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Genomic study shows the evolutionary history of banyan trees and their wasp pollinators

The banyan fig tree Ficus microcarpa is famous for its aerial roots, which sprout from branches and eventually reach the soil.

9 Oct 2020

New ultra-compact camera captures high-contrast and super-resolution images

The unique structures of biological vision systems in nature-inspired scientists to design ultracompact imaging systems.

23 Mar 2020

Gut microbes in wasps help overcome pesticides

An intriguing study published in February 2020 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe reports that when wasps are exposed to atrazine, a commonly used pesticide, the gut microbiome undergoes changes that help them overcome the ill-effects of the exposure. In addition, the changes are passed on to the offspring, which means that the next generation will also inherit atrazine resistance even without being exposed to the chemical.

4 Feb 2020

New study reveals 'clutch' proteins responsible for putting T cell activation 'into gear'

In collaborative research, scientists from three continents were able to discover a crucial bit of information about how T cells move proteins inside them to drive the immune response. This could help evolve specific new treatments centered on T cell selectivity.

12 Jul 2019

Parasitoid wasps zombify spiders by hacking web-spinning mechanisms

Setting off a startling chain of events, a parasitoid wasp can force a spider to weave a special web to suspend the wasp pupa just before it finishes killing its spider host.

30 Apr 2019

Most promising pest-controlling wasp considered for future release in Canada

Thought to be Canada's most promising potential defense against the brown marmorated stink bug - a globally spreading agricultural pest native to Asia - the samurai wasp has been considered for future release in the country in recent years.

26 Feb 2019

Human brain protein linked with autism has an effect on fruit fly behavior

A mutant gene that encodes a brain protein in a child with autism has been placed into the brains of fruit flies. Fruit flies hosting that gene produce the variant human brain protein and show abnormal behaviors of fear, repetitive activity and altered social interaction, reminiscent of autism impairments.

12 Feb 2019

MIT researchers develop antimicrobial peptides from South American wasp’s venom

The venom of insects such as wasps and bees is full of compounds that can kill bacteria. Unfortunately, many of these compounds are also toxic for humans, making it impossible to use them as antibiotic drugs.

7 Dec 2018

Single neuron in fruit fly triggers new behavior and also suppresses antagonistic behavior

In the fruit fly, a single pair of brain neurons command backward locomotion in both larvae and adults, researchers report.

23 Aug 2018

Biodiversity loss can increase risk of 'extinction cascades', research shows

New research shows that the loss of biodiversity can increase the risk of "extinction cascades", where an initial species loss leads to a domino effect of further extinctions.

20 Feb 2018

New family of peptides in wasp's venom may help develop better Parkinson's treatments

After being stung by a parasitic wasp, the American cockroach loses control of its behavior, becoming host to the wasp's egg.

8 Feb 2018

Insect venom shortage stings allergy sufferers this summer

As summer begins, signaling peak time for insect stings, allergists across the U.S. are warning of a shortage of a little-known but crucial product — honeybee, hornet and wasp venom extracts used in shots that prevent life-threatening reactions.

29 Jun 2017

Wasp venom provides clues to how genes take on new functions

Amid the incredible diversity of living things on our planet, there is a common theme. Organisms need to acquire new genes, or change the functions of existing genes, in order to adapt and survive.

22 Jun 2017

Summer perils and ways to avoid, treat them

Summer can bite. It can burn or itch. It can make you extremely sick…or worse.

27 May 2017

Researchers use CRISPR technology to create new strain of red-eyed mutant wasps

Researchers at UC Riverside's Akbari lab have brought a new strain of red-eyed mutant wasps into the world.

19 Apr 2017

Researchers investigate effects of non-allergenic components of pollen on allergy sufferers

Up to now, research into pollen allergies has largely focused on allergens - those components of pollen that trigger hypersensitivity reactions. When it comes into contact with the nasal mucous membrane, however, pollen releases a host of other substances in addition to allergens.

13 May 2016