Detection of DNA Viruses in Free-Ranging Rat Populations in Hungary.

To address a gap in our understanding of viral infections in epidemiologically important rat species, we aimed to detect DNA viruses from the tissues of free-ranging rat populations in Hungary. DNA viruses were identified from the parenchymal organs of 230 and , using family-specific pan-PCR assays followed by sequencing of the PCR products. Adeno-, herpes-, circo-, and polyomaviruses were detected, while irido-, pox-, and dependoparvoviruses were not.

Land Use Change Consistently Reduces α- But Not β- and γ-Diversity of Bees.

Land use change threatens global biodiversity and compromises ecosystem functions, including pollination and food production. Reduced taxonomic α-diversity is often reported under land use change, yet the impacts could be different at larger spatial scales (i.e.

Environmental microbial reservoir influences the bacterial communities associated with Hydra oligactis.

The objective to study the influence of microbiome on host fitness is frequently constrained by spatial and temporal variability of microbial communities. In particular, the environment serves as a dynamic reservoir of microbes that provides potential colonizers for animal microbiomes. In this study, we analyzed the microbiome of Hydra oligactis and corresponding water samples from 15 Hungarian lakes to reveal the contribution of environmental microbiota on host microbiome.

Can triad forestry reconcile Europe's biodiversity and forestry strategies? A critical evaluation of forest zoning.

Balancing increasing demand for wood products while also maintaining forest biodiversity is a paramount challenge. Europe's Biodiversity and Forest Strategies for 2030 attempt to address this challenge. Together, they call for strict protection of 10% of land area, including all primary and old growth forests, increasing use of ecological forestry, and less reliance on monocultural plantations.

Contrasting Patterns of Plants, Bees, Hoverflies and Spiders in Different Habitats in a Central European Agricultural Landscape.

Semi-natural grasslands and their biodiversity decline rapidly, although they are key elements of agricultural landscapes. Therefore, there is a need for the re-establishment of semi-natural grasslands in intensively managed farmlands (e.g.

Anisogamy and sex roles: a commentary.

The origin and maintenance of sex differences in reproductive behavior (often labeled sex roles) have remained controversial topics, and recent meta-analyses and theoretical models have helped to elucidate the processes that generate diverse sex roles. We are glad to see that our study (Mokos et al., 2021) generated a healthy debate, and in agreement with recent commentaries (Janicke, 2024; Lehtonen & Parker, 2024) we call for a more comprehensive approach to understanding sex role evolution.

Connectivity Loss in Experimental Pond Networks Leads to Biodiversity Loss in Microbial Metacommunities.

Habitat fragmentation is among the most important global threats to biodiversity; however, the direct effects of its components including connectivity loss are largely unknown and still mostly inferred based on indirect evidence. Our understanding of these drivers is especially limited in microbial communities. Here, by conducting a 4-month outdoor experiment with artificial pond (mesocosm) metacommunities, we studied the effects of connectivity loss on planktonic microorganisms, primarily focusing on pro- and microeukaryotes.

Temporal and spatial distribution of inorganic fluoride, total adsorbable organofluorine, PFOA and PFOS concentrations in the Hungarian section of the Danube River.

The existing technologies in municipal wastewater treatment plants are ineffective in eliminating persistent fluorine-containing contaminants. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for novel organofluorine compounds, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries, as well as in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors for more efficient ingredients. This implies that we must account for ongoing changes in the fluorine levels within riverine environments.

The gut microbiota of three avian species living in sympatry.

Background: Evolutionary divergence and genetic variation are often linked to differences in microbial community structure and diversity. While environmental factors and diet heavily influence gut microbial communities, host species contributions are harder to quantify. Closely related species living in sympatry provide a unique opportunity to investigate species differences without the confounding effects of habitat and dietary variation.

Survival cost sharing among altruistic full siblings in Mendelian population.

Background: We focus on Haldane's familial selection in monogamous families in a diploid population, where the survival probability of each sibling is determined by altruistic food sharing with its siblings during starvation. An autosomal recessive-dominant or intermediate allele pair uniquely determines the altruistic or selfish behavior, which are coded by homozygotes. We focus on the case when additive cost and benefit functions determine the survival probability of each full sibling.

Biodiversity impacts of the 2019-2020 Australian megafires.

With large wildfires becoming more frequent, we must rapidly learn how megafires impact biodiversity to prioritize mitigation and improve policy. A key challenge is to discover how interactions among fire-regime components, drought and land tenure shape wildfire impacts. The globally unprecedented 2019-2020 Australian megafires burnt more than 10 million hectares, prompting major investment in biodiversity monitoring.

Bats and ectoparasites: exploring a hidden link in zoonotic disease transmission.

Bats are increasingly in the focus of disease surveillance studies as they harbor pathogens that can cause severe human disease. In other host groups, ectoparasitic arthropods play an important role in transmitting pathogens to humans. Nevertheless, we currently know little about the role of bat-associated ectoparasites in pathogen transmission, not only between bats but also to humans and other species, even though some of these parasites occasionally feed on humans and harbor potentially zoonotic organisms.

Quantitative Biodistribution of OMVs Using SPECT/CT Imaging with HYNIC-Duramycin Radiolabeling.

Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are emerging as important players in the host-microbiome interaction, while also proving to be a promising platform for vaccine development and targeted drug delivery. The available methods for measuring their biodistribution, however, are limited. We aimed to establish a high-efficiency radiolabeling method for the treatment of OMVs.

Analysis of Mycorrhization Trends and Undesired Fungi Species in Three- and Six-Year-Old Plantations in Hungary.

is a key truffle species with significant ecological and economic value. Despite its importance, plantation success can be influenced by soil pH, host plants, and undesired fungi. This study examines how soil pH and host plants influence mycorrhization trends in plantations across six plant species in eight Hungarian settlements, using root sampling and DNA analysis to assess plantations at three and six years of age.

Improving Inference Within Freshwater Community Studies: Accounting for Variable Detection Rates of Amphibians and Fish.

Research into freshwater communities often aims to link patterns of species distribution in ponds with underlying biotic factors. However, errors with species detection (e.g.