Transcriptome variation in banded newt (Ommatotriton vittatus) during its life cycle and habitat transition

Israel represents the southern limit of the distribution of the banded newt (Ommatotriton vittatus). The life cycle of O. vittatus includes several distinct phases: eggs, aquatic larvae, a terrestrial phase and an aquatic reproductive phase. We investigated differences in gene expression during the life cycle and transition of banded newts between terrestrial and aquatic habitats using mRNA-seq. We identified ∼10 k genes that were differentially expressed (DE) in one of the pairwise comparisons between 3 groups: 1 - terrestrial newts (males and females), 2 - aquatic newts (males and females), 3 - aquatic larvae before metamorphosis. The groups were clearly defined by Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The greatest difference was between aquatic newts (males and females) and aquatic larvae: ∼7.4 k DE genes. Of special interest were the ∼2.4 k genes DE between the aquatic and terrestrial phenotypes. These included prominent candidates with known roles in kidney function (uromodulin homologs were strongly associated with aquatic lifestyle), tissue structure (keratins), and the thyroid hormone signaling modulator DUOXA1. Additional developmental and metabolic pathways overrepresented among the identified DE genes included "epidermis development", "nervous system development", "nucleotide-sugar biosynthesis". Overall, both metamorphosis and environmental transition of banded newts involve extensive transcriptomic remodeling involving developmental, metabolic, and cellular pathways. Understanding the roles of these pathways and individual genes is instrumental for studies of transition between habitats, especially those affected by climate change. Furthermore, the phenotypic flexibility of the newt and the underlying regulation of gene expression can shed light on the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.

Revisiting dynamic linkages among ecological sustainability, tourism, and climate change in China

The research intends to inquire into the dynamic connections between ecological sustainability, tourism, and climate change. This novel approach aims to investigate the interdependencies among these three important variables. This research aims to examine tourism's effects on environmental sustainability in the face of global warming. We use a large dataset that comprises measures of tourist success, measurements of environmental sustainability, and climate change factors. Applying empirical estimation techniques allows a more detailed look at the data by accounting for variation across quantiles. The results of this study will aid in expanding our knowledge of the relationships among ecological sustainability, tourism, and climate change. To better understand the influence of tourism on ecological sustainability, it is helpful to quantify the interactions at various quantiles. Policymakers, stakeholders in the tourist sector, and environmental groups will find this information essential as they work to establish focused measures to encourage environmentally responsible travel and lessen the impact of climate change. This investigation also provides policy implications by shedding light on the interplay of tourist growth, ecological sustainability, and climate change reduction and offers research-based research solutions for achieving this delicate balancing action.

Role of digital economic development in environmental transition of renewable energy sector of China

This research looks at how China's expanding digital economy influences the country's efforts to green its renewable energy sector. Regression tests, endogeneity tests, correlation analysis, and robustness analysis are used to investigate the relationship between digital economic development and environmental consequences in the renewable energy sector. The results of the research show a significant positive association between the expansion of the digital economy and the transition to a more sustainable energy model in the clean energy sector. Regression studies reveal that the growth of the digital economy is positively correlated with a number of environmental indicators, including the generation of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the decrease of carbon emissions. Endogeneity analyses have shown a causal relationship between digitization and environmental benefits in the renewable energy sector. The adoption of different digital technologies is strongly correlated. Robustness study, which ensures the validity and reliability of the collected results, further supports the importance of digital economic development in driving the environmental transformation of the renewable energy sector. The study's findings have significant implications for public policy. Funding digital infrastructure, fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, standardizing data formats and interoperability, strengthening cybersecurity safeguards, and developing pro-digital policies and regulations are all important steps that policymakers can take to promote the widespread adoption of digital technologies.