Assessing the effects of an acute exposure to worst-case concentration of Cry proteins on zebrafish using the embryotoxicity test and proteomics analysis

An oral toxicity assessment of a mosquito larvicidal transgenic algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) using adult Zebrafish and its embryos

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a global health threat, with pathogens like Malaria, Dengue fever, and others transmitted by mosquitoes. Our study focuses on evaluating the toxicity of genetically engineered mosquito larvicidal algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) to non-target organisms, specifically Zebrafish. We conducted a 90-day experiment, feeding Zebrafish different combinations of larvicidal algae and commercial fish feed. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in mortality, allergenicity, or moribundity among groups. Hematology, molecular analysis, and necropsy showed no physiological differences. Our findings indicate that the transgenic algae (TN72.cry11Ba) had no adverse effects on adult Zebrafish or their larvae. This study confirmed the safety of algae on non-target organisms, such as zebrafish.

Multi-omics and gut microbiome: Unveiling the pathogenic mechanisms of early-life pesticide exposure

The extensive application of pesticides in agricultural production has raised significant concerns about its impact on human health. Different pesticides, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, cause environmental pollution and health problems for non-target organisms. Infants and young children are so vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticide exposure that early-life exposure to pesticides deserves focused attention. Recent research lays emphasis on understanding the mechanism between negative health impacts and early-life exposure to various pesticides. Studies have explored the impacts of exposure to these pesticides on model organisms (zebrafish, rats, and mice), as well as the mechanism of negative health effects, based on advanced methodologies like gut microbiota and multi-omics. These methodologies help comprehend the pathogenic mechanisms associated with early-life pesticide exposure. In addition to presenting health problems stemming from early-life exposure to pesticides and their pathogenic mechanisms, this review proposes expectations for future research. These proposals include focusing on identifying biomarkers that indicate early-life pesticide exposure, investigating transgenerational effects, and seeking effective treatments for diseases arising from such exposure. This review emphasizes how to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of early-life pesticide exposure through gut microbiota and multi-omics, as well as the adverse health effects of such exposure.

Conservation insights from wild bee genetic studies: Geographic differences, susceptibility to inbreeding, and signs of local adaptation

Conserving bees are critical both ecologically and economically. Genetic tools are valuable for monitoring these vital pollinators since tracking these small, fast-flying insects by traditional means is difficult. By surveying the current state of the literature, this review discusses how recent advances in landscape genetic and genomic research are elucidating how wild bees respond to anthropogenic threats. Current literature suggests that there may be geographic differences in the vulnerability of bee species to landscape changes. Populations of temperate bee species are becoming more isolated and more genetically depauperate as their landscape becomes more fragmented, but tropical bee species appear unaffected. These differences may be an artifact of historical differences in land-use, or it suggests that different management plans are needed for temperate and tropical bee species. Encouragingly, genetic studies on invasive bee species indicate that low levels of genetic diversity may not lead to rapid extinction in bees as once predicted. Additionally, next-generation sequencing has given researchers the power to identify potential genes under selection, which are likely critical to species' survival in their rapidly changing environment. While genetic studies provide insights into wild bee biology, more studies focusing on a greater phylogenetic and life-history breadth of species are needed. Therefore, caution should be taken when making broad conservation decisions based on the currently few species examined.