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Information Page of SAS Organisation

Project

Institute of Zoology SAS

International Projects

AMBA - Amba project

Evolúcia a ochrana veľkoplošných primárnych ekosystémov (projekt AMBA)

Duration: 1. 1. 1998 -
Evidence number:NA
Program: UNESCO
Project leader: Mgr. Vršanský Peter PhD.

WIMANET - Wildlife malaria network

Sieť pre výskum malárie u divožijúcich živočíchov

Duration: 1. 9. 2023 - 30. 9. 2027
Evidence number:CA22108
Program: COST
Project leader: Mgr. Václav Radovan PhD.
Annotation:Vector-borne diseases, and emerging infectious diseases of wildlife, are major contributors to the global disease burden and of increasing concern globally. Haemosporidian parasites are ubiquitous in nature, hugely diverse, and associated with morbidity and mortality across taxa, including humans, livestock and wildlife. Many research groups globally focus on these parasites as model systems for addressing a broad range of ecological and evolutionary questions with economic and health implications. This Action will bring together individuals and research groups to focus on coordinating research objectives to which multiple groups can contribute existing datasets, meaning that questions can be addressed at a global, rather than a local or regional, scale. Ornithologists, mammologists and herpetologists have a long history of investigating haemosporidian parasites in natural populations; these studies have provided insights into host-parasite associations, parasite geographic distributions, host-switching and the context-dependence of host-parasite relationships, alongside pathogenic impacts and conservation implications of haemosporidian infections. Increasingly, research groups are investigating the vectors of these parasites, and utilising novel genetic techniques to understand parasite gene expression, among many other examples. Coordinating and sharing research efforts between groups offers huge potential for large-scale collaborative research initiatives. This Action will promote the development of a common research agenda by providing opportunities for training, collaboration and knowledge exchange, targeting diverse researchers across disciplines to foster an interdisciplinary approach, whilst also recruiting and supporting a diversity of new researchers. The Action will target stakeholders, policymakers and the general public to endorse knowledge transfer and maximise the reach of the network.

LIFE21-NAT-SK-LI - Developing best practices in butterfly conservation in Central and Eastern Europe

Zavedenie overených postupov ochrany motýľov v strednej a východnej Európe

Duration: 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 3. 2029
Evidence number:101074487
Program: LIFE
Project leader: RNDr. Žitňan Dušan DrSc.

National Projects

BARS3

BARS3

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2024
Program: Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu
Project leader: Mgr. Vršanský Peter PhD.

BARS4

BARS4

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2024
Program: Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu
Project leader: Mgr. Vršanský Peter PhD.

Ecology of sexual selection

Ekológia pohlavného výberu

Duration: 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025
Evidence number:APVV-20-0081
Program: APVV
Project leader: doc. RNDr. Vidlička Ľubomír CSc.
Annotation:Models of sexual selection primarily involve Fisher's runaway sexual selection, selection for good genes, handicap principle and sexual conflict. These processes are, however, significantly influenced by global environmental change which cause direct and indirect types of environmental pollution. In this project, we use a well-known model spider species Pisaura mirabilis in which males exhibit conspicuous form of nuptial feeding (male transfer of nutrient to the female) during courtship to test whether environmental change influences evolution of mating behavior. Specifically, we will investigate both direct effects (i.e., heavy metals accumulation) and indirect effects (i.e., decreased prey availability) of environmental pollution on sexual selection. Furthermore, we deal evolutionary questions regarding physiological costs of nuptial feeding to males. Results of this investigation will have broad implications for the evolution of sexual selection in animals under environmental change.

Expression and function of calcitonin-like peptides and their receptors in ticks

Expresia a funkcia calcitonínu podobných peptidov a ich receptorov u kliešťov

Duration: 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026
Evidence number:APVV-21-0431
Program: APVV
Project leader: Ing. Roller Ladislav PhD.
Annotation:In this project we will focus on identification, expression and functional analysis of tick peptides related to evolutionarily conserved calcitonins. In insects and vertebrates, these peptides control essential physiological functions such as water and ion balance, metabolism, feeding behaviour and reproduction. We will use the ticks Ixodes ricinus and I. scapularis as model species, as the role of neuropeptides in these vectors of dangerous pathogens is poorly understood. To elucidate signalling pathways of tick calcitonin-like peptides (CTs), we will use bioinformatics, cDNA cloning, qRT-PCR, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemical staining with newly developed antibodies against tick CTs. Predicted receptors for CTs will be functionally characterised and their spatial and temporal expression in tick organs determined by qRT-PCR. Electrophysiological techniques and microscopic video analysis will be used to determine effects of CTs on the salivary glands, digestive tract and reproductive organs in vitro. Changes in production and activity of digestive enzymes in intestinal extracts will be analysed by Western blots. We will investigate peptide-receptor signalling pathways by suppressing expression of CTs receptors by RNA interference (RNAi). A very important part of this project is detailed analysis of effects of vaccination or CT receptor suppression by RNAi on transmission of pathogens Borrelia burgdorferi and B. afzelii. These modern and original approaches could reveal new mechanisms in tick blood feeding and reproduction, as well as very complex interactions between ticks, pathogens and hosts.

HormMet - Hormonal regulation of Drosophila metabolism via gonad-derived steroids and interacting peptides

Hormonálna regulácia metabolizmu drozdofily pomocou steroidov produkovaných v gonádach a s nimi interagujúcich peptidov

Duration: 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024
Program: MoRePro
Project leader: Mgr. Gáliková Martina PhD.

Invasive cockroach Planuncus tingitanus (Blattaria) in Slovakia - expansion of species, ecology and ethology.

Invázny švábik Planuncus tingitanus (Blattaria) na Slovensku - šírenie, ekológia a etológia.

Duration: 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024
Evidence number:2/0074/21
Program: VEGA
Project leader: doc. RNDr. Vidlička Ľubomír CSc.

Blood Parasites of blackcaps (Sylvia Atricapilla) and vectors: Prevalence, Diversity, and Transmission Patterns

Krvné parazity penice čiernohlavej (Sylvia atricapilla) a ich možných vektorov: prevalencia, diverzita a možnosti prenosu

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:2/0052/24
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Šujanová Alžbeta PhD.

Mesostigmatic mites associated with subcorticolous habitats and wood-destroying insects in Slovakia – taxonomy, ecology and chorology of the species of Digamasellidae (Acari: Parasitiformes).

Mezostigmátne roztoče so vzťahom k podkôrnym habitatom a drevokaznému hmyzu na Slovensku – taxonómia, ekológia a chorológia druhov čeľade Digamasellidae (Acari: Parasitiformes).

Duration: 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:2/0007/22
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Mašán Peter PhD.

Molecular analysis, bionomy and ecology of specific groups of butterflies and sawflies.

Molekulárna analýza, bionómia a ekológia vybraných skupín denných motýľov a hrubopásych blanokrídlovcov.

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:2/0070/23
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Roller Ladislav PhD.
Annotation:In this project, we will focus on groups of butterflies and sawflies that contain as yet unrecognised species and taxa with unclear systematics and bionomy. These are selected representatives of butterflies from the genera Pieris, Apatura and Melitaea and sawflies from the genera Pamphilius, Hinatara and Mesoneura. We will focus on: 1. clarifying the systematic position of some taxa. 2. distinguishing species within the genera studied on the basis of morphometric and molecular analyses. 3. description of the ecological requirements and bionomy of each species.

Neuroendocrine regulation of energy metabolism in the Drosophila melanogaster model

Neuroendokrinná regulácia energetického metabolizmu v modeli Drosophila melanogaster

Duration: 1. 7. 2020 - 30. 6. 2024
Evidence number:APVV 0196
Program: APVV
Project leader: Mgr. Gáliková Martina PhD.

Neuropeptide regulators: revealing the secrets of neuronal control and behaviour of tsetse flies

Neuropeptidové regulátory: odhaľovanie tajomstiev kontroly neurónov a správania tse-tse múch

Duration: 1. 2. 2022 - 31. 1. 2025
Evidence number:1175/01/02
Program: SASPRO
Project leader: Mgr. Michalková Veronika Ph.D.

Novel pathways governing energy metabolism in Drosophila

Nové regulátory metabolizmu drozofily

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Gáliková Martina PhD.

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Pochopenie komplexnej odpovede biodiverzity na lesný manažment: integrácia multi-taxonomického prístupu v hodnotení ekosystémových funkcií - DECISION

Duration: 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:2/0097/22
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Semelbauer Marek PhD.

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Pondy v mestskom prostredí - biodiverzita, nepôvodná biota a ekologická kvalita

Duration: 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:2/0044/22
Program: VEGA
Project leader: prof. Ing. Hamerlík Ladislav PhD.

The operation of small hydropower plants as an in-situ model for simulating the effects of climate change on stream biodiversity

Prevádzka malých vodných elektrární ako in-situ model simulujúci efekt zmeny klímy na biodiverzitu vodných tokov

Duration: 1. 1. 2024 - 31. 12. 2027
Evidence number:2/0041/24
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Kokavec Igor PhD.

Evaluation of the territorial function of vocal signal and plumage ornament in the Common Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) by the timing of vocal activities and using behavioral experiment

Stanovenie funkcií spevu a perových ornamentov u lelka lesného (Caprimulgus europaeus) prostredníctvom časovania vokálnych aktivít a pomocou behaviorálneho experimentu

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:1/0134/23
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Darolová Alžbeta CSc.

EVOCO3 - Cockroaches from amber III

Šváby zo svetových jantárov III

Duration: 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:0133/22
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Vršanský Peter PhD.

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Úloha bioindikátorov v identifikácii antropogénne vyvolaných zmien vodno-vzdušného režimu v pôdach s rôznym spôsobom využiti

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:1/0315/23
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Mangová Barbara PhD.

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Úloha receptorov pre neuropeptidy pri regulácii vnútorných orgánov kliešťov

Duration: 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026
Evidence number:2/0037/23
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Žitňan Dušan DrSc.

The occurrence of common as well as atypical tick species in Slovakia, and their role in the circulation of tick-borne agents.

Výskyt bežných ako aj netypických druhov kliešťov na Slovensku a ich úloha v cirkulácii kliešťami prenášaných patogénov.

Duration: 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024
Evidence number:2/0137/21
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Rusňáková Tarageľová Veronika PhD.
Annotation:Ixodes ricinus is the most common tick in Central Europe, that transmits wide range of pathogenic agents. In Slovakia, many studies were carried out regarding the circulation of pathogens for which the Ixodes ricinus is the main vector. Recently the occurrence of newly described species Ixodes inopinatus, that is morphologically almost identical with the I. ricinus, was confirmed in Europe. Based on the preliminary studies this tick species is competent vector of infectious disease agents. So it is essential to know whether this tick species is present in Slovakia. Moreover, it is important to find out its vector competence. Due to climating changes, in Slovakia we can observe and expect the occurrence of tick species that are usually common in warmer habitats and southern regions of Europe. Some of these ticks are an important vectors of dangerous pathogens. That is why in our research we will also study the occurrence and possible spread of exotic ticks that can be introduced to Slovakia by various hosts.

The role of lizards, hedgehogs and hard ticks in the ecology of dangerous bacterial and protozoan vector borne pathogens in urban and suburban conditions of Slovakia

Význam jašteríc, ježov a ixodových kliešťov v ekológii nebezpečných, vektormi prenášaných bakteriálnych a protozoárnych patogénov v urbánnych a suburbánnych podmienkach Slovenska

Duration: 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:2/0004/22
Program: VEGA
Project leader: MVDr. Didyk Yuliya PhD.
Annotation:Species interactions within ecological communities are the main reason for the emergence of new infectious diseases that an increasingly changing due to anthropogenic influences and climate change (1,2). These changes seen in most city areas, which are characterized by an urban environment. In most modern epidemics, environmental factors play a more important role in the development of the disease than the evolutionary changes of pathogens or hosts (3). It is very important to understand the ecology of vectors and host reservoirs, which play an important role in the emergence and success of parasite transmission (4,5). We propose to investigate the circulation of medically and veterinary important tick-borne pathogens, with the focus on the role of vector and host ecology in urban and suburban conditions in Slovakia. Lizards and hedgehogs as model groups from city agglomerates in association with hard ticks and tick-borne pathogens are of paramount importance to public health and wildlife protection (6,7).

INFOTICK - Getting right info on ticks

Získanie pravdivých informácií o kliešťoch

Duration: 1. 7. 2023 - 30. 6. 2027
Evidence number:APVV-22-0372
Program: APVV
Project leader: MVDr. Derdáková Markéta PhD.

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Zraniteľnosť vybraných prírodne a antropogénne narušených ekosystémov vo vzťahu k prebiehajúcej zmene klímy

Duration: 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025
Evidence number:1/0392/22
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Šustek Zbyšek CSc.

Projects total: 26