A. Monteiro

Ridge and crossrib height of butterfly wing scales is a toolbox for structural color diversity

This study shows that ridge and crossrib height in butterfly wing scales influence structural color diversity and introduces a geometrical model to predict color.

Hemolymph transfusions transfer heritable learned novel odor preferences to naive larvae of Bicyclus anynana butterflies

The paper shows that hemolymph from odor-experienced larvae transfers learned odor preferences to naive larvae and their offspring, bypassing peripheral odor-sensing mechanisms.

Developmental exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture alters testicular transcription factor expression in neonatal and pre-pubertal rams, with morphological changes persisting into adulthood

The genetic basis of wing spots in Pieris canidia butterflies

The paper identifies genes involved in the development of wing spots in Pieris canidia butterflies and finds shared regulatory modules with nymphalid eyespots.

Lepidopteran prolegs are novel traits, not leg homologs

The paper investigates whether lepidopteran prolegs are serial homologs of thoracic legs, finding they are novel traits with distinct gene regulatory networks.

Ultrabithorax modifies a regulatory network of genes essential for butterfly eyespot development in a wing sector-specific manner

The paper investigates how the gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) regulates a three-gene network for eyespot development in butterfly wings, revealing sector-specific regulatory differences between forewings and hindwings.

Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome-like morphology and gene expression, and activation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha in juvenile lamb testes following developmental exposure to low-level environmental chemical mixture.

This study shows that gestational exposure to a chemical mixture in sheep leads to testicular abnormalities and gene expression changes similar to human testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

Distal-less and spalt are distal organisers of pierid wing patterns

This study investigates the roles of Dll and sal in wing pattern development in Pieris canidia, finding they are required for melanic pattern elements and repress pteridine granule formation.

Butterfly eyespots evolved via co-option of the antennal gene-regulatory network

The paper shows butterfly eyespots evolved by repurposing the antennal gene-regulatory network, using transcriptome analysis and CRISPR experiments to demonstrate shared genetic control.

Hox genes are essential for the development of novel serial homologous eyespots on the wings of Bicyclus anynana butterflies

This study shows that Hox genes Antp and Ubx are essential for eyespot development in Bicyclus anynana butterflies, with Antp also required for silver scales in males.

Doublesex mediates the development of sex-specific pheromone organs in Bicyclus butterflies via multiple mechanisms

This study investigates the evolution and molecular basis of sex-specific pheromone organs in Bicyclus butterflies, showing that the gene doublesex (dsx) regulates their development through spatial and isoform-specific mechanisms.

A framework for predicting soft-fruit yields and phenology using embedded, networked microsensors, coupled weather models and machine-learning techniques

This paper develops a framework using microsensors, weather models, and machine learning to predict soft fruit yields and phenology with higher accuracy.

Step-wise evolution of temperature-mediated phenotypic plasticity in eyespot size across nymphalid butterflies

The paper shows that temperature-mediated eyespot size plasticity in Bicyclus anynana butterflies is a derived adaptation, not a pre-adaptation, through comparative analysis of molecular and physiological components.

Alternative (backdoor) androgen production and masculinization in the human fetus

This study identifies androsterone as the main backdoor androgen in human fetal circulation, showing it is synthesized in non-gonadal tissues and critical for masculinization.

Early-exposure to new sex pheromone blend alters mate preference in female butterflies and in their offspring

The paper shows that female butterflies can learn to prefer new sex pheromone blends and pass this preference to their offspring, suggesting learning influences pheromone recognition evolution.