Population Regulation Research Articles

The European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) as an ally for the control of the invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax).

Biological control in integrated pest management (IPM) often overlooked avian predators until the emergence of the ecosystem services approach. Birds are now recognized as key regulators of pest populations in agroforestry landscapes due to their high mobility. The invasive yellow-legged hornet, introduced into Europe in 2004, threatens agriculture, beekeeping and native pollinators. We aimed to determine whether European honey buzzard attacks on yellow-legged hornet nests reduce the densities of individuals (workers) in summer and full-grown colonies in November around the raptor's nests in southwestern Europe. We analyzed honey-buzzard foraging patterns of 11 individuals during breeding using trail cameras and GPS emitters to locate attacked hornet nests. The average mode distance from raptor nests to the attacked hornet nests was 1234.7 m, with 89.3% of attacked nests destroyed. We assessed the change in the abundance of hornet workers and in the density of full-grown nests over distance in the vicinity of 17 honey-buzzard nests and 10 control points, finding a significant decline of -0.000116 workers h-1 m-1 within 1000 m of a raptor nest. This impact intensified as the breeding season progressed. However, no significant effect on the density of full-grown hornet nests was observed. These results are of interest for the management of the exotic hornet, at least on the abundance of workers and at a small scale in the proximity of honey-buzzard nests. These raptors should be considered allies in the fight against hornet populations and included in IPM programmes as a native controller of the pest. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Population-level amplification of gene regulation by programmable gene transfer.

Engineering cells to sense and respond to environmental cues often focuses on maximizing gene regulation at the single-cell level. Inspired by population-level control mechanisms like the immune response, we demonstrate dynamic control and amplification of gene regulation in bacterial populations using programmable plasmid-mediated gene transfer. By regulating plasmid loss rate, transfer rate and fitness effects via Cas9 endonuclease, F conjugation machinery and antibiotic selection, we modulate the fraction of plasmid-carrying cells, serving as an amplification factor for single-cell-level regulation. This approach expands the dynamic range of gene expression and allows orthogonal control across populations. Our platform offers a versatile strategy for dynamically regulating gene expression in engineered microbial communities.

Host-microbiota interactions in the infant gut revealed by daily faecal sample time series

Aim: This study aims to explore the interplay between host immune factors and gut microbiota in human infants in vivo using time-series daily stool samples and identify biomarkers of host-microbe interactions. Methods: 216 faecal samples collected from infants aged 5-6 or 11-12 months were analysed for gut microbiota composition, total bacterial load, and biomarkers of immune function. Results: We identified indications of microbial stimulation of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IgA, calprotectin (Cal), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), and Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) at 6 and 12 months, as well as stimulation of lipocalin 2 (LCN2), lactoferrin (LTF), and alpha-defensin-5 only at 6 months. The associations between biomarker concentrations and bacterial population growth were primarily positive at 6 months and mostly negative at 12 months, suggesting increasing host regulation of the microbiota with age. The exceptions were IAP, which was predictive of declining bacterial populations at both time points, and Cal, whose associations changed from negative at 6 months to positive at 12 months. Conclusion: There is an age-associated development in the correlation pattern between bacterial population growth and the biomarker concentrations, suggesting that host-microbe interactions change during early development. Albumin appeared as a potential marker of gut permeability, while LCN2 seemed to correlate with gut transit time. Mucin degradation appeared to decrease with age. Mucin2 and IAP emerged as potentially important regulators of the bacterial populations in the infant gut. The study demonstrates the utility of biomarker and bacteria profiling from daily stool samples for analysing in vivo associations between the immune system and the gut microbiota and provides evidence of host regulation of the microbiota in infants.

About bacteriophage tail terminator and tail completion proteins: structure of the proximal extremity of siphophage T5 tail.

Bacteriophages are viruses infecting bacteria. The vast majority of them bear a tail, allowing host recognition, cell wall perforation, and DNA injection into the host cytoplasm. Using electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) and single particle analysis, we determined the organization of the tail proximal extremity of siphophage T5 that possesses a long flexible tail and solved the structure of its tail terminator protein p142 (TrP142). It allowed us to confirm the common evolutionary origin between T5 TrPp142 and other known or putative TrPs from siphophages, myophages, and bacterial tail-like machines, despite very poor sequence conservation. By also determining the structure of the T5 tail proximal extremity after interaction with T5 bacterial receptor FhuA, we showed that no conformational changes occur in TrPp142 and confirmed that the infection signal transduction is not carried by the tube itself. We also investigated the location of T5 Neck1 or tail completion protein p143 (TCPp143) and showed, thanks to a combination of cryo-EM and structure prediction using Alphafold2, that it is not located at the capsid-to-tail interface as suggested by its position in the genome, but instead, very unexpectedly, on the side of T5 tail tip, and that it appears to be monomeric. Based on structure comparison with other putative TCPs predicted structures, this feature could not be shared by other TCPs and questions the affiliation of p143 to this family of protein.IMPORTANCEBacteriophages, viruses infecting bacteria, are the most abundant living entities on Earth. They are present in all ecosystems where bacteria develop and are instrumental in the regulation, diversity, evolution, and pathogeny of microbial populations. Moreover, with the increasing number of pathogenic strains resistant to antibiotics, virulent phages are considered a serious alternative or complement to classical treatments. 96% of all phages present a tail that allows host recognition and safe channeling of the DNA to the host cytoplasm. We present the atomic model of the proximal extremity of the siphophage T5 tail, confirming structural similarities with other phages. This structure, combined with results previously published and further explored, also allowed a review and a discussion on the role and localization of a mysterious tail protein, the tail completion protein, which is known to be present in the phage tails, but that was never identified in a phage structure.

Introducing a global database of entomopathogenic fungi and their host associations

Pathogens significantly influence natural and agricultural ecosystems, playing a crucial role in the regulation of species populations and maintaining biodiversity. Entomopathogenic fungi (EF), particularly within the Hypocreales order, exemplify understudied pathogens that infect insects and other arthropods globally. Despite their ecological importance, comprehensive data on EF host specificity and geographical distribution are lacking. To address this, we present EntomoFun 1.0, an open-access database centralizing global records of EF–insect associations in Hypocreales. This database includes 1,791 records detailing EF species, insect host taxa, countries of occurrence, life stages of hosts, and information sources. EntomoFun 1.0 is constructed based on 600 literature sources, as well as herbarium specimens of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. This database is intended to test hypotheses, identify knowledge gaps, and stimulate future research. Contents of the EntomoFun 1.0 database are visualized with a global map, taxonomic chart, bipartite community network, and graphs.

"Handle With Care": Consequences of Different Removal Pressures on Population Growth of the Invasive Beaver in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

The population regulation of animals depends on fertility and survivorship. Hunting can affect population growth through changes in reproduction and survivorship. Understanding these changes in vital rates is crucial for the control of invasive mammals. With the objective to assess the influence of different population removal pressures on the finite population growth rate (𝝀) of an invasive mammal, this research used demographic data estimated from 922 invasive beavers (Castor canadensis) eradicated from seven areas from Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Areas were classified into four removal pressures: higher, high-intermediate, low-intermediate, and lower removal pressure. The hypothesis states that the higher removal pressure produces higher population growth and resilience. Leslie matrix models were used to estimate 𝝀, generation time, damping ratio, stable age distribution, reproductive value, and the sensitivity-elasticity of survivorship and fertility of the females for each removal pressure. The 𝝀 and damping ratio increased with the removal pressure, as expected; the inverse occurred with the generation time. The survivorship of the younger age classes was the most sensitive and elastic vital rate regardless of removal pressure, followed by the breeding onset. The fertility was less relevant on 𝝀. The beaver population would depend more on the survival of kits, 1-year-olds, and subadults, than the number of offspring produced. A management strategy is proposed focusing on affecting the survivorship of younger age classes, eliminating first the adult animals and then the younger beavers.

Effect of Zero Tillage Practices on the Economic Performance of Potato

Potato is an important winter rotation and vegetable crop which provides a stable income for small holders in order to increase the knowledge and profits of farmers through the adoption of zero-tillage potato with rice straw mulch will promote climate-smart agriculture in addition to reduce environmental pollution caused by straw burning. More importantly, the use of rice straw for mulching puts nutrients back in the soil and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases associated with the conventional practice of straw burning. Mulch provides an important habitat for natural enemies, which are vital for pest population regulation. An experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Research Farm, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station RS, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment consisted of 7 treatments viz.; Farmer’s practice (T1), CIP Technique (T2), Regional AICRIP/INSTITUTE recommendation/hoeing (T3), Flat-bed planting (T4), Flat-bed planting & mulching (T5), Flat-bed planting & ridging (T6) and Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) with 3 replications. The soil of experimental field was a sandy clay loam with uniform topography. The result showed that CIP Technique (T2) followed by Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) were registered superior values of growth parameters (number of stems per plant and root length), yield attributes (number of tubers grade-wise and grade-wise tuber yield) as well as economics (gross monetary return) of potato in both years as well as pooled over rest of the treatments. In case of B:C ratio; Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) followed by CIP Technique (T2) observed significantly economical (1.65 and 1.50; respectively) over rest of the treatments in pooled analysis.

Dynamics analysis of Filippov pest control model with two economic thresholds

Understanding the stages of the pest life cycle, from the juvenile class to the adult class, is crucial for developing effective pest control strategies. Targeted interventions can be tailored to each life stage, maximizing control efficiency and reducing the excessive use of pesticides; therefore, they help minimize damage to crops. With this motivation, we present a new strategy that uses the Filippov framework to describe the two stages of the pest life cycle, from the juvenile class to the adult class, with two economic thresholds. These thresholds serve as a vital signal for the timely implementation of resistance strategies. The first threshold measure is dependent on the density of juvenile pests allowed, while the second threshold is based on the density of allowed adult pests. This model assists pest control by concurrently managing both juvenile and adult populations, effectively keeping them below dangerous thresholds. By employing a dual approach to population regulation, the system ensures a comprehensive strategy for pest management. The model's dynamic behaviours, existence, and stability of various equilibria are addressed both analytically and numerically. Furthermore, we investigate sliding segment regions to determine the timing of control measures for both juvenile and adult pest populations. Additionally, we discuss the dynamics of the sliding mode, covering both local and global sliding bifurcations. The results indicate that the utilization of two economic thresholds in pest management is beneficial, as they can help prevent pest outbreaks by maintaining the density of juvenile and adult pests at desired levels.

Ecological Role of Spiders in Terrestrial Ecosystem and Their Conservation Priorities

Spiders are members of the phylum Arthropoda, the largest phylum of animal groups in the world under the class Arachnida. Spiders are ubiquitous in distribution, invade almost every type of habitat, and are the most abundant invertebrate predators in terrestrial ecosystems. Nearly 47,617species of spiders under 4,092 genera in 114 families were recorded in the world. Spiders are a key component of terrestrial ecosystems, occupying a unique position in food webs. As predators, they are important in the regulation of invertebrate populations, which include pest species, and as prey, they provide food for other invertebrates and birds. They are important components of the food chain. This is not withstanding the contribution they make to ecosystems in their own right.Spider silk has unique properties that have potential applications in medicine and technology. Many species of spiders have been used as medicines. As bee populations plummet, spiders might be the next solution to the pollination process. Spiders are among the most fascinating creatures on earth, and their importance in scientific research cannot be overstated. Spiders play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, and studying their behavior and biology can greatly advance our understanding of the natural world. The witnessing role of spiders in terrestrial ecosystems has made them ecologically important. In the past few years, spiders have faced several threats that have affected their populations and diversity. Prior conservation programs are required to protect this species from being more vulnerable and endangered.

Single cell variant to enhancer to gene map for coronary artery disease.

Although genome wide association studies (GWAS) in large populations have identified hundreds of variants associated with common diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), most disease-associated variants lie within non-coding regions of the genome, rendering it difficult to determine the downstream causal gene and cell type. Here, we performed paired single nucleus gene expression and chromatin accessibility profiling from 44 human coronary arteries. To link disease variants to molecular traits, we developed a meta-map of 88 samples and discovered 11,182 single-cell chromatin accessibility quantitative trait loci (caQTLs). Heritability enrichment analysis and disease variant mapping demonstrated that smooth muscle cells (SMCs) harbor the greatest genetic risk for CAD. To capture the continuum of SMC cell states in disease, we used dynamic single cell caQTL modeling for the first time in tissue to uncover QTLs whose effects are modified by cell state and expand our insight into genetic regulation of heterogenous cell populations. Notably, we identified a variant in the COL4A1/COL4A2 CAD GWAS locus which becomes a caQTL as SMCs de-differentiate by changing a transcription factor binding site for EGR1/2. To unbiasedly prioritize functional candidate genes, we built a genome-wide single cell variant to enhancer to gene (scV2E2G) map for human CAD to link disease variants to causal genes in cell types. Using this approach, we found several hundred genes predicted to be linked to disease variants in different cell types. Next, we performed genome-wide Hi-C in 16 human coronary arteries to build tissue specific maps of chromatin conformation and link disease variants to integrated chromatin hubs and distal target genes. Using this approach, we show that rs4887091 within the ADAMTS7 CAD GWAS locus modulates function of a super chromatin interactome through a change in a CTCF binding site. Finally, we used CRISPR interference to validate a distal gene, AMOTL2, liked to a CAD GWAS locus. Collectively we provide a disease-agnostic framework to translate human genetic findings to identify pathologic cell states and genes driving disease, producing a comprehensive scV2E2G map with genetic and tissue level convergence for future mechanistic and therapeutic studies.

Impact of Drying–Wetting Cycles on Nitrification Inhibitors (DMPP and DMPSA) in a Greenhouse Experiment with Two Contrasting Mediterranean Soils

Studies of the impact of nitrification inhibitors (NIs), specifically DMPP and DMPSA, on N2O emissions during “hot moments” have produced conflicting results regarding their effectiveness after rewetting. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of NIs in reducing N2O emissions by assessing residual DMP concentration and its influence on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in two pot experiments using calcareous (Soil C, Calcic Haploxerept) and acidic soils (Soil A, Dystric Xerochrepts). Fertilizer treatments included urea (U), DMPP, and DMPSA. The experiments were divided into Phase I (water application to dry period, 44 days) and Phase II (rewetting from days 101 to 121). In both phases for Soil C, total N2O emissions were reduced by 88% and 90% for DMPP and DMPSA, respectively, compared with U alone. While in Phase I, the efficacy of NIs was linked to the regulation of AOB populations, in Phase II this group was not affected by NIs, suggesting that nitrification may not be the predominant process after rewetting. In Soil A, higher concentrations of DMP from DMPP were maintained compared to Soil C at the end of each phase. Despite this, NIs had no significant effect due to low nitrification rates and limited amoA gene abundance, indicating unfavorable conditions for nitrifiers. The study highlights the need to optimize NIs to reduce N2O emissions and improve nitrogen efficiency, while understanding their interactions with the soil. This knowledge is necessary in order to design fertilization strategies that improve the sustainability of agriculture under climate change.

Bacterial communities in Asecodes hispinarum (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and its host Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with comparison of Wolbachia dominance.

The endoparasitoid Asecodes hispinarum (Bouček) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) serves as an effective biological control agent against Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a notorious palm pest. Endosymbionts found in parasitoids and their hosts have attracted significant attention due to their substantial influence on biocontrol efficacy. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization to assess the symbiotic bacteria composition, diversity, phylogeny, and localization in A. hispinarum and its host B. longissima. Our findings showed significant differences in the richness, diversity, and composition of symbiotic bacteria among different life stages of B. longissima. Notably, the bacterial richness, diversity, and composition of A. hispinarum was similar to that of B. longissima. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla, while Wolbachia was the dominant genera across the parasitoid and host. It was discovered for the first time that Wolbachia was present in A. hispinarum with a high infection rate at ≥ 96.67%. Notably, the Wolbachia strain in A. hispinarum was placed in supergroup A, whereas it was categorized under supergroup B in B. longissima. Furthermore, Wolbachia is concentrated in the abdomen of A. hispinarum, with particularly high levels observed in the ovipositors of female adults. These findings highlight the composition and diversity of symbiotic bacteria in both A. hispinarum and its host B. longissima, providing a foundation for the development of population regulation strategies targeting B. longissima.

Exploring the Multifaceted Role of Viruses in Sustaining Biodiversity: Mechanisms, Implications, and Contributions to Ecosystems Stability

Viruses, traditionally recognized as pathogenic agents, are increasingly acknowledged for their indispensable roles in sustaining biodiversity and fostering ecosystem stability. This review examines the multifaceted contributions of viruses, exploring their influence on nutrient cycling, genetic diversification, and regulation of microbial populations. By mediating microbial interactions, facilitating horizontal gene transfer, and driving co-evolutionary processes, viruses shape the intricate tapestry of life across diverse ecosystems. The primary aim of this study is to synthesize contemporary findings in virology to highlight the universal ecological importance of viruses. Drawing upon research conducted in marine, terrestrial, and extreme habitats, the review delineates the mechanisms through which viruses mediate ecological balance. Utilizing meta-analyses of global virome datasets, coupled with advanced metagenomics and bioinformatics methodologies, this investigation unveils the nuanced interplay between viral activity and ecosystem functionality. The results illuminate the significant role of viruses in regulating population dynamics, promoting evolutionary innovation, and maintaining genetic reservoirs critical for ecological resilience. This research enriches our understanding of viral influence on biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity, establishing viruses as integral components of global ecosystems. Furthermore, it contributes a paradigm shift in virology, advocating for a broader perspective that transcends the traditional view of viruses as mere pathogens. The practical implications are profound, providing insights for conservation biology and climate resilience strategies. By reimagining viruses as keystones of ecological health, this work underscores the necessity of integrating viral ecology into holistic environmental and evolutionary research frameworks, advancing scientific and practical knowledge of ecosystem sustainability.

Cordyceps cateniannulata, a new potential strain for controlling Allantus luctifer from China.

Allantus luctifer is one of the most serious pests of buckwheat, with its larvae mainly damaging leaves during the seedling and flowering stages. Entomogenous fungi play a crucial role as biological regulators of arthropod populations in nature. In this paper, a newly isolated strain 19GZAl-1, was identified as Cordyceps. cateniannulata through the observetions of macroscopic and microscopic morphological features, and the results of rDNA- ITS sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. By comparing the efficacy of ten entomopathogenic fungal strains, including six strains of C. cateniannulata and four other Cordyceps species, against A. luctifer larvae, the new strain 19GZAl-1 exhibited the highest mortality rate. Mortality rates of A. luctifer larvae treated by spraying with the strain 19GZAl-1 increased as larval stage decreased, with first instar larvae showing the highest mortality rate of 85%. The appressorium from conidia invaded the larval body through areas with thin cuticle, such as larva pod base and internode folds, after which the hyphae grew rapidly, filling the haemocoel, and finally protruding from the integument upon melanization and decomposition of the intestinal wall cells. The results suggest that the strain 19GZAL-1 of C. cateniannulata has potential against A. luctifer larvae, which is significant for further study on the infection mechanism of C. cateniannulata on insects.

The concept of critical age group for density dependence: bridging the gap between demographers, evolutionary biologists and behavioural ecologists.

Density dependence plays an important role in population regulation in the wild. It involves a decrease in population growth rate when the population size increases. Fifty years ago, Charlesworth introduced the concept of 'critical age group', denoting the age classes in which variation in the number of individuals most strongly contributes to density regulation. Since this pioneering work, this concept has rarely been used. In light of Charlesworth's concept, we discuss the need to develop work between behavioural ecology, demography and evolutionary biology to better understand the mechanisms acting in density-regulated age-structured populations. We highlight demographic studies that explored age-specific contributions to density dependence and discuss the underlying evolutionary processes. Understanding competitive interactions among individuals is pivotal to identify the ages contributing most strongly to density regulation, highlighting the need to move towards behavioural ecology to decipher mechanisms acting in density-regulated age-structured populations. Because individual characteristics other than age can be linked to competitive abilities, expanding the concept of critical age to other structures (e.g. sex, dominance rank) offers interesting perspectives. Linking research fields based on the concept of the critical age group is key to move from a pattern-oriented view of density regulation to a process-oriented approach.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Understanding age and society using natural populations'.

Cba-miR-222-3p involved in photoperiod-induced apoptosis in testes of striped hamsters by targeting TRAF7.

The role of miRNAs in the regulation of seasonal reproduction in rodents, particularly in relation to photoperiod changes, is still poorly understood. Previous studies on miRNA transcriptomes of striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) testes have indicated that the photoperiodism of testes, especially apoptosis, may be influenced by miRNAs. As a functional miRNA, cba-miR-222-3p in striped hamster testes exhibits suppression under a short photoperiod. To elucidate the potential role of testicular cba-miR-222-3p in the seasonal reproduction of striped hamsters, we exposed male striped hamsters to different photoperiods or injected miRNA agomir into the testes and observed the effects of these treatments, particularly some indicators related to apoptosis. The results showed that the levels of apoptosis in the testes increased in short daylength, accompanied by a significant decrease in cba-miR-222-3p expression and an increase in TRAF7 expression. Dual luciferase reporter assays verified the targeting relationship between cba-miR-222-3p and TRAF7 predicted by bioinformatics. In addition, the expression of TRAF7 decreased in the testes, which injected miRNA agomir, leading to inhibition of apoptosis, and the expression of key genes (MEKK3, p38, p53) in the downstream MAPK signaling pathway of TRAF7 was suppressed. These results suggest that short daylength induces testicular apoptosis in striped hamsters, and one possible mechanism is that the decreased expression of miR-222-3p in testes reduces the repression of TRAF7 translation, thereby activating the MAPK pathway and affecting the level of testicular apoptosis. These findings reveal the potential role of miR-222-3p in animal reproduction and provide new insights into the regulation of rodent populations.

Antimicrobial Activity of Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 53 and Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 82 Against Urogenital Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Intermicrobial interactions play a key role in the regulation of microbial populations and the colonization of various ecological niches. In the present study, we assessed the effect of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from the vaginal isolates Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 53 and Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 82 on urogenital test strain biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus. Our studies showed that the CFSs of both C. amycolatum strains significantly reduced biofilm formation and disrupted preformed S. aureus biofilms. Pretreatment with C. amycolatum ICIS 53 or C. amycolatum ICIS 82 CFSs decreased the cell surface hydrophobicity and exopolysaccharide production of all the test S. aureus isolates. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the CFSs of corynebacteria caused the S. aureus biofilms to be small clusters scattered across the surface, there were no fibres or adhesions between cells, and the cell membrane was not damaged. Treatment of preformed biofilms with CFSs from both C. amycolatum strains resulted in a flat, scattered, and unstructured architecture. The S. aureus cell membrane was damaged. GC‒MS analysis of the CFS of C. amycolatum ICIS 53 revealed the presence of 22 chemical compounds, including long-chain fatty alcohols, esters, fatty acids and heterocyclic pyrrolizines and pyrazoles, that, according to the literature, exhibit a wide range of biological activities. The results of the present work provide insight for the study of Corynebacterium microorganisms as a source of multifunctional bioactive compounds, which may find promising applications in the medical, biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.

From European Roots to Settler Soil: Adapting Foucault’s Biopolitics to Canadian Settler Colonialism

This article examines the applicability of Michel Foucault’s biopolitical theory within the Canadian settler colonial context. Foucault’s concept of biopolitics, which describes the shift from sovereign power to the regulation of life and populations, is grounded in European historical contexts. In contrast, the Canadian settler colonial experience diverges significantly, necessitating a re-examination of biopolitics. The article argues that in Canada, the relationship between sovereignty, population, and territory does not follow the European model described by Foucault. Instead, Crown sovereignty established its control through legal mechanisms that defined ‘Indian’ status, displacing Indigenous territorialities and political structures. By analysing the evolution of ‘Indian’ status within the Indian Act (1985), the article highlights the centrality of law in constructing settler colonial biopolitics. This legal framework was used to manage and assimilate Indigenous populations, reflecting a unique biopolitical strategy aimed at creating a relationship to territory and population. The study contributes to a more specific understanding of biopolitics in settler colonial contexts, emphasizing the distinct role of law in these processes.

Roles of the Dbl family of RhoGEFs in mechanotransduction - a review.

Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) comprise a wide range of proteins with a common domain responsible for the activation of the Rho family of small GTPases and various domains in other regions. The evolutionary divergence of RhoGEFs enables actin cytoskeletal reorganization, leading to complex cellular responses in higher organisms. In this review, we address the involvement of RhoGEFs in the mechanical stress response of mammalian cells. The cellular mechanical stress response is essential for the proper and orderly regulation of cell populations, including the maintenance of homeostasis, tissue morphogenesis, and adaptation to the mechanical environment. In particular, this review focuses on the recent findings regarding the Dbl family of RhoGEFs involved in mechanical stress responses at the cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion sites, and their molecular mechanisms underlying actin cytoskeleton remodeling and signal transduction.

The evolutionary and ecological convergence of the raccoon and raccoon dog: A perfect storm of invasive species in Europe

AbstractThis paper initially describes the evolution of body shape in the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). I explain how their similarities are the result of convergent evolution, the process by which unrelated organisms come to resemble one another in form, function, or both. This is the first examination of this phenomenon in these two species. In addition, I consider how their convergent traits and habits as omnivores have contributed to their astounding success as invasive species in Europe. Problems have arisen from these introductions, including impacts on prey species. Considering their broad adaptability as “stout” shaped mesocarnivores should aid in understanding their behavior and ecology, and could assist in addressing their management in Europe. Last, I offer suggestions for the control of raccoons given their compensatory versus additive mortality patterns, a practice that may also have implications for the regulation of raccoon dog populations.