Biologists have curated the red milkweed beetle's genome and its arsenal of genes related to plant-feeding and other biological traits. They sequenced and assembled the entire genome of the host-specialist milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus). They then compared aspects of genome biology to a relative, the host-generalist Asian longhorned beetle...

New research reveals that the invasive Apple Snail -- which threatens rice crops -- could spread further in Africa. A team of researchers suggest that South West along Tana River, Western Kenya and areas coastal areas are suitable for Apple Snail invasion as well as other countries including Malawi, Madagascar, Uganda, Mozambique, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

New research identifies for the first time the genes that help plants grow under stressful conditions -- with implications for producing more sustainable food crops in the face of global climate change. The study reveals the genes that enable plants to make a novel anti-stress molecule called dimethylsulfoniopropionate, or DMSP. It shows that most plants...

There are nearly 4,000 native bee species in the United States, contributing to pollination in agricultural, urban and natural landscapes. Honey bees, however, are not native to the U.S., which has led to concerns that managed honey bee populations might negatively impact wild bees via competition for resources and sharing of pathogens. However, the...

Benthic diatoms are the most important and biodiverse primary producers in streams and comprise the basis for the food webs, fueling animals such as insects and stream fishes including trout.

New research has found methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms may be up to five times greater than official statistics suggest -- and highlights the huge potential for turning them into a renewable energy source. The study shows that if captured and turned into biogas, emitted methane could be valuable.