A two-level staging system for the embryonic morphogenesis of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata.

Comparative studies across multiple species provide valuable insights into the evolutionary diversification of developmental strategies. While the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has long been the primary insect model organism for understanding molecular genetics and embryonic development, the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata, also known as medfly, presents a promising complementary model for studying developmental biology. With its sequenced genome and a diverse array of molecular techniques, the medfly is well-equipped for study.

Development of a Large-Volume Concentration Method to Recover Infectious Avian Influenza Virus from the Aquatic Environment.

Since late 2021, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus have caused a record number of mortalities in wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals in North America. Wetlands are plausible environmental reservoirs of avian influenza virus; however, the transmission and persistence of the virus in the aquatic environment are poorly understood. To explore environmental contamination with the avian influenza virus, a large-volume concentration method for detecting infectious avian influenza virus in waterbodies was developed.

qPCR-based phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a: A multi-year study in twelve large freshwater rivers across the United States.

Phytoplankton overgrowth, which characterizes the eutrophication or trophic status of surface water bodies, threatens ecosystems and public health. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is promising for assessing the abundance and community composition of phytoplankton. However, applications of qPCR to indicate eutrophication and trophic status, especially in lotic systems, have yet to be comprehensively evaluated.

Environmental Surveillance and Detection of Infectious Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Iowa Wetlands.

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) infect both wild birds and domestic poultry, resulting in economically costly outbreaks that have the potential to impact public health. Currently, a knowledge gap exists regarding the detection of infectious AIVs in the aquatic environment. In response to the 2021-2022 Eurasian strain highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 clade 2.