The reinforcing action of stimulation of the mesocerebral area of the brain in the edible snail]

Reinforcing effect of extracellular stimulation of two brain zones on spontaneous opening of pneumostome was investigated in semi-intact preparation of the snail. It was found that mesocerebrum stimulation increased the frequency of the reinforced movement, but decreased the frequency of the same movement it its absence was reinforced. These results suggest positive reinforcing effect for this brain area involved in control of sexual behaviour. Different results were obtained for stimulation of rostral part of parietal ganglia where giant cells controlling avoidance behaviour are located. Stimulation of this area decreased the frequency of the ongoing spontaneous movements. Implications for the control of behaviour are considered.     

Age-Related Changes in the Yeast Component of the Drosophila melanogaster Microbiome

Microbiology - Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies are an important model for studying the multifaceted interactions between a multicellular organism and its microbiome. The nature of these...     

Endophytic Bacteria as Effective Agents of New-Generation Biopesticides (Review)

In this review, the data on endophytic bacteria with protective properties are covered, and their characteristics and species composition are discussed. The mechanisms of fungicidal and insecticidal activities, including the synthesis of lipopeptides, siderophores, and hydrolases, systemic resistance induction, and the production of insecto-toxic compounds, are analyzed. Possible methods for the production of complex biological preparations are considered; the preparations are based on endophytic microorganisms and would protect plants from both pathogens and pests. The means of extending their activity spectrum via the combination of different strains or the construction of new recombinant endophytic strains by genetic engineering techniques are also considered.