Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds-Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroids as a Proof of Concept.

Andreas Berger, Georg Petschenka, Thomas Degenkolb, Michael Geisthardt, Andreas Vilcinskas

July 2021 Insects

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The discussions reflect a positive perception of the research, with phrases like 'great new paper', 'proof of concept', and 'amazing beetles' showing enthusiasm and admiration for the scientific findings. The tone and word choices convey curiosity and appreciation for the innovative methodology and potential applications, emphasizing the importance of natural history collections in discovering new bioactive compounds.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most comments express support and enthusiasm for the significance of the study, emphasizing its innovative approach and potential.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Posters show strong interest, highlighting the novelty of using museum collections and the biological implications.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Some posts discuss the methods and importance of chemical analysis, indicating moderate engagement.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

Discussions suggest a recognition of the study’s potential to influence future research and bioactive compound discovery.

Social Mentions

YouTube

1 Videos

Facebook

2 Posts

Twitter

7 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

303

Total Likes

47

Extended Reach

23,983

Social Features

10

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Fireflies' Efficiency, Toxicity, and Biochemical Secrets Explored

Fireflies' Efficiency, Toxicity, and Biochemical Secrets Explored

LE LUCCIOLE are more efficient than LED bulbs, can be toxic, and their larvae dissolve snails. This video explores their bioluminescence, evolution, and chemical defenses, revealing fascinating scientific insights about these beetles and their compounds.

MaTuPensaLaNatura

July 10, 2025

303 views

  • Insectomics
    @insectomics (Twitter)

    Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds-Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroids as a Proof of Concept https://t.co/vCoNf45Je8 https://t.co/AeTjqGNLsz
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

  • Insects MDPI
    @Insects_MDPI (Twitter)


    view full post

    August 23, 2021

    3

  • Earth Soldier Lifestyle
    @imagine_garden (Twitter)

    RT @Insects_MDPI: Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds—Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroi…
    view full post

    August 19, 2021

    1

  • Insects MDPI
    @Insects_MDPI (Twitter)

    Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds—Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroids as a Proof of Concept ✔️By Andreas Heuberger, Prof. Dr. Andreas Vilcinskas et al.
    view full post

    August 19, 2021

    1

    1

  • Dr. Rebecca (Becca) Tarvin
    @frogsicles (Twitter)

    Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds—Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroids as a Proof of Concept https://t.co/MJJkAYafmS
    view full post

    August 3, 2021

    1

  • Entomological Collections Network
    @EntCollNet (Twitter)

    RT @dr_firefly: #FireflyMagic Day 214. Great new #firefly paper from Germany. A new proof of concept study showing that #NaturalHistoryMuse…
    view full post

    August 2, 2021

    1

  • Oliver Keller Ph.D.
    @dr_firefly (Twitter)

    #FireflyMagic Day 214. Great new #firefly paper from Germany. A new proof of concept study showing that #NaturalHistoryMuseum specimens can be used to test for #lucibufagins in #fireflies. #AmazingBeetles https://t.co/oWY2AK1S8q https://t.co/IAbwQh7MKG
    view full post

    August 2, 2021

    9

    1

Abstract Synopsis

  • Natural history collections, especially dried insect specimens, are valuable resources not just for studying biodiversity but also for discovering new bioactive compounds, like defensive chemicals produced by insects.
  • The study focused on fireflies (Lampyridae), which produce bufadienolides—a type of cardiotonic steroid used in medicine—finding these compounds in 21 species using non-destructive chemical analysis, including five previously unknown compounds.
  • The presence of bufadienolides appears to be phylogenetically related, as they were absent in closely related beetle groups, highlighting the potential of museum collections to reveal evolutionary patterns and uncover novel bioactive substances.]