Microplastic pollution differentially affects development of disease-vectoring Aedes and Culex mosquitoes.

Plastic in the form of microplastic particles (MPs) is now recognized as a major pollutant of unknown consequences in aquatic habitats. Mosquitoes, with aquatic eggs, larvae, and pupae, are likely to encounter microplastic, particularly those species that are abundant in close proximity to human development, including those that vector human and animal disease. We examined the effects of polyethylene MPs, the most common microplastic documented in environmental samples, on the development and survival of the mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus.

Relative response to digital tablet devices and painting as sensory enrichment in captive chimpanzees.

Digital devices, including tablet computers and other touchscreens, can potentially serve as flexible and convenient means for providing behavioral enrichment activities to captive primates. Despite increased interest in incorporating technology into enrichment programs, no direct quantitative comparison has previously been made between the effectiveness of typical tactile enrichment activities and enrichment activities on digital devices. One way in which these activities differ is in the degree of controllability afforded the animals in interacting with the enrichment objects, since digital devices will be limiting to varying degrees based on the particulars of software and the interface format.

Incubation temperature modifies neonatal thermoregulation in the lizard Anolis carolinensis.

The thermal environment experienced during embryonic development can profoundly affect the phenotype, and potentially the fitness, of ectothermic animals. We examined the effect of incubation temperature on the thermal preferences of juveniles in the oviparous lizard, Anolis carolinensis. Temperature preference trials were conducted in a laboratory thermal gradient within 48 hr of hatching and after 22-27 days of maintenance in a common laboratory environment.