Latest news with #CCAP
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Science
- Arabian Post
Ant Role-Switching Unveils Ancient Social Blueprint
Leafcutter ant colonies, celebrated for their rigid division of labour, have yielded a startling secret: their roles can be rewired with a molecular tweak. Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania orchestrated this transformation using two tiny neuropeptides, shifting defenders into nurses and garden workers into leaf harvesters. The work, published in Cell on 9 June 2025, reveals a mechanism conserved across species, reaching mammals such as naked mole-rats—suggesting a 600‑million‑year‑old evolutionary blueprint guiding social organisation. Research led by Daniel S. Och Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor Shelley L. Berger focused on the neurochemistry of division of labour in Atta cephalotes, a leafcutter ant species. In these highly structured societies, ants specialise very early, with larger Majors guarding the colony, Media ants gathering leaves, and smaller Minims managing fungal gardens and caring for brood. By altering the levels of crustacean cardioactive peptide and neuroparsin‑A, researchers caused dramatic behavioural shifts: upping CCAP induced gardeners and defenders to start harvesting leaves, while reducing NPA in Majors triggered caregiving instincts. Genetic knockdown and direct peptide injections produced rapid behavioural reassignments, echoed by transcriptomic profiles aligning with the new roles. Media ants treated with CCAP began leaf‑harvesting patterns typical of their subcaste, confirmed by gene‑expression pathways linked to foraging. Similarly, Majors with reduced NPA exhibited brood‑care behaviours and corresponding gene‑expression patterns. ADVERTISEMENT What makes this finding truly remarkable is its cross‑species resonance. Molecular signatures that defined ant behaviour corresponded with those observed in Heterocephalus glaber, the naked mole‑rat—another eusocial species with task‑based worker castes. The parallel suggests that neuropeptide‑driven social regulation may trace back to a common ancestor deep in evolutionary history. 'We were amazed to see the apparent similarity of gene regulation between nurses and foragers of ants compared to naked mole‑rat mammals,' Berger said, noting that these parallels were unexpected given the vast evolutionary gulf. The study also hints at deeper biological links, particularly regarding insulin signalling and longevity. Leafcutter ant expression patterns showed interplay with insulin pathways previously associated with lifespan control. Naked mole‑rats are known for exceptional longevity, often living beyond 37 years—almost unheard of in rodents—and for their cancer resistance and negligible ageing. Members of Berger's team, including Michael B. Gilbert and Karl M. Glastad, emphasised the role of these neuropeptides as modulators rather than executors of behaviour. Their study, based on rigorous gene expression analyses from both ants and naked mole‑rats, pointed to a convergent evolution model: similar molecular tools repurposed by different species to achieve comparable social complexity. Behavioural plasticity within ant castes was previously explored by examining epigenetic factors and brain structure. Yet, this experiment demonstrates that acute chemical manipulation can override morphological predispositions, offering a dramatic proof of role reversibility in one of nature's most disciplined societies. The findings imply latent flexibility—ants may be much more dynamic in their roles than previously believed. Experts note that while role switching in ants may feel ethically distant, the insights have broader ramifications. Neuropeptides are key regulators in diverse taxa, humans included. For instance, oxytocin in humans influences parental care; the ant study opens questions about universal behavioural circuits shaped by peptides. A deeper understanding of these molecular circuits could eventually inform approaches to social behaviour disorders or age‑related decline. However, some caution that translating findings from invertebrates and subterranean rodents to humans is premature. Neuropeptide systems and brain architectures vary widely. Moreover, nudging behaviour with peptide injections in controlled lab settings does not equate to social engineering in complex natural environments. Still, the implications are profound. The discovery of CCAP and NPA as behavioural switches not only rewrites our understanding of ant societies but also challenges our notions of how ancient molecular codes govern social life. It invites a reevaluation of social evolution, suggesting that similar neurochemical pathways could underlie task allocation in humans, mammals, insects—and maybe even further back in the tree of life.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Agri chief seeks CCAP backing for cold storage infra development
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has called on the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) to back the Department of Agriculture's (DA) initiative in accelerating the development of cold storage infrastructure in the country. 'It is a foundation for transforming the agricultural landscape, minimizing post-harvest losses, increasing incomes for farmers and fisherfolk, and delivering safe, high-quality food to Filipino families,' Tiu Laurel told CCAP during its annual membership meeting in Boracay island Malay, Aklan on Thursday. The Agriculture chief said the DA is fast-tracking its cold chain expansion through the rollout of modular and mega cold storage warehouses (CSWs) in major agricultural regions. 'These facilities are designed to be scalable and adaptable, with modular features that accommodate local conditions while maintaining operational efficiency and integrity,' he said. Tiu Laurel said the 'mega CSWs' are being developed to handle large-volume storage, with capacities ranging from 1,700 to over 8,000 pallet positions, serving key production and distribution hubs nationwide. To support a comprehensive logistics ecosystem, the infrastructure will also include refrigerated vans, dryers, tramlines, packaging equipment, and ice plants, according to the DA chief. Tiu Laurel said the DA has allocated P3 billion to build, starting this year, around 99 cold storage facilities aimed at extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops. These planned refrigerated warehouses will feature hybrid systems, designed to operate on both renewable energy sources—such as solar and wind—and electricity from the main power grid. This approach ensures efficient and environmentally sustainable operations, especially in remote or underserved agricultural areas. 'We also recognize that cold storage infrastructure is only one part of the equation,' Tiu Laurel said. 'The development of food hubs and agri-fisheries ports—while more extensive in scope and requiring longer timelines—remains a critical long-term priority,' he added. Beyond boosting storage capacity, the Agriculture chief said the network of facilities will help strengthen regional aggregation, streamline distribution, and improve market access—connecting producers directly with consumers to stabilize supply and lower food prices. Tiu Laurel also emphasized the importance of such investments in empowering rural communities, promoting price stability, and reducing food waste, while building a more resilient and climate-smart agri-food system. He said that CCAP's technical expertise and support are vital in turning this strategic infrastructure program into reality. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Irish Independent
05-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
This Cork Tidy Towns group got largest grant for a travel project in the county under climate plan
The combined grants were issued by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and in partnership with Cork County Council, and the projects will continue to expand in line with sustainability development goals in Macroom. The strategic grants covered €110,000 of the €120,000 spent on the upgrades to widen the cycleway along Tom Creedon Park and the creation of a pathway in the Tiny Feet Fairy Garden. The cycleway was expanded from three feet wide to 10 feet wide, which is in line with Transport Infrastructure Ireland specifications. The combined grants were issued by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and in partnership with Cork County Council, and the projects will continue to expand in line with sustainability development goals in Macroom. Joseph Cronin, Projects Officer and Coordinator with Macroom Tidy Towns and Tiny Feet Fairy Garden Macroom said: 'The Macroom Tidy Towns initiated project in Tom Creedon Park was the largest Travel orientated project funded under the CCAP in Cork. 'The project combines connectivity, improved access for all modes of non-vehicular transport to leisure areas, shopping and local schools,' he said. Under the Cork Co. Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, Macroom was selected as the pilot decarbonisation zone town for county Cork. A lot of projects and initiatives since the beginning of 2024 are in relation to climate, biodiversity and sustainability throughout the community and in cooperation with local businesses. Chairperson of Macroom Tidy Towns and Independent Councillor Martin Coughlan said the work in Tom Creedon Park was needed for over 20 years. ADVERTISEMENT 'We saw the need for these projects, especially the ½ mile in the GAA grounds as the existing path was barely wide enough for one person to walk on at three 3 feet wide, let alone two way use for cycles, buggies or wheelchairs. 'We also decided to widen the concrete bridge connection between the Town Park and Tom Creedon Park ourselves with our own resources and the expertise and labour of our own volunteers,' Mr Coughlan said. Both organisations thanked the main contractor, Niall Murphy Tarmacadam, who laid over 2,000 square metres of tarmac to B1 specification. Lisa Manning, Secretary of both organisations said: 'A lot of preparation and planning went into these projects; the community are delighted with them and usage has increased tremendously. 'The Tom Creedon Park project is featured in our Tidy Towns submission this year and is also being entered in the special awards category,' she concluded.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From cradle to career: Building Louisiana's workforce begins with early learning
PeopleImages/Getty Images As someone who has spent much of my career building businesses and investing in the community, I've learned that success doesn't happen by accident. It results from careful planning, strategic investment and a commitment to long-term growth. This approach applies not only to business but also to our most important resource: our children. The future of our state's economy depends on how well we invest in our youngest citizens, and no investment is more impactful than early childhood education. When families can access reliable, high-quality early education for their children, parents can go to work or school, and businesses thrive with a stable workforce. Most importantly, children enter kindergarten ready to succeed and better prepared to become the skilled workers and leaders of the future that our economy depends on. In pro-family, pro-business states like ours, quality child care should be a cornerstone of family stability, worker productivity, and economic growth. Yet in Louisiana, despite years of progress and bipartisan support for early learning, we still fund this essential system as if it's optional. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Nearly 174,000 children under age 5 in Louisiana are in households experiencing economic hardship, yet only one in five have access to high-quality early childhood education. Programs like Head Start, LA 4, and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) are funded through federal and state funds and serve thousands of children, yet the demand still outpaces the supply. While the majority of funding for Louisiana's child care programs comes from the federal government, state lawmakers ultimately decide how those dollars are used — and how much more we invest. The quality of our current and future workforce shouldn't be left solely to decisions made in Washington. Despite investments from all levels of government, more than 116,00 economically disadvantaged Louisiana children, from birth to age 4, still lack access to a high-quality, affordable child care program. Any changes in state and federal funding streams directly and immediately impact our working families, who need access to quality child care the most. Due to inadequate funding, many families are left without affordable, high-quality child care options, leaving our children and their working parents behind. Whether we act or not, Louisiana's future workforce is growing up right now. When we make it possible for children to access early learning programs, the data is clear: they are more likely to graduate from high school, secure well-paying jobs, and contribute to their communities. Failure to act leads to costly outcomes for our future communities and economy. But the gap in funding and access isn't just a future problem — it impacts all of us today. Louisiana currently loses an estimated $1.3 billion annually in lost productivity, tax revenue and turnover costs due to inadequate access to child care. Yet, studies show that every dollar invested in early education returns at least 13% due to higher earnings, reduced social and academic remedial costs, and better long-term health outcomes. It's time for Louisiana to treat early childhood education not as an option but as an essential investment in our present and future. This legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers have the opportunity — and the obligation — to sustain and grow investments in early childhood education. Our children deserve a strong start. Our parents deserve the ability to work. And our state deserves a workforce ready to compete. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crescent Capital BDC: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Crescent Capital BDC, Inc. (CCAP) on Wednesday reported first-quarter profit of $3.9 million. On a per-share basis, the Los Angeles-based company said it had net income of 11 cents. Earnings, adjusted for investment costs, were 45 cents per share. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 52 cents per share. The company posted revenue of $42.1 million in the period. Crescent Capital BDC shares have decreased 13% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Wednesday, shares hit $16.66, a decrease of 8% in the last 12 months. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights ( using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on CCAP at Sign in to access your portfolio
