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Journal articlePazuki RH, Endres RG, 2024,
Robustness of Turing models and gene regulatory networks with a sweet spot
, Physical review E (statistical, nonlinear, biological, and soft matter physics), Vol: 109, ISSN: 2470-0045Traditional linear stability analysis based on matrix diagonalization is a computationally intensive process for high-dimensional systems of differential equations, posing substantial limitations for the exploration of Turing systems of pattern formation where an additional wave-number parameter needs to be investigated. In this paper, we introduce an efficient and intuitive technique that leverages Gershgorin's theorem to determine upper limits on regions of parameter space and the wave number beyond which Turing instabilities cannot occur. This method offers a streamlined avenue for exploring the phase diagrams of other complex multi-parametric models, such as those found in gene regulatory networks in systems biology. Due to its suitability for the asymptotic limit of infinitely large systems, it predicts the existence of a sweet spot in network size for maximal Jacobian stability.
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Journal articleBonnin RA, Creton E, Perrin A, et al., 2024,
Spread of carbapenemase-producing Morganella spp from 2013 to 2021: a comparative genomic study.
, Lancet Microbe, Vol: 5, Pages: e547-e558BACKGROUND: Morganella spp are opportunistic pathogens involved in various infections. Intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotics (including colistin) combined with the emergence of carbapenemase producers reduces the number of active antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to characterise genetic features related to the spread of carbapenem-resistant Morganella spp. METHODS: This comparative genomic study included extensively drug-resistant Morganella spp isolates collected between Jan 1, 2013, and March 1, 2021, by the French National Reference Center (NRC; n=68) and European antimicrobial resistance reference centres in seven European countries (n=104), as well as one isolate from Canada, two reference strains from the Pasteur Institute collection (Paris, France), and two colistin-susceptible isolates from Bicêtre Hospital (Kremlin-Bicêtre, France). The isolates were characterised by whole-genome sequencing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biochemical tests. Complete genomes from GenBank (n=103) were also included for genomic analysis, including phylogeny and determination of core genomes and resistomes. Genetic distance between different species or subspecies was performed using average nucleotide identity (ANI). Intrinsic resistance mechanisms to polymyxins were investigated by combining genetic analysis with mass spectrometry on lipid A. FINDINGS: Distance analysis by ANI of 275 isolates identified three groups: Morganella psychrotolerans, Morganella morganii subspecies sibonii, and M morganii subspecies morganii, and a core genome maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree showed that the M morganii isolates can be separated into four subpopulations. On the basis of these findings and of phenotypic divergences between isolates, we propose a modified taxonomy for the Morganella genus including four species, Morganella psychrotolerans, Morganella sibonii, Morganella morganii, and a new species represented by a unique environmental isolate. W
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Journal articleDelhaye G, van der Linde S, Bauman D, et al., 2024,
Ectomycorrhizal fungi are influenced by ecoregion boundaries across Europe
, Global Ecology and Biogeography, Vol: 33, ISSN: 1466-822XAimEcoregions and the distance decay in community similarity are fundamental concepts in biogeography and conservation biology that are well supported across plants and animals, but not fungi. Here we test the relevance of these concepts for ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi in temperate and boreal regions.LocationEurope.Time Period2008–2015.Major Taxa StudiedEctomycorrhizal fungi.MethodsWe used a large dataset of ~24,000 ectomycorrhizas, assigned to 1350 operational taxonomic units, collected from 129 forest plots via a standardized protocol. We investigated the relevance of ecoregion delimitations for ECM fungi through complementary methodological approaches based on distance decay models, multivariate analyses and indicator species analyses. We then evaluated the effects of host tree and climate on the observed biogeographical distributions.ResultsEcoregions predict large-scale ECM fungal biodiversity patterns. This is partly explained by climate differences between ecoregions but independent from host tree distribution. Basidiomycetes in the orders Russulales and Atheliales and producing epigeous fruiting bodies, with potentially short-distance dispersal, show the best agreement with ecoregion boundaries. Host tree distribution and fungal abundance (as opposed to presence/absence only) are important to uncover biogeographical patterns in mycorrhizas.Main ConclusionsEcoregions are useful units to investigate eco-evolutionary processes in mycorrhizal fungal communities and for conservation decision-making that includes fungi.
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Journal articleCai JA, Christophides GK, 2024,
Immune interactions between mosquitoes and microbes during midgut colonization
, CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE, Vol: 63, ISSN: 2214-5745 -
Journal articleMoulick D, Majumdar A, Choudhury A, et al., 2024,
Emerging concern of nano-pollution in agro-ecosystem: Flip side of nanotechnology.
, Plant Physiol Biochem, Vol: 211Nanomaterials (NMs) have proven to be a game-changer in agriculture, showcasing their potential to boost plant growth and safeguarding crops. The agricultural sector has widely adopted NMs, benefiting from their small size, high surface area, and optical properties to augment crop productivity and provide protection against various stressors. This is attributed to their unique characteristics, contributing to their widespread use in agriculture. Human exposure from various components of agro-environmental sectors (soil, crops) NMs residues are likely to upsurge with exposure paths may stimulates bioaccumulation in food chain. With the aim to achieve sustainability, nanotechnology (NTs) do exhibit its potentials in various domains of agriculture also have its flip side too. In this review article we have opted a fusion approach using bibliometric based analysis of global research trend followed by a holistic assessment of pros and cons i.e. toxicological aspect too. Moreover, we have also tried to analyse the current scenario of policy associated with the application of NMs in agro-environment.
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Journal articleChristman ME, Spears LR, Burchfield EK, et al., 2024,
Bumble bee responses to climate and landscapes: Investigating habitat associations and species assemblages across geographic regions in the United States of America.
, Glob Chang Biol, Vol: 30Bumble bees are integral pollinators of native and cultivated plant communities, but species are undergoing significant changes in range and abundance on a global scale. Climate change and land cover alteration are key drivers in pollinator declines; however, limited research has evaluated the cumulative effects of these factors on bumble bee assemblages. This study tests bumble bee assemblage (calculated as richness and abundance) responses to climate and land use by modeling species-specific habitat requirements, and assemblage-level responses across geographic regions. We integrated species richness, abundance, and distribution data for 18 bumble bee species with site-specific bioclimatic, landscape composition, and landscape configuration data to evaluate the effects of multiple environmental stressors on bumble bee assemblages throughout 433 agricultural fields in Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia from 2018 to 2020. Distinct east versus west groupings emerged when evaluating species-specific habitat associations, prompting a detailed evaluation of bumble bee assemblages by geographic region. Maximum temperature of warmest month and precipitation of driest month had a positive impact on bumble bee assemblages in the Corn Belt/Appalachian/northeast, southeast, and northern plains regions, but a negative impact on the mountain region. Further, forest land cover surrounding agricultural fields was highlighted as supporting more rich and abundant bumble bee assemblages. Overall, climate and land use combine to drive bumble bee assemblages, but how those processes operate is idiosyncratic and spatially contingent across regions. From these findings, we suggested regionally specific management practices to best support rich and abundant bumble bee assemblages in agroecosystems. Results from this study contribute to a better understanding of climate and landscape factors affecting bumble bees and their habit
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Journal articleRiva F, Haddad N, Fahrig L, et al., 2024,
Principles for area-based biodiversity conservation
, ECOLOGY LETTERS, Vol: 27, ISSN: 1461-023X -
Journal articleLuiselli J, Overcast I, Rominger A, et al., 2024,
Detecting the ecological footprint of selection
, PLoS One, Vol: 19, ISSN: 1932-6203The structure of communities is influenced by many ecological and evolutionary processes, but the way these manifest in classic biodiversity patterns often remains unclear. Here we aim to distinguish the ecological footprint of selection-through competition or environmental filtering-from that of neutral processes that are invariant to species identity. We build on existing Massive Eco-evolutionary Synthesis Simulations (MESS), which uses information from three biodiversity axes-species abundances, genetic diversity, and trait variation-to distinguish between mechanistic processes. To correctly detect and characterise competition, we add a new and more realistic form of competition that explicitly compares the traits of each pair of individuals. Our results are qualitatively different to those of previous work in which competition is based on the distance of each individual's trait to the community mean. We find that our new form of competition is easier to identify in empirical data compared to the alternatives. This is especially true when trait data are available and used in the inference procedure. Our findings hint that signatures in empirical data previously attributed to neutrality may in fact be the result of pairwise-acting selective forces. We conclude that gathering more different types of data, together with more advanced mechanistic models and inference as done here, could be the key to unravelling the mechanisms of community assembly and question the relative roles of neutral and selective processes.
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Journal articleDuncan SM, Carbajo CG, Nagar R, et al., 2024,
Generation of a bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei double glycosyltransferase null mutant competent in receptor-mediated endocytosis of transferrin.
, PLoS Pathog, Vol: 20The bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei expresses large poly-N-acetyllactosamine (pNAL) chains on complex N-glycans of a subset of glycoproteins. It has been hypothesised that pNAL may be required for receptor-mediated endocytosis. African trypanosomes contain a unique family of glycosyltransferases, the GT67 family. Two of these, TbGT10 and TbGT8, have been shown to be involved in pNAL biosynthesis in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei, raising the possibility that deleting both enzymes simultaneously might abolish pNAL biosynthesis and provide clues to pNAL function and/or essentiality. In this paper, we describe the creation of a TbGT10 null mutant containing a single TbGT8 allele that can be excised upon the addition of rapamycin and, from that, a TbGT10 and TbGT8 double null mutant. These mutants were analysed by lectin blotting, glycopeptide methylation linkage analysis and flow cytometry. The data show that the mutants are defective, but not abrogated, in pNAL synthesis, suggesting that other GT67 family members can compensate to some degree for loss of TbGT10 and TbGT8. Despite there being residual pNAL synthesis in these mutants, certain glycoproteins appear to be particularly affected. These include the lysosomal CBP1B serine carboxypeptidase, cell surface ESAG2 and the ESAG6 subunit of the essential parasite transferrin receptor (TfR). The pNAL deficient TfR in the mutants continued to function normally with respect to protein stability, transferrin binding, receptor mediated endocytosis of transferrin and subcellular localisation. Further the pNAL deficient mutants were as viable as wild type parasites in vitro and in in vivo mouse infection experiments. Although we were able to reproduce the inhibition of transferrin uptake with high concentrations of pNAL structural analogues (N-acetylchito-oligosaccharides), this effect disappeared at lower concentrations that still inhibited tomato lectin uptake, i.e., at concentrations able to outcompete lectin-
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Journal articleBradfer-Lawrence T, Duthie B, Abrahams C, et al., 2024,
The Acoustic Index User's Guide: A practical manual for defining, generating and understanding current and future acoustic indices
, METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, ISSN: 2041-210X -
Journal articleAffinito F, Kordas RL, Matias MG, et al., 2024,
Metabolic plasticity drives mismatches in physiological traits between prey and predator
, Communications Biology, Vol: 7, ISSN: 2399-3642Metabolic rate, the rate of energy use, underpins key ecological traits of organisms, from development and locomotion to interaction rates between individuals. In a warming world, the temperature-dependence of metabolic rate is anticipated to shift predator-prey dynamics. Yet, there is little real-world evidence on the effects of warming on trophic interactions. We measured the respiration rates of aquatic larvae of three insect species from populations experiencing a natural temperature gradient in a large-scale mesocosm experiment. Using a mechanistic model we predicted the effects of warming on these taxa’s predator-prey interaction rates. We found that species-specific differences in metabolic plasticity lead to mismatches in the temperature-dependence of their relative velocities, resulting in altered predator-prey interaction rates. This study underscores the role of metabolic plasticity at the species level in modifying trophic interactions and proposes a mechanistic modelling approach that allows an efficient, high-throughput estimation of climate change threats across species pairs.
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Journal articleRosindell J, Manson K, Gumbs R, et al., 2024,
Phylogenetic Biodiversity Metrics Should Account for Both Accumulation and Attrition of Evolutionary Heritage
, SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY, Vol: 73, Pages: 158-182, ISSN: 1063-5157 -
Journal articleSandoval Calle D, Prentice IC, Nobrega R, 2024,
Simple process-led algorithms for simulating habitats (SPLASH v 2.0): robust calculations of water and energy fluxes
, Geoscientific Model Development, Vol: 17, Pages: 4229-4309, ISSN: 1991-959XThe current representation of key processes in Land Surface Models (LSM) for estimating water and energy balances still relies heavily on empirical equations that require calibration oriented to site-specific characteristics. When multiple parameters are used, different combinations of parameter values can produce equally acceptable results, leading to a risk of obtaining “right answers for wrong reasons”, compromising the reproducibility of the simulations and limiting the ecological interpretability of the results. To address this problem and reduce the need for free parameters, here we present novel formulations based on first-principles to calculate key components of water and energy balances, extending the already parsimonious SPLASHmodel v.1.0 (Davis et al. 2017, GMD). We found analytical solutions for many processes, enabling us to increase spatial resolution and include the terrain effects directly in the calculations without unreasonably inflating computational demands. This calibration-free model estimates quantities such as net radiation, evapotranspiration, condensation, soil water content,surface runoff, subsurface lateral flow and snow-water equivalent. These quantities are derived from readily meteorological data such as near-surface air temperature, precipitation and solar radiation, and soil physical properties. Whenever empirical formulations were required, e.g. pedotransfer functions and albedo-snow cover relationships, we selected and optimized thebest-performing equations through a combination of remote sensing and globally distributed terrestrial observational datasets. Simulations at global scales at different resolutions were run to evaluate spatial patterns, while simulations with point-based observations were run to evaluate seasonal patterns using data from hundreds of stations and comparisons with the VIC-3L model, demonstrating improved performance based on statistical tests and observational comparisons. In summary, our m
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Journal articleConnolly JB, Burt A, Christophides G, et al., 2024,
Considerations for first field trials of low-threshold gene drive for malaria vector control
, Malaria Journal, Vol: 23, ISSN: 1475-2875Sustainable reductions in African malaria transmission require innovative tools for mosquito control. One proposal involves the use of low-threshold gene drive in Anopheles vector species, where a 'causal pathway' would be initiated by (i) the release of a gene drive system in target mosquito vector species, leading to (ii) its transmission to subsequent generations, (iii) its increase in frequency and spread in target mosquito populations, (iv) its simultaneous propagation of a linked genetic trait aimed at reducing vectorial capacity for Plasmodium, and (v) reduced vectorial capacity for parasites in target mosquito populations as the gene drive system reaches fixation in target mosquito populations, causing (vi) decreased malaria incidence and prevalence. Here the scope, objectives, trial design elements, and approaches to monitoring for initial field releases of such gene dive systems are considered, informed by the successful implementation of field trials of biological control agents, as well as other vector control tools, including insecticides, Wolbachia, larvicides, and attractive-toxic sugar bait systems. Specific research questions to be addressed in initial gene drive field trials are identified, and adaptive trial design is explored as a potentially constructive and flexible approach to facilitate testing of the causal pathway. A fundamental question for decision-makers for the first field trials will be whether there should be a selective focus on earlier points of the pathway, such as genetic efficacy via measurement of the increase in frequency and spread of the gene drive system in target populations, or on wider interrogation of the entire pathway including entomological and epidemiological efficacy. How and when epidemiological efficacy will eventually be assessed will be an essential consideration before decisions on any field trial protocols are finalized and implemented, regardless of whether initial field trials focus exclusively on the measur
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Journal articleYuen ELH, Leary AY, Clavel M, et al., 2024,
A RabGAP negatively regulates plant autophagy and immune trafficking.
, Curr Biol, Vol: 34, Pages: 2049-2065.e6Plants rely on autophagy and membrane trafficking to tolerate stress, combat infections, and maintain cellular homeostasis. However, the molecular interplay between autophagy and membrane trafficking is poorly understood. Using an AI-assisted approach, we identified Rab3GAP-like (Rab3GAPL) as a key membrane trafficking node that controls plant autophagy negatively. Rab3GAPL suppresses autophagy by binding to ATG8, the core autophagy adaptor, and deactivating Rab8a, a small GTPase essential for autophagosome formation and defense-related secretion. Rab3GAPL reduces autophagic flux in three model plant species, suggesting that its negative regulatory role in autophagy is conserved in land plants. Beyond autophagy regulation, Rab3GAPL modulates focal immunity against the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans by preventing defense-related secretion. Altogether, our results suggest that Rab3GAPL acts as a molecular rheostat to coordinate autophagic flux and defense-related secretion by restraining Rab8a-mediated trafficking. This unprecedented interplay between a RabGAP-Rab pair and ATG8 sheds new light on the intricate membrane transport mechanisms underlying plant autophagy and immunity.
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Journal articleGayford J, Brazeau M, Naylor GJP, 2024,
Evolutionary trends in the elasmobranch neurocranium
, Scientific Reports, Vol: 14, ISSN: 2045-2322The neurocranium (braincase) is one of the defining vertebrate characters. Housing the brain and other key sensory organs, articulating with the jaws and contributing to the shape of the anteriormost portion of the body, the braincase is undoubtedly of great functional importance. Through studying relationships between braincase shape and ecology we can gain an improved understanding of form-function relationships in extant and fossil taxa. Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) represent an important case study of vertebrate braincase diversity as their neurocranium is simplified and somewhat decoupled from other components of the cranium relative to other vertebrates. Little is known about the associations between ecology and braincase shape in this clade. In this study we report patterns of mosaic cranial evolution in Elasmobranchii that differ significantly from those present in other clades. The degree of evolutionary modularity also differs between Selachii and Batoidea. In both cases innovation in the jaw suspension appears to have driven shifts in patterns of integration and modularity, subsequently facilitating ecological diversification. Our results confirm the importance of water depth and biogeography as drivers of elasmobranch cranial diversity and indicate that skeletal articulation between the neurocranium and jaws represents a major constraint upon the evolution of braincase shape in vertebrates.
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Journal articleFecht S, Paracuellos P, Subramoni S, et al., 2024,
Functionality of chimeric TssA proteins in the type VI secretion system reveals sheath docking specificity within their N-terminal domains
, Nature Communications, Vol: 15, ISSN: 2041-1723The genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes three type VI secretion systems, each comprising a dozen distinct proteins, which deliver toxins upon T6SS sheath contraction. The least conserved T6SS component, TssA, has variations in size which influence domain organisation and structure. Here we show that the TssA Nt1 domain interacts directly with the sheath in a specific manner, while the C-terminus is essential for oligomerisation. We built chimeric TssA proteins by swapping C-termini and showed that these can be functional even when made of domains from different TssA sub-groups. Functional specificity requires the Nt1 domain, while the origin of the C-terminal domain is more permissive for T6SS function. We identify two regions in short TssA proteins, loop and hairpin, that contribute to sheath binding. We propose a docking mechanism of TssA proteins with the sheath, and a model for how sheath assembly is coordinated by TssA proteins from this position.
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Journal articleCoatsworth P, Cotur Y, Asfour T, et al., 2024,
Plant-on-a-chip: continuous, soilless electrochemical monitoring of salt uptake and tolerance among different genotypes of tomato
, SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS, Vol: 3 -
Journal articleCreamer A, Lo Fiego A, Agliano A, et al., 2024,
Modular synthesis of semiconducting graft co-polymers to achieve ‘clickable’ fluorescent nanoparticles with long circulation and specific cancer targeting
, Advanced Materials, Vol: 36, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 0935-9648Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) are explored for applications in cancer theranostics because of their high absorption coefficients, photostability, and biocompatibility. However, SPNs are susceptible to aggregation and protein fouling in physiological conditions, which can be detrimental for in vivo applications. Here, a method for achieving colloidally stable and low-fouling SPNs is described by grafting poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) onto the backbone of the fluorescent semiconducting polymer, poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene-5-fluoro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole), in a simple one-step substitution reaction, postpolymerization. Further, by utilizing azide-functionalized PEG, anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) antibodies, antibody fragments, or affibodies are site-specifically “clicked” onto the SPN surface, which allows the functionalized SPNs to specifically target HER2-positive cancer cells. In vivo, the PEGylated SPNs are found to have excellent circulation efficiencies in zebrafish embryos for up to seven days postinjection. SPNs functionalized with affibodies are then shown to be able to target HER2 expressing cancer cells in a zebrafish xenograft model. The covalent PEGylated SPN system described herein shows great potential for cancer theranostics.
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Journal articleNguyen H-TT, Zhao M, Wang T, et al., 2024,
Sea anemone-anemonefish symbiosis: Behavior and mucous protein profiling
, JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, ISSN: 0022-1112 -
Journal articleMiao A, Luo T, Hsieh B, et al., 2024,
Brain clearance is reduced during sleep and anesthesia
, Nature Neuroscience, Vol: 27, Pages: 1046-1050, ISSN: 1097-6256It has been suggested that the function of sleep is to actively clear metabolites and toxins from the brain. Enhanced clearance is also said to occur during anesthesia. Here, we measure clearance and movement of fluorescent molecules in the brains of male mice and show that movement is, in fact, independent of sleep and wake or anesthesia. Moreover, we show that brain clearance is markedly reduced, not increased, during sleep and anesthesia.
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Journal articlePirzio-Biroli A, Crowley SL, Siriwardena GM, et al., 2024,
Not in the countryside please! Investigating UK residents’ perceptions of an introduced species, the ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
, NeoBiota, Vol: 93, Pages: 1-24, ISSN: 1314-2488Wildlife management can generate social conflict when stakeholder perceptions of the target species are not considered. Introduced Ring-necked Parakeets (RNP) are established in the UK and have been added to the ‘general licence’ of birds that can be killed to prevent serious economic damage. We aimed to better understand perceptions of RNPs on a nationwide scale to inform mitigation actions for potential future conflict over RNP management. We surveyed 3,947 UK residents to understand awareness of, knowledge of and attitudes towards the RNP across the UK.We found that most respondents (90.2%) were aware of the RNP. Almost half of respondents (45.9%) held negative opinions, particularly against the RNP in rural areas (64.7%), suggesting landscape contexts influence attitudes. Respondent preference for the RNP was low in local neighbourhoods (7.80%) although the species was considered aesthetically pleasing by most (83.0%). Many respondents knew the species’ name (54.9%), but underestimated current population numbers in the UK (82.6%) and few knew its full native range (10.0%). We identified respondents’ ecological interest, age, education, preference for, awareness of and knowledge of the RNP as significant factors associated with perceptions.Our findings suggest that the RNP presents a complex socio-environmental challenge, with respondent awareness, knowledge and attitudes each forming an important component of perceptions towards this species. We recommend that wildlife managers utilise our findings and cohesive approach to enhance future RNP perception research in the UK and abroad and towards the success of any proposed management initiatives under the UK general licence.
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Journal articleLo E, Nie R-E, Vogler AP, 2024,
The geographic and phylogenetic structure of public DNA barcode databases: an assessment using Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles)
, FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2296-701X -
Journal articleZhu Y, Xi J, Yao Y, et al., 2024,
Characterizing the dynamic linkages between environmental changes and wheat Fusarium head blight epidemics
, Ecological Informatics, Vol: 80, ISSN: 1574-9541Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a prevalent wheat disease, mainly influenced by environmental factors, such as irradiance, temperature, precipitation, and CO2 levels. Elucidating the relationship between FHB outbreaks and environmental changes is crucial for predictive models and control measures. This study employs historical data to map the dynamic associations between environmental changes and FHB epidemics within a phase space. Complex networks are constructed to analyze the dynamic relationships, followed by an examination and clustering of their topological features and a discussion of similarities and differences. The results revealed structural similarities between the impact of precipitation and CO2 on FHB, as well as between temperature and irradiance on FHB. In addition, precipitation consistently exerts a persistent and sensitive influence on FHB epidemics, while temperature exhibits an inverse relationship. Elevated carbon emissions enhance the effect of CO2 on FHB, while the effect of irradiance on FHB epidemics varies with the solar cycle. This study provides a novel approach to detect and understand the dynamic relationships between FHB epidemics and environmental changes, contributing to enhanced disease surveillance and assessment within complex agriculture systems.
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Journal articleMwima R, Hui T-YJ, Kayondo JK, et al., 2024,
The population genetics of partial diapause, with applications to the aestivating malaria mosquito <i>Anopheles coluzzii</i>
, MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Vol: 24, ISSN: 1755-098X -
Journal articleSun Y, Dunning J, Taylor T, et al., 2024,
Calls of Manx shearwater <i>Puffinus puffinus</i> contain individual signatures
, JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Vol: 2024, ISSN: 0908-8857 -
Journal articleMerckx VSFT, Gomes SIF, Wang D, et al., 2024,
Mycoheterotrophy in the wood-wide web
, Nature Plants, Vol: 10, Pages: 710-718, ISSN: 2055-026XThe prevalence and potential functions of common mycorrhizal networks, or the 'wood-wide web', resulting from the simultaneous interaction of mycorrhizal fungi and roots of different neighbouring plants have been increasingly capturing the interest of science and society, sometimes leading to hyperbole and misinterpretation. Several recent reviews conclude that popular claims regarding the widespread nature of these networks in forests and their role in the transfer of resources and information between plants lack evidence. Here we argue that mycoheterotrophic plants associated with ectomycorrhizal or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi require resource transfer through common mycorrhizal networks and thus are natural evidence for the occurrence and function of these networks, offering a largely overlooked window into this methodologically challenging underground phenomenon. The wide evolutionary and geographic distribution of mycoheterotrophs and their interactions with a broad phylogenetic range of mycorrhizal fungi indicate that common mycorrhizal networks are prevalent, particularly in forests, and result in net carbon transfer among diverse plants through shared mycorrhizal fungi. On the basis of the available scientific evidence, we propose a continuum of carbon transfer options within common mycorrhizal networks, and we discuss how knowledge on the biology of mycoheterotrophic plants can be instrumental for the study of mycorrhizal-mediated transfers between plants.
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Journal articleLewis-Brown E, Jennings N, Mills M, et al., 2024,
Comparison of carbon management and emissions of universities that did and did not adopt voluntary carbon offsets
, Climate Policy, Vol: 24, Pages: 706-722, ISSN: 1469-3062The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, remove carbon from the atmosphere and stabilize natural carbon sinks has led to the development of many carbon management measures, increasingly including voluntary carbon offsets (VCOs). We studied carbon management in universities, institutions with large carbon footprints and considerable influence in climate science and policy fora. However, concerns that VCOs may deter adopters (including universities) from adopting other carbon reduction measures and limit emissions reductions, for example, through moral hazard, have been raised but understudied. We compared the carbon management characteristics (priorities, policies, practices and emissions) of universities that did and did not adopt VCOs. We found adopters measured carbon emissions for longer, and had set targets to reach net zero earlier than had non-adopters. Adopters of VCOs also undertook more carbon management practices in both 2010 and 2020 than non-adopters. We also found that both adopters and non-adopters significantly increased their carbon management practices over the decade studied, but with no difference between groups. Gross CO2 emissions were reduced significantly over time by adopters of VCOs but not by non-adopters, whereas carbon intensity and percentage annual emissions reductions did not relate to adoption status. Consequently, our study showed no indication of mitigation deterrence due to adoption of VCOs at the universities studied. Rather, greater emissions reductions correlated with earlier net zero target dates, and a higher number of policies and carbon management practices. However, our study was constrained to universities that were affiliated with a national environmental network, so research beyond these organizations, and with individuals, would be useful. The survey was voluntary, exposing the study to potential self-selection bias so the findings may not be generalized beyond the study group. Finally, we found the carbon ac
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Journal articlePereira HM, Martins IS, Rosa IMD, et al., 2024,
Global trends and scenarios for terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services from 1900 to 2050.
, Science, Vol: 384, Pages: 458-465Based on an extensive model intercomparison, we assessed trends in biodiversity and ecosystem services from historical reconstructions and future scenarios of land-use and climate change. During the 20th century, biodiversity declined globally by 2 to 11%, as estimated by a range of indicators. Provisioning ecosystem services increased several fold, and regulating services decreased moderately. Going forward, policies toward sustainability have the potential to slow biodiversity loss resulting from land-use change and the demand for provisioning services while reducing or reversing declines in regulating services. However, negative impacts on biodiversity due to climate change appear poised to increase, particularly in the higher-emissions scenarios. Our assessment identifies remaining modeling uncertainties but also robustly shows that renewed policy efforts are needed to meet the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
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Journal articleFallesen T, Amerteifio S, Pruessner G, et al., 2024,
Intermittent cell division dynamics in regenerating Arabidopsis roots reveals complex long-range interactions
, Quantitative Plant Biology, ISSN: 2632-8828In this work, we present a quantitative comparison of the cell division dynamics between populations of intact and regenerating root tips in the plant model system Arabidopsis thaliana. To achieve the required temporal resolution and to sustain it for the duration of the regeneration process, we adopted a live imaging system based on light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, previously developed in the laboratory. We offer a straightforward quantitative analysis of the temporal and spatial patterns of cell division events showing a statistically significant difference in the frequency of mitotic events and spatial separation of mitotic event clusters between intact and regenerating roots.
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