Key message Genome adaptation, driven by mutations, transposable elements, and structural variations, relies on plasticity and instability. This allows populations to evolve, enhance fitness, and adapt to challenges like climate change. Abstract Genomes adapt via mutations, transposable elements, DNA structural changes, and epigenetics. Genome plasticity enhances fitness by providing the genetic variation necessary for organis...

Main conclusion Plants lacking shoot apical meristem develop with unique body shapes, suggesting rewiring of developmental genes. This loss of the meristem is likely influenced by a combination of environmental factors and evolutionary pressures. Abstract This study explores the development of plant bodies in three families (Podostemaceae, Lemnaceae, and Gesneriaceae) where the shoot apical meristem (SAM), a key structure for...

A subject of particular interest concerns the understanding of which biotic and/or abiotic factors shape the insect’s microbiota composition and diversity. In this study, we focus our attention on the microbiota associated with leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) inhabiting a freshwater wetland in Northern Italy for investigating which factors shape it in this peculiar environment. A DNA metabarcoding approach targeting t...

Plant functioning depends on variation in resource economics traits (acquisition vs. conservation) and the size of plants and their parts (the ‘global spectrum of plant form and function’). The anatomical basis of single traits (e.g., leaf mass per area; LMA) is generally understood, but little is known regarding the relationship between anatomical trade-offs and ecological strategies (representing integrated suites of traits)...

The European wildcat is a threatened carnivore, whose ecology is still scarcely studied, especially in Mediterranean areas. In this study, we estimated activity rhythm patterns of this felid, by means of camera-trapping at three spatial scales: (i) whole country (Italy); (ii) biogeographical areas; (iii) latitudinal zones. The activity rhythms patterns were also calculated according to temporal scales: (1) warm semester; (2) c...

Background Successful bowel preparation (BP) for colonoscopy depends on the instructions, diet, the laxative product, and patient adherence, which all affect colonoscopy quality. Nevertheless, there are no laxatives which combine effectiveness, safety, easy self-administration, good patient acceptance, and low cost. However, mannitol, a sugar alcohol, could be an attractive candidate for use in clinical practice if it is shown...