Dynamics of entomopathogenic nematode foraging and infectivity in microgravity

Lab-on-chip technologies for space research - current trends and prospects

The in-depth analysis concerning application of microfluidic instruments for space biology research is presented. The article focuses on recently investigated key scientific fields, i.e., lab-on-chips applied to the biomedical studies performed in the (1) International Space Station and (2) CubeSat nanosatellites. The paper presents also the lab-on-chip devices that were fabricated with a view to future space biology research and to those that to date have been solely been tested under Earth laboratory conditions and/or simulated microgravity environments. NASA and ESA conceptual mission plans for future are also mentioned, concerning for instance "tissue chips" and the ESA-SPHEROIDS campaign. The paper ends with final conclusions and future perspectives regarding lab-on-chip application in the space biology sector and its impact on novel biomedical and pharmaceutical strategies.

Overview and future research needs for development of effective biocontrol strategies for management of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) in sub-Saharan Africa

Infestation of fruits by native and invasive fruit flies causes significant economic losses. In most cases, incidence of 'regulated' dangerous fruit flies in orchards results in restrictions on export of fruits from such places to international markets. Unfortunately, use of insecticides applied on foliage and fruits does not kill the fruit-to-soil stages of fruit flies. However, diverse biological control agents (BCAs) do so. Thus, prevalence of native and invasive fruit flies in orchards will require that a combination of BCAs is included in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. In the case of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and other economically important fruit flies found in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), use of classical biocontrol approach involves concomitant releases of two exotic parasitoids (Fopius arisanus Sonan and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Ashmead). These non-native wasps may have complemented the indigenous parasitoids in combination with application of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) and conservation of predatory ants (Oecophylla longinoda Latreille, with O. smaragdina) in fruit fly IPM plans. Consequently, some levels of decline in fruit infestation have been observed. Although interspecific interactions between BCAs against several insect pests have produced varying results, including threatening the survival of other BCAs, the prevalence of B. dorsalis in orchards across SSA requires further research to investigate effects of coalescing biocontrol approaches in IPM strategies. Therefore, future research into combining parasitoids, EPFs and entomopathogenic nematodes, in addition to conservation of predatory ants (O. longinoda, O. smaragdina and others) in IPM plans may improve the effectiveness of currently used strategies for the management of fruit-infesting tephritids. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gravitational Influence on Human Living Systems and the Evolution of Species on Earth

Gravity constituted the only constant environmental parameter, during the evolutionary period of living matter on Earth. However, whether gravity has affected the evolution of species, and its impact is still ongoing. The topic has not been investigated in depth, as this would require frequent and long-term experimentations in space or an environment of altered gravity. In addition, each organism should be studied throughout numerous generations to determine the profound biological changes in evolution. Here, we review the significant abnormalities presented in the cardiovascular, immune, vestibular and musculoskeletal systems, due to altered gravity conditions. We also review the impact that gravity played in the anatomy of snakes and amphibians, during their evolution. Overall, it appears that gravity does not only curve the space–time continuum but the biological continuum, as well.