Die Naturwissenschaften[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Could snort production reflect comfort in horses kept outdoors? A first study.
Hausberger M, Matthieu L, Delbos M … +5 more , Briseño-Jaramillo M, Wimel L, Henry S, Lemasson A, Lesimple C
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377502 · Full text
The welfare of free-roaming, captive wild or domestic animals housed outdoors is often questioned. How subjects perceive climatic conditions is not always well detected as it is highly subjective, depending on species, a...
The welfare of free-roaming, captive wild or domestic animals housed outdoors is often questioned. How subjects perceive climatic conditions is not always well detected as it is highly subjective, depending on species, age and experience. Hence, decisions on housing rely mostly on human anthropomorphic perception. In particular, indicators of comfort and positive emotions remain poorly documented. Acoustic signals, however, offer a promising window into animals' internal states. In the present study, we hypothesized that acoustic signals could be used to identify positive or negative perceptions of environmental conditions in horses. Horses possess a diverse acoustic repertoire and the snort produced by nostril vibration, has been identified as a likely indicator of calm, positive emotions. Over 3 weeks in early spring, acoustic production and time budget were recorded for 20 adult horses living outdoors on pasture. Meteorological conditions and pasture composition were monitored simultaneously. Results showed that snorts were the most frequent acoustic signal and that their production varied considerably across observation sessions. Snort production was highly correlated with temperature: horses produced more snorts and showed more relaxed behaviours when the temperature ranged between 15 and 20 °C. In contrast, lower temperatures around 5-8 °C were associated with more "static" behaviours (reflecting energy conservation) and less snorts. Finally, snorts were more frequent immediately after horses entered a new pasture with higher food diversity than just before leaving, when food diversity had become more restricted. These findings suggest that acoustic production may help identify the subjective perception that animals have from their environment, allowing more individualized and adapted management practices.
Pyrazole-thiazolidine hybrids as α-amylase inhibitor: a mechanistic and computational investigation.
Omran HA, Abid DS, Al-Duhaidahawi D … +8 more , Majed AA, Nameh HH, Al-Mutairi AA, Al-Hussain SA, Zaki MEA, Gomha SM, Alqurashi EA, Elhenawy AA
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377478 · Publisher ↗
The development of therapeutic agents with dual bioactivity represents a promising strategy in modern drug discovery. In this study, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel series of pyrazole-thi...
The development of therapeutic agents with dual bioactivity represents a promising strategy in modern drug discovery. In this study, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel series of pyrazole-thiazolidine hybrids (5a-f). The chemical structures of all synthesized compounds were unequivocally confirmed through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. The entire series was evaluated for its in vitro biological potential, specifically as antidiabetic agents via α-amylase inhibition and as anticancer agents via cytotoxicity against the PC3 human prostate cancer cell line. In the α-amylase assay, compound 5d, bearing a para-nitro substituent, emerged as the most potent inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 15.90 ± 0.88 µg/mL, demonstrating activity nearly equipotent to the standard drug Acarbose. Conversely, in the anticancer screening, compound 5f, with a meta-hydroxyl group, displayed the highest cytotoxicity against PC3 cells (IC₅₀ = 108.39 ± 0.95 µg/ml). A striking divergent Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) was observed: para-electron-withdrawing groups were optimal for α-amylase inhibition, whereas meta-substitution was critical for anticancer activity. To rationalize these findings, comprehensive computational studies were performed. Molecular docking revealed distinct binding modes and interaction patterns for each biological target, which strongly correlated with the experimental results. Furthermore, 100-nanosecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the most potent α-amylase inhibitors (5c and 5d) confirmed the formation of exceptionally stable protein-ligand complexes, elucidating the dynamic mechanism of inhibition at an atomic level. These results establish the pyrazole-thiazolidine scaffold as a highly promising and "tunable" chemotype for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Conventional methods may cause allometric analyses to be unreliable.
Packard GC
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377396 · Publisher ↗
Contemporary analyses of allometric variation typically entail the fitting of a straight line to logarithmic transformations of the original data, with the slope for the line then being interpreted in the context of untr...
Contemporary analyses of allometric variation typically entail the fitting of a straight line to logarithmic transformations of the original data, with the slope for the line then being interpreted in the context of untransformed observations. In the process, investigators unwittingly commit statistical errors that may compromise the analyses and ensuing interpretations. Here, I re-examine published data for oxygen consumption vs. body mass in an ontogenetic series of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) to illustrate both the problem and how to avoid it altogether by using nonlinear regression to examine untransformed observations. Whereas a straight line fitted to logarithmic transformations pointed to a two-parameter power equation with an allometric exponent of 0.78 for describing data on the linear scale, the best description for pattern in the original data is shown here to be a straight line with a non-zero intercept. The overall pattern of variation is allometric because of the intercept. However, the pattern of variation over the range in the data is isometric because the implied exponent for the predictor variable is 1. Findings reported here have important implications for the study of bivariate allometry, where the objective of primary importance is to accurately describe the pattern of variation in untransformed observations. The methods applied here provide a useful roadmap for attaining that objective.
Impact of habitat disturbance on activity pattern and diet of de brraza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) in kafa biosphere reserve, South West Ethiopia.
Haile M, Gadisa T, Habtamu T … +1 more , Gutema TM
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42334610 · Publisher ↗
The activity patterns and feeding habits of primates are altered in response to habitat degradation and fluctuations in food availability. Among the Old-World monkey species, the De Brazza's monkey (DM), Cercopithecus ne...
The activity patterns and feeding habits of primates are altered in response to habitat degradation and fluctuations in food availability. Among the Old-World monkey species, the De Brazza's monkey (DM), Cercopithecus neglectus, is one of the understudied species in Africa. We evaluated the impact of habitat disturbance on activity patterns and diet of the DM in the three management focal zones (core, buffer and transition) of Bonga and Saja forests of the Kafa Biosphere Reserve. Data were collected using instantaneous scan sampling method from June 2022 to May 2023. Six groups of De Brazza's monkeys (DMs)- one group from each management zone of the two forests- were observed twice a month. The proportion of time spent on each activity was calculated by dividing the number of records for each activity by the total number of activity records. Slightly more behavioral activities were recorded during the dry season (50.07%, n = 3173) compared to the wet season (49.93%, n = 3163). Feeding was more prevalent in the buffer zone (34.9%, n = 713) compared to the transition zone (31.6%, n = 646). In contrast, moving was most common in the transition zone (38.9%, n = 441) and less frequent in the buffer zone (24.9%, n = 333). The study revealed that the diet of De Brazza's monkeys consists of 34 plant species, 27 at Bonga and 24 at Saja site, with 17 species common to both sites, while 10 were unique to Bonga and 7 species to Saja. Most of the feeding activity was relatively higher during the wet season (51.8%, n = 2,124). Majority (83.7%) of the feeding scans were scans on fruit bearing trees. More DM diet sources were recorded in transition zones of the two study sites. The findings indicate that moving was more frequent in disturbed zones than the others zones. Seasonality influences the behavior of De Brazza's monkeys, with a greater proportion of their activities observed during the dry season. An immediate conservation action is necessary to mitigate habitat degradation in the Biosphere.
Ethnobotany of desert medicinal plants and their sustainable ethnomedicinal utilization.
Majeed S, Zafar M, Ibadullayeva S … +6 more , Alotaibi NM, Abidin SZU, Khan MR, Dawood S, Dinislam K, Amin A
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42334487 · Publisher ↗
In the desert areas with indigenous communities, they have a rich array of traditional knowledge regarding the usage of medicinal plants and this has become a major form of their primary health care practices. This broad...
In the desert areas with indigenous communities, they have a rich array of traditional knowledge regarding the usage of medicinal plants and this has become a major form of their primary health care practices. This broad ethnobotanical strategy in the desert ecosystems and the exploration revealed indigenous knowledge, sustainable resource use, and community well-being can be enhanced through the adoption of the traditions of healing. The data collection of the medicinal plants were conducted from Thal desert using semi-structured interviews, guided field interviews, direct observation, focus group discussions, and surveys, between spring and monsoon 2022.The analysis was done in terms of qualitative as well as quantitative indices; Use value (UV), Relative Frequency of citation (RFC) and Cultural Value Index (CVI). An extensive survey documented about 111 plant species of 26 families, of which Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae, were mostly represented, which were typical practices found in Thal desert. Among others, it is worth noting that Tribulus terrestris, Tecomella undulata, and Tamarix aphylla were the most commonly used plants. The most used part of plants was leaves and herbal preparation of traditional remedies mainly the raw, powder and paste application form. In the quantitative analysis, Ziziphus nummularia was found to have the highest RFC value (0.52), while Iphione grantioides had the least RFC value (0.05),The survey uses quantitative ethnobotanical measures, such as the UV, RFC and CVI importance indices to measure and record the indigenous knowledge in a systematic manner in the context of primary health care. Folk tradition in the primary health care practices with an ethnomedical approach to the Thal desert is not only an improved way of improving the well-being of the community, but also an indication of a need to use resources in a sustainable manner.
Temperature effects on survival and dormancy patterns across age groups in vulnerable land snail Vertigo moulinsiana.
Książkiewicz Z, Wiśniewska M, Gołdyn B
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301507 · Full text
The Desmoulin's whorl snail, Vertigo moulinsiana (Dupuy, 1849) (Gastropoda: Vertiginidae), an endangered micro-mollusc listed as Vulnerable in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, uses aestivation to survive environmen...
The Desmoulin's whorl snail, Vertigo moulinsiana (Dupuy, 1849) (Gastropoda: Vertiginidae), an endangered micro-mollusc listed as Vulnerable in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, uses aestivation to survive environmental stress. This study aims to evaluate the effects of constant versus fluctuating thermal regimes on survival and activation dynamics of V. moulinsiana. Specimens from each age group individually (juveniles, subadults, adults distinguished based on the number of shell whorls and the presence of apertural barriers) were subjected to six thermal treatments: 23 °C, 35 °C, fluctuations between 25 °C and 35 °C, 4 °C, fluctuations between 4 °C and - 10 °C, and - 10 °C. Study shows that juveniles exhibited the lowest survival rates under low-temperature treatments, whereas adults displayed the tolerance to cold spells. Subadult survival was not significantly influenced by any temperature. Juveniles showed also higher survival under high-temperature treatments. However, due to sensitivity to desiccation, these temperatures must occur with suitable air humidity. Importantly, temperature fluctuations substantially sped up activation time across all the age groups, whereas constant temperatures led to bet-hedging response. Given the increasing frequency of extreme climate events under ongoing climate change, these results suggest even increased vulnerability of this species. Understanding its responses to environmental stress is therefore critical for getting to know protection strategies for V. moulinsiana.
Human earprints in forensic identification: scientific foundations, classification methods, and legal implications.
Rani D, Krishan K
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301426 · Publisher ↗
Earprint biometrics has been proposed as a forensic identification method based on the distinctive morphology of the external human ear and the prints it may leave on surfaces during criminal activity. Since the late twe...
Earprint biometrics has been proposed as a forensic identification method based on the distinctive morphology of the external human ear and the prints it may leave on surfaces during criminal activity. Since the late twentieth century, earprints have occasionally been introduced as evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings in several jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States. Despite these applications, the scientific validity of earprint comparison remains contested. This article presents a narrative review of the forensic, anthropological, and legal literature on earprint identification. It examines the development of earprint research from early anthropometric approaches to contemporary digital and automated comparison techniques. Particular attention is given to the anatomical basis of ear morphology, the classification of earprints, and the methodological frameworks used in forensic comparison. The review also evaluates empirical studies addressing variability in earprint deposition, examiner subjectivity, and the absence of validated statistical models for assessing evidential strength. The medico-legal implications of earprint evidence are examined through analysis of forensic casework and appellate decisions in which earprint testimony played a significant role. These cases illustrate the risks associated with the premature adoption of forensic techniques lacking standardized protocols and empirically established error rates. The review concludes that although earprints may provide investigative information and potentially corroborative evidence, current scientific limitations prevent their reliable use as independent identification evidence. Future progress requires standardized international protocols, large-scale validation studies, probabilistic interpretation frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaboration between forensic scientists, statisticians, and legal scholars.
Boron supplementation enhances yield, photosynthetic efficiency, enzyme activity, and mineral content in Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.).
Ali S, Ali E, Rasheed D … +2 more , Ahmad R, Hayat F
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301324 · Publisher ↗
Persian clover is an important forage crop cultivated worldwide. Different management practices are being explored to enhance the productivity of Persian clover. The current study explored the beneficial role of boron on...
Persian clover is an important forage crop cultivated worldwide. Different management practices are being explored to enhance the productivity of Persian clover. The current study explored the beneficial role of boron on growth, yield, nutrient content, and biochemical activities of Persian clover. The experiment was conducted using seven boron foliar treatments at concentrations of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 ppm. Plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, plant height, number of leaves, number of stems, and leaf area were enhanced by 3 and 6 ppm boron. Photosynthetic pigments were improved under 3 and 6 ppm boron, whereas other concentrations caused a reduction in photosynthetic pigments due to boron toxicity. Plant biochemical activities were enhanced by supplementation with 3 and 6 ppm of boron. Boron toxicity also occurs at higher concentrations (9, 12, 15, and 18 ppm), resulting in higher malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Moreover, higher concentrations (9, 12, 15, and 18 ppm) suppressed growth, reduced yield, leading to a decline in photosynthetic pigments, and decreased macronutrients levels. A correlation matrix and heatmap were used to evaluate the relationships between the studied traits, indicating that, 3 and 6 ppm boron are the optimum doses for sustainable production of Persian clover.
Evaluation of fire extinguisher dry powder as an "in situ" development powder for latent fingermarks.
Mak DS, Yao ZP
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 May · PMID 42274782 · Publisher ↗
Latent fingermarks are present on surfaces of evidence items in many cases. However, current fingermark development methods fail to detect all the invisible fingermarks, and it can be very time consuming and labour-inten...
Latent fingermarks are present on surfaces of evidence items in many cases. However, current fingermark development methods fail to detect all the invisible fingermarks, and it can be very time consuming and labour-intensive when processing large crime scenes and bulky evidence items with large surface areas. In this study, an "in situ" latent fingermark detection method that makes use of dry powder from a fire extinguisher was evaluated. Its selectivity and sensitivity were compared with those of the current fingermark development methods using traditional fingerprint powders and cyanoacrylate fuming. Powders in three commercial brands of fire extinguishers were first characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The analysis revealed the diverse morphological characteristics of the powders, ranging from curved, irregular to sharp-edged forms. This study involved the development and evaluation of over 1700 fingermarks deposited by three donors. Similar to traditional fingerprint powders, Eversafe fire extinguisher dry powder displayed notable superiority in developing sebaceous and natural fingermarks by giving sufficient ridge details and clear secondary details on various glass substrates, whereas cyanoacrylate fuming proved to be less effective in comparison. Even for old fingermarks aged up to 12 weeks old, over 88% had a grade of 3 or 4 and were categorized as "useful" for potential identification, which has provided preliminary evidence for the feasibility of using fire extinguisher dry powders for the development of latent fingermarks. The results indicated that the fingermark detection method was quick, simple and cost-effective, highlighting the need for further investigation into the capabilities and limitations of this approach using a larger cohort of donors to simulate operational conditions.
A multipurpose medicinal tree under threat: biology, phytochemistry, propagation and conservation of Dillenia pentagyna Roxb.
Vijay MK, Singh N
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42262556 · Publisher ↗
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. is a widely distributed yet increasingly threatened multipurpose tree of tropical Asia with significant ethnomedicinal, nutritional, and ecological importance. Despite its recognized value, a com...
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. is a widely distributed yet increasingly threatened multipurpose tree of tropical Asia with significant ethnomedicinal, nutritional, and ecological importance. Despite its recognized value, a comprehensive synthesis integrating recent advances in phytochemistry, propagation biology, and conservation genetics remains limited. This review compiles current knowledge on taxonomy, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, propagation strategies, and conservation status based on literature available up to March 2025. The species is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly pentacyclic triterpenes, flavonoids, sterols, and phenolics, which underpin its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and anticancer properties. However, most studies rely on crude extracts and short term assays, with limited mechanistic, pharmacokinetic, and long-term toxicological validation. Regeneration is constrained by low seed viability, recalcitrant seed behavior, and poor natural recruitment, while vegetative propagation methods show moderate success and emerging micropropagation approaches require further validation. Increasing anthropogenic pressures and habitat degradation have led to regional population declines, highlighting the need for comprehensive genetic, demographic, and conservation assessments. Future priorities include standardized phytochemical profiling, bioassay-guided isolation, rigorous toxicological evaluation, scalable propagation protocols, and population-level genetic studies to support sustainable utilization and long-term conservation.
Biases and blind spots in the global research agenda on metallic pollution and bees.
Martins FMT, de Azevedo CS, Rocha DG … +3 more , de Melo DHA, Ribeiro MC, de Moura SAL
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257872 · Full text
Metallic pollution is an emerging and underappreciated stressor contributing to global bee declines, yet the evidence base remains fragmented across metals, taxa, endpoints, and geographic regions. Here, we provide the f...
Metallic pollution is an emerging and underappreciated stressor contributing to global bee declines, yet the evidence base remains fragmented across metals, taxa, endpoints, and geographic regions. Here, we provide the first hypothesis-driven scientometric synthesis of the global literature on metallic pollutants and bees. Using Web of Science records, we compiled 154 experimental and field-based studies and quantitatively tested five predictions regarding taxonomic, methodological, and thematic biases. Publication output increased sharply after 2013, with China, the United States, and Brazil leading research activity. Research effort was disproportionately concentrated on managed honey bees (Apis mellifera and Apis cerana), adult workers, and dietary exposure pathways, while larvae, wild bee taxa, and environmentally mediated exposures were less examined. Physiological, behavioural and mortality endpoints dominated the literature, whereas reproductive and microbiome impacts remained major blind spots. Adverse outcomes predominate across metals, although essential elements (Zn, Cu, Se) tended to produce less severe effects than non-essential toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg), this difference disappeared when exposure concentration and duration were considered. Experimental concentrations varied significantly among metals in food-based exposure studies, indicating substantial heterogeneity in dosing regimes across the literature. Multi-metal studies were not statistically underrepresented, although only a narrow subset of metal combinations has been repeatedly tested. Overall, this synthesis highlights strong structural biases in current knowledge production and identifies priorities for future research, including broader taxonomic coverage, inclusion of early life stages, standardised field-realistic exposures, and integration of chronic, sublethal, and multi-stressor scenarios. Expanding evidence toward more ecologically representative designs will be essential for robust risk assessment of metallic contamination in pollinator communities.
Central-marginal dynamics in Dinoponera quadriceps (Hymenoptera, Formicidae): activity density, body reduction and functional divergence.
Medeiros S, Mayrink B, Silva J … +3 more , Campos R, Cornelissen T, Fagundes M
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257846 · Full text
The Central-marginal hypothesis predicts that populations occurring at the periphery of a species' geographic distribution experience more adverse environmental conditions, resulting in reduced population density, lower...
The Central-marginal hypothesis predicts that populations occurring at the periphery of a species' geographic distribution experience more adverse environmental conditions, resulting in reduced population density, lower fitness, and potential morphological changes. In insects, morphological traits are strongly associated with ecological performance and resource acquisition, making them useful indicators of how populations respond to environmental gradients. Here, we investigated whether populations of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps differ in activity density and morphofunctional traits between the center and edge of the species' geographic distribution along the Espinhaço Mountain Range, Brazil. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps in two sites approximately 610 km apart. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to evaluate differences in activity density and trait variation between sites, and a Principal Component Analysis summarized multivariate body size variation. The activity density of D. quadriceps was -higher in the central population in the full dataset but this difference was not robust to the removal of a single outlier trap. A positive correlation between D. quadriceps activity density and richness of other ant species was observed in the full dataset but also disappeared after outlier exclusion. Individuals from the marginal population exhibited significantly smaller overall body size. Additionally, trait-specific differences emerged, with marginal individuals displaying larger cephalic index, longer femora, and larger eyes. These findings suggest that peripheral environments impose energetic constraints that reduce body size while favoring morphological adjustments that enhance locomotor and sensory efficiency, highlighting the importance of intraspecific functional variation in understanding species responses at geographic range limits.
Correction: Seed priming to induce seed germination, seedling growth and enzymatic activity in watermelon.
Sharaf Z, Habibi N, Fakhri A … +1 more , Faqiri SM
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42223514 · Publisher ↗
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Secretory structures in Mandevilla venulosa (Müll.Arg.) Woodson (Apocynaceae): morphoanatomy and histochemical characterization.
Bueno LH, de Morais FA, Sanches MM … +1 more , Lopes KLB
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 Jun · PMID 42223501 · Full text
Mandevilla venulosa is an endemic species of rocky outcrops in high-altitude fields of the Serra da Pedra Branca, located in Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, within the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain. Secretory stru...
Mandevilla venulosa is an endemic species of rocky outcrops in high-altitude fields of the Serra da Pedra Branca, located in Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, within the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain. Secretory structures are common in Apocynaceae and may provide useful anatomical and taxonomic information. This study aimed to describe the anatomy and histochemistry of colleters and laticifers in M. venulosa. Fresh vegetative samples were collected and processed using standard microscopy techniques and subjected to histochemical tests. The colleters observed correspond to the standard type, composed of a central parenchymatic region surrounded by a uniseriate palisade secretory epidermis, with dense cytoplasm and a thin cuticle. During the secretory phase, they release a viscous and translucent fluid. The secretion contains polysaccharides, mucilage, pectins, and proteins, compounds associated with protection against desiccation and microbial activity. Articulated and anastomosing laticifers occur in all vegetative organs, forming early in development and producing latexes with organ-specific chemical compositions: a milky, hydrophobic latex in aerial parts (rich in lipids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolics) and a yellow, hydrophilic latex in the tuberous root (containing polysaccharides, mucilage, proteins, and phenolics). Colleters are involved in protecting developing regions and preventing the desiccation of young organs. On the other hand, laticifers contribute to herbivory control due to their phenolic composition. This study contributes to the anatomical knowledge of secretory structures in Mandevilla. Notably, it provides the first evidence that latex composition may vary among different organs within the same species, highlighting the relevance of including subterranean structures in future studies to better understand latex diversity in the genus.
Multi-scale modeling of habitat suitability and human-induced risk for the critically endangered white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) in South and Southeast Asia.
William G, Saqib Z, Qadir A … +4 more , Siddiqua A, Asam ZUZ, Farid M, Chaudhry MJI
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 May · PMID 42207317 · Publisher ↗
The White-rumped Vulture is a critically endangered species, facing rapid population declines across South and Southeast Asia due to habitat loss, anthropogenic disturbances, and toxicological pressures. This study uses...
The White-rumped Vulture is a critically endangered species, facing rapid population declines across South and Southeast Asia due to habitat loss, anthropogenic disturbances, and toxicological pressures. This study uses species distribution modeling (SDM) to assess the current and future habitat suitability for the White-rumped Vulture across its geographic range in the region. We employed MaxEnt, a machine learning algorithm, to model habitat suitability based on 1,248 occurrence records from 2018 to 2024 and 19 bioclimatic, geomorphometric, and anthropogenic variables. The model achieved an excellent Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.937, indicating strong predictive performance. Our results indicate that approximately 20.74% of the study area is currently classified as highly suitable habitat, with India, Pakistan, and Nepal hosting the most significant extents. However, projections for 2040, 2070, and 2100 under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) SSP 126 (low emission) and SSP 370 (high emission) predict significant habitat loss, particularly under SSP 370, where highly suitable habitat may decrease by up to 60% by 2100. The study also identifies substantial gaps in conservation infrastructure, with over 88% of the highly suitable habitat unprotected. This study highlights the urgent need for region-specific conservation strategies that integrate habitat protection, restoration, and the mitigation of toxicological risks to ensure the long-term survival of the White-rumped Vulture.
Quaternary tufas of the western Potiguar Basin, Brazil: rapid xeromorphic adaptation and climate change inferred from sedimentology, paleobotany, and fossil diagenesis.
Aureliano T, Correa L, Ghilardi AM … +10 more , Erthal M, B Dantas T, C Pontes CC, Lima ML, Maia R, Rusinelli BB, Santiago F, Lima-Filho FP, Ricardi-Branco FS, Bezerra FHR
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 May · PMID 42185647 · Full text
Quaternary tufa carbonates from Brazil's Potiguar Basin provide unique insights into the interplay of biogenic, hydrological, and climatic factors driving continental carbonate precipitation in tropical low-energy enviro...
Quaternary tufa carbonates from Brazil's Potiguar Basin provide unique insights into the interplay of biogenic, hydrological, and climatic factors driving continental carbonate precipitation in tropical low-energy environments. This study systematically characterizes the depositional, taphonomic, and diagenetic features of the tufa deposits resulting from the dissolution of rocks from the Formação Jandaíra that overlie the lithotypes of the Formação Açu at the Quixeré locality (westernmost Potiguar Basin). We employed a multi-scalar analysis encompassing macroscopic description, petrographic thin-section analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), paleobotanical analysis, and digital porosimetry. Paleobotanical analysis of leaf morphotypes quantifies a major climatic transition, from a humid tropical paleoenvironment that supported a mesophytic forest (MAT: 25.4-25.9 °C; MAP: 515-779 mm/year) to the modern xeromorphic Caatinga biome. This study indicates that the Quixeré tufas are high-resolution archives that concurrently record the sedimentological response to fluctuating depositional energy, the diagenetic pathways of continental carbonates, and the ecological turnover driven by late Quaternary aridification. The findings provide a model for interpreting tropical paleoenvironments and understanding the development of complex pore systems in heterogeneous carbonate successions.
Jump now, pay later: saltatory behavior trades off with body mass and facilitates shelter repair in a seed-dwelling insect.
Palas K, Nusrath M, Tung DL … +3 more , Volpe M, Martin AM, Swierk L
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 May · PMID 42166033 · Full text
Many animals inhabit spatially confined shelters that provide protection but impose sensory and energetic constraints. In the Mexican jumping bean moth, Cydia saltitans, larvae use saltatory ("jumping") movements to relo...
Many animals inhabit spatially confined shelters that provide protection but impose sensory and energetic constraints. In the Mexican jumping bean moth, Cydia saltitans, larvae use saltatory ("jumping") movements to relocate their shelters (i.e., parasitized seeds) away from aversive stimuli, potentially at a high energetic cost. We tested whether these movements trade off with larval energetic reserves, development, and shelter repair. We placed larvae in one of two treatments: a control group allowed to move freely, and a stationary group in which shelter movement was physically prevented, and we quantified seed wall repair time following induced damage, larval body mass as a proxy for fat reserves, and head capsule width as a developmental stage proxy. Stationary larvae exhibited significantly higher body mass than control larvae, suggesting an energetic cost to saltatory behavior, although developmental stage did not differ between treatments. However, control larvae repaired shelter damage significantly more quickly than stationary individuals. Free movement might enable larvae to optimize positioning and leverage for repair, highlighting another adaptive function of saltatory movements, or might better promote hormone levels that support silk production for repair. Our findings highlight how individuals may prioritize energy allocation for movement, despite the energetic costs, in spatially confined and resource-limited systems. Understanding this balance provides broader insight into the evolution of behavioral and physiological strategies in species adapted to spatial or energetic constraints.
Evaluation and model-based assessment of environmental factors affecting Desmodesmus abundans productivity.
Modares F, Mojtabavi S, Faramarzi MA … +1 more , Einifar A
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 May · PMID 42154295 · Publisher ↗
The microalga Desmodesmus abundans holds promise as a feedstock for diverse applications; however, optimizing its cultivation requires understanding key physicochemical parameters. This study investigated the impact of n...
The microalga Desmodesmus abundans holds promise as a feedstock for diverse applications; however, optimizing its cultivation requires understanding key physicochemical parameters. This study investigated the impact of nitrogen availability, pH, inoculum density, harvesting frequency, temperature, and geographical orientation on D. abundans growth and lipid production. Indoor experiments revealed optimal biomass and chlorophyll accumulation at 1.5 g L⁻ NaNO₃ and pH 9.5. Harvesting intensity demonstrated a trade‑off: higher rates (50-70%) promoted rapid regrowth but extended recovery periods, whereas moderate harvesting (30%) maximized biomass retention. Thermal tolerance assessment showed cell viability declined sharply at temperatures exceeding 40 °C, indicating greater susceptibility to heat than cold. Outdoor cultivation was conducted in July and December to capture the two extremes of natural light conditions: July represents peak summer with high light irradiance and the highest solar angles of the year, while December corresponds to winter conditions with low light irradiance and the lowest solar angles of the year. South‑facing orientation produced the highest biomass, chlorophyll, and lipid content (32.0% in July), while north orientation yielded the lowest productivity. Partial least squares modeling confirmed that daylight exposure and geographical orientation were primary drivers of growth (R = 0.881) and lipid content (R = 0.846), with seasonal variation exerting a strong negative effect on lipid accumulation. These findings provide crucial data for optimizing D. abundans cultivation under controlled and outdoor conditions for sustainable biomass and lipid production.
Solvent-free synthesis of quinazolinone-chalcone hybrids and their evaluation as dual inhibitors of AChE and BuChE for alzheimer's disease.
El-Naggar M, Al-Hussain SA, Farag B … +5 more , Ebaid MS, Alhilal M, Zaki MEA, Alhilal S, Gomha SM
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 May · PMID 42149153 · Publisher ↗
A new set of quinazolin-4-one-based chalcones was prepared from 3-(4-acetylphenyl)-2- methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (1) via a base-catalyzed Claisen-Schmidt condensation with substituted aromatic aldehydes. Synthesis was co...
A new set of quinazolin-4-one-based chalcones was prepared from 3-(4-acetylphenyl)-2- methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (1) via a base-catalyzed Claisen-Schmidt condensation with substituted aromatic aldehydes. Synthesis was conducted using either a conventional NaOH/EtOH protocol or a solvent-minimized mechanochemical grinding approach. The grinding method delivered chalcones 3a-j and 5 in improved yields (85-94%) within 15-25 min, compared with 65-72% over 12-20 h for the solution method. Product structures were verified by spectroscopic and elemental analyses. The anti-Alzheimer's potential was investigated through molecular docking of the complete series to propose binding modes and prioritize candidates, followed by in vitro evaluation of the five top-ranked compounds (3e, 3f, 5, 3i, and 3 h) for AChE and BuChE inhibition relative to donepezil. In vitro assays revealed the following IC₅₀ values for the compounds against AChE and BuChE: 3e (0.751 ± 0.023 µg/mL for AChE, 0.108 ± 0.003 µg/mL for BuChE), 3f (1.283 ± 0.039 µg/mL for AChE, 0.383 ± 0.01 µg/mL for BuChE), and 5 (2.148 ± 0.066 µg/mL for AChE, 1.212 ± 0.04 µg/mL for BuChE). These values suggest that 3e was the most promising dual inhibitor, outperforming donepezil in both AChE and BuChE inhibition. Docking outcomes agreed with the experimental trends, supporting this scaffold as a promising platform for dual cholinesterase inhibition. In silico ADMET assessment further indicated drug-like characteristics with predicted high oral bioavailability, supporting further lead optimization for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Correction: Climate-induced range dynamics of Jerdon's Babbler Chrysomma altirostre in the Brahmaputra basin, India: An ensemble modelling approach.
Bora C, Chetry V, Mahanta N … +2 more , Saikia PK, Saikia MK
Naturwissenschaften · 2026 May · PMID 42126622 · Publisher ↗
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