing these two silver fly species in the eastern United States has yet to result in the establishment of these predators. During laboratory studies, Leucotaraxis larvae excreted a black substance in response to being disturbed, which contained anthraquinones previously detected in HWA. Previous research on Laricobius spp. found that the beetles likely sequestered these compounds from HWA. These compounds are feeding deterrents in other insect species. Leucotaraxis argenticollis life stages, their excrement, and honeydew produced by HWA were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that these anthraquinones were detected in various life stages of Le. argenticollis immatures and adults that fed on HWA. They were not detected in Le. argenticollis adults that were only fed artificial diet and water, indicating that Le. argenticollis sequesters the anthraquinones from HWA and may transmit the compounds to their eggs.
Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide on learning and memory impairment and intestinal flora in mice with D-galactose-induced aging.
Chen Y, Li J, Zhang S … +3 more , Zhao Y, Gao D, Xu G
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 Jun · PMID 40455220 · Publisher ↗
Learning and memory impairment is one of the main manifestations of cognitive impairment. Gut flora can affect cognitive function and behavior through the gut-brain axis. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) is one of...
Learning and memory impairment is one of the main manifestations of cognitive impairment. Gut flora can affect cognitive function and behavior through the gut-brain axis. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) is one of the main effective components of G. lucidum, with antioxidant and anti-aging effects. In this study, the learning and memory impairment model of aging mice was established by injecting D-galactose (D-gal). The learning and memory ability of mice was tested by a water maze experiment. Also, the biochemical indexes of mouse serum and brain tissue were determined. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on mouse feces. The results showed that GLP significantly shortened the latency of mice to find a safe platform. Also, they enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, increased glutamate (Glu) and acetylcholine (ACh) contents, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) contents in mice to improve antioxidant capacity, remove free radicals, and reduce lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, thereby improving learning and memory disorders in mice. The analysis of the microflora after the intervention of GLP to improve learning and memory disorders in mice revealed changes in Lactobacillus abundance. In conclusion, D-gal causes learning memory impairment and reduced intestinal microbial diversity in aging mice, whereas GLP may ameliorate learning memory impairment by altering the distribution of Lactobacillus in the intestinal tract of mice and regulating the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan and secondary bile acids.
The complex interaction between plants and acoustic signals: friends or foes?
Kumar V
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40445373 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Influence of floral traits on visitation patterns in a miniature tropical stingless bee, Tetragonula iridipennis.
M AJ, N KM, Sreekumar S … +2 more , Kelber A, Somanathan H
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40445370 · Publisher ↗
Miniaturisation can influence the foraging behaviour of flower visitors by shaping their sensory systems, flight capabilities, and their compatibility with floral shapes and structures. For bees, vision is a primary sens...
Miniaturisation can influence the foraging behaviour of flower visitors by shaping their sensory systems, flight capabilities, and their compatibility with floral shapes and structures. For bees, vision is a primary sensory modality, and a reduction in eye size compromises the resolution and sensitivity of vision. In Tetragonula iridipennis, a diminutive tropical stingless bee common in South Asia, we addressed the following questions: (a) Since flight capabilities are correlated with body size, does it largely utilise resources from understorey plants? (b) Does their small body size permit the utilisation of flowers with diverse morphologies? Further, we explored floral colour in relation to bee colour vision by examining if: (c) the distribution of marker points of the community floral spectra (n = 182 species) corresponds with bee photoreceptor sensitivities and (d) the colours of flowers visited or not visited by T. iridipennis form separate clusters in the bee colour space. We found a high degree of resource generalisation, with T. iridipennis visiting ~ 46% of flowering plant species (n = 215). However, three plant species accounted for the highest visitation rates (90%). There was no correlation between plant functional groups and foraging preferences. Floral shape and the interaction between floral area and shape significantly predicted visitation by T. iridipennis. Further studies on other bee species that are sympatric, closely related, and varying in body size will help understand the role of miniaturisation in foraging ecology of pollinators.
Effects of simulated squirrel branch landings on ants and other arboreal arthropods.
Seiler AR, Schleff EJ, Gamsky OM … +2 more , Stark AY, Yanoviak SP
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40434541 · Publisher ↗
Wind, rain, and the activities of vertebrates frequently dislodge arthropods from tree surfaces, resulting in arthropod "rain" beneath trees. The probability of falling likely differs among taxa based on their adhesive c...
Wind, rain, and the activities of vertebrates frequently dislodge arthropods from tree surfaces, resulting in arthropod "rain" beneath trees. The probability of falling likely differs among taxa based on their adhesive capacities and ability to anticipate disturbance. We quantified the motion of red oak (Quercus rubra Linnaeus [Fagales: Fagaceae]) leaves, and the composition of arthropods dislodged from woody vegetation, following disturbance mimicking branch landings by eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin [Rodentia: Sciuridae]). Simulated squirrel landings caused terminal leaves on red oak branches to move rapidly (up to 100 cm s) upward and inward toward the tree trunk during the first 50 ms, and dislodged 30% of the arthropods present on a branch. The composition of fallen arthropods was similar to those that remained on the branches, but the proportion dislodged differed among taxa. We used a small catapult to test the effect of leaf movement on the adhesive capabilities of workers of the carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus DeGeer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Arboreal ants presumably anticipate disturbance; thus, they were either "warned" or "unwarned" before each launch. Most ants (98%) were dislodged by the catapult. Warning did not affect the average (± SE) initial velocity (126.0 ± 72.0 cm s) or maximum height (22.8 ± 9.3 cm) of launched ants. However, both variables were positively associated with ant mass. The results illustrate the limited ability of many arboreal arthropods to avoid the consequences of a common natural hazard and improve our understanding of the challenges imposed by an arboreal lifestyle.
Snake scent gland secretions repel and induce contact toxicity in ants.
Weldon PJ, Vander Meer RK
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40392282 · Full text
Embedded in the tail base of all snakes is a pair of scent glands from which typically foul-smelling secretions are expelled when snakes are disturbed. The tendency of predatory ants to avoid snake cloacal fluids, and th...
Embedded in the tail base of all snakes is a pair of scent glands from which typically foul-smelling secretions are expelled when snakes are disturbed. The tendency of predatory ants to avoid snake cloacal fluids, and the abundance and structural diversity of potentially insecticidal carboxylic acids identified in scent gland secretions (SGS), prompted speculation that SGS function to deter ants. We examined the deterrent properties of the SGS of the Middle American burrowing python (Loxocemus bicolor) in fumigation, repellency, and contact-toxicity behavioral assays against workers of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and a species of carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus), thus representing the two major ant sub-families, Myrmicinae and Formicinae, respectively. We also examined responses by S. invicta to the SGS of representative booid, pythonid, colubrine, elapinine, and crotaline snakes. None of the SGS samples affected the two ant species in fumigation tests. However, in repellency bioassays, ants given a choice between a droplet of water or sugar water versus a diluted droplet of SGS overwhelmingly avoided the latter, typically exhibiting rapid antennation from within a few mm, then retreating. Pure or diluted SGS applied directly to ants induced a high percentage of paralysis and death. Some treated ants exhibited symptoms of contact toxicosis but recovered within a 4-h observational period. Our results and reports of the responses of predatory ants to the Texas blindsnake (Rena dulcis) point to the scent glands as an ancient and widespread source of ant deterrents.
Post-fire phenology of the tree fern Cyathea mexiae at the edge of a semideciduous Forest in Brazil.
Lauro ATD, Lima LV, Menini Neto L … +1 more , de Paiva Farias R
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40387932 · Publisher ↗
Phenology investigates the periodicity of biological events related to plant growth. There is limited phenological information on ferns, particularly under disturbance conditions such as forest edges and fire. This study...
Phenology investigates the periodicity of biological events related to plant growth. There is limited phenological information on ferns, particularly under disturbance conditions such as forest edges and fire. This study aimed to identify phenological patterns and responses to environmental factors and post-accidental fire events, including leaf production and mortality, and the number of leaves of Cyathea mexiae Copel. at the edge of a semi-deciduous seasonal remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Twenty-four plants were monitored for 22 months, with 10 of them affected by fire. We quantified and compared leaf number, production, and mortality, and evaluated their relationships with environmental factors (rainfall, temperature, and humidity), considering two groups: burned and unburned. Trunk height was measured and related to phenological events. Only one plant died post fire. Burned and unburned groups showed no significant differences in trunk height, leaf number, production, or mortality. Both groups exhibited discontinuous and irregular leaf production and mortality patterns. Both groups produced leaves immediately post fire, though with differences in peak timing. Burned plants displayed a rapid peak in leaf production (September), earlier than the peak in unburned plants (November). Only leaf mortality in unburned plants was positively correlated with rainfall and humidity. This study demonstrated a rapid recovery in leaf numbers following accidental fire for C. mexiae. The study revealed non-seasonal trends in the leaf production patterns of C. mexiae, with fire potentially inducing leaf mortality, reducing the sensitivity of this phenophase to environmental factors, and altering the timing of peak leaf production between the groups.
A methodology for creating collections of different focus of hairy roots.
Stepanova AY, Gladkov EA, Gladkova OV
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40387931 · Publisher ↗
Hairy roots can be used in various fields of biotechnology, environmental protection, and agriculture, as well as for basic research. One of the actively developing areas is the use of hairy roots in pharmacy industry. T...
Hairy roots can be used in various fields of biotechnology, environmental protection, and agriculture, as well as for basic research. One of the actively developing areas is the use of hairy roots in pharmacy industry. The creation of collections of genetically transformed roots is of great practical importance. The collection of general focus includes specimens of different taxonomy, biological status, and geographical origin, which can be maintained in natural or artificial conditions of given country or region. The greatest interest is given by using genetically transformed roots of rare plant species, as it may allow to reduce exploitation of such plants in the wild. A pharmacological collection is necessary for the conservation and study of medicinal plants. The use of a collection of genetically transformed roots allows us to conduct research with various plant species and select the most promising genetically transformed roots for use as promising raw materials for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as well as in environmental protection, agriculture and for various studies in the field of biotechnology and plant physiology. The aim of the work was to methodology for the development of collections of hairy roots.
Seasonal phenology and pollinator similarity of two species of Hohenbergia Schult. & Schult.f. (Bromelioideae: Bromeliaceae) in distinct Atlantic Forest fragments.
Silva TAD, Fagundes ACA, Nascimento GQSDS … +4 more , Aona LYS, Souza FVD, Costa MAPC, Souza EH
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40372466 · Publisher ↗
Evaluations of vegetative and reproductive phenology have yielded significant insights into how biotic and abiotic factors affect the phenological rhythms of plants and the impact of climate change on ecosystems. The aim...
Evaluations of vegetative and reproductive phenology have yielded significant insights into how biotic and abiotic factors affect the phenological rhythms of plants and the impact of climate change on ecosystems. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenological patterns of vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting of H. amargosensis and H. stellata in Atlantic Forest fragments, analyzing their relationships with climatic variables and pollinators. Periodic visits were made to the forest fragments where H. amargosensis and H. stellata are found to observe the development of the plants at each development stage. Hohenbergia amargosensis flowered every two years (supra-annual flowering), while H. stellata did so annually. Both species reproduced both asexually and sexually, and their phenophases were seasonal, except for the emission of young leaves by H. stellata. Eight pollinator species and two robbers were recorded in H. amargosensis, while four pollinator species and one robber were recorded in H. stellata. The main pollinating agents were hummingbirds (Trochilidae) and bees (Apidae). The data obtained on the phenology aspects of Hohenbergia species and their pollinators are important to support studies aiming the conservation of these species.
Vertical distribution characteristics and influencing factors of bacterial communities in a sediment profile of Bohai Sea.
Tan S, Zhang T, Zou Z … +1 more , Yang Z
Naturwissenschaften · 2025 May · PMID 40343547 · Publisher ↗
Research on the diversity of bacterial communities and their influencing factors in the sediments of the Bohai Sea remains limited. This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to explore the vertical distributi...
Research on the diversity of bacterial communities and their influencing factors in the sediments of the Bohai Sea remains limited. This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to explore the vertical distribution characteristics and influencing factors (depth, heavy metals, and nutrients) of bacterial communities in sediment core B18 from the Bohai Sea. Our results indicated that the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Desulfobacterota, Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota, with Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidia, Anaerolineae, Thermoanaerobaculia, and Desulfobulbia as the dominant classes. Depth exerted a pronounced influence on bacterial community diversities, with bacterial communities (excluding Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Verrucomicrobiota) displaying a positive correlation with depth. Anaerobic bacteria like Desulfobacterota and Chloroflexi were more prevalent in the deeper sediment layers. In contrast, most bacterial communities exhibited a negative relationship with heavy metal concentrations. Notably, As, Pb, and Cd contents exhibited relatively high levels of pollution and had a considerably negative effect on bacterial diversity. Bacterial communities with adaptability to heavy metals (such as Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota) demonstrated a competitive advantage in the Bohai Sea sediment bacterial community compositions. Meanwhile, bacterial communities related to nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota) were relatively abundant. This study offers valuable insights into the diversity and compositions of bacterial communities in the Bohai Sea sediment profile by elucidating the vertical distribution and influencing factors of sediment bacterial communities.
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