A. Richter

EntomonVR: a New Virtual Reality Game for Learning Insect Morphology

EntomonVR is a virtual reality game that teaches insect morphology, tested on 25 entomologists and improved based on feedback, showing its efficacy in educational settings.

Unexpectedly dense colonization of soil pore space by microbes

The paper challenges the notion of sparse microbial colonization in soil by showing higher microbial densities and simulating their distribution in soil pore space.

Different vaccine platforms result in distinct antibody responses to the same antigen in haemodialysis patients

This study compares antibody responses in haemodialysis patients after vaccination with different platforms, finding mRNA vaccines induce better functional responses than viral vectors.

Soil fungi remain active and invest in storage compounds during drought independent of future climate conditions

The paper shows that soil fungi maintain growth and increase storage compound investment during drought, regardless of future climate conditions.

Expression of modified FcγRI enables myeloid cells to elicit robust tumor-specific cytotoxicity

This study modifies myeloid cells to elicit tumor-specific cytotoxicity using chimeric receptors that signal through IgM and bind tumor antigens.

Enhanced niche colonisation and competition during bacterial adaptation to a fungus

This study evolves Bacillus subtilis in co-culture with Aspergillus niger, finding enhanced surfactin production and surface spreading that inhibit fungal growth.

Structural basis for inhibition of mycobacterial ATP synthase by squaramides and second generation diarylquinolines

This study investigates how squaramides and diarylquinolines inhibit mycobacterial ATP synthase, revealing structural insights and differences in their mechanisms and effects.

Taurine as a key intermediate for host-symbiont interaction in the tropical sponge Ianthella basta

The paper shows that taurine is a key intermediate in the metabolic exchange between the sponge Ianthella basta and its microbial symbionts, supporting sulfur cycling and nutrient transfer.

Pharmacological inhibition of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins induces NRF-2-mediated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and is subject to viral antagonism

This study shows JQ-1 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication via NRF-2 activation but is counteracted by viral antagonism, leading to transient antiviral effects.

Evolution and systematics of the Aculeata and kin (Hymenoptera),with emphasis on the ants (Formicoidea: {dagger}@@@idae fam. nov., Formicidae).

This paper analyzes the Mesozoic fossil record of Aculeata, focusing on ants, to reconstruct their evolutionary history and identify three major phases of ant evolution.

Non-productive exposure of PBMCs to SARS-CoV-2 induces cell-intrinsic innate immunity responses

The paper shows that non-productive exposure of PBMCs to SARS-CoV-2 triggers JAK/STAT-dependent innate immune responses in monocytes, similar to those seen in mild COVID-19.

Post-entry, spike-dependent replication advantage of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 over B.1 SARS-CoV-2 in an ACE2-deficient human lung cell line

The paper shows that B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 SARS-CoV-2 variants have a replication advantage over B.1 in ACE2-deficient lung cells, suggesting reliance on alternative cellular factors.

Lowland plant arrival in alpine ecosystems facilitates a decrease in soil carbon content under experimental climate warming

The paper shows that introducing lowland plants into alpine ecosystems under warming increases soil carbon loss by enhancing root exudation and microbial respiration.

The Hidden Side Of Diversity: Effects Of Imperfect Detection On Multiple Dimensions Of Biodiversity

The paper evaluates how imperfect detection affects taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity in ecological communities using fruit-feeding butterflies in a subtropical forest.

FishPhyloMaker: An R package to generate phylogenies for ray-finned fishes

FishPhyloMaker generates phylogenies for ray-finned fishes, addressing Darwinian shortfalls and enabling ecological and evolutionary studies.

Indole-3-glycerolphosphate synthase, a branchpoint for the biosynthesis of tryptophan, indole, and benzoxazinoids in maize

This study identifies three maize IGPS enzymes and their roles in tryptophan, indole, and benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, showing IGPS1 and IGPS3 are involved in defense while IGPS2 may contribute to tryptophan synthesis.

Contrasting impacts of urban and farmland cover on flying insect biomass

This study finds urban land cover negatively affects flying insect biomass, while farmland has a positive effect, with varying impacts across spatial scales in Denmark and Germany.

A SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody protects from lung pathology in a COVID-19 hamster model

This study identifies a potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody that protects hamsters from infection and lung damage.

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-controlled autophagy reveals spermidine, MK-2206, and niclosamide as putative antiviral therapeutics

This study identifies spermidine, MK-2206, and niclosamide as potential antiviral therapeutics by enhancing autophagy against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.

Fungal hyphae colonization by Bacillus subtilis relies on biofilm matrix components

This study shows that biofilm matrix components from Bacillus subtilis are essential for its colonization of fungal hyphae, highlighting their role in bacterial-fungal interactions.

Differentiation of Human Colon Tissue In Culture: Effects of calcium on trans-epithelial electrical resistance and tissue cohesive properties

This study examines how calcium levels affect colonoid tissue barrier function and cohesion, finding that low calcium supports permeability barriers while higher levels enhance tissue cohesion.

Genomic adaptations in information processing underpin trophic strategy in a whole-ecosystem nutrient enrichment experiment

The paper examines genomic traits in microbial communities under nutrient enrichment, finding shifts in genome size and composition linked to trophic strategies.

DNA-foraging bacteria in the seafloor

This study identifies DNA-foraging bacteria in marine sediments and shows they degrade and recycle DNA, contributing to nutrient cycling in the seafloor.

Characterization of a thaumarchaeal symbiont that drives incomplete nitrification in the tropical sponge Ianthella basta

This paper characterizes a thaumarchaeal symbiont in the sponge Ianthella basta, showing it is the sole ammonia-oxidizer and reveals adaptations for a mixotrophic lifestyle.

Hampered motility promotes the evolution of wrinkly phenotype in Bacillus subtilis

The paper shows that non-motile Bacillus subtilis mutants evolve matrix overproducers with a wrinkly phenotype due to SinR mutations, which enhance exopolysaccharide production and biofilm formation in the absence of flagella.

Social licence through citizen science: A tool for marine conservation

The paper explores social licence through citizen science as a tool for marine conservation, emphasizing public engagement and culturally appropriate management.