Search Results (115)

Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis is extensively found in China, where the annual precipitation ranges from 400 to 800 mm. It is the most dominant species in natural sea buckthorn forests and the primary cultivar for artificial ecological plantations. Additionally, it exhibits significant nutritional and medicinal value, making it a renowned eco-economic tree species. Despite extensive research into its ecological functions and health benefits, the mitochondrial genome of this widespread species has not yet been published, and knowledge of the mitochondrial genome is crucial for understanding plant environmental adaptation, evolution, and maternal inheritance. Therefore, the complete mitochondrial genome was successfully assembled by aligning third-generation sequencing data to the reference genome sequence using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform and Nanopore Prometh ION technologies. Additionally, the gene structure, composition, repeat sequences, codon usage bias, homologous fragments, and phylogeny-related indicators were also analyzed. The results showed that the length of the mitochondrial genome is 454,489 bp, containing 30 tRNA genes, three rRNA genes, 40 PCGs, and two pseudogenes. A total of 411 C-to-U RNA editing sites were identified in 33 protein-coding genes (PCGs), with higher frequencies observed in ccmFn, ccmB, nad5, ccmC, nad2, and nad7 genes. Moreover, 31 chloroplast-derived fragments were detected, accounting for 11.86% of the mitochondrial genome length. The ccmB, nad4L, and nad7 genes related to energy metabolism exhibited positive selection pressure. The mitochondrial genome sequence similarity between H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis and H. tibetana or H. salicifolia was 99.34% and 99.40%, respectively. Fifteen shared gene clusters were identified between H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis and H. tibetana. Phylogenetically, the Rosales order showed close relationships with Fagales, Fabales, Malpighiales, and Celastrales. These findings provide fundamental data for exploring the widespread distribution of H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis and offer theoretical support for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms within the Hippophae genus and the selection of molecular breeding targets. Full article

Chitin deacetylase (CDA) plays a pivotal role in converting chitin to chitosan, yet industrial applications remain constrained by low enzymatic activity, instability under process conditions, and insufficient understanding of metalloenzyme activation mechanisms. Addressing these challenges, we conducted a genome-driven investigation of 151 salt-tolerant Bacillus strains to identify robust CDAs tailored for industrial demands. Genomic analysis revealed 120 strains harboring CDA genes, with Bacillus pumilus B866 exhibiting the highest native activity (105.93 U/mL). Through systematic medium optimization—identifying lactose, yeast extract, and FeSO₄ as critical components—CDA production in B866 surged to 191.32 U/mL, a 2.39-fold increase over baseline. Heterologous expression of BpCDA in E. coli yielded a recombinant enzyme (123.27 U/mL) with superior thermostability (retaining > 42.9% activity after 24 h at 55 °C) and broad pH adaptability (>81.4% activity at pH 7.0–9.0). Notably, BpCDA demonstrated unique Fe²⁺-dependent activation (186.4% activity enhancement at 1 mM), contrasting with Mg²⁺-dependent systems in prior studies. Comparative genomic and pan-genome analyses underscored evolutionary adaptations linked to saline–alkaline niches, while biosynthetic gene cluster profiling revealed strain-specific metabolic potentials independent of genome size. This study resolves critical limitations in CDA performance by integrating genome mining, targeted screening, and metalloenzyme engineering, establishing a scalable platform for sustainable chitin valorization. The optimized BpCDA, with its industrial-compatible stability and novel activation mechanism, represents a significant advancement toward efficient, eco-friendly chitosan production. Full article

This study investigates the evolutionary mechanisms and equilibrium character-istics of the China–US trade dispute through an improved ecological competition model. By quantifying tariff policies as competition intensity regulators and introducing trade elasticity parameters, we construct a dynamic system that captures the nonlinear feedback between economic rivals. Key findings are as follows. (1) When both nations implement reciprocal tariff measures with similar economic sensitivities, the system converges to a stable equilibrium where bilateral economic outputs stabilize at reduced levels compared to pre-conflict states, provided the product of adjusted competition coefficients remains below critical thresholds. (2) Excessive tariff escalation beyond identifiable tipping points triggers winner-takes-all outcomes, validating the “Thucydides Trap” hypothesis in eco-nomic conflicts. (3) Empirical simulations using 2018–2023 trade data demonstrate that China’s tit-for-tat tariff strategy effectively maintains competitive balance, while domestic market expansion measures (evidenced by a 6.3% average annual growth in China’s do-mestic consumption) significantly mitigate trade diversion effects. The study establishes theoretical connections with optimal tariff theory and strategic trade policy literature while providing policymakers with quantitative tools to assess trade policy impacts. Our find-ings theoretically validate China’s policy combination of calibrated reciprocity and domestic demand stimulation, offering new insights into managing great-power economic competition. Full article

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease, and the high potency of snake venoms has been evolutionary refined for trophic interactions. Hence, understanding the feeding ecology of snakes is a major element needed to meaningfully interpret toxinological data gathered for snake toxins. However, the diet of several medically important snakes is vastly understudied. Here, the first case of in situ observed ichthyophagy in the Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus), a highly venomous Asian elapid, which is supposedly an ophiophagous specialist, is reported. This report has important repercussions for Krait toxinology as it shows that fish as prey need to be considered when analyzing their venoms in light of eco-evolutionary and functional studies. It also suggests that this snake may be more trophically opportunistic than previously thought, which must be taken into account when calculating distribution ranges in the context of snakebite analyses. Full article

The rapid expansion of urban spaces driven by accelerating urbanization has profoundly impacted the eco-environmental quality. However, the dynamic relationship between urbanization and eco-environmental quality remains insufficiently understood. This study quantifies urbanization intensity and eco-environmental quality using the impervious surface distribution density (ISDD) and Remote Sensing-based Ecological Index (RSEI). By examining the spatiotemporal dynamics and evolutionary relationships of these indicators in Hangzhou from 1985 to 2020, we found that urban expansion drove ecological degradation in expansion areas, whereas ecological quality in the old city significantly improved. The ecological response to urbanization intensity exhibited spatial variation: in low-intensity urbanized expansion areas, ecological quality declined with increasing urbanization, whereas in the high-intensity urbanized old city, ecological quality improved. Additionally, the degree of coupling coordination between urbanization and ecological quality steadily increased over time, underscoring the importance of rational urban planning and ecological management in achieving sustainable development. This study provides a scientific foundation for urban ecological environment management and offers practical insights for fostering green development in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article

Evaluating microbial community changes in soils allows the understanding of ecoevolutionary dynamics, providing information on microbiome responses to anthropological interferences, reduced biodiversity, and climatic changes. The actinobacteria phylum plays crucial roles from an ecological point of view and is the focus of the present study, which tracked changes in the actinobacterial communities from Brazilian Cerrado soil in an environmental protection unit, based on different land uses. The evaluation of 16S rRNA and further taxonomical clustering of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) indicated Actinomycetales as the main order within all land uses, ranging from 45.4–70.1%, with Micrococales and Rubrobacterales being found only in agricultural soils. The evaluation of taxonomical classes revealed Actinobacteria as the main representative in all land uses (45.5–70.4%), with a paired coprevalence of Thermoleophilia (43.4%) in secondary soils, a taxon associated with phosphorus-deficient grounds. The unraveling of families and genera was most challenging due to the OTUs’ dispersion given the volume of data, coupled with a high percentage of unidentified genera (71.6–86.1%), mainly in conserved and preserved areas. The reduced biodiversity, reduced undescribed taxa, and enhanced potentially pathogenic strains in anthropogenic affected sites, which suffer more from climatic changes, denote the harm that human activity causes to microbiological diversity. Full article

The Fifth International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2024 (ICBB-2024), held in Godawari, Nepal, from 21 to 24 April 2024, aimed to address planetary health challenges within the local context of Nepal while fostering global dialogue. Bringing together 240 participants from 10 countries, including 20 international invited speakers, the conference sought to explore the intersections of human health, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. Jointly organized by the Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB), the University of Nepal Development Board (UoN-DB), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), and the Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI) and co-organized by Phutung Research Institute (PRI), Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences (KRIBS), Engage Nepal with Science (ENwS), and Kathmandu Center for Research and Education (KCRE), the conference represented a collaboration of 15 institutions and companies. With attendees from diverse backgrounds—academia, research institutes, private companies, NGOs, and government organizations—the conference featured a robust program of keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, focus group discussions, and oral and poster presentations. Thematic focuses included sessions on Air and Water, Climate Change, Ecology, Evolutionary and Environmental Sciences, and Global Health. A major highlight was the recognition of Nepal’s rich biodiversity and its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The event drew inspiration from the European Planetary Health Hub, convening and exploring sustainable, locally relevant solutions to global planetary health issues. Outcomes of the conference included new research collaborations, an enhanced focus on interdisciplinary approaches to biodiversity conservation, and a deeper understanding of how indigenous knowledge can play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Additionally, ICBB-2024 set a precedent for eco-friendly conferencing practices by emphasizing sustainability throughout the event. In conclusion, ICBB-2024 succeeded in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration, inspiring both local and global actions to address pressing planetary health challenges. The event underscored the importance of integrating science, policy, and traditional knowledge in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for planetary health. Full article

True slime molds (Eumycetozoa) represent a monophyletic clade within the phylum Amoebozoa, comprising the lineages Myxogastria, Dictyostelia, and Protosporangiida. Although historically misclassified as fungi, recent molecular and biochemical studies underscore their distinct evolutionary trajectories and rich metabolomic profiles. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on Eumycetozoa as a reservoir of bioactive compounds, detailing how secondary metabolites—including polysaccharides, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, terpenoids, and glycosides—vary across plasmodia, fruiting bodies, and spores. A systematic literature search in major scientific databases accounted for legacy nomenclature and leveraged chemoinformatic tools for compound verification. Our findings reveal 298 distinct metabolites that serve ecological roles in nutrient recycling and interspecies interactions, while also showing promise for controlling agricultural pests and pathogens. Notably, certain glycosides, lectins, and polyketides exhibit antimicrobial or cytotoxic activities, indicating their potential utility in managing these biological challenges. By consolidating current data and emphasizing the wide taxonomic range of Eumycetozoa, this review highlights the critical need for comprehensive biochemical and genomic investigations. Such efforts will not only advance our understanding of slime mold metabolomes and their evolutionary significance but also pave the way for innovative, eco-friendly applications. Full article

Siberian wildrye (Elymus sibiricus L.), a model Elymus Gramineae plant, has high eco-economic value but limited seed and forage yield. TCP transcription factors are widely regarded as influencing yield and quality and being crucial for growth and development; still, this gene family in Siberian wildrye remains unexplored. Therefore, this study looked at the Siberian wildrye TCP gene family’s reaction to several abiotic stresses, its expression pattern, and its potential evolutionary path. Fifty-four members of the EsTCP gene family were discovered. There are two major subfamilies based on the phylogenetic tree: 27 of Class I (PCF) and 27 of Class II (12 CIN-type and 15 TB1/CYC-type). Gene structure, conserved motif, and sequence alignment analyses further validated this classification. Cis-elements found in the promoter region of EsTCPs are associated with lots of plant hormones and stress-related reactions, covering drought induction and cold tolerance. EsCYC5, EsCYC6, and EsCYC7 may regulate tillering and lateral branch development. EsPCF10’s relative expression was significant under five stresses. Additionally, eight EsTCP genes are potential miR319 targets. These findings highlight the critical significance of the TCP gene family in Siberian wildrye, laying the groundwork for understanding the function of the EsTCP protein in abiotic stress studies and high-yield breeding. Full article

Eco-evo-devo is an interdisciplinary field integrating ecology, evolutionary biology, and developmental biology. Niche construction refers to the phenomenon where organisms alter selection pressures through ecological activities, and ecological inheritance is the consequence of niche construction, passed down through generations. Development encompasses the process by which an organism grows and changes its form and behavior throughout its lifetime. Despite emerging research on eco-evo-devo, the evolution of organisms involving complex physical structures remains underexplored. We aim to explore interactions between these components in the evolution of the adaptive morphology and behavior of artificial creatures. We constructed an evolutionary model where a population of rigid-bodied creatures must cross two valleys to reach a goal, using morphological development and object construction in a 3D physical environment. We found that the evolution of both lifetime development (LD) and niche construction (NC) showed complementary roles, with LD contributing to crossing one valley and NC the other. Regarding ecological inheritance (EI), we observed how NC adapts to the presence of inherited objects by placing fewer objects to construct structures. On the other hand, a large percentage of EI can cause obstacles to form, which hinders the population from moving towards the target and facilitates non-adaptive morphology, making the evolution unsuccessful. Full article

Accurately predicting the wheat potential yield (PY) is crucial for enhancing agricultural management and improving resilience to climate change. However, most existing crop models for wheat PY rely on type-specific parameters that describe wheat traits, which often require calibration and, in turn, reduce prediction confidence when applied across different spatial or temporal scales. In this study, we integrated eco-evolutionary optimality (EEO) principles with a universal productivity model, the Pmodel, to propose a comprehensive full-chain method for predicting wheat PY. Using this approach, we forecasted wheat PY across China under typical shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). Our findings highlight the following: (1) Incorporating EEO theory improves PY prediction performance compared to current parameter-based crop models. (2) In the absence of phenological responses, rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations universally benefit wheat growth and PY, while increasing temperatures have predominantly negative effects across most regions. (3) Warmer temperatures expand the window for selecting sowing dates, leading to a national trend toward earlier sowing. (4) By simultaneously considering climate impacts on wheat growth and sowing dates, we predict that PY in China’s main producing regions will significantly increase from 2020 to 2060 and remain stable under SSP126. However, under SSP370, while there is no significant trend in PY during 2020–2060, increases are expected thereafter. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers navigating the complexities of climate change and optimizing wheat production to ensure food security. Full article

Butterfly wing scales feature complex nanostructures that influence wing coloration and various mechanical and optical properties. This configuration plays a key role in ecological interactions, flight conditions, and thermoregulation, facilitated by interactions with environmental electromagnetic energy. In tropical forests, butterflies occupy distinct vertical habitats, experiencing significant light and temperature variations. While wing nanostructures have been widely studied, their variation across different vertical flight preferences remains underexplored. This study investigates the wing nanostructures of 12 tropical butterfly species from the Nymphalidae family, focusing on their optical, morphological, and thermal properties across different forest strata. We analyzed the optical response through diffuse reflectance in the UV, Vis, and NIR ranges, correlating these findings with nanostructural configuration and thermal stability using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Our results reveal a significant correlation between flight stratification and wing optical responses, alongside distinct nanostructural features within each stratum. This study demonstrates the variability in butterfly wing nanostructures along the vertical stratification of the forest to cope with environmental conditions, raising new questions for future research on eco-evolutionary flight and thermal adaptations. Additionally, this underscores the importance of understanding how these structural adaptations influence butterfly interactions with their environment and their evolutionary success across different forest strata. Full article

Bacterial nanomachines represent remarkable feats of evolutionary engineering, showcasing intricate molecular mechanisms that enable bacteria to perform a diverse array of functions essential to persist, thrive, and evolve within ecological and pathological niches. Injectosomes and bacterial flagella represent two categories of bacterial nanomachines that have been particularly well studied both at the molecular and functional levels. Among the diverse functionalities of these nanomachines, bistability emerges as a fascinating phenomenon, underscoring their dynamic and complex regulation as well as their contribution to shaping the bacterial community behavior during the infection process. In this review, we examine two closely related bacterial nanomachines, the type 3 secretion system, and the flagellum, to explore how the bistability of molecular-scale devices shapes the bacterial eco-pathological life cycle. Full article

This study employs Principal Component Analysis to examine cranial measurements from both extant and fossil specimens spanning 38 species and comprising over 300 individuals within the subfamily Cervinae. Our findings elucidate craniometric distinctions among cervids characterized by varying body sizes and certain evolutionary adaptations. While our results generally corroborate previous assertions regarding the limited craniometric variability among plesiometacarpal deer, they also unveil specific cranial adaptations within certain genera and species. The Principal Component Analysis of craniometric data revealed that giant and large-sized deer display significantly broader ecomorphological diversity in cranial shape compared to small-sized deer. Secondly, small-sized deer exhibit greater uniformity in their cranial shape, appearing densely clustered on the factorial map. Thus, we conclude that body size imposes ecological constraints, limiting the available niches due to eco-physiological factors. This study demonstrates that endemic insular deer do not evolve consistent craniometric features attributable to insular isolation, while the cranial proportions of medium-to-small-sized deer delineate a ubiquitous morphological archetype characteristic of numerous cervid taxa spanning diverse phylogenetic lineages and sharing comparable body sizes. This group of “Dama-like” deer, characterized by similar body size, metabolic rates, ecological needs, and cranial morphometry, is referred to here as the fundamental eco-physiological type, typical of warm regions within the Palearctic and Oriental biogeographic realms. Full article

Based on the DPSIR framework, this study constructed an evaluation index system to assess the sustainable development levels of the tourism eco-security system (TESS-SDL) present in the Chengdu-–Chongqing urban agglomeration and synthesized multi-dimensional analysis methods to explore its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving factors to provide an important theoretical and practical basis for promoting the sustainable development of the regional tourism eco-security system. The results showed the following: (1) From 2011 to 2021, the regional TESS-SDL was generally at a medium level and showed a trend of steady growth. Although the gap between cities was widening year by year, the speed of the TESS-SDL exceeded the speed of the widening gap, promoting the coordinated development of the regional TESS-SDL. (2) The spatial spillover effect of the regional TESS-SDL was obvious; however, the siphoning effects of Chongqing and Chengdu were strong, and the demonstration effect was insufficient. (3) The dynamic evolution process of the TESS-SDL shows a strong self-locking effect. The risk of downward development (lower sustainability) is greater than the potential for upward development (higher sustainability) and is significantly influenced by neighboring cities. (4) In terms for assessing the driving factors, open-door and green-development policies show positive facilitating effects, while the positive influencing capacities of information technology, economic development, and tourism are moving toward having negative effects; the influencing effect of technological innovation has transitioned from positive to negative. Full article