Florida State University

Evolutionary biologists have unearthed a new species of tiger beetle, deemed Eunota houstoniana, honoring the Houston region where it predominantly resides. Rice University evolutionary biologist Scott Egan and his research team have unearthed a new species of tiger beetle, deemed Eunota houstoniana, honoring the Houston region where it predominantly resides. The team employed cutting-edge genetic sequencing technology alongside traditional measurements of their physical appearance and geographic range data to redefine species boundaries within the Eunota circumpicta species complex. This approach, known as integrative taxonomy, allowed them to identify distinct biological entities previously overlooked. The study is published online in Nature Scientific Reports. "It is amazing that within the city limits of Houston, we still don't know all the species of insects or plants we share our region with," Egan said. "I'm always interested in learning more about the biodiversity of the Gulf Coast." The Eunota houstoniana was once considered synonymous with the more common Eunota circumpicta, but the team's research revealed significant differences, emphasizing the need for a refined process to species delineation. Eunota houstoniana exhibits distinct genetic and physical characteristics. It is slightly smaller in size, its metallic coloring is more subdued, and it has unique behavior and habitat preferences. Moreover, the new species gravitates towards saline soils often found near salt domes and oil extraction sites along the Gulf Coast. Its habitat ranges from coastal regions to inland areas, showcasing its adaptability and ecological significance. The discovery of Eunota houstoniana underscores the urgency of biodiversity conservation. Its habitats are increasingly jeopardized by urbanization and agricultural or industrial activities, and although newly discovered, Eunota houstoniana is likely a threatened species, according to Egan. "Because of all the growth around Houston, some of these populations have likely gone extinct while others have been hiding right out our back door," Egan said. Egan's research team for Eunota houstoniana includes lead author Dan Duran, department of environmental science at Rowan University; Robert Laroche, ecology and evolutionary biology Ph.D. student at Rice; Ethan Bull, undergraduate student at Rice; David Herrmann from Dallas; Will Godwin from Sam Houston State University; and Steve Roman, collection of arthropods at Florida State University. In a related project, Egan and Laroche recently described another new species from the same genus, the Eunota luecophasma, or the white ghost tiger beetle from West Texas, further highlighting the diversity and importance of these creatures in our region. "Hopefully, our integrative approach to species delimitation becomes the standard for the field of biology, where, unfortunately, many organisms have not had the same level of attention that the charismatic tiger beetles have had," Laroche said. Eunota houstoniana marks the 17th new species described by Egan and his collaborators during his 11 years at Rice. His work at Rice since 2013 has been instrumental in uncovering and describing previously unknown insect species in the state. In Texas, there are around 62 known species of tiger beetles, but that is likely an underestimate of the diversity that exists, according to Egan. By identifying and documenting such species, researchers like those in Egan's laboratory provide essential groundwork for conservation efforts.

As climate change fuels sea level rise, younger people will migrate inland, leaving aging coastal populations -- and a host of consequences -- in their wake, a study finds. While destination cities will work to sustainably accommodate swelling populations, aging coastal communities will confront stark new challenges, including an outflow of vital human infrastructure such as health care workers. As climate change fuels sea level rise, younger people will migrate inland, leaving aging coastal populations -- and a host of consequences -- in their wake, a study by Florida State University researchers finds. While destination cities will work to sustainably accommodate swelling populations, aging coastal communities will confront stark new challenges, including an outflow of vital human infrastructure such as health care workers, said Associate Professor of Sociology Matt Hauer, lead author of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "In the destination communities where populations are increasing you'll need more dentists, doctors, service workers, construction workers, etc.," Hauer said. "So by people moving, you affect other people's likelihood of moving. You get a demographic amplification." Previous studies estimated where people are likely to move as a changing climate affects livability. Hauer's study also incorporates demographic data and secondary effects that revealed a host of challenges awaiting both the coastal "sender" communities and their destination counterparts. "Imagine young families moving out of areas like Miami and moving to other locations and starting a family there," he said. "And just by the fact that there's more people who have moved there, these indirect population processes draw even more people." The study concluded that these indirect processes could create 5.3 to 18 times the number of climate migrants as those directly displaced by rising seas. It also found that by 2100, median age in coastal communities could spike as much as 10 years. "Think about who are more unlikely to move and who will be left behind in these communities; it tends to be the oldest," Hauer said. "Because migration is most likely to occur in more youthful populations, areas experiencing accelerated out-migration could face accelerated population aging." Doctoral student Sunshine Jacobs and computational scientist Scott Kulp co-authored the study with Hauer. The researchers developed a migration model that uses sea level rise data from Climate Central and information about migration patterns from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. That tool allowed them to predict migration on a county-by-county basis across the country. Jacobs said the model can be adapted to research different hazards that go beyond encroaching seas. "We only looked at sea level rise," she said. "Imagine other hazards that we know cause people to move, like heat events, wildfires and economic hazards. The future uses and implications of the model are amazing." This work was supported by the State of Louisiana, the American Society of Adaptation Professionals, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority, and the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences Assessment.

SALT LAKE CITY--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah has announced Jim Guemple as its new market president. Guemple will have broad market leadership responsibility in Utah, including oversight of strategy and growth for the health plan and community involvement, bringing more than 20 years of health care experience to the role. He comes to Regence from United Healthcare, where he was regional vice president of key accounts for the West region, driving successful sales strategy and product initiatives across eight regional health plans. Before that, he was a vice president of sales at Cigna Healthcare, leading teams including sales, client management, and customer service in the Arizona market. “ Jim brings the right combination of health care expertise and collaborative leadership to the Utah market,” said Lindsay Harris, chief commercial officer. “ His proven track record and industry knowledge will strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional services for our customers and enhance the well-being of our members.” “ I am thrilled to join Regence, with its strong commitment to delivering an easier, more personalized health care experience in Utah. I look forward to building on the strong foundation of excellent service in the market,” Guemple said. Guemple, who earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University, has served as a mentor as part of many leadership programs and has volunteered his time in the community coaching youth sports. His first day as Utah market president will be Jan. 8. About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah Based in Salt Lake City, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is the state’s first health insurer and now provides more than 694,000 people with comprehensive health insurance solutions. As a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers in Utah and nationwide experience health care. For more information please visit regence.com , Facebook or Twitter .