L. A. O'Connell

A toxic environment selects for specialist microbiome in poison frogs

This study shows that alkaloid exposure in poison frogs increases skin microbiome diversity and enables specific microbial adaptations to toxic environments.

Diet and chemical defenses of the Sonoran Desert toads

This study investigates whether the Sonoran Desert Toad's 5-MeO-DMT production is diet-dependent or endogenous, finding no direct dietary link and suggesting endogenous or microbial synthesis.

Activity of FoxP2-positive neurons is associated with tadpole begging behavior

The paper investigates FoxP2-positive neuron activity in tadpoles during begging and aggression, finding increased activation in specific brain regions associated with social behavior.

Home security cameras as a tool for behavior observations and science affordability

This paper introduces home security cameras as an affordable tool for monitoring small ectotherms, demonstrating their utility in capturing behavioral data in both lab and field settings.

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a negative regulator of tadpole aggression through opioid receptor signaling

This study identifies POMC as a negative regulator of tadpole aggression through opioid receptor signaling, revealing similar brain regions but different neuromodulators involved in aggression across life stages.

Binding and sequestration of poison frog alkaloids by a plasma globulin

The paper identifies a plasma globulin in poison frogs that binds and regulates alkaloid bioavailability, revealing a novel serpin-based mechanism for small molecule transport.

Selection on visual opsin genes in diurnal Neotropical frogs and loss of the SWS2 opsin in poison frogs

The paper identifies positive selection on opsin genes in diurnal Neotropical frogs and reports the loss of SWS2 opsin in poison frogs, suggesting implications for their visual adaptation and chemical ecology.

Physiological state matching in a pair bonded poison frog

The paper investigates emotional contagion in poison frogs, finding physiological state-matching between male and female partners, independent of behavioral or reproductive factors.

Climate and Morphology Drive Breeding Periods in Frogs

This study examines how climate and morphology influence breeding periods in frogs globally, finding a latitudinal gradient with unique effects in tropical zones.

Poison frog chemical defense are influenced by environmental availability and dietary selectivity for ants

This study investigates how environmental availability and dietary selectivity for ants influence chemical defenses in poison frogs.

Definition of a saxitoxin (STX) binding code enables discovery and characterization of the Anuran saxiphilin family

The paper defines the STX binding code for saxiphilin proteins and identifies new members of the Anuran saxiphilin family.

Contrasting parental roles shape sex differences in poison frog space use but not navigational performance

This study examines sex differences in poison frog spatial behavior and finds that parental roles influence space use but not navigational performance, challenging the adaptive specialization hypothesis.

Poison frog dietary preference depends on prey type and alkaloid load

This study investigates poison frog dietary preferences, finding that frogs prefer smaller prey items and that alkaloid load does not significantly alter their preferences.

Alkaloid avoidance in poison frog tadpoles

This study examines how poison frog tadpoles respond to alkaloid exposure, finding they survive with mild developmental effects and learn to avoid toxins over time.

Long distance homing in the cane toad (Rhinella marina) in its native range

This study shows cane toads can navigate long distances back to their home range, suggesting widespread navigational abilities in amphibians.

Molecular physiology of pumiliotoxin sequestration in a poison frog

This study investigates how the Dyeing poison frog metabolizes pumiliotoxin into a more potent alkaloid and identifies gene expression changes and potential metabolic enzymes involved.

Sodium channel toxin-resistance mutations do not govern batrachotoxin (BTX) autoresistance in poison birds and frogs

The paper shows that Nav mutations are not responsible for BTX resistance in poison frogs and birds, suggesting alternative mechanisms like toxin sequestration.

Rapid toxin sequestration modifies poison frog physiology

This study shows poison frogs rapidly accumulate toxins, altering protein abundance in immune response and small molecule transport across tissues.

Land use impacts poison frog chemical defenses through changes in leaf litter ant communities

This study links land use changes to poison frog chemical defenses by showing habitat fragmentation alters leaf litter ant communities, which in turn affects frog diet and alkaloid profiles.

The neural basis of tadpole transport in poison frogs

The paper identifies neural correlates of parental care in poison frogs across species and sexes, highlighting shared brain regions and neuropeptide roles.

Molecular physiology of chemical defenses in a poison frog

The paper investigates how alkaloid sequestration affects gene expression and protein abundance in poison frogs, identifying transport proteins and saxiphilin as potential mediators of toxin accumulation.

Seasonal changes in diet and toxicity in the Climbing Mantella frog (Mantella laevigata)

This study examines how seasonal environmental changes affect the diet and toxin profiles of Climbing Mantella frogs, finding seasonal differences in diet composition and toxin abundance.