Stress contributes to disease outcomes and can influence the signaling and interactions of immune cells. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of three selected stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine, at in vivo-relevant concentrations, on the antimicrobial activity of porcine neutrophils during infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae ( A.pp ). We analyzed whether stress hormones affect the antimi...

Understanding transmission routes of parasites and pathogens is critical for the development of control measures and mitigation of impacts on host populations. Trichomonas gallinae is a widespread parasite in columbids worldwide, and has emerged as a lethal disease in passerines, particularly finches. The postulated transmission route from columbids to passerines via spillover at shared resources has not yet been empirically t...

Growth habit is one of the most important domestication traits in dry bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In the U.S. for example, Type II indeterminate upright plant varieties have allowed farmers to switch from historic two-pass harvest to one-pass direct harvest. Previous work suggested a stem diameter of 5.6 mm as threshold to select Type II architecture genotypes suitable for direct combining. This study aimed to validate the...

Habitat fragmentation is a key driver of reduced genetic connectivity and loss of genetic variation among populations, elevating the risk of inbreeding depression and reduced adaptive potential. The black-throated finch ( Poephila cincta ) is an endemic Australian finch with two recognised subspecies, a northern ( P. c. atropygialis ) and southern form ( P. c. cincta ) separated by a biogeographic barrier in northern Australia...

Arctic freshwater biodiversity is rapidly changing due to climate warming, resource extraction, infrastructure development, and landscape transformation. To improve understanding, predict future responses, and inform policy formulation, research needs must be clearly identified. Using a horizon scan survey, Arctic freshwater experts from government, international agencies, and Indigenous Peoples identified 77 biodiversity rese...

The forest floor (FF) plays a key role in carbon, nutrient, and water cycling. It is the biologically most active compartment of forest soils, highly responsive to environmental conditions. Yet, its response to current changes in environmental conditions and forest management is understudied. Temperate forests are among the best studied ecosystems globally, providing the necessary ecological and biogeochemical background infor...