Crossed effects of helminth infection and lead exposure on fitness: An experimental study in feral pigeons (Columba livia).

Living organisms are exposed to multiple environmental factors that can affect their fitness. The negative effects of these simultaneous stressors can be additive or can interact in negative synergistic or antagonistic ways to affect the health of exposed individuals. Parasites can accumulate pollutants in their own tissues and have been shown to increase the tolerance of their hosts to different pollutants (antagonistic interaction between parasites and pollutants).

Extensive sampling and citizen science expand the distribution of the threatened freshwater turtle Ranacephala hogei (Mertens, 1967).

Ranacephala hogei is a South American freshwater turtle considered one of the 25 most endangered chelonian species in the world. Endemic to the Atlantic Forest hotspot of southeastern Brazil, the conservation status of R. hogei is subject to continuous assessment at various levels.

Effect of urbanization on the trace element concentrations in the kidney, liver and spines of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).

Urbanized environments may be suitable for some wild species, like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). However, the (sub)urban areas are source of several pollutants, such as trace elements (TEs). The main objective of our study is to investigate the role of the European hedgehog as a potential bioindicator species for seven TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a big urban agglomeration.

The "parasite detoxification hypothesis": lead exposure potentially changes the ecological interaction from parasitism to mutualism.

In urban areas, organisms are exposed to high pollutant levels, especially element trace metals that may impact host-parasite interactions. Indeed, parasites have been reported to reduce the negative effects of pollutants on their hosts. The fitness of parasitized organisms in polluted environments may therefore be greater than that of unparasitized organisms.

Natural genetic variation in the HAIRS ABSENT (H) gene increases type-VI glandular trichomes in both wild and domesticated tomatoes.

Glandular trichomes produce and exude secondary metabolites, conferring insect resistance in many crop species. Whereas some of its wild relatives are insect-resistant, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is not. Identifying the genetic changes that altered trichome development and biochemistry during tomato domestication would contribute to breeding for insect resistance.