The dietary specialist fruit fly Drosophila sechellia has evolved to specialize on the toxic fruit of its host plant Morinda citrifolia. Toxicity of Morinda fruit is primarily due to high levels of octanoic acid (OA). Using RNA interference (RNAi), prior work found that knockdown of Osiris family genes Osiris 6 (Osi6), Osi7, and Osi8 led to increased susceptibility to OA in adult D. melanogaster flies, likely representing genes underlying a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for OA resistance in D. sechellia. While genes in this major effect locus are beginning to be revealed, prior work has shown at least five regions of the genome contribute to OA resistance. Here, we identify new candidate OA resistance genes by performing differential gene expression analysis using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on control and OA-exposed D. sechellia flies. We found 104 significantly differentially expressed genes with annotated orthologs in D. melanogaster, including six Osiris gene family members, consistent with previous functional studies and gene expression analyses. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment showed significant enrichment for cuticle development in upregulated genes and significant enrichment of immune and defense responses in downregulated genes, suggesting important aspects of the physiology of D. sechellia that may play a role in OA resistance. In addition, we identified five candidate OA resistance genes that potentially underlie QTL peaks outside of the major effect region, representing promising new candidate genes for future functional studies.

Drosophila sechellia is a dietary specialist fruit fly that evolved from a generalist ancestor to specialize on the toxic fruit of Morinda citrifolia. This species pair has been the subject of numerous studies where the goal has largely been to determine the genetic basis of adaptations associated with host specialization. Because one of the most striking features of M. citrifolia fruit is the production of toxic volatile compounds that kill insects, most genomic studies in D. sechellia to date have focused on gene expression responses to the toxic compounds in its food. In this study, we aim to identify new genes important for host specialization by profiling gene expression response to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). Recent work found it to be highly abundant in M. citrifolia, critical for reproductive success of D. sechellia, and supplementation of diet with the downstream pathway product dopamine can influence toxin resistance phenotypes in related species. Here we used a combination of functional genetics and genomics techniques to identify new genes that are important for D. sechellia ecological adaptation to this new niche. We show that L-DOPA exposure can affect toxin resistance phenotypes, identify genes with plastic responses to L-DOPA exposure, and functionally test an identified candidate gene. We found that knock-down of Esterase 6 (Est6) in a heterologous species alters toxin resistance suggesting Est6 may play an important role in D. sechellia host specialization.

The advancement of technology and its subsequent emphasis on money as the driving force of success is prevalent in all developed countries. Due to rising inflation and cost of living, the economic statuses of millions of individuals are in jeopardy. To address these problems, state governments funded various financial literacy programs focused on educating the youth on the basics of money management. However, with state budgets allocating millions of dollars towards traditional curriculum, financial literacy is often pushed aside. Moreover, the lack of research done on financial literacy electives and the failure to localize results produce an inaccurate representation of how financially literate the current youth generation is. Therefore, most adolescents are not equipped with the resources or opportunities to be financially prepared for the real world. In an effort to improve the financial illiteracy of the nation, this study assesses which present-day financial literacy courses, programs, and electives are the most effective in increasing the amount of financial literacy in South Florida adolescents aged 14-18. Within this study, the evaluation research approach was applied using data gathered via an online survey shared by teachers across the region. Findings revealed that all students enrolled in a financial literacy course showcased a greater understanding of money management, especially those in single-year courses. When considering implications, increased awareness of the importance of financial literacy on a local scale and changes in state curriculum could prepare future generations to make sound financial decisions, and thus, strengthen the economy.

The incidence of menstrual dysfunction in adolescent dance students undergoing intensive training was high. Those with pre-existing hormonal predisposition prior to entering training appeared particularly at risk.