S. Boutin

Timing-dependent effects of elevated maternal glucocorticoids on offspring brain gene expression in a wild small mammal

This study examines how timing of maternal glucocorticoid exposure affects offspring brain gene expression in wild red squirrels, finding timing-dependent effects on neural gene transcription.

Delaying cefiderocol resistance development in NDM-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex by combining cefiderocol with aztreonam in vitro.

This study shows combining cefiderocol with aztreonam delays resistance development in NDM-producing E. cloacae complex isolates, with a 4-fold MIC reduction being a key predictor.

A future food boom rescues the negative effects of cumulative early-life adversity on adult lifespan in a small mammal

The study shows that a future food boom can offset the negative effects of early-life adversity on lifespan in red squirrels, but experimental food supplementation does not replicate this effect.

Commensal bacteria can inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis airway infections through a released metabolite

This study identifies airway commensal bacteria that inhibit P. aeruginosa growth in CF by producing acetate, suggesting acetate as a potential therapeutic target.

Inferring condition in wild mammals: body condition indices confer no benefit over measuring body mass across ecological contexts

The paper compares body condition indices (BCI) and body mass in predicting fat and lean mass in three mammal species, finding BCI no better than body mass alone.

The search behavior of terrestrial mammals

This study analyzes GPS data from 1,396 terrestrial mammals across 62 species to show how predator-prey dynamics influence movement strategies and resource search efficiency.

Light prevents pathogen-induced aqueous microenvironments via potentiation of salicylic acid signaling

The paper shows that constant light prevents pathogen-induced water-soaking in plants by enhancing salicylic acid signaling, which counteracts abscisic acid-induced stomatal closure.

Benefits of living closer to kin vary by genealogical relationship in a territorial mammal

The paper examines how proximity to different kin relationships affects survival and reproductive success in red squirrels, finding varying benefits depending on the genealogical relationship.

Using a Homeogram to Detect Sleep in Free-living Animals

This paper introduces a sleep detection method called a homeogram for accelerometer data from wild animals and applies it to red squirrels to identify unique sleep strategies in changing environments.

Coat color mismatch improves survival of a keystone boreal herbivore: energetic advantages exceed lost camouflage

This study finds that coat color mismatch in snowshoe hares reduces autumn mortality risk due to energetic advantages from insulation and lower metabolic rates, despite reduced camouflage.

Familiar neighbours, but not relatives, enhance fitness in a territorial mammal

The study examines how kinship and familiarity affect fitness in red squirrels, finding that familiarity with neighbors increases survival and reproductive success, suggesting cooperation can evolve even among non-relatives.

Maternal glucocorticoids do not influence HPA axis activity or behavior of juvenile wild North American red squirrels

This study tests if maternal glucocorticoids affect offspring behavior and HPA axis activity in red squirrels, finding no significant effects on aggression or adrenal reactivity.

Maternal glucocorticoids promote offspring growth without inducing oxidative stress or shortening telomeres in wild red squirrels

This study shows that maternal glucocorticoids increase offspring growth rates without causing oxidative stress or telomere shortening in red squirrels.

Territory acquisition mediates the influence of predators and climate on juvenile red squirrel survival

The paper examines how the timing of territory acquisition affects juvenile red squirrel survival and mediates the impacts of predators and climate.

Attentive red squirrel mothers have faster-growing pups and higher lifetime reproductive success

The paper examines how maternal attentiveness in red squirrels affects pup growth and lifetime reproductive success, finding that attentive mothers have faster-growing pups and higher reproductive success.

Stress activity is not predictive of coping style in North American red squirrels

The paper tests if physiological and behavioral stress responses are correlated in wild red squirrels and finds they are independent.

Individual variation in phenotypic plasticity of the stress axis

The paper investigates individual variation in endocrine plasticity of red squirrels in response to fluctuating conspecific density, finding significant individual differences in both mean endocrine phenotype and plasticity.

Experimental increases in glucocorticoids alter function of the HPA axis in wild red squirrels without negatively impacting survival and reproduction

This study shows that experimental increases in cortisol in wild red squirrels alter HPA axis function but do not affect survival or reproduction.

Seed masting causes fluctuations in optimum litter size and lag load in a seed predator

The paper examines how seed masting affects red squirrel litter sizes and fitness, finding increased selection for larger litters and a lag load during mast years.

Is physiological stress state reflected in acoustic structure of vocalizations? An experimental test in wild North American red squirrels

This study tests if physiological stress affects vocalization structure in red squirrels, finding mixed evidence of a stress signature in acoustic signals.

Red squirrels mitigate costs of territory defence through social plasticity

The paper shows red squirrels adjust territorial behavior based on neighbor familiarity, but cross-sectional data may not reliably capture this plasticity.

Red squirrel territorial vocalizations deter intrusions by conspecific rivals

This study tests whether red squirrel rattles deter conspecific intrusions, finding a 34% reduction in intrusion probability and increased latency to intrusion when rattles were broadcasted.

Individual variation in the dear enemy phenomenon via territorial vocalizations in red squirrels

The study investigates how red squirrels use vocalizations to discriminate territorial neighbors, finding no difference in intrusion risk but variation in intruder identity.

Indirect effects on fitness between individuals that have never met via an extended phenotype

The paper shows that red squirrels' hoarding behavior, an extended phenotype, influences future individuals' fitness and resource acquisition without direct interaction.

Social effects of territorial neighbours on the timing of spring breeding in North American red squirrels

The paper estimates indirect phenotypic and genetic effects of territorial neighbors on spring breeding timing in red squirrels, finding stronger social effects at high population densities.

Multilevel And Sex-Specific Selection On Competitive Traits In North American Red Squirrels

The paper quantifies multilevel and sex-specific natural selection on growth rate and birth date in red squirrels, showing stronger selection within social neighborhoods and litters, with females facing stronger growth rate selection.