Die Naturwissenschaften

Freshwater colonization is associated with profound shifts in the reproductive traits of invertebrates, and these phenomena are still rarely investigated in an integrated framework across closely related species. In this study, we examined three species of shrimps of the genus Palaemon, each occupying distinct habitat types, to identify how the transition to freshwater habitats shapes reproductiv…

This study presents the comparative, function-oriented analysis of petal structure and osmophore distribution in three Malpighiaceae species, complementing the established role of calyx elaiophores. Integrating light and electron microscopy with floral biology observations and visitor records, the authors document interspecific variation across core floral traits: anthesis timing; corolla senesce…

The rising global burden of cancer has intensified the search for novel anticancer agents derived from natural sources, with mushrooms emerging as a rich source of bioactive metabolites. This study provides the first comparative evaluation of the toxic A. bresadolanus and the edible A. hortensis in terms of their fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles and antiproliferative effects against human …

Understanding the thermal dynamics of stingless bee colonies is essential for developing effective monitoring systems and promoting sustainable meliponiculture. In this study, we compiled and analyzed brood, nest periphery, and ambient temperature data from 36 stingless bee species reported across several published studies. The data were systematized into graphical visualizations, phylogenetic co…

Living bridges formed by army ants are among the most striking examples of collective behavior in social insects, previously known only from New World Eciton species. Here, we report the field observation of living bridge formation in an Old World army ant, Aenictus glabrinotum. We artificially created a small gap in the foraging trail, formed on a twig, to disrupt traffic flow. Ants accumulated …

In the present study, methanol and aqueous extracts obtained from two endemic plants, Dianthus elegans var. actinopetalus (Fenzl) Reeve and Linum ciliatum Hayek, were investigated for their phenolic composition, antioxidant activities, cytotoxic potential, and supported by in silico molecular docking analysis. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed distinct phenolic acid and flavonoid pr…