The perpetuation of symbioses through host generations relies on symbiont transmission.
Horizontally transmitted symbionts are taken up from the environment anew by each host …

Insect heritable symbionts have proven to be ubiquitous, based on molecular screening of
various insect lineages. Recently, molecular and experimental approaches have yielded an …

Throughout the natural world, organisms have responded to predators, inadequate
resources, or inclement conditions by forming ongoing mutually beneficial partnerships--or …

Entomophagy has been linked to nutritional, economic, social and ecological benefits.
However, scientific studies on the potential safety risks in eating edible insects need to be …

Adaptation to specialized diets often requires modifications at both genomic and microbiome
levels. We applied a hologenomic approach to the common vampire bat (Desmodus …

Beneficial associations with bacteria are widespread across animals, spanning a range of
symbiont localizations, transmission routes, and functions. While some of these associations …

The innate immune system is present in all animals and is a crucial first line of defence
against pathogens. However, animals also harbour large numbers of beneficial …

The microbiome presents great opportunities for understanding and improving the world
around us and elucidating the interactions that compose it. The microbiome also poses …

Blood-sucking leeches have been used for medical purposes in humans for hundreds of
years. Accordingly, one of the most prominent species has been named Hirudo medicinalis …

Bacterial symbioses allow annelids to colonise extreme ecological niches, such as
hydrothermal vents and whale falls. Yet, the genetic principles sustaining these symbioses …