Newly sequenced hornet genomes could help explain invasion success !

"We were excited to find evidence of rapid genome evolution in these hornet genomes, compared to other social insects. Lots of genes have been duplicated or mutated; these included genes that are likely to be involved in communication and in sensing the environment." - Dr Emeline Favreau

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230421092154.htm

#ScienceMastodon #nature #insects #wasps #ecology #genomics #ScienceDaily

‘Simulations and Experiments Reveal Unprecedented Detail about Water's Motion in Salt Water’
#ScienceNews #ScienceDaily #NewYorkUniversity #AlexejJerschow #NYUDepartmentOfChemistry

“Ions in a water-based solution are typically surrounded by four to six water molecules, but it is not well understood to what extent these molecules move as a unit and how much motion the water molecules experience.

“Testing #SaltWater over a wide range of concentrations and temperatures, and combining experimental data and computer simulations, the researchers observed that water molecules wiggle around the sodium and chloride ions at an extremely rapid pace—more than a trillion times a second. In addition, it was previously assumed that ions move together with surrounding solvent molecules as a unit, but the experiment showed that this is not the case; instead, the water molecules wiggle much faster than the ion-water complex.”

The findings, published in #NatureCommunications, will allow researchers to build more reliable models for predicting ion dynamics, which could be used for a variety of scientific endeavors, from improving rechargeable batteries to MRIs.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230119185802.htm

Many human genomes shaped by past events that caused sharp dips in the population #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220623140547.htm

Research with a bite: Scientists present a sensor system that can measure the bite force of #insects #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220622113137.htm

Despite dire warnings, monarch #butterfly numbers are solid: New study shows warmer temperatures and increases during the summer are compensating for negative factors, stabilizing breeding trends #insects #nature #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220610120224.htm

Bacterial cellulose could enable microbial life on Mars: Research team studies #kombucha cultures under simulated extraterrestrial conditions #fermentation #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220606181237.htm

Looking at social genes in our genomes : What oxytocin can tell us about the #evolution of human prosociality #ScienceDaily #EvolutionaryBiology #ADHD #ASD https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220602095108.htm

Scientists show that at least 44 percent of Earth's land requires #conservation to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220602142210.htm

OMG everybody needs to see this : mosquitoes would rather catch up on sleep than bite you #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220601111800.htm

What's in a name? Glimmers of #evolution in naming babies, choosing a dog #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220530120420.htm

Are people swapping their cats and goldfish for praying mantises? New research sheds light on the pet #insects market and its implications on #biodiversity conservation #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220519081106.htm

#Diet plays key role in #ADHD symptoms in children: Study finds more fruits and veggies means less inattention #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220519115333.htm

#Ecological functions of streams and #rivers severely affected globally: International meta-analysis identifies critical stressors #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220517094802.htm

Ancient #DNA provides unique look at Moa and #climate change #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220511085712.htm

Genetic #pollution at it again, and why it matters : New research documents domestic cattle genetics in modern #bison herds #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220510163401.htm

The forest as a shelter for #insects in warmer climates? #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220506151438.htm

Studying wealth #inequality in animals can reveal clues about how their societies evolved #ecology #evoution #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220503201652.htm

Park rangers use butterflies to take planet's pulse in a biodiversity hotspot : assessing #insect population collapse in #tropical areas #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220502142625.htm

As #climate shifts, species will need to relocate, and people may have to help them #conservation #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220502120434.htm

A prehistoric #forest grows in Brunei: First leaf fossil study of Borneo's rainforest reveals current #ecosystem is #ancient #ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220428104015.htm