털진드기 유충 (Acari: Trombiculidae)은 쯔쯔가무시증을 전파하는 주요 매개체이다. 털진드기 유충의 발생량 은 가을철에 증가하는 것으로 알려져 있지만, 환경 및 시기에 따라 발생 패턴이 다르게 나타날 수 있어 각 지역에 대한 조사가 필요하다. 이 연구는 충남 예산의 털진드기 발생 양상을 확인하기 위해 2017년부터 2023년까지 36-51 주차 (9-12월)에 걸쳐 현장 조사를 수행하였다. 논, 밭, 수로, 초지에 5m 간격으로 털진드기 트랩을 환경별로 5개씩 설치하여 채집하였다. 그 결과 총 3,257개체로 2017년 1,104마리, 2018년 785마리, 2019년 650마리, 2020년 160마 리, 2021년 139마리, 2022년 233마리, 2023년 186마리 채집되었다. 동정 결과 5속 12종이 확인되었으며 둥근혀털 진드기(Neotrombicula tamiyai)가 1,882개체(57.78%)로 우점도가 가장 높게 나타났다. 이러한 발생 양상에 관한 연구는 매개 질환의 예방 및 관리 전략 수립에 있어 중요한 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있으므로 지속적인 연구와 모니터링이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

Islands often have relatively well-preserved ecosystem and an abundance of bioresources with a high conservation value, with unrecorded species continuing to be reported (Hong, 2011). Approximately 1,000,000 species of insect known worldwide (Costello et al., 2012), and 20,710 species are known in Korea (NIBR, 2023). Among these, there are 6,117 species in Korean islands (HNIBR, 2022). Native insect Bio-scan project for Korean islands is to estimate the number of insect species on Korean islands. We attempted to estimate the number of insect species on Korean islands using Barcode Index Number (BIN), and also found unrecorded species. The samples were collected four times from April to July at five locations in the Amtedo, an island located in Shinan-gun Jeollanam-do. We tried to obtain a minimum of one to usually a maximum of four samples per morphospecies to enable DNA barcoding.

쌍별귀뚜라미는 국내에서 식용 및 파충류의 먹이로 사용되는 중요한 산업곤충으로 알려져있다. 2023년 국내 쌍별귀뚜라미 농가에서 쌍별귀뚜라미 덴소바이러스 감염이 확인되었으며 바이러스 억제제가 요구되는 실정 이다. RNA 간섭(RNAi)은 dsRNA를 이용해 목적 유전자의 발현을 억제할 수 있는 작용기작을 가지며, 바이러스 특이적 시퀀스를 이용한다면 효과적으로 타겟 바이러스의 증식을 저해할 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 덴소바이러스 에 감염된 귀뚜라미에 덴소바이러스 특이적 dsRNA를 제작하여 주입(injection)하고, 바이러스 발현 저해 효과를 관찰했다. 바이러스 감염 수준은 qPCR로 평가하였으며 dsRNA를 접종한 결과 체내 바이러스양이 감소함을 확인 했다. 이 연구는 향후 RNAi를 이용한 쌍별귀뚜라미 덴소바이러스 억제제 개발에 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다.

This study focused on the genomic analysis of Anopheles kleini and Anopheles pullus, both vectors of vivax malaria within the Anopheles Hyrcanus group. Using Illumina NovaSeq600 and Oxford Nanopore platforms, we identified 126 and 116 contigs, along with 40,420 and 32,749 genes from An. kleini and An. pullus, respectively. The assembled genome sizes were 282 Mb for An. kleini and 247 Mb for An. pullus, which are within a similar range to the sizes previously estimated by digital PCR (249 Mb and 226 Mb). We are currently also estimating the genome sizes of other Anopheles spp. and manually curating key genes determining vectorial capacity.

Scabies, caused by an infestation of the skin with the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), is highly contagious and classified as a prevalent neglected tropical diseases. The current diagnostic approach relies solely on clinical judgment based on symptoms, history, and microscopic observation by an experienced dermatologist. To enhance sensitivity and specificity, we developed an alternative method based on mite-derived DNA. Our method involves a quick DNA release from skin scraping samples and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) targeting the scabies mite-specific DNA sequences, enabling diagnosis within 30 minutes. Importantly, no cross-reactivity was observed when the sample was contaminated by two house dust mite species, and false positives were barely detected. Currently, we are in the process of developing a Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kit for a scabies survey targeting school-age children in Timor-Leste as a global health project.

Parasites have co-evolved with their host for a long period of time, resulting in unique parasitic systems tailored to each host species. This makes them suitable for research on physiological function control through cross-species molecules like miRNA. The body louse, a vector of bacterial pathogens, is particularly valuable as a model insect due to their frequent feeding on human blood, which results in the continuous ingestion of human-derived miRNA and injection of salivary gland-derived miRNA into the human body. In this study, we conducted miRNA sequencing on body lice with mixed stages and identified 105 miRNAs, including 50 novel miRNAs. Sequence analysis of human miRNAs remaining in body lice and the functional analysis of these miRNAs are in progress.

The recent increase in the occurrence of common bed bug and tropical bed bug in shared areas highlights the need for rapid species identification at infestation sites, which is crucial for implementing targeted control measures due to differences in genetic and physiological traits. In this study, molecular diagnostic methods were developed using species-specific ITS2 sequences. Both multiplex PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocols with a DNA release method successfully distinguished between the two bed bug species regardless of developmental stages in 0.5~2.5 hours, even with dead specimens. Especially, LAMP's simplicity and speed make it applicable for rapid and accurate bed bug diagnosis at infestation sites.

Six mosquito species in the Anopheles Hyrcanus group are known as vectors responsible for transmitting vivax malaria in South Korea. In this study, seasonal dynamics of Anopheles Hyrcanus group species and knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in malaria-endemic sites, Paju and Gimpo, were monitored over two years. In August 2023, all six species were observed simultaneously in one of the Paju collecting sites, and kdr mutations were newly identified in all species except Anopheles kleini. Although Anopheles pullus was revealed as a relatively resistant species among five species populations without kdr mutation via bioassays, there were no critical differences in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel sequence. These findings suggest variability in pyrethroid resistance mechanisms among Anopheles Hyrcanus Group species.

전 세계적으로 RNA 간섭(RNA interference, RNAi)을 활용한 해충방제제 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. 대표적 으로 Monsanto의 서부 옥수수 뿌리벌레(Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) 특이적 방제용 dsRNA (DvSNF7)를 발현하 는 옥수수 종자가 상용화 되었고, 2016년 이 종자가 국내 사료 및 식품용으로 수입이 승인 되었다. 본 연구는 국내 에 서식하는 좁은가슴잎벌레(Phaedon brassicae)를 Non-target 곤충으로 사용하여, 옥수수 종자에 사용된 DvSNF7 dsRNA의 잠재적 위해성을 평가했다. P. brassicae의 SNF7 유전자와 DvSNF7 dsRNA 간 Sequence유사성 을 확인했다. 다음으로 P. brassicae가 DvSNF7 dsRNA를 섭식할 수 있는 환경을 조성하여, 치사 효과 실험과 Sequence특이적인 Knockdown효과를 확인하였다. 그 결과, DvSNF7 dsRNA는 P. brassicae생존에 영향을 미치지 않았으며, P. brassicae의 SNF7유전자를 Knockdown시키지 않음을 확인했다. 이번 연구를 통해 D. virgifera virgifera와 같은 과인 P. brassicae 는 SNF7유전자 간 Sequence유사성이 있지만, Sequence특이성이 부족하여 생존과 유전자 발현에 영향을 주지 않음으로써 위해성이 낮음을 확인했다.

Medically significant indoor/ectoparasitic insect populations, including bed bugs and head lice, have developed considerable resistance to insecticides due to limited introduction of new genetic traits and the absence of an overwintering barrier. In contrast, outdoor pests like Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes exhibit fluctuating resistance patterns, likely influenced by factors such as overwintering barriers and relatively wider open habitats. Mosquitoes also face selection pressure from diverse sources beyond public health insecticides unlike bed bugs or head lice. Understanding different factors driving resistance among pests is essential for effective resistance management.

The brown planthopper (BPH) and white-backed planthopper (WBPH), significant rice pests, cannot overwinter in Korea and primarily originate and migrate from Southeast Asia and China, where they cause considerable damage. These planthoppers, along with other pests, annually migrate to the Korean Peninsula. Monitoring their migration is essential for controlling their populations and maintaining agricultural productivity. Traditional monitoring methods often struggle with timeliness due to time and manpower constraints. To address this, we developed the Smart Aerial Net Traps (SANT) for immediate tracking of pests. The SANT system is installed in 43 locations across the country and has been used for over 10 years to track migrating insects. Our research shows that SANT is a more effective method for monitoring migratory pests compared to traditional methods. SANT enables real-time tracking of various migratory pests and can also be utilized in different areas, such as analyzing pest population changes and determining pest origins through the study of air currents.

This study evaluated the risk of single and combined exposure to microplastics in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through biomarkers, such as survival rate, excretion rate, and histological alterations of organ systems. The experimental groups were the control (Cont.), single microplastics exposure group (MPs, 1.83%/fish total weight (g)), the copper group (Cu, 21.6 μg L-1), and a group with combined exposure to MPs and copper (MPs*Cu). The experiment was conducted with individual exposure (7 days) for MP excretion rate analysis and group exposure (14 days) for biomarker analysis. The daily excretion rate of MPs tended to decrease in a time-dependent manner. The copper concentration in the body was not significantly different between single and combined copper exposure. The degeneration of mucous cells in the skin, capillary dilation of the gill lamella, increased intestinal mucous, hepatocyte hypertrophy, and the degeneration of glomeruli and renal tubules were observed in all exposure groups. These histological alterations showed the highest tendency in the MPs*Cu group. In this study, the changes in biomarkers were attributed to the single effect of copper or the combined effect of copper and MPs rather than being solely influenced by MPs.

Bangladeshi medicinal plants (BMP) have a history of traditional use in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, but a BMP bark’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects remain largely unexplored. This study assessed methanolic extracts’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from the bark of 15 medicinal plant species native to Bangladesh. The methanol extracts of BMP bark were evaluated for their total antioxidant activity and ability to counteract inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among the 15 bark extracts from BMP, Albizia odoratissima (A. odoratissima), Engelhardia spicata (E. spicata), and Shorea robusta (S. robusta) showed the highest total phenolic contents and total antioxidant capacity by effectively scavenging free radicals. In particular, these three bark extracts significantly reduced the mRNA expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and enzymes inducible by inflammation in macrophages. Also, the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase 2 was significantly suppressed by the three bark extracts in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that out of the 15 bark extracts obtained from medicinal plants in Bangladesh, the extracts from A. odoratissima, E. spicata, and S. robusta exhibit substantial total antioxidant capacity by efficiently scavenging free radicals and also inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages.

The complexation of silicon with carbon materials is considered an effective method for using silicon as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. In the present study, carbon frameworks with a 3D porous structure were fabricated using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been drawing significant attention as a promising material in a wide range of applications. Subsequently, the fabricated carbon frameworks were subjected to CVD to obtain silicon-carbon complexes. These siliconcarbon complexes with a 3D porous structure exhibited excellent rate capability because they provided sufficient paths for Li-ion diffusion while facilitating contact with the electrolyte. In addition, unoccupied space within the silicon complex, combined with the stable structure of the carbon framework, allowed the volume expansion of silicon and the resultant stress to be more effectively accommodated, thereby reducing electrode expansion. The major findings of the present study demonstrate the applicability of MOF-based carbon frameworks as a material for silicon complex anodes.

프리지아 ‘Ruby Star’는 농촌진흥청 국립원예특작과학원 에서 보라색 홑꽃 ‘Avilla’와 흰색 반겹꽃 ‘Medeo’를 2012년 교배하여 얻은 종자로부터 2006년 향이 좋고 개화기가 빠른 적색 홑꽃 계통을 선발하여 품종으로 개발되었다. 2014년부 터 2017년까지 생육·개화 특성검정 및 육성계통평가회의 기 호도 평가를 거쳐 선발되었으며 2018년 직무육성품종심의회 를 통해 ‘Ruby Star’로 명명되어 2021년 신품종으로 등록되 었다. ‘Ruby Star’는 빨간색(RHS, R45A) 홑꽃인 절화용 프리 지아 품종으로 개화소요일수가 118.0일이며 초장이 120.5cm 로 대조품종 ‘Rapid Red’보다 약 28.7cm 더 길다. 주당 분 지수는 5.8개로 대조품종에 비해 수확량이 많고 첫번째 분지 의 길이가 32.0cm, 두께가 3.02mm로 절화 특성이 우수하 다. ‘Ruby Star’의 소화수 및 소화폭은 각각 14.8개, 6.3cm 로 소화수가 많은 중대형화이다. 절화수명은 약 8.4일이며 주 당 자구수는 3.8개, 평균 자구중은 2.9g이다. 전자코를 이용 한 PCA 분석 결과 PC1과 PC2의 설명력은 각각 97.9%, 1.8%로 전체 변이의 99.7%를 반영했으며 ‘Ruby Star’와 대 조품종 ‘Rapid Red’는 서로 다른 향기 패턴을 보였다. Radar plot 결과 총 6개의 MOS 센서에서 ‘Ruby Star’의 센서 반응 이 ‘Rapid Red’보다 강하게 나타나 ‘Ruby Star’의 향기가 더 강한 것으로 나타났다.