Mosquito population dynamics is shaped by the interaction among larval density, season, and land use.

Understanding how variation in key abiotic and biotic factors interact at spatial scales relevant for mosquito fitness and population dynamics is crucial for predicting current and future mosquito distributions and abundances, and the transmission potential for human pathogens. However, studies investigating the effects of environmental variation on mosquito traits have investigated environmental factors in isolation or in laboratory experiments that examine constant environmental conditions that often do not occur in the field. To address these limitations, we conducted a semi-field experiment in Athens, Georgia using the invasive Asian tiger mosquito ().

Microclimate and Larval Habitat Density Predict Adult Abundance in Urban Areas.

The Asian tiger mosquito, , transmits several arboviruses of public health importance, including chikungunya and dengue. Since its introduction to the United States in 1985, the species has invaded more than 40 states, including temperate areas not previously at risk of -transmitted arboviruses. Mathematical models incorporate climatic variables in predictions of site-specific abundances to identify human populations at risk of disease.

Paley's watchmaker analogy and prebiotic synthetic chemistry in surfactant assemblies. Formaldehyde scavenging by pyrroles leading to porphyrins as a case study.

The formation of elaborate molecules is regarded as an essential first step in prebiotic chemistry, but how such transformations could spontaneously occur, particularly in dilute aqueous conditions, remains poorly understood. Here, micromolar concentrations of a 3,4-dialkylpyrrole and excess formaldehyde in aqueous micellar solution (pH 7) at 25 or 50 °C were found to give good yield (up to 40%) of the lipophilic octaalkylporphyrin. The reaction occurs despite a mean occupancy number of ∼0.