142 research outputs found
Long-Read Assembly and Annotation of the Parasitoid Wasp <i>Muscidifurax raptorellus</i>, a Biological Control Agent for Filth Flies
The parasitoid wasp Muscidifurax raptorellus (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a gregarious species that has received extensive attention for its potential in biological pest control against house fly, stable fly, and other filth flies. It has a high reproductive capacity and can be reared easily. However, genome assembly is not available for M. raptorellus or any other species in this genus. Previously, we assembled a complete circular mitochondrial genome with a length of 24,717 bp. Here, we assembled and annotated a high-quality nuclear genome of M. raptorellus, using a combination of long-read (104× genome coverage) and short-read (326× genome coverage) sequencing technologies. The assembled genome size is 314 Mbp in 226 contigs, with a 97.9% BUSCO completeness score and a contig N50 of 4.67 Mb, suggesting excellent continuity of this assembly. Our assembly builds the foundation for comparative and evolutionary genomic analysis in the genus of Muscidifurax and possible future biocontrol applications
Modelling net-zero emissions energy systems requires a change in approach
Energy modelling can assist national decision makers in determining strategies that
achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, three key challenges for
the modelling community are emerging under this radical climate target that needs to
be recognized and addressed. A first challenge is the need to represent new mitigation
options not currently represented in many energy models. We emphasize here the
under representation of end-use sector demand-side options due to the traditional
supply side focus of many energy models, along with issues surrounding robustness in
deploying carbon dioxide removal (CDR) options. A second challenge concerns the
types of models used. We highlight doubts about whether current models provide
sufficient relevant insights on system feasibility, actor behaviour, and policy
effectiveness. A third challenge concerns how models are applied for policy analyses.
Priorities include the need for expanding scenario thinking to incorporate a wider
range of uncertainty factors, providing insights on target setting, alignment with
broader policy objectives, and improving engagement and transparency of approaches.
There is a significant risk that without reconsidering energy modelling approaches, the
role that the modelling community can play in providing effective decision support
may be reduced. Such support is critical, as countries seek to develop new Nationally
Determined Contributions and longer-term strategies over the next few years
Modelling net-zero emissions energy systems requires a change in approach
Energy modelling can assist national decision makers in determining strategies that achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, three key challenges for the modelling community are emerging under this radical climate target that needs to be recognized and addressed. A first challenge is the need to represent new mitigation options not currently represented in many energy models. We emphasize here the under representation of end-use sector demand-side options due to the traditional supply side focus of many energy models, along with issues surrounding robustness in deploying carbon dioxide removal (CDR) options. A second challenge concerns the types of models used. We highlight doubts about whether current models provide sufficient relevant insights on system feasibility, actor behaviour, and policy effectiveness. A third challenge concerns how models are applied for policy analyses. Priorities include the need for expanding scenario thinking to incorporate a wider range of uncertainty factors, providing insights on target setting, alignment with broader policy objectives, and improving engagement and transparency of approaches. There is a significant risk that without reconsidering energy modelling approaches, the role that the modelling community can play in providing effective decision support may be reduced. Such support is critical, as countries seek to develop new Nationally Determined Contributions and longer-term strategies over the next few years
Secure robust carbon dioxide removal policy through credible certification
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is a key element of any mitigation strategy aiming to achieve the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement, as well as national net-zero and net-negative greenhouse gas emissions targets. For robust CDR policy, the credibility of certification schemes is essential
Against politicization of science: Comment on S. Keller: Scientization: putting global climate change on the scientific agenda since 1970 and the role of the IPCC
Was sind negative Emissionen, und warum brauchen wir sie? Akademienprojekt ‘Energiesysteme der Zukunft’ (ESYS)
Selbst mit ambitionierteren Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung von Emissionen lässt sich Klimaneutralität und damit die Stabilisierung der Temperatur nicht mehr erreichen. Darauf weist der Weltklimarat in seinem sechsten Sachstandsbericht hin. Zusätzlich zu einer schnelleren Reduktion der Emissionen muss CO2 der Atmosphäre entzogen und anschließend eingelagert werden, um nicht vermeidbare Restemissionen auszugleichen, etwa aus der Landwirtschaft. Sogenannte „negative Emissionen“ können zum Beispiel durch Aufforstung erzeugt werden. Es gibt aber eine Reihe weiterer natürlicher und technischer Verfahren, den entnommenen Kohlenstoff dauerhaft einzulagern und aus der Atmosphäre fernzuhalten. In diesem „Kurz erklärt“ skizzieren Fachleute des Akademienprojekts ESYS den aktuellen Forschungsstand, erläutern Verfahren zur CO2-Entnahme und benennen deren jeweiligen Vor- und Nachteile
Potential of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis for the control of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)
Macrocheles species (Acari: Macrochelidae) associated with human corpses in Europe
The biology of macrochelid mites might offer new venues for the interpretation of the environmental conditions surrounding human death and decomposition. Three human corpses, one from Sweden and two from Spain, have been analysed for the occurrence of Macrochelidae species.
Macrocheles muscaedomesticae females were associated with a corpse that was found in a popular beach area of southeast Spain. Their arrival coincides with the occurrence of one of their major carrier species, the filth fly Fannia scalaris, the activity of which peaks during mid-summer. M. glaber specimens were collected from a corpse in a shallow grave in a forest in Sweden at the end of summer, concurrent with the arrival of beetles attracted by odours from the corpse. M. perglaber adults were sampled from a corpse found indoors in the rural surroundings of Granada city, Spain. The phoretic behaviour of this species is similar to that of M. glaber, but being more specific to Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae dung beetles, most of which favour human faeces.
M. muscaedomesticae is known from urban and rural areas and poultry farms; M. glaber from outdoors, particularly the countryside; while M. perglaber from outdoor, rural, and remote, potentially mountainous locations.
M. muscaedomesticae and M. perglaber are reported for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula. This is the first record of M. perglaber from human remains
Macrocheles species (Acari: Macrochelidae) associated with human corpses in Europe
The biology of macrochelid mites might offer new venues for the interpretation of the environmental conditions surrounding human death and decomposition. Three human corpses, one from Sweden and two from Spain, have been analysed for the occurrence of Macrochelidae species.
Macrocheles muscaedomesticae females were associated with a corpse that was found in a popular beach area of southeast Spain. Their arrival coincides with the occurrence of one of their major carrier species, the filth fly Fannia scalaris, the activity of which peaks during mid-summer. M. glaber specimens were collected from a corpse in a shallow grave in a forest in Sweden at the end of summer, concurrent with the arrival of beetles attracted by odours from the corpse. M. perglaber adults were sampled from a corpse found indoors in the rural surroundings of Granada city, Spain. The phoretic behaviour of this species is similar to that of M. glaber, but being more specific to Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae dung beetles, most of which favour human faeces.
M. muscaedomesticae is known from urban and rural areas and poultry farms; M. glaber from outdoors, particularly the countryside; while M. perglaber from outdoor, rural, and remote, potentially mountainous locations.
M. muscaedomesticae and M. perglaber are reported for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula. This is the first record of M. perglaber from human remains
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