Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) functions as an apoptotic adapter in mammals, recruiting caspases for death-inducing signaling complexes, while in lower animals, it interacts with IMD and DREDD to initiate antimicrobial responses. In this study, we examined the T. molitor FADD sequence (TmFADD) using molecular informatics methods to understand its involvement in the host's immune response against microorganisms. Knocking down TmFADD transcripts resulted in increased susceptibility of T. molitor larvae to E. coli, underscoring the significance of FADD in insect defense mechanisms and providing valuable insights into insect immunity.

Tenebrio molitor(T. molitor) is gaining attention as a sustainable food source with high nutrient content. Understanding their immune system, paricularly the role of Tak1 in the Imd pathway, is essential for mass breeding. This study investigates TmTak1 function in T. molitor. we investigated the immune function of TmTak1, followed by systemic infection using E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. As a result, Silencing TmTak1 significantly affects expression levels of AMPs in the whole body, Fat bodies, and Integuments. These results showed lower expression levels of AMP compared to the control group during E.coli injection.

장내 미생물 군집은 소화 과정, 면역 시스템, 질병 발생 등 숙주의 다양한 면에 광범위한 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 주요 장내 미생물 종은 숙주의 생리 기능에 핵심적인 역할을 수행한다고 발표된 바 있다. 곤충의 장내 미생물 군집에 관한 연구가 최근 활발히 이루어지고 있으며, 이들 연구는 주로 장내 미생물 군집과 기생충, 병원체 간의 상호작용, 종간의 신호 전달 네트워크, 먹이의 소화 과정 등을 중심으로 이루어지고 있다. 이러한 연구들은 대부분 Illumina MiSeq을 활용하여 16S rRNA 유전자의 V1부터 V9 영역 중 선택된 특정 부분을 대상으로 짧은 서열 정보를 대상으로 진행되었다. 그러나, 최근에는 PacBio HiFi 기술이 상용화되면서 16S rRNA의 전장 분석이 가능할 수 있게 되었다. 이번 연구는 장수말벌(Vespa mandarinia)의 해부를 통해 gut과 carcass 부분을 분리한 뒤, 각 샘플을 Illumina MiSeq과 PacBio HiFi 기술을 활용하여 미생물 군집 간의 차이점을 확인하기 위하여 수행되었다.

Chitin and chitosan, abundant biopolymers from shellfish, crustaceans, and fungal hyphae, have diverse applications in food, biomedical, and industrial sectors. Also, insects offer a one of the chitin and chitosan source, yet research into the biological processes of chitin and chitosan within insects remains inadequate. To investigates the safety and benefits of insect-derived chitin and chitosan, we orally administered crab-derived and insect-derived chitin and chitosan to mice and compared RNA expression. NGS derived sequences were obtained and DEG and GO analyses were performed. This study displays a chance to progress the application of edible insects.

Recently, it is demonstrate that the invertebrates have a immune memory, called Immune priming (IP). It was partially studied that the IP is mainly regulated by epigenetic modification. Here, to understand the IP on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) production, we investigated larval mortality and time-dependent expression patterns of AMP genes in T. molitor larvae challenged with E. coli (two-times injection with a one-month interval). Interestingly, the results indicate that the higher and faster expression levels of most AMP genes were detected compared to the non-primed T. molitor larvae. Our results may used to improve the understanding of mechanisms of invertebrate immune memory.

Pellino, a highly conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase, is known to mediate ubiquitination of phosphorylated Interleukin-1 receptor-related kinase (IRAK) homologs in Toll signaling pathway. To understand the immunological function of TmPellino, we screened the knockdown efficiency of TmPellino by injecting TmPellino-specific dsRNA into T. molitor larvae. Subsequently, we investigated the larval mortality and the tissue-specific expression patterns of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes against microbial challenges. Interestingly, the results indicate that the expression of many AMP genes was upregulated in the Malpighian tubules of TmPellino-silenced T. molitor larvae. This study may provide basic information to understand how Tmpellino regulates AMPs production in T. molitor.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) is known to regulate antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) production in mammals. Here, to understand the immunological function of TmTRAF against microbial challenge, the induction patterns of TmTRAF against microbial infection was investigated by qRT-PCR in the whole-body and tissue of young larvae. In addition, the effects of TmTRAF RNAi on larval mortality and expression of 15 AMP genes in response to microbial infection were investigated. Our studies may help to understand the basic role of AMP production.

Tube, an intracellular protein of the Toll-pathway, forms a complex with Pelle and MyD88, and regulates a signal transduction to activate NF-κB in Drosophila. To understand the antimicrobial function of TmTube, the induction patterns of TmTube were investigated at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h-post injection of pathogens into 10th to 12th instar larvae. In addition, we investigated the effects of TmTube RNAi on larval mortality and tissue specific AMP expression in response to microbial challenge. Our results will provide a basic information to elucidate the immunological function of TmTube

Pelle, a serine/threonine kinase, is an intracellular component of the Toll pathway and is involved in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) production due to pathogenic infection. It is known that the Pelle phosphorylates Cactus and activates the NF-κB signaling pathway in Drosophila, but it is not studied in Tenebrio molitor. In this study we investigated the tissue-specific expression patterns of the Pelle following pathogenic infection at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours. Additionally, larval mortality and AMP expression against microbial injection were investigated in dsPelle-treated T. molitor larvae. Our results may help to understand the antimicrobial function of TmPelle.

In insects, the glutathione S-transferase is initiated in both the detoxification process and the protection of cellular membranes against oxidative damage. In this study, we identified the open reading frame (ORF) sequence of GST-iso1 and 2 from Tenebrio molitor (TmGST-iso1 and 2). To investigate the expression patterrns of TmGST-iso1 and 2 in response to herbicide, 0.06, 0.6, and 6 ㎍/㎕ of butachlor (FarmHannong, Seoul, South Korea) was challenged into T. molitor larvae, resulting that the TmGST-iso1 were highly induced at 3 and 24 h-post injection. Whereas, the highest expression of TmGST-iso2 was detected at 24 h after treatment. This study may contribute to basic information about the detoxifying activities of T. molitor.

It is well known that the JNK pathway regulates AMP production against pathogenic infection in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Tenebrio molitor hep (Tmhep) is an homolog of MAP kinase kinase in mammals. Here, we investigate the immunological function of Tmhep in responses in microbial infection using RNA interference technology. The results showed that silencing of Tmhep increased the larval mortality against microbial challenge, as well as reduced AMP production compared to the control group (dsEGFP-treated group). Conclusively, Tmhep plays an critical role in antimicrobial defense in T. molitor larvae.

최근 기후변화 등으로 인한 꿀벌의 폐사가 증가하고 있으나 관련 데이터가 부족하여 이에 대한 연구가 어려움 을 겪고 있어 학습용 인공지능 데이터를 구축하여 양봉 산업 발전에 기여하고자 한다. 학습용 데이터로 생애주기 별 5단계(알, 애벌레, 번데기, 숫벌, 여왕벌), 종봉별 4가지(이탈리안, 카니올란, 한봉, 호박벌), 발생질병 1종(백묵 병) 총 10가지 클래스를 데이터 수집장소 6곳(장성, 포천, 칠곡, 완주, 의령, 장흥)에서 학습용 데이터를 274,206장 구축하였다. 수집된 데이터는 원시데이터, 원천데이터 가공, 라벨링 데이터 결합, 가공데이터 검수 등을 통해 만들어졌으며 관측지에서 온습도, CO, CH4, NH3 등 환경데이터를 200,000건 확보하여 데이터 라벨링을 수행하 였다. 데이터는 AI Hub(www.aihub.or.kr)에서 다운받을 수 있다. 확보된 데이터는 꿀벌의 생애 단계별, 종별, 건강 상태별 이미지 데이터로 구성되어 있어 양봉 관리 자동화, 꿀벌 질병 예측, 양봉 기술 개발 및 연구 등 다양한 분야에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 예상된다.

식용곤충은 미래식량 자원으로써 우수한 가치를 지니고 있어 해외에서는 사육자동화, IoT 및 AI 기술적용, 수직재배시스템 구축 등 많은 연구가 진행되고 있지만 국내에서는 대규모 사육농가나 곤충스마트팜 기술개발 이 부족하여 이를 위한 AI/빅데이터 인프라 구축이 시급한 실정이다. 학습용 인공지능 데이터는 식용곤충으로 활용되고 있는 장수풍뎅이, 흰점박이꽃무지, 갈색거저리, 백강잠, 메뚜기, 풀무치의 생애 주기별 총 6종의 RGB 사진데이터와 분광이미지 데이터 408,000장을 구축하였으며 온도, 습도, CO,, 암모니아, 조도, 수분 등 환경 데이 터 200,000세트를 수집하였다. 수집된 데이터는 원시데이터 수집, 원천데이터 가공, 라벨링 데이터 결합, 가공데 이터 검수 등을 통해 만들어졌으며 관련 데이터는 AI Hub(www.aihub.or.kr)에서 다운받을 수 있다. 확보된 식용곤 충 6종의 데이터는 곤충 종별 성장단계, 환경 변수에 따른 최적의 사육환경 조성, 생산시기 예측, 스마트대량사육 시스템 개발, 제품 가공시 추적이력제 도입, 식용곤충 스마트팜 기술 개발 및 연구 등 다양한 분야에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 예상된다.

Subgenus Bothynoptera Schaum, 1863 of the genus Parena is mainly found in Oriental region. Despite this widespread distribution, species of the subgenus Bothynoptera are poorly known in Korea. While a total of 14 species have been recorded worldwide, only 3 species have been recorded in Korea. In this study, as a revisional work of Korean known species, a pictorial key and photographs of habitus and male genitalia for each species are provided, with a newly recorded species in Korea.

The continuous use of pesticides with the same mode of action has lead to the development of insecticide resistance in the target pests. Establishing pesticide resistance management methods and effective control strategies for these pests has become an important target. Bemisia tabaci, a representative pest of greenhouse, directly affects the growth of crops at all stages of its development except eggs. It also causes indirect damage by secreting honeydew that eventually promotes sooty mold in leaves and fruits. In this study, eight insecticides with different mechanisms of action (Flonicamid, Fluxametamide, Spinetoram, Cyantraniliprole, Dinotefuran, Pyridaben, Milbemectin and Pyriproxyfen), and registered for use against cucumber B. tabaci were selected and tested for insecticide resistance. The tested populations of B. tabaci were collected from greenhouse cucumber cultivations in 12 domestic regions. The results were presented as RR (Resistance ratios), and CEI (Control efficacy index) values.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate a systematic design’s effectivity in remediating actual uranium-contaminated soil. The emphasis was placed on practical and engineering aspects, particularly in assessing the capabilities of a zero liquid discharge system in treating wastewater derived from soil washing. The research method involved a purification procedure for both the uranium-contaminated soil and its accompanying wastewater. Notably, the experimental outcomes demonstrated successful uranium separation from the contaminated soil. The treated soil could be self-disposed of, as its uranium concentration fell below 1.0 Bq·g−1, a level endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency for radionuclide clearance. The zero liquid discharge system’s significance lay in its distillation process, which not only facilitated the reuse of water from the separated filtrate but also allowed for the self-disposal of high-purity Na2SO4 within the residues of the distilled filtrate. Through a comparative economic analysis involving direct disposal and the application of a remediation process for uranium-contaminated soil, the comprehensive zero liquid discharge system emerged as a practical and viable choice. The successful demonstration of the design and practicality of the proposed zero liquid discharge system for treating wastewater originating from real uranium-contaminated soil is poised to have a lasting impact.

금번 연구를 통해 외래산림해충 확산 분석 플랫폼 K-SDM (K-SDM)의 해충 분포 기능이 개발되었다. 해충 분포를 보여주는 기능은 2가지로 구현되며, 조사 자료를 바탕으로 현재 국내의 해충 분포를 나타내는 “외래산림 해충분포”기능과 데이터를 분석하여 예측되는 미래의 해충 분포를 제공하는 “외래산림해충예측”기능이 있다. “외래산림해충분포”는 조사자에 의해 현장에서 구축된 DB 현황을 지도상에 수치로 나타내며, 입력 기간, 해충 종 별로 구분이 가능하여 원하는 해충종의 분포를 선택하여 볼 수 있다. 지도 좌측에는 각 도별로 조사된 해충 개체수의 통계를 도표로 제공하여 수치상으로도 해충 분포를 파악할 수 있다. “외래산림해충예측”은 DB를 분석 하고 미래 기후 시나리오를 적용하여 도출한 미래의 해충 예측 분포도를 사용자에게 제공되며, 미리보기 이미지 와 함께 원본자료가 첨부되어 좀 더 자세한 정보를 열람할 수 있다. 본 플랫폼의 해충 분포 기능은 최근 기후변화 등으로 외래산림해충의 발생이 증가하는 추세에 맞춰 이들의 현재 분포와 미래의 분포양상을 조기 파악하여 이를 통한 추후 조기 방제 및 대응책 마련 등에 크게 기여할 것으로 기대된다.

The rate of resistant pest emergence has accelerated due to the continuous use of pesticides. Therefore, it is important to formulate insecticide resistance management measures and effective control methods for pest. Bemisia tabaci, a greenhouse pest, causes direct damage to crops such as growth inhibition and leaf discoloration at all developmental stages except for eggs. It also indirectly damages plants by secreting honeydew, which covers surrounding leaves and fruits, leading to sooty mold development. In this study, eight insecticides with high usage rates, categorized by their mode of action, were selected. Samples of Bemisia tabaci were collected from six regions, and resistance analysis were conducted. The results showed that Flonicamid exhibited a resistance ratio of 8.91 in Sejong, while Pyriproxyfen showed a high resistance ratio of 63.56 in Gunwi. Fluxametamide, Spinetoram, Cyantraniliprole, Dinotefuran, Pyridaben, and Milbemectin displayed resistance ratio ranging from 0.02 to 1.14 in most regions, except for Flonicamid and Pyriproxyfen.

Honey bees are crucial pollinators for agricultural and natural ecosystems, but are experiencing heavy mortality in Korea due to a complex suite of factors. Extreme winter losses of honey bee colonies are a major threat to beekeeping but the combinations of factors underlying colony loss remain debatable. Finding solutions involves knowing the factors associated with high loss rates. To investigate whether loss rates are related to Varroa control and climate condition, we surveyed beekeepers in korea after wintering (2021–2022 to 2022–2023). The results show an average colony loss rate of 46%(2022) and 17%(2023), but over 40% colony loss before wintering at 2022. Beekeepers attempt to manage their honey bee colonies in ways that optimize colony health. Disentangling the impact of management from other variables affecting colony health is complicated by the diversity of practices used and difficulties handling typically complex and incomplete observational datasets. We propose a method to 1) Varroa mite population Control by several methods , and 2) Many nursing bee put in hive before wintering.

Radioactive waste can be classified according to the concentration level for radionuclides, and the disposal method is different through the level. Gamma analysis is inevitably performed to determine the concentration of radioactive waste, and when a large amount of radioactive waste is generated, such as decommissioning nuclear facilities, it takes a lot of time to analyze samples. The performance of a lot of analysis can cause human errors and workload. In general, gamma analysis is performed using by HPGe detector. Recently, for convenience of analysis, commercial automatic sample changers applicable to the HPGe detectors were developed. The automatic sample changers generate individual analysis reports for each sample. In this study, gamma analysis procedure was improved using the application of the automatic sample changer and the automated data parsing using by Python. The application of automatic sample changers and data parsing technique can solve the problems. The human errors were reduced to 0% compared to the previous method by improving the gamma analysis procedure, and working time were also dramatically reduced. This automation of analysis procedure will contribute to reducing the burden of analysis work and reducing human errors through various improvements.