In the present study, species of the genus Talorchestia (Dana, 1852), found in India are discussed. Previously, six species of the genus were recorded from India including Talorchestia affinis (Maccagno, 1936); Talorchestia buensis (Bhoi, Patro & Myers, 2023); Talorchestia gracilis (Dana, 1852); Talorchestia lakshadweepensis (Trivedi, Lowry & Myers, 2020b); Talorchestia martensii (Weber, 1892); and Talorchestia spinipalma (Dana, 1852). The taxonomy and distribution of these six species are discussed. Additionally, a new species, Talorchestia dandi sp. nov., is described on the basis of specimens collected from Gujarat State, India. This new species can be differentiated from its closely related species, Talorchestia morinoi (Othman & Azman, 2007), by the comparatively longer antenna 2, the telson with higher length to width ratio, the epimeron 3 with marginal setae, and the subequal carpus and propodus of pereopod 3.

The use of seismic airguns has an environmental impact that is especially intense in relation to marine mammals. As a result, new techniques are being explored to replace or complement this tool. In this study, we test our ability to obtain seismic information about the shallow seafloor structure using fin whale songs as an alternative seismic source. We analyse data collected by ocean-bottom seismometers deployed around Orca volcano in the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica, in 2019. We detected fin whale calls and designed an algorithm to calculate their locations and origin times. We used a relative approach to reduce location uncertainty based on the similarity of waveforms between consecutive calls. We were able to calculate the trajectory of a fin whale that crossed over Orca volcano. Strikingly, the whale path coincided partially with a multi-channel seismic profile carried out with airgun shots. This coincidence allowed us to investigate the performance of the whale calls as seismic sources, comparing them to the almost co-located airgun profile. We constructed receiver gathers using both whale calls and airgun shots. The main features of the whale call sections are consistent with the results obtained using the airgun source. We conclude that although this method has some drawbacks, such as the unpredictable behaviour of whales and the smaller power and lower resolution capabilities of the whale calls compared to the airgun surveys, it is still a feasible alternative as a complement for active-source seismic studies in the marine environment.

This systematic review synthesized evidence on the viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding in exhaled material to understand how the exhaled SARS-CoV-2 viral load of infected individuals varies with days since exposure. Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using a combination of search terms to identify articles that tested exhaled material from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Records were systematically screened and assessed for eligibility, following which reference lists of eligible articles were hand-searched to identify further relevant studies. Data extraction and quality assessment of individual studies were conducted prior to synthesizing the evidence. Forty-five articles that sampled exhaled breath, exhaled breath condensate, face masks, and cough samples were reviewed. The variation in the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in these materials was considerable with the detection of viral RNA shed during breathing as far as 43 days after symptom onset. The replication-competent virus was present in all four sample types, with the majority isolated during the first week of symptoms onset. Variations in the sample types and testing protocols precluded meta-analysis. High heterogeneity in exhaled SARS-CoV-2 viral load is likely due to host and viral factors as well as variations in sampling and diagnostic methodologies. Evidence on SARS-CoV-2 shedding in exhaled material is scarce and more controlled fundamental studies are needed to assess this important route of viral shedding.

A previously unknown raptor migration hot spot has been identified in southern Greece. During the post-breeding migration of 2024, a total of 11,790 individuals were recorded in 15 days, including 11,606 European Honey Buzzards Pernis apivorus. GPS tracking data from Finnish and Hungarian populations further highlight the site’s significance, suggesting that it could become the third migration hot spot for the species in the Mediterranean, alongside the Straits of Gibraltar and Messina. Plans to develop a wind farm in the area raise concerns due to its crucial role in the beginning of the long sea crossing to Libya.

Recent reports suggest that New Zealanders underestimate the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on society, perceiving NCDs as standalone problems to be managed by affected individuals. This belief conflicts with the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis that NCD risk is rooted in early-life environmental exposures. For the research community to contribute towards shifting societal beliefs, we need to know more about NZers’ understanding of how NCDs develop and have the potential to track this over time. To address this, we conducted a face-to-face survey of 702 Auckland adults in 2015–16, repeated in 2022–23 with 814 online and 96 face-to-face respondents. An increased recognition of links between mental health and obesity was the only change observed between the earlier and later cohorts. Overall, of the 59% familiar with the term ‘non-communicable disease’, 73% accurately described NCD characteristics and gave examples. Online, tertiary-educated and non-male respondents were more likely to identify various social determinants of health in addition to individual behaviours as contributors to metabolic disease risk. More than twice as many subjects strongly agreed that preconception health of mothers could affect the health of the child than that of fathers. Maternal nutrition was recognised by most as important for fetal health, but 49% disagreed or did not know if it could affect adult health. These results indicate that regardless of subject sampling or data collection method, adult New Zealanders have little appreciation of the significance of the early-life environment in relation to NCD risk across the lifespan.

A poorly understood and partially described planktonic copepod, Labidocera gangetica Sewell, 1934, is fully described herein from the Hooghly River, a century after its initial collection from the Rangoon (now Yangon) River estuary by Sewell (1912). The complete description of L. gangetica suggests possible uncertainty regarding the validity of the species Labidocera jaafari Othman, 1986, due to the morphological similarity in their overall body plan. In particular, the features of the leg 5 of both sexes are identical, suggesting that L. jaafari is probably a synonym of L. gangetica. Additionally, the taxonomic features of the mouthparts and swimming legs are illustrated for the first time.

Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a key lepidopteran pest affecting maize production across Asia. While its general biology has been well studied, the phenomenon of pupal ring formation remains poorly understood. This study examined the factors influencing pupal ring formation under controlled laboratory conditions. Results showed that pupal rings were formed exclusively when larvae were reared on an artificial diet, with no ring formation observed on corn-stalks. Females exhibited a significantly higher tendency to participate in ring formation than males. Additionally, male participation increased proportionally with the number of rings formed, a pattern not observed in females. The size of the rearing arena significantly influenced ring formation, with smaller arenas (6 cm diameter) promoting more frequent pairing, particularly among females. Temperature also played a significant role: lower participation rates were recorded at 22 °C compared to 25 °C and 28 °C, although the number of rings formed did not differ significantly across temperatures. Developmental stage and sex composition further influenced pairing behaviour; pupal rings formed only among individuals of similar maturity, and male participation was significantly reduced in all-male groups compared to mixed-sex groups. These findings suggest that pupal ring formation in O. furnacalis is modulated by dietary substrate, larval sex, environmental conditions, and developmental synchrony, offering new insights into the behavioural ecology of this pest.

Wild Mexican sunflower [Tithonia tubaeformis (Jacq.) Cass.] is one of the most important annual weeds for sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) and, to a lesser extent, for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the northwest of Argentina and some other countries. Currently, its management relies on chemical methods, and no information is available to develop alternative management methods. In the current study, we conducted laboratory germination assays in the presence of different conditions of light, temperature, and phytohormone (gibberellins and abscisic acid) concentrations, as well as fluridone, trinexapac-ethyl (TE), methyl viologen (MV), dry afterripening (DAR), cold stratification, and pericarp scarification. Likewise, a field experiment was carried out to assess the impact of various sugarcane crop residue amounts on seedling emergence. Darkness and constant temperatures (e.g., 20 C) reduced the germination of fresh seeds. The addition of TE, a gibberellic acid inhibitor, and abscisic acid reduced germination. In contrast, the addition of MV increased germination. Pericarp scarification and embryo excision stimulated germination, suggesting that the pericarp acts as a barrier to prevent germination. DAR did not promote germination. On the other hand, cold stratification enabled dormancy release, which in turn promoted germination when the stratified achenes germinated in light and at alternating temperatures of 20/30 C. Field experiments showed that increasing amounts of sugarcane crop residue were useful to reduce weed seedling emergence and biomass, probably by limiting the triggering effect of light and temperature alternation on seedling emergence. These findings provide information about the endogenous control of germination, which can be useful for developing a rational integrated management system for T. tubaeformis.

Current food systems pose risks to both population and environmental health. Reducing the intake of animal-based foods, such as dairy products, and increasing consumption of plant-based foods align with priorities for addressing climate change and promoting overall health. Plant-based alternatives to cow’s milk can be readily substituted for cow’s milk without altering meal patterns and food habits, making them a popular choice among those reducing animal-product consumption. However, plant-based milk alternatives do not necessarily provide the same nutrients as cow’s milk, particularly essential micronutrients like iodine. While national data indicate that the UK is iodine-replete, certain population subgroups (such as pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and vegans) remain at risk of iodine deficiency. Young women are more likely than other age groups to consume plant-based milk alternatives, heightening public health concerns about iodine insufficiency in this demographic. Current consumers of plant-based milk alternatives in the UK have lower iodine intake and status compared to consumers of cow’s milk. Population-level effects of replacing milk with plant-based alternatives vary and depend on factors such as the role of plant-based milk alternatives in the diet (i.e. in addition to, or as a replacement for milk), the presence of other iodine sources in the diet, the consumer’s life stage, and whether the alternatives are fortified with iodine. This review examines the literature on plant-based milk alternatives and iodine intake, focusing on implications of this dietary shift and strategies to improve iodine intake in those opting for plant-based milk alternatives in the UK population.

Pineapple cultivation is of economic importance for farmers; however, pineapple production can be affected by pests and diseases. Recently, the presence of mealybugs and pineapple mealybug wilt-associated viruses (PMWaV)-1, -2, and -3 has been reported in the provinces of Satipo and Chanchamayo, in Peru’s central jungle. This study aimed to molecularly identify mealybugs collected from the Hawaiiana cultivar and the MD-2 hybrid in those provinces to determine if they are indeed hosts of the PMWaV-1, -2, and -3. Through amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer ribosomal genes, the mealybugs were identified as Dysmicoccus brevipes. In the phylogenetic analysis of these D. brevipes, Peruvian isolates were associated with isolates from India, China, Taiwan, and Japan. In addition, our results confirmed the presence of PMWaV-1, -2, and -3 in all mealybug specimens collected from both the Hawaiiana cultivar and the MD-2 hybrid tested, with these PMWaVs showing a 99% sequence identity with others recently reported in Peru. Therefore, D. brevipes is a host and probable vector of PMWaV-1, -2, and -3 for the cultivar Hawaiiana and the hybrid pineapple MD-2 in Satipo and Chanchamayo, Peru. Based on these findings and observations of crop management strategies in these provinces, we recommend integrated management practices to control this pest.

Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) lead solitary lives, mainly associated with sea ice, and they are parasitized by the sucking louse Antarctophthirus ogmorhini, one of the few known marine insects and probably the only group adapted to survive in deep-ocean environments. A challenge for seal lice is that their eggs do not survive underwater, requiring them to complete their life cycle during the host’s reproductive or moulting season. We investigated the infestation parameters of A. ogmorhini in leopard seals on the Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula, estimating prevalence and mean abundance, comparing by sex, age class and interannual variability and determining the relationship between these parameters and the body condition of the seals. Over four field seasons (2014, 2015, 2019 and 2020), we collected data from 50 seals: 12 females and 38 males, including 47 adults and 3 juveniles. The overall prevalence (14%) was the lowest recorded for an Antarctic seal, with higher rates in juveniles (33.3%) than adults (12.8%) and in males (15.8%) compared with females (8.3%). Generalized linear models analysis, considering body condition and interannual variability, did not reveal a strong correlation between body condition and lice infestation. Although no strong correlation was found, there is some indication that seals in poorer condition may be more heavily infested.

This study marks the first update on Malaysia’s marine tardigrades after more than 50 years, presenting both the discovery of a new species, Batillipes malaysianus sp. nov., and a new record, Batillipes rotundiculus. The specimens were collected from the intertidal zone at Pantai Pancur Hitam, Labuan, Malaysia, during two separate sampling efforts. Despite extensive sampling, the density of marine tardigrades in the area was found to be exceptionally low, with only a single specimen of B. malaysianus sp. nov. and a limited number of other Batillipes individuals collected. The new species, B. malaysianus sp. nov., is distinguished by unique morphological features, including setae scattered across the ventral cuticle – a trait not observed in any other species of the genus – and constricted primary clavae, a characteristic absent in other species of the B1 toe arrangement group. Additionally, B. rotundiculus represents the first confirmed record of this species in Malaysia, expanding its known distribution. This study also updates the global species count of Batillipes to 42, incorporating recent taxonomic changes and this new addition. An updated dichotomous key for the genus is provided, incorporating all species described to date. These findings underscore the importance of exploring understudied marine habitats and highlight the potential for discovering more tardigrade species in Malaysia.

There is considerable data suggesting that the gut microbiota (GM) contributes to health and regulates host immunity and influences brain function, findings with implications for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

In the present study, using three non-fat diets with different ratios of unsaturated ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids (FAs)(high or low), we analyzed how minor differences in diet can affect the microbiota of amyloid precursor protein/Presenilin 1 transgenic (APP/PS1 [TG]) mice, a mice model of AD, next, we studied how the levels of sex hormones may affect the GM. The data obtained show that sex hormones in males fed our standard diet (S) modified alpha and beta diversity, whereas no differences were observed in TG mice compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, there were significant differences in both alpha or beta diversity in mice fed with an H or L diet compared with an S diet.

In conclusion, our data indicate that the levels of sex hormones or differences in the ω-6/ω-3 FA ratio alter the GM more than expected. Thus, it is tantalizing to propose that low levels of ω-3 FAs in APP/PS1 mice fed an “H” diet may be responsible for modifying some bacterial genera, exacerbating the basal neuropathology in this AD model.

We evaluated the physiological condition of the Pygoscelis penguins at Isla 25 de Mayo/King George Island (Antarctica Peninsula). Samples were collected from adults and chicks of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae, n = 20 each), gentoo (Pygoscelis papua, n = 20 chicks and n = 24 adults) and chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus, n = 18 each). We analysed haematological and biochemical parameters as indicators of health, immune response and nutrition. Gentoo penguin chicks exhibited higher haematocrits, indicating development linked to erythropoiesis and reticulocyte release from bone marrow or signalling dehydration related to fasting periods in chicks. Adélie penguins had increased total leukocyte counts, basophils and eosinophils, whereas gentoo penguins showed elevated heterophils and decreased lymphocytes, resulting in a higher heterophil/lymphocyte ratio stress index, possibly due to the impact of human activities. Chinstrap penguins from a remote area exhibited the lowest heterophil/lymphocyte ratio values. Adélie penguins showed more erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities, indicating sensitivity to environmental deterioration due to human impacts. The biochemical results were less consistent; Adélie penguins had higher cholesterol, whereas gentoo penguins had elevated triglycerides. Gentoo penguins showed dietary adaptability based on prey availability in this area. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of Adélie penguins and contribute to a 20 year physiological monitoring dataset for Antarctic penguins, which will aid future comparative studies.