Insects July 2021 PMID 34442254

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

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Mentions

Peak: 7 in Aug 2021

across 3 sources since Aug 2021

Extended reach

23,983

potential audience

Total likes

Video views

303

Mentions per month

Aug 2021 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter7 posts
Facebook2 posts
YouTube1 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

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.

AgreementModerate agreement

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

InterestHigh interest

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

EngagementModerate engagement

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

ImpactModerate impact

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

Abstract in brief

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.]

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All mentions

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MaTuPensaLaNatura · Jul 10, 2025 303 views

Insectomics

@insectomics · X

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

Aug 27, 2021 · 9 followers View post →

Insects MDPI

@Insects_MDPI · X

Aug 23, 2021 · 3 likes · 1,478 followers View post →

Earth Soldier Lifestyle

@imagine_garden · X

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

Aug 19, 2021 · 1 share · 6,624 followers View post →

Insects MDPI

@Insects_MDPI · X

Aug 19, 2021 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,478 followers View post →

Dr. Rebecca (Becca) Tarvin

@frogsicles · X

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

Aug 3, 2021 · 1 like · 4,196 followers View post →

Entomological Collections Network

@EntCollNet · X

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

Aug 2, 2021 · 1 share · 7,451 followers View post →

Oliver Keller Ph.D.

@dr_firefly · X

Aug 2, 2021 · 9 likes · 1 share · 2,436 followers View post →