Olfactory receptor (OR) proteins play a crucial role in insect olfactory systems, including Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (red palm weevil), a significant global pest of palm trees. A scarcity of structural data on its chemosensory proteins, especially ORs, complicates the development of targeted control strategies. In the rapidly evolving field of protein structure analysis, identifying reliable reference proteins and obtaining precise structural data remain major challenges. This study utilised high-throughput structural bioinformatics to identify and characterize OR proteins in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. Analysis of 110 OR proteins revealed that RferOR18148 and RferOrco were significant targets. A comparison of the modelled OR structures with experimental crystal structures confirmed their accuracy. Motif analysis indicated high conservation among the OR proteins, reflecting their evolutionary significance. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the structural stability of RferOR18148 and RferOrco, which maintain their native conformations in a lipid membrane. The literature study further confirmed that proteins are expressed in chemosensory systems, reinforcing their roles as reference structures. These protein structures have been successfully identified and validated for future research on OR and chemosensory mechanisms. The findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of chemosensory signalling in R. ferrugineus, laying the groundwork for pest management strategies through the modulation of chemosensory pathways. Additionally, our research presents a systematic approach for identifying target proteins involved in olfactory communication, serving as a basis for future virtual screening studies of potential inhibitors.

Introduction: During pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of atrial fibrillation (AF), electroanatomic mapping (EAM) is used to characterize voltage characteristics of the left atrium, identifying low voltage areas (LVA) as ≤0.5 mV. Posterior wall (PW) LVAs have been used as ablative targets in patients with persistent AF, showing mixed results. Methods and Results: We compared the mapping performance and PW LVA characterization between the novel 8-spline high-resolution Octaray catheter versus the 5-spline Pentaray catheter. An analysis of registry patients from ALPINE (Adjunctive Left atrial Posterior Isolation Efficacy Study), a single-center, prospective, randomized control trial evaluating outcomes in index PVI +/- PW isolation in patients with >10% PW LVA, was performed. EAMs of initial registry patients were performed with Pentaray (January – May 2022) and were compared with later EAMs mapped with Octaray (May 2022 – August 2023) to determine differences in procedural metrics and PW LVA characterization. EAMs of 273 patients (87 with Pentaray, 186 with Octaray) were analyzed. There were no differences in baseline characteristics. Mapping with Octaray resulted in increased mean normal PW voltage (97.05% vs 93.78%; p=0.002), and less mean PW LVA (2.64% vs 4.36%; p<0.01) than Pentaray. Octaray resulted in significantly lower mapping time (13 vs 16 minutes; p<0.01) and greater number of Fast Anatomic Mapping (FAM) points collected (8081 vs 2939; p<0.001). When adjusted for baseline confounders, a multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that use of Octaray did have an independent, significant association corroborating these findings. Conclusion: To our knowledge, our study contains one of the largest groups of patients with increased normal PW voltage, and less PW LVA, when using Octaray compared to Pentaray. It is possible the higher density mapping capability of the Octaray leads to more mapped points, improved contact, and less voltage interpolation than prior catheter technology, with resultant decreases in LVA characterization. The mapping catheter’s role in quantifying LVA is significant due to its treatment implications with respect to pursuing adjunct PW modification in AF ablation. Further investigation of the mapping performance, voltage characteristics, and procedural outcomes of the Octaray would be beneficial.

This case report describes a rare complication of sheath rupture during Figure-of-Eight suturing following catheter ablation. A 44-year-old male undergoing electrophysiological testing experienced sudden sheath rupture upon removal, necessitating emergency surgical retrieval. The mechanism likely involved three factors: accidental needle puncture causing initial damage, excessive suture tension creating structural compromise, and shearing forces during removal precipitating complete rupture. Preventive strategies include maintaining appropriate needle placement away from the sheath, controlling suture tension, and retaining an intraluminal device during suturing for mechanical protection. This case emphasizes the importance of standardized procedural protocols and thorough operator training to enhance patient safety during vascular closure procedures.

Background and Purpose: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a significant global health burden, with limited treatment options. In cardiomyocytes, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) stimulation of the guanylyl cyclase B receptor (GC-B) increases cGMP, leading to faster relaxation and decreased diastolic stiffness. We therefore examined whether long-term administration of CNP could prevent diastolic dysfunction in a mouse model of HFpEF. Experimental Approach: C57BL/6N mice were subjected to a combination of a high-fat diet (HFD) and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in their drinking water to induce HFpEF. Osmotic pumps delivering either CNP or vehicle were implanted for a duration of 6 weeks. Tail-cuff plethysmography, transthoracic echocardiography, pressure volume loop acquisition and morphometrical analysis was used to investigate cardiac function. Key Results: After 6 weeks of CNP treatment, echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic analysis showed that cardiac diastolic function parameters, such as e’, E/e’, end diastolic pressure and end diastolic pressure volume relationship were all markedly ameliorated compared to vehicle-treated HFpEF mice. Vehicle-treated HFpEF mice displayed progressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy accompanied by increased left ventricular wall thickness and myocardial fibrosis, while those changes were significantly suppressed in CNP-treated mice. Conclusion and Implications: The results demonstrate that CNP treatment prevents cardiac dysfunction and reduces myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in HFpEF mice, suggesting its prospective effectiveness for HFpEF treatment.

Background and objectives: Patients with single-ventricle physiology undergoing Fontan operations face high morbidity and mortality risks. While classic-pattern dyssynchrony (CPD) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) are known predictors of adverse outcomes, the role of global longitudinal strain (GLS) as an independent predictor of heart failure remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 135 Fontan-operated patients from 2014-2015 evaluated the predictive value of GLS alongside PLE and CPD on mortality and transplantation after 9 years. Echocardiographic data, including GLS, were analyzed using speckle tracking strain analysis in 132 patients. The primary endpoint was transplant-free survival. Results: Among 132 Fontan patients, 15 had classic-pattern dyssynchrony, 29 had protein-losing enteropathy, 37 had moderately reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS <-8% ≥-16%), and 18 had severely reduced GLS (≥-8%). Cox regression analysis showed moderately reduced GLS increased mortality risk (HR 5.8, 95% CI 1.27-26.5, p=0.023), with severely reduced GLS showing an HR of 10.3 (95% CI 2.18-48.6, p=0.003). These results were comparable to CPD (HR 11.5, p=0.002) and PLE (HR 14.9, p<0.001). Conclusion: Global longitudinal strain emerged as the best independent factor for predicting long-term transplant-free survival in Fontan patients, highlighting the importance of GLS assessment in routine follow-up to identify high-risk individuals for early intervention.

Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are the predominant host for the production of biotherapeutics; however, there remains a considerable potential to further enhance their cellular productivity. Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) combined with omics-based analysis has emerged as a promising approach towards generating host cell lines with desirable characteristics. In this study, CHOK1 cells were gradually adapted to tunicamycin (TM), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stressor, resulting in an 8-fold increase in resistance compared to the non-adapted cells. Notably, a 3 to 4-fold increase was seen in the amount of total secreted protein in the TM-adapted cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of several genes in the protein processing pathway, such as Dpagt1, the TM target gene, and ER stress response genes. The protein transport, secretion and ubiquitination pathways were also altered, potentially contributing to the increased protein secretion. Furthermore, genes participating in signalling cascades of PI3K-AKT, MAPK and Ras pathways were differentially expressed, thereby aiding in its survival and proliferation. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the amplification of a large genome segment of chromosome 4, which included several genes upregulated at the mRNA level, including Dpagt1. However, overexpression of the Dpagt1 gene alone in the non-adapted cells did not replicate the phenotype of TM-adapted cells, signifying the role of other genes present in the amplified region. Thus, the survival and increased protein secretion of TM-adapted cells can be attributed to a combination of transcriptional level changes and amplification of a large genome segment, underscoring the importance of ALE as a cell engineering strategy.

Introduction: Behavioral sleep interventions (BSIs) improve infant sleep but are less implemented in Asian countries, where co-sleeping is common. This study explored environmental (sleep arrangements) and personal (parental cognition) barriers to BSI implementation among South Korea parents. Methods: A total of 507 parents with children aged 6 to 36 months. Participants completed the Parental Understanding and Misperceptions about Baby’s sleep- Questionnaire (PUMBA-Q) and Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire-Revised (BISQ-R). Information about sleep arrangements and BSIs experience were collected. Path analysis tested a model predicting BSIs implementation and infant sleep. Results: Only 21.9% of parents reported implementing at least one BSIs. Children receiving BSIs had significantly longer total sleep. Path analysis showed parental cognition and bed-sharing directly affected BSIs and indirectly affected child sleep through BSIs implementation. Discussion & Conclusion: This study identifies sleep arrangement and parental cognition as barriers to implementing BSIs, which may inform tailored BSI strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and evaluate clinical predictors of High Flow Nasal Canulla (HFNC) failure in pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study involving 107 children aged 28 days to 14 years admitted to the Pediatric Units of a tertiary hospital. Patients with ARF who received HFNC as respiratory support were included. Clinical and respiratory parameters were monitored at multiple time points. Results: 97 patients were eligible for analysis. The cohort consisted of 76 successes (78.4%) and 21 failures (21.6%). Within the first hour of therapy, a heart rate exceeding 167.5 beats per minute demonstrated particularly high specificity (93.4%) for subsequent failure. By the second hour, two indicators became apparent: a respiratory rate above 47.5 breaths per minute (AUC 0.67, 95% CI 0.58-0.76) and a Respiratory Rate-Oxygenation (ROX) index below 5.8, the latter showing excellent negative predictive value (92%) that could reassure clinicians about continued HFNC suitability. The most powerful predictor emerged at the 6-hour mark, where a ROX index below 4.8 achieved the highest discriminative capacity (AUC 0.73, 95% CI 0.65-0.81) with 91% sensitivity, while the flow-corrected S/F/RRSD ratio below 136 provided complementary specificity (82%). Conclusion: This stud y suggests that early, safe, and effective prediction of HFNC failure in pediatric ARF is achievable, potentially optimizing clinical decision-making. The ROX index (particularly at 6 hours) was the strongest predictor, showing the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, followed by measurements at 2 and 12 hours.

The CRISPR-Cas system has revolutionized gene editing and transcriptional regulation, yet its therapeutic and synthetic potential is limited by a lack of spatiotemporal control. Electrogenetics using electrical signals to modulate gene expression offers a dynamic, reversible, and non-invasive solution to this challenge. This review explores the integration of electrogenetic technologies with CRISPR platforms to enable externally controllable gene regulation. We discuss key molecular mechanisms, including ROS and calcium-mediated pathways, and highlight strategies for engineering electrically responsive CRISPR circuits using inducible promoters and modular components. Bioelectronic interfaces such as microelectrode arrays, conductive scaffolds, and implantable devices are reviewed for their roles in precise electrical stimulation. Applications in precision medicine, regenerative therapy, data storage, and environmental biosensing are examined, along with comparisons to other control modalities such as optogenetics and chemical inducers. We assess the benefits of electrogenetics in terms of depth of tissue penetration, programmability, and clinical integration. Finally, the review outlines challenges in biocompatibility and signal tuning, and explores future directions combining electrogenetics with artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems. Together, these advances position electrogenetic-CRISPR systems as a foundation for intelligent, patient-specific gene therapies and programmable biointerfaces.

Food security is a concern of immediate significance in India, especially in densely populated and agriculture-dependent areas like West Bengal. Mushrooms provide a solution to the problem of food security because of their high nutritional content, low cost of production, and ability to withstand local climatic conditions. The southern part of West Bengal, especially Jhargram, has rich diversity in wild mushrooms associated with ethnomycological significance. This study aimed to focus on the wild edible mushroom Amanita princeps Corner and Bas and assessed its morphoanatomical, ethnomycological, nutritional and antioxidant properties. In our research, detailed morphological and phylogenetic analyses have been performed to confirm its taxonomic position. Further, the proximate analysis of the studied mushroom revealed that it contained a significant amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat, including important microelements, and macro elements. Detailed phytochemical analysis of this mushroom demonstrated that among the four types of extracts hydroalcoholic extract of Amanita princeps has the highest antioxidant activity with a significantly low EC50 value ranging between 150 to 225 µg/mL. The analysis of phytonutrients in this mushroom revealed a greater concentration of phenols (0.785 g GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (0.4325 g QE/100 g) compared to other nutritionally valuable and pharmacologically important mushrooms. Conclusively, it can be suggested that the studied mushroom is Amanita princeps from a detailed morphological and molecular study, and it offers therapeutic and nutritional benefits among traditional people. Thus, this study provides an unexplored market for the Amanita princeps mushroom to be a potent superfood among people.

Tripterygium Hook. f. – a small east-asian genus from Celastraceae family, which is very popular decorative plant and also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Only one species, Tr. wilfordii, were considered in the genus until recent time. However, a new article (Xu et al. 2024) was published in the last year, in which the results of the complete chloroplast genomes sequence for representatives of the genus Tripterygium reflected. This forced us to radically reconsider the traditional view of the genus scope, including a critical review of all available materials (with personal studies all herbarium specimens in main European and Asian collections), with an emphasis on morphology, and came to the conclusion that the genus includes 3 or 4 species, depending on the accepted species concept. A key for identification all four species is compiled.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a pleasant feeling involving tingling sensations from the head to spine and other body parts, accompanied by relaxation, comfort, and slight euphoria. ASMR is most often stimulated when receiving personal attention in real life, or when receiving simulated personal attention from a video, which are often called “ASMR videos.” These ASMR videos are widely reported to increase or improve mood, focus, relaxation, and sleep, and may even help with the diagnosed conditions of anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Although not as studied as other conditions, ASMR may also related individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our aim was to investigate ASMR videos’ effects on individuals with ADHD. Using eye tracking, skin conductivity response, and psychological scales, we examined physiological effects of ASMR in individuals with clinical ADHD diagnoses. Results revealed a highly significant positive correlation between ADHD and ASMR, depression, and anxiety. Although no significant differences in physiological outputs were found, our results suggest ASMR content consumption may be linked to the ADHD phenotype. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between ASMR and ADHD features in the general population and may guide future ASMR research in this area.

The butterfly fauna of the megadiverse Republic of India contains 1386 species. The species richness in its 36 federal states and union territories primarily reflects the peculiar geography of the Indian peninsula, which is isolated from the northerly situated Palearctic realm by arid deserts in the west and the Himalayas Mts. in the North, while just a narrow eastern conduit connects it with the rest of the Indo-Malayan Realm (Das et al., Insects 2023). Here, we further develop on these findings by focusing on species identities, relating the presences of individual species per federal states to physical geography, climate, land covers, and socioeconomic conditions of the states, interpreting the patterns by life history traits of individual species, and considering the phylogenetic signal in the environment x life history relationships. Physical geography was the strongest predictor of the states’ butterfly fauna compositions, followed by climate, land covers, and socioeconomics. The main faunal structures separate the humid Northeast from the rest of the country; distinguish humid Western Ghats states from the rest; and group together peninsular mountains. Analysing life histories showed that butterflies of the humid northeastern and southwestern states tend to be larger and develop on woody plants or large grasses; those of arid and high-altitude states tend to be smaller and develop on small forbs; whereas those utilising broad larval host plant scopes tend to be associated with shrubs and vines and inhabit large geographic ranges. More information on Indian butterflies’ life histories would likely yield more intricate insights.

Population density often modifies the phenotypes of the members of the population. Such density-dependent phenotypic plasticity can affect basic life-history traits of the organisms. In insects, a frequently observed expression of such plasticity is the crowding response (CR), where individuals growing at high densities develop faster and attain smaller final sizes compared to those at low densities. This plastic change qualitatively differs from the general stress response where smaller final sizes are associated with longer development periods. The adaptive significance of CR, as well as the nature of the cues that trigger CR remain poorly understood. We performed series of experiments to identify proximate signals leading to CR in the geometrid moth Hypomecis atomaria, a species in which larvae reared in groups consistently pupate earlier and at lower weights than those reared in isolation. Our findings reveal that CR is also induced in complete darkness, suggesting that visual cues of high population densities do not play a decisive role. CR was triggered when the larvae were separated by a mesh barrier, preventing tactile interaction between them. The presence of heterospecific lepidopteran larvae also triggered CR, though to varying degrees. By contrast, neither the presence of dipteran insects in the rearing environment nor human-inflicted tactile stimulation affected the growth schedules of H. atomaria larvae. We conclude that CR is likely induced either by chemical signals or substrate-borne vibrations caused by other larvae. In any case, CR is not merely a response to high densities of conspecifics, nor is it a general reaction to unspecific disturbances. This allows us to narrow down the set of potential adaptive explanations for the phenomenon.

Acute respiratory viral infections are a major global health burden, studying them across diverse regions is vital for tracking spread and spotting disease trends. Using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), we analyzed 250 respiratory samples and 195 blood samples collected during winter 2023 from Jilin Province, northeast China, to identify causative agents of respiratory infections. Viral enrichment yielded 399,256 viral sequence reads. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (lineage BA.2), human respiratory syncytial virus B (lineage GB5.0.5a), and influenza B virus (lineage V1A.3a.2) were identified as conservative respiratory pathogens across both pediatric and adult populations. Influenza A virus (lineage 3c.2a1b.2a), rhinovirus (subtype C), human respiratory syncytial virus A (lineage GA2.3.5), human respiratory syncytial virus B (lineage GB5.0.5a), and human metapneumovirus (lineage A2c) were detected in pediatric or adult respiratory samples. Strikingly, Human Pegivirus (genotype 3) was detected exclusively in adult blood samples. Comprehensive phylogenetic analyses were performed for representative viruses. Notably, a novel picobirnavirus was identified in adult sputum samples, exhibiting >90% nucleotide and >70% amino acid similarity to reference sequences. This finding was validated by nested RT-PCR, representing the first documented detection of picobirnavirus in respiratory specimens from China. Collectively, these findings delineate the winter 2023 respiratory viruses of Northeast China, informing region-specific surveillance to mitigate future public health risks.

Climate change and rapid urbanization in African cities are intensifying environmental challenges, particularly rising temperatures and increasing levels of organic pollution. These stressors have significant but complex effects on bacterial behaviour and might be implicated in the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review synthesizes current research on the individual and combined impacts of temperature rise and emerging environmental organic contaminants (EEOCs) on bacteria and their role in AMR. Some key EEOC classes identified include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances. Individually, EEOCs have been shown to impair bacterial growth and promote mutagenesis, while elevated temperatures enhance bacterial proliferation and increase genetic exchange mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer. Although studies have illuminated these individual effects, little research has focused on their simultaneous and potentially synergistic interactions. This represents a critical gap in understanding the environmental drivers of AMR and their implications for public health. Moreover, these effects vary by climate zone and are influenced by regional infrastructure and environmental conditions. Understanding the nexus between temperature rise, organic pollution, and bacterial resistance is essential for predicting disease patterns and guiding mitigation strategies in rapidly urbanizing, climate-sensitive regions.

A document by Ibraist Yohannes . Click on the document to view its contents.

Sporadic Neurofibroma

This investigation presents an innovative methodology for the direct deoxygenative alkenylation of ketones, utilizing pinacolborane as the reducing agent in the presence of B(C 6F 5) 3 catalyst. A series of aryl ketones containing different functional groups such as hydroxyl, amino, alkynyl, vinyl, and ester groups were found to be well-tolerated. This transformation has also been nicely applied to the gram-scale late-stage functionalization of pharmacologically significant compounds sertraline and conivaptan. Comprehensive mechanistic investigations have elucidated a plausible reaction pathway that proceeds through sequential carbonyl hydroboration, deboration, and deprotonation processes.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown 1 Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global infectious disease burden, classified into pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms. Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), which affects organs outside the lungs, is relatively uncommon in Taiwan, comprising only 5.5% of new TB cases in 2023[1]. The most frequently involved sites are lymph nodes and bones/joints; however, gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB) accounted for approximately only 10% of EPTB[1]. GITB predominantly affects the ileocecal region, while upper gastrointestinal involvement is rare[2]. Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms and low bacterial load[3]. EUS-FNB offers a minimally invasive and effective modality to obtain tissue for diagnosis from deep-seated abdominal lesions[4]. It is crucial to improve outcomes with immediate tissue acquisition and accurate diagnosis, followed by standard anti-TB therapy.

Background: The use of cotton swabs (Q-tips) for ear cleaning is a widespread practice among parents, often perceived as a convenient method for removing earwax in children. However, this habit is associated with various health risks, including ear canal trauma, infections, and tympanic membrane perforation. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cotton swab use among parents in the western region of Saudi Arabia, evaluate their awareness of potential health risks, and explore factors influencing ear hygiene practices in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2024 involving 705 randomly selected parents residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Individuals under 18 years or never married were excluded. Data were collected using a validated Arabic-language online questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cotton swab use. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0, with chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests applied for categorical data, and significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among participants, 66.2% were female, and 72% held a university degree. Overall, 28.3% reported using cotton swabs to clean their children’s ears, mainly to remove earwax (30.2%). Despite 72% acknowledging associated risks, only 58.5% had received prior health education, most commonly from ENT specialists. Complications were noted by 13% of respondents, with ear pain being the most frequent (61%). Conclusion: Cotton swab use among parents remains common despite moderate awareness of associated risks. Increased public health education is recommended to encourage safer ear hygiene practices and reduce preventable ear-related complications in children.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) can disrupt circadian rhythms in nocturnal insects, but its effects on immature stages remain understudied. However, this knowledge is crucial, as a change in the development of insects can have ecological and economic consequences. For example, the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), native to Europe and Asia, has become an invasive species in North America, causing extensive defoliation of trees in forests and urban landscapes. We investigated how LED light color influences larval development and pupation in the spongy moth. Larvae were reared under three light conditions simulating outdoor lighting: (1) neutral white LED (3700 K), (2) amber LED (2200 K), and (3) a dark control (no light). Results showed no significant differences in larval survival, growth patterns, or pupal stage outcomes between treatments. However, larvae exposed to 3700 K light reached significantly higher body masses at the final instar than those under 2200 K and tended to be heavier than the control caterpillars. This is accompanied by a consistently higher weight gain at 3700 K in all larval stages. These results suggest that ALAN can influence larval growth—a crucial factor for fitness and population dynamics. Understanding the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on fitness related traits—especially in pest species like the spongy moth—is critical given the increasing prevalence of nighttime illumination.

Eusocial insects like termites and ants use diverse communication methods, including pheromones, sound, and vibrations. Termites, blind and with fewer glands, rely heavily on vibrations for foraging, communication, and predator avoidance. Their appendages detect subtle signals amid noise, though the underlying physiological mechanisms remain largely unknown and understudied. We explore the role of termite legs and antennae as sensory probes. These appendages receive the vibration signals, which are detected by the leg’s subgenual organ and the Johnston’s organ in the antenna, and which in turn convert these mechanical environmental signals into nerve impulses sent to the nervous system. We compare these appendages in termites and ants, two eusocial, subterranean insect groups that share ecological traits but differ in trophic roles, with ants being major predators of termites. These differences may reflect evolutionary adaptations linked to their predator-prey relationship. Termite legs and antennae are shorter and thinner than those of ants, with lower slenderness ratios (legs: 19–35 vs. 48; antennae: 23–32 vs. 61). Wasps and bees fall in between. Assuming similar material properties, termite legs likely have lower stiffness and higher natural frequencies, enhancing vibration sensitivity. The subgenual organ’s position near the head may further improve detection. These morphological traits suggest termites are better adapted for sensing a broader range of vibrations than ants. Comparing the legs of termites with ants, we found that termite tibiae amplify lower-frequency vibrations (~0 Hz to 2.25 kHz), while ants detect higher frequencies (1.9 kHz to 3.1 kHz). This suggests the vibrational sensitivity of termites is better adapted to wood-borne signals, which corresponds to their food, whereas ants, as generalist foragers, are tuned for diverse terrains, including light structures, such as twigs, leaves and other plant matter. Considered together, our findings suggest that termite legs may function as an integrated auditory complex.

Specialist teaching to school pupils can increase knowledge and confidence surrounding anaphylaxis