Qkunc

Insect antennae are among the most sophisticated multi-functional sensory systems in nature, capable of detecting odors, tastes, temperature, humidity, and even subtle vibrations. Recent studies reveal that these sensory functions are not solely regulated by the brain but also modulated by biogenic amines such as octopamine (OA), tyramine (TA), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine (DA) . Understanding these mechanisms not only illuminates insect behavior but also opens new opportunities for agricultural research, pest management, biocontrol products, mosquito repellent development, and laboratory experiments using agricultural research equipment and laboratory reagents . Localized circulation of hemolymph within the antennae allows these biogenic amines to act independently of the rest of the body, making antennae partially autonomous sensory hubs with critical roles in environmental adaptation and survival. Octopamine Enhances Pheromone Detection and Supports Insect Behavior Research Octo...

In the humid, subtropical forests of eastern Cuba, a slow and silent extinction is unfolding. Clinging to tree bark and nestled among damp foliage, a tiny, brilliantly colored creature once flourished in vast numbers. Today, it is fighting for survival. The Polymita snail, renowned for its strikingly vibrant shells that swirl with reds, greens, yellows, and oranges, is widely considered one of the most beautiful snails in the world. But that same beauty has placed it in grave danger. Polymita snails are not just a symbol of Cuba’s rich biodiversity, they are also evolutionary enigmas. These terrestrial mollusks exhibit extraordinary color polymorphism — within a single species, individuals may display dramatically different shell colors and patterns, ranging from single-tone spirals to psychedelic streaks and candy-like bands. Scientists have long been fascinated by how such variation can persist in wild populations, especially given the forces of natural selection that often favor un...

Colombia is home to over 29 million cattle, with approximately 57% of them raised in dual-purpose systems for both meat and milk production. In recent years, rising feed costs and shifting market demands have put pressure on these systems, affecting both productivity and profitability. In particular, in the Caribbean region of Colombia, dairy production and cattle slaughter rates have declined, prompting farmers and researchers to explore practical ways to improve production efficiency. Maintaining and enhancing herd performance has become essential, and improving pastures as well as supplementing high-quality feed have emerged as crucial strategies. In this region, Guinea grass serves as the primary forage. While it thrives during the rainy season, its yield and nutritional quality drop significantly in the dry season. As a result, herds often face feed shortages, weight loss, and declining milk production during periods of drought. To address this, farmers have begun to explore the ...

In the eastern Himalayas lies the small kingdom of Bhutan, a country where forests cover nearly 70% of the land. These vast forests not only define the nation’s landscapes but also play critical roles in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water resources, and supporting key economic sectors such as hydropower and tourism. Yet, even within one of the most intact and pristine forest ecosystems in the world, emerging threats quietly persist. In 2019, forest officers in the Chamkhar area of western Bhutan noticed unusual, pineapple-like galls on spruce seedlings in a local nursery. These galls were hindering normal tree growth, drawing the attention of researchers to a potential ecological concern. Upon closer inspection, the culprit was identified as a little-known insect group called adelgids. Adelgids belong to the aphid family, forming a group of tiny sap-sucking insects closely related to aphids. Despite their minute size, some species within this group are highly destructive invad...

The black soldier fly, a seemingly ordinary insect, is quietly revolutionizing the way we handle organic waste and produce sustainable protein. Its larval stage, in particular, is extraordinary: these larvae can consume kitchen scraps, fruit and vegetable waste, brewery by-products, and even poultry manure, transforming these otherwise useless materials into high-protein biomass while producing nutrient-rich frass that serves as an excellent fertilizer. Through this process, black soldier flies not only reduce environmental pollution but also offer innovative solutions for the circular economy and sustainable agriculture. Scientific research has shown that the growth, survival rate, and nutritional composition of black soldier fly larvae are closely linked to their diet. Various waste products have been tested as potential feed, including vegetable and fruit residues, brewery by-products, fish processing waste, poultry manure, and mixed organic waste. Among these, mixed organic waste ...

 Do you remember the little blue card handed out on flights to the United States, asking passengers to declare whether they were carrying fruits, meats, or other fresh foods, or if they had recently visited farms? This simple request was designed to help customs officers intercept items that could carry pests or pathogens—including insects—before they could enter the country. Until recently, U.S. travelers were required by the Department of Homeland Security to declare agricultural products on the CBP Form 6059, the Declaration for Importation of Agricultural Products and Food . The rules were still in place, covering everything from French cheeses to Thai guavas, and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website listed them in detail. The problem was not with the rules themselves, but with how they were enforced. In most airports today, the emphasis has shifted to CBP officers physically monitoring for prohibited items, using sniffer dogs or asking questions during immigration ...

As the global population continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, the demand for sustainable food sources is rising sharply. Fish, in particular, serve as a critical source of high-quality protein for millions of people worldwide. With over half of the fish consumed globally now coming from aquaculture rather than wild fisheries, the sustainability and efficiency of fish farming have become increasingly important. One of the key challenges in aquaculture is the reliance on fishmeal, a feed ingredient derived from wild-caught fish, which has become more expensive and less readily available in recent years. This has created an urgent need for alternative, high-protein feed sources that can support the continued growth of the aquaculture industry. Insects, particularly silkworm pupae, are emerging as a promising solution. Silkworm pupae, a byproduct of the global silk industry, are rich in protein and other essential nutrients. During silk production, silkworms spin cocoons of fine si...