Closeup of a bee pollinating a yellow flower.

6 Insect Studies That Might Bug You 

Insects are everywhere—there are estimated to be around 10 quintillion individual insects alive at any one time. They play crucial roles in ecosystems, from pollination to being a vital part of the food chain. Researchers across the globe are tirelessly working to understand these tiny yet mighty creatures, discovering ways to both support beneficial insects and manage those considered pests. Check out some fascinating insect studies that utilized Arbor Assays’ kits to unlock new insights into the insect world. 


1. Comprehensive and Durable Modulation of Growth, Development, Lifespan, and Fecundity in Anopheles stephensi Following Larval Treatment With the Stress Signaling Molecule and Novel Antimalarial Abscisic Acid 

Published in 2020
Featured Product: 20-Hydroxyecdysone ELISA Kit

In this study, researchers explored how treating mosquito larvae with abscisic acid (ABA), a stress signaling molecule, impacts their growth and development. This research is crucial for understanding new ways to control mosquito populations, which are notorious for spreading diseases like malaria. The 20-Hydroxyecdysone ELISA Kit from Arbor Assays was instrumental in trying to elucidate the mechanism through which ABA may control larval development. 

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2. Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Has Soil-Mediated Effects on Potato Glycoalkaloids and Oxidative Status of a Potato Pest 

Published in 2020
Featured Product: Glutathione (GSH) Fluorescent Detection Kit

This research delved into how herbicides impact not just the plants but also the pests that feed on them. Using the Glutathione (GSH) Fluorescent Detection Kit, scientists assessed oxidative stress in potato pests, offering insights into the broader ecological impacts of common agricultural practices. 

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3. Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Mechanisms and the Effects of Phytotherapic Extracts on Parkinson’s Disease Drosophila PINK1(B9) Model 

Published in 2019
Featured Products: Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity Kit, Glutathione (GSH) Colorimetric Detection Kit

This fascinating study used fruit flies, specifically the Drosophila PINK1(B9) model, to investigate Parkinson’s disease. Researchers examined how oxidative stress influences disease progression and explored the potential therapeutic effects of phytotherapic extracts. These plant-derived compounds showed promise in mitigating oxidative damage and slowing disease progression, offering new insights into alternative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. This research enhances our understanding of Parkinson’s and opens new avenues for phytotherapy-based interventions. 

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4. Carotenoids Moderate the Effectiveness of a Bt Gene Against the European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis 

Published in 2018
Featured Products: Catalase Colorimetric Activity Kit, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity Kit

Investigating how natural compounds like carotenoids affect the efficacy of genetically modified crops, this study provides valuable insights for agricultural biotechnology. Arbor Assays’ kits helped quantify oxidative stress, revealing the complex interactions between biofortified crops and the pests they aim to resist. 

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5. Calcium Influx Enhances Neuropeptide Activation of Ecdysteroid Hormone Production by Mosquito Ovaries 

Published in 2016
Featured Product: Cyclic AMP Direct Chemiluminescent ELISA Kits

Researchers focused on the biochemical pathways that regulate hormone production in mosquito ovaries, which are critical for reproduction and population control. Using sophisticated tools, they measured the hormonal changes that drive these processes. The study highlighted the intricate balance of biochemical signals necessary for mosquito reproduction. 

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6. Fitness Costs of Two Maize Lepidopteran Pests Fed on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Diets Enriched with Vitamins A and C 

Published in 2021
Featured Products: Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity Kit, Catalase Colorimetric Activity Kit

This study examined how fortifying  pest-resistant plants with additional vitamins may impact the ability of the plants to continue to resist pests. By utilizing advanced analytical tools, researchers could precisely measure oxidative stress and evaluate the fitness costs associated with these modifications. The findings offer insights into potential strategies for pest management and the broader implications of using vitamins in conjunction with Bt crops to enhance pest resistance. 

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These studies highlight the versatility and reliability of Arbor Assays’ ELISA kits in advancing our understanding of insects. Whether it’s controlling pest populations or studying disease models, these kits provide the tools necessary for precise and impactful research. Crawl into these fascinating publications to learn more about the incredible world of insect research. For your own groundbreaking work, check out the kits featured in this article or explore other offerings at www.arborassays.com. Equip your research with the best tools available and push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

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