Download or read book Recent Advances in the Biochemistry Toxicity and Mode of Action of Parasitic Wasp Venoms written by David Rivers and published by . This book was released on 2007-01-01 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Parasitic wasps represent an extraordinarily diverse group, with over 600,000 species having been described and perhaps a million or more species in existence today. If abundance equates with success, then these wasps rival the beetles in terms of animal dominance. Surprisingly, not until recently have these parasitic wasps received the attention due to them. This is not to say that the Parasitica division of the order Hymenoptera has been ignored. In fact, parasitic wasps have been the subjects of research investigations for nearly a century. However, unique facets of the biology of these parasitoids were largely unknown until the intensity of research using them as test subjects was heightened due to changes in pest control strategies in the United States and Europe. Increasing interest in integrated approaches to pest control within sustainable agricultural management programs led to studies on the basic biology of these wasps, and shed light on many aspects of their fascinating, and frequently beneficial, activities and biological features. The result has been a near revolution in terms of our understanding of natural history, biology and host-parasite interactions. Among the most dramatic areas of advancement have come in host-parasitoid maintenance and population dynamics. In particular, parasitic wasps were found to be capable of regulating their hosts, through manipulation of host behavior, physiology, and development for the benefit of developing wasp progeny. Hints of such host regulation can be found within previous literature, but it is only within the last two decades that many of the details of how the host is altered and what regulatory substances are involved have been deciphered. This paved the way for showing the role of many maternally derived secretions (e.g., polydnaviruses, calyx and ovarian fluids, virus-like particles, entomopoxvirus, and venoms), and in some cases larval fluids, in addition to the action of proteinacious venoms, either alone or synergistically, by female wasps to condition the host. Thus, these venoms are important sources of regulatory substances that are key to the success of the parasitoid using the host. Exceptionally noteworthy are the exciting array of changes in host condition that are elicited by sublethal doses of venom and its components, prompting new investigations into the utility of these bioactive compounds. Venoms from endo- and ectoparasitic wasp species exhibit various physiological and developmental effects, ranging from paralysis to molt inhibition to behavior modification, that vary depending on the host species and developmental stage attacked. Some wasps possess venom that permanently paralyze or kill the host, whereas others arrest or slow growth and development. Recently, parasitioid venom has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, and in other species, venom leads to conditioning the host for the purpose of over-wintering. These observations were largely unknown 20 years ago when Tom Piek edited his excellent treatise Venoms of the Hymenoptera (1986), and likewise, only a small portion of Donald Quicke s outstanding book Parasitic Wasps (1997) could be devoted to the subject of venoms of parasitic wasps. So few outside of the field of parasitic wasp venoms have delighted in the complexity of venom cocktails, modes of action, or physiological effects. Here, we have enlisted the help of several researchers to share their insight into the biochemistry of venoms from endo- and ectoparasitic wasp species; the modes of action these venoms and effects on insects hosts at the organismal, tissue and cellular level; and the relevant toxicity of venoms or isolated toxins toward host and pest insects. Our hope is that this book provides a comprehensive coverage of some of the most current work being conducted throughout the world on parasitic wasp venoms. Ultimately, though, our desire is to foster discussion and encourage further research with these fascinating creatures, whether for biological control purposes or out of sheer intellectual curiosity.

Download or read book The Science of Forensic Entomology written by David B. Rivers and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-11-20 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Science of Forensic Entomology builds a foundation of biological and entomological knowledge that equips the student to be able to understand and resolve questions concerning the presence of specific insects at a crime scene, in which the answers require deductive reasoning, seasoned observation, reconstruction and experimentation—features required of all disciplines that have hypothesis testing at its core. Each chapter addresses topics that delve into the underlying biological principles and concepts relevant to the insect biology that forms the bases for using insects in matters of legal importance. The book is more than an introduction to forensic entomology as it offers in depth coverage of non-traditional topics, including the biology of maggot masses, temperature tolerances of necrophagous insects; chemical attraction and communication; reproductive strategies of necrophagous flies; archaeoentomology, and use of insects in modern warfare (terrorism). As such it will enable advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to use insects and other arthropods in a wide range of legal matters.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior written by and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2009-04-01 with total page 2662 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior, Three Volume Set has engaged with great success the efforts of many of the best behavioral biologists of the 21st century. Section editors drawn from the most accomplished behavioral scientists of their generation have enrolled an international cast of highly respected thinkers and writers all of whom have taken great care and joy in illuminating every imaginable corner of animal behavior. This comprehensive work covers not only the usual topics such as communication, learning, sexual selection, navigation, and the history of the field, but also emerging topics in cognition, animal welfare, conservation, and applications of animal behavior. The large section on animal cognition brings together many of the world's experts on the subject to provide a comprehensive overview of this rapidly developing area. Chapters relating to animal welfare give a full view of behavioral interactions of humans with companion animals, farm animals, and animals in the wild. The key role of animal behavior in conservation biology receives broad attention, including chapters on topics such as the effects of noise pollution, captive breeding, and how the behavioral effects of parasites interacts with conservation issues. Animal behavior in environmental biology is highlighted in chapters on the effects of endocrine disruptors on behavior and a large number of chapters on key species, such as wolves, chimpanzees, hyenas and sharks. Clear, accessible writing complements a wealth of information for undergraduate college students about the essential concepts of animal behavior and the application of those concepts across the field. In-depth coverage of concepts, methods, and exemplar organisms serves the needs of graduate students and professionals in the field. From the use of behavior in assessing the welfare of pigs to the social behavior of insects, from animal empathy to bat brains, this authoritative reference, with its in-depth introductory articles, rich array of illustrations, interactive cross-referenced links, and numerous suggested readings, can guide the student or the professional to an expanded appreciation of the far-flung world of animal behavior. An invaluable tool for teaching and a source of enrichment and detail for any topic covered in an animal behavior course, the Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior is the definitive reference work in its field and will be for years to come. Comprehensive work which covers the usual topics along with emerging areas of animal behavior This encyclopedia contains clear, accessible writing and is well illustrated, including an online video, complimenting a wealth of information As an online reference, this work will be subject to period updating. This ensures that the work always remains current Contains in-depth introductions to the material that make each well-illustrated section come alive with the best the new content the discipline has to offer Glossary includes a compendium of behavioral terms that form a succinct mosaic of virtually every concept and phenomenon related to animal behavior Section editors, drawn from around the world, represent the best and the brightest among today's behavioral biologists and have recruited a broad range of internationally recognized experts Editors-in-Chief are experienced scientists and writers who between them have authored or edited eight books and teach courses in animal behavior at their respective universities

Download or read book Parasitoids of Drosophila written by and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2009-09-17 with total page 415 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Much is known about the biology of Drosophila parasitoids, which is why they are used as a model for studying other parasitoids. This book brings together the different fields of research that can be explored, thanks to the "Drosophila parasitoid" model. It shows how the complementary knowledge arising from different approaches is inspiring the development of new areas of research on this biological model. It also discusses techniques and methods specifically adapted to the study of larval parasitoid species.

Download or read book Forensic Analysis written by B Suresh Shetty and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2016-09-07 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is my pleasure to place before you the book ''Forensic Analysis - From Death to Justice'' which presents one of the major portions of the broad specialty of Forensic Science comprising mainly of Thanatology and Criminalistics. This book has been designed to incorporate a wide range of new ideas and unique works from all authors from topics like Forensic Engineering, Forensic Entomology and Crime Scene Investigation. I hope that it will be useful to practitioners of forensic medicine, experts, pathologists, law makers, investigating authorities, undergraduate and postgraduate medical school graduates of medicine.

Download or read book The Journal of Experimental Biology written by and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Toxins and Drug Discovery written by P. Gopalakrishnakone and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-09-11 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, the field of Toxinology has expanded substantially. On the one hand it studies venomous animals, plants and micro organisms in detail to understand their mode of action on targets. While on the other, it explores the biochemical composition, genomics and proteomics of toxins and venoms to understand their three interaction with life forms (especially humans), development of antidotes and exploring their pharmacological potential. Therefore, Toxinology has deep linkages with biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy and pharmacology. In addition, there is a fast developing applied subfield, clinical toxinology, which deals with understanding and managing medical effects of toxins on human body. Given the huge impact of toxin-based deaths globally, and the potential of venom in generation of drugs for so-far incurable diseases (for example, Diabetes, Chronic Pain), the continued research and growth of the field is imminent. This has led to the growth of research in the area and the consequent scholarly output by way of publications in journals and books. Despite this ever growing body of literature within biomedical sciences, there is still no all-inclusive reference work available that collects all of the important biochemical, biomedical and clinical insights relating to Toxinology. The Handbook of Toxinology aims to address this gap and cover the field of Toxinology comprehensively.

Download or read book Plight of the Living Dead written by Matt Simon and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2018-10-02 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A brain-bending exploration of real-life zombies and mind controllers, and what they reveal to us about nature—and ourselves Zombieism isn’t just the stuff of movies and TV shows like The Walking Dead. It’s real, and it’s happening in the world around us, from wasps and worms to dogs and moose—and even humans. In Plight of the Living Dead, science journalist Matt Simon documents his journey through the bizarre evolutionary history of mind control. Along the way, he visits a lab where scientists infect ants with zombifying fungi, joins the search for kamikaze crickets in the hills of New Mexico, and travels to Israel to meet the wasp that stings cockroaches in the brain before leading them to their doom. Nothing Hollywood dreams up can match the brilliant, horrific zombies that natural selection has produced time and time again. Plight of the Living Dead is a surreal dive into a world that would be totally unbelievable if very smart scientists didn’t happen to be proving it’s real, and most troublingly—or maybe intriguingly—of all: how even we humans are affected. “Fantastic . . . You'll be thinking about this book long after you're done reading it.” —Kelly Weinersmith, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Soonish

Download or read book Venoms of the Hymenoptera written by Tom Piek and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Venoms of the Hymenoptera: Biochemical, Pharmacological, and Behavioral Aspects contains papers that deals with the study of the venoms and toxins produced by insects belonging to the order of the Hymenoptera. The book provides a considerable amount of information in the study of the venoms of the Hymenoptera. There are chapters that focus on the history of the research made on the order of the Hymenoptera; the stinging apparatus; venom collection; physiological effects of venoms produced by particular insects belonging to the order; and the pharmacological uses of the venoms and toxins. Entomologists, physiologists, pharmacologists, biochemists, and researchers developing drugs and pesticides will find this text extremely useful.

Download or read book Medical and Veterinary Entomology written by Gary R. Mullen and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2009-04-22 with total page 646 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Second Edition, has been fully updated and revised to provide the latest information on developments in entomology relating to public health and veterinary importance. Each chapter is structured with the student in mind, organized by the major headings of Taxonomy, Morphology, Life History, Behavior and Ecology, Public Health and Veterinary Importance, and Prevention and Control. This second edition includes separate chapters devoted to each of the taxonomic groups of insects and arachnids of medical or veterinary concern, including spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks. Internationally recognized editors Mullen and Durden include extensive coverage of both medical and veterinary entomological importance. This book is designed for teaching and research faculty in medical and veterinary schools that provide a course in vector borne diseases and medical entomology; parasitologists, entomologists, and government scientists responsible for oversight and monitoring of insect vector borne diseases; and medical and veterinary school libraries and libraries at institutions with strong programs in entomology. Follows in the tradition of Herm's Medical and Veterinary Entomology The latest information on developments in entomology relating to public health and veterinary importance Two separate indexes for enhanced searchability: Taxonomic and Subject New to this edition: Three new chapters Morphological Adaptations of Parasitic Arthropods Forensic Entomology Molecular Tools in Medical and Veterinary Entomology 1700 word glossary Appendix of Arthropod-Related Viruses of Medical-Veterinary Importance Numerous new full-color images, illustrations and maps throughout

Download or read book Arthropod Venom Components and Their Potential Usage written by Katsuhiro Konno and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2020-03-25 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thousands of arthropod species, ranging from arachnids (spiders and scorpions) to hymenopterans (ants, bees, and wasps) and myriapods (centipedes), are venomous and use their venoms for both defense and predation. These venoms are invariably harmful to humans, and some may cause serious injuries, e.g., those from scorpions, spiders, and wasps. Arthropods’ venoms are also known as rich sources of biologically active compounds and have attracted the attention of toxin researchers for years. In this century, venom component analysis has progressed considerable due to the advances in analytical techniques, in particular, mass spectrometry and next-generation deep (DNA and RNA) sequencing. As such, proteomic and peptidomic analyses using LC–MS have enabled the full analysis of venom components, revealing a variety of novel peptide and protein toxins sequences and scaffolds, potentially useful as pharmacological research tools and for the development of highly selective peptide ligands and therapeutic leads, like chlorotoxin. Due to their specificity for numerous ion-channel subtypes, including voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, arthropod neurotoxins have been investigated to dissect and treat neurodegenerative diseases and control epileptic syndromes. This Special Issue collects information on such progress, encouraging contributions on the chemical and biological characterization of venom components, not only peptides and proteins, but also small molecules, their mechanisms of action, and the development of venom-derived peptide leads.

Download or read book Spider Venoms written by P. Gopalakrishnakone and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-05-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, the field of Toxinology has expanded substantially. On the one hand it studies venomous animals, plants and micro organisms in detail to understand their mode of action on targets. While on the other, it explores the biochemical composition, genomics and proteomics of toxins and venoms to understand their three interaction with life forms (especially humans), development of antidotes and exploring their pharmacological potential. Therefore, Toxinology has deep linkages with biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy and pharmacology. In addition, there is a fast developing applied subfield, clinical toxinology, which deals with understanding and managing medical effects of toxins on human body. Given the huge impact of toxin-based deaths globally, and the potential of venom in generation of drugs for so-far incurable diseases (for example, Diabetes, Chronic Pain), the continued research and growth of the field is imminent. This has led to the growth of research in the area and the consequent scholarly output by way of publications in journals and books. Despite this ever growing body of literature within biomedical sciences, there is still no all-inclusive reference work available that collects all of the important biochemical, biomedical and clinical insights relating to Toxinology. The Handbook of Toxinology aims to address this gap and cover the field of Toxinology comprehensively.

Download or read book Current Developments in the Detection and Control of Multi Drug Resistance written by Sanket Kaushik and published by Bentham Science Publishers. This book was released on 2022-07-26 with total page 181 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The rise in the incidence of infections is caused by multi drugresistant (MDR) bacteria, it is essential to elucidate the basic mechanism ofantibiotic resistance to discover effective methods for diagnosis and treatmentof infections. The use of pathogen-specific probes offers a faster alternative forpathogen detection and could improve the diagnosis of infection. High resolutionmelting analysis techniques are useful for the detection of multi drugresistant pathogens. Rational Structural Based Drug Design is a common methodto identify a lead compound and take it forward for further developments.This book provides information about recent strategies involved in thediagnosis and treatment of infections caused by MDR bacteria. The volume coversthe use of molecular probes for the quantification of pathogenic bacteria, alongwith other techniques mentioned above. Chapters also cover the use of identificationof novel drug targets from the Lipid A biosynthesis and also from quorum sensingmediated biofilm formation in MDR bacteria. Chapters also cover herbal alternatives for the treatment of MDRbacteria like the use of Cassiaaungustifolia in treatment of various diseases. The reference is suitablefor biomedical students, cellular and molecular biologists.

Download or read book Insect Biotechnology written by Andreas Vilcinskas and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-10-27 with total page 269 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book provides a fascinating overview about current and sophisticated developments in applied entomology that are powered by molecular biology and that can be summarized under a novel term: insect biotechnology. By analogy with the application of powerful molecular biological tools in medicine (red biotechnology), plant protection (green biotechnology) and industrial processing (white biotechnology), insect biotechnology (yellow biotechnology) provides novel tools and strategies for human welfare and nutrition. Insect Biotechnology has emerged as a prospering discipline with considerable economic potential, and encompasses the use of insect model organisms and insect-derived molecules in medical research as well as in modern plant protection measures.

Download or read book Parasitoids written by H. Charles J. Godfray and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2019-12-31 with total page 484 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Parasitoids lay their eggs on or in the bodies of other species of insect, and the parasitoid larvae develop by feeding on the host, causing its eventual death. Known for a long time to applied biologists for their importance in regulating the population densities of economic pests, parasitoids have recently proven to be valuable tools in testing many aspects of evolutionary theory. This book synthesizes the work of both schools of parasitoid biology and asks how a consideration of evolutionary biology can help us understand the behavior, ecology, and diversity of the approximately one to two million species of parasitoid found on earth. After a general introduction to parasitoid natural history and taxonomy, the first part of the book treats the different components of the reproductive strategy of parasitoids: searching for a host, host selection, clutch size, and the sex ratio. Subsequent chapters discuss pathogens and non-Mendelian genetic elements that affect sexual reproduction; evolutionary aspects of the physiological interactions between parasitoid and host; mating strategies; life history theory and community ecology. A special effort is made to discuss the theoretical background to the subject, but without the use of mathematics.

Download or read book Pesticide Resistance in Arthropods written by Richard Roush and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bruce E. Tabashnik and Richard T. Roush Pesticide resistance is an increasingly urgent worldwide problem. Resistance to one or more pesticides has been documented in more than 440 species of insects and mites. Resistance in vectors of human dise8se, particularly malaria-transmit ting mosquitoes, is a serious threat to public health in many nations. Agricultural productivity is jeopardized because of widespread resistance in crop and livestock pests. Serious resistance problems are also evident in pests of the urban environ ment, most notably cockroaches. Better understanding of pesticide resistance is needed to devise techniques for managing resistance (Le. , slowing, preventing, or reversing development of resistance in pests and promoting it in beneficial natural enemies). At the same time, resistance is a dramatic example of evolution. Knowledge of resistance can thus provide fundamental insights into evolution, genetics, physiology, and ecology. Resistance management can help to reduce the harmful effects of pesticides by decreasing rates of pesticide use and prolonging the efficacy of environmentally safe pesticides. In response to resistance problems, the concentration or frequency of pesticide applications is often increased. Effective resistance management would reduce this type of increased pesticide use. Improved monitoring of resis tance would also decrease the number of ineffective pesticide applications that are made when a resistance problem exists but has not been diagnosed. Resistance often leads to replacement of one pesticide with another that is more expensive and less compatible with alternative controls.

Download or read book Public Health Significance of Urban Pests written by Xavier Bonnefoy and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2008 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century witnessed important changes in ecology, climate and human behaviour that favoured the development of urban pests. Most alarmingly, urban planners now face the dramatic expansion of urban sprawl, in which city suburbs are growing into the natural habitats of ticks, rodents and other pests. Also, many city managers now erroneously assume that pest-borne diseases are relics of the past. All these changes make timely a new analysis of the direct and indirect effects of present-day urban pests on health. Such an analysis should lead to the development of strategies to manage them and reduce the risk of exposure. To this end, WHO invited international experts in various fields - pests, pest-related diseases and pest management - to provide evidence on which to base policies. These experts identified the public health risk posed by various pests and appropriate measures to prevent and control them. This book presents their conclusions and formulates policy options for all levels of decision-making to manage pests and pest-related diseases in the future. [Ed.]