Air pollution impairs successful mating of flies

High levels of ozone destroy the chemical mating signal of the insects and may thus contribute to global insect decline more

Symbiotic fungi transform terpenes from spruce resin into attractants for bark beetles

When metabolizing spruce bark, the insect’s fungal partners release volatile compounds that bark beetles recognize through specialized olfactory sensory neurons more

The dark cost of being toxic

The dark cost of being toxic

January 18, 2023

Sequestration of plant toxins by monarch butterflies leads to reduced warning signal conspicuousness more

Cabbage white butterflies utilize two gut enzymes for maximum flexibility in deactivating mustard oil bombs

Depending on the composition of the defensive toxins of their host plants, the insects use two different complementary enzymes for detoxification more

The Mona Lisa effect: How eyespots deter predators that approach from different directions

Chicks are intimidated by eyespots that appear to gaze at them, providing an explanation for why eyespots are often symmetrical more

Catnip and pea aphid came up with different ways to make the same molecule

While the chemical steps for the biosynthesis of nepetalactone appear to be identical in the plants and insects, they use different enzymes to catalyze them. more

Microbial enzymes are the key to pectin digestion in leaf beetles

The degradation of the cell wall component pectin through the acquisition of an originally microbial enzyme provides access to the nutrient-rich constituents of plant cells. more

Symbiotic bacteria protect beetle larvae from pathogens

Bacteria produce antifungal compound protecting the eggs, larvae, and pupae from infections / Bacterial community is retained even during molting stages. more

European Smell and Taste Conference kicks off in Berlin

Over 250 scientists from all over the world will present and discuss their latest research results in smell and taste research. more

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