INRA

Research at BF2I is focused on the comprehension of the functions managing the interaction of specific insect pests (aphids and weevils) with their direct biological partners (host plants and symbiotic microorganisms). Research approaches are multi-disciplinary thanks to the different expertise of the staff members.

The central theme of our research is to understand the relationships established between insects and their symbionts elucidating the molecular mechanisms that allow the establishment, maintenance and persistence of these complex interactions in multiple insect generations.

The final goal of research on these complex biological interactions, often involving multiple partners in interaction with the environment, is to identify tools and define new concepts for an integrated approach for plant protection against insect pests. Our research results are to be central for the development of agricultural practices that are sustainable, and respect both the environment and human health.

The Human Nutrition Unit UMR 1019 has conceived  ActivCollector : a collaborative system to collect, treat and store data of clinical research. The architecture of this system has been developped with computer scientits. The choice of an open architecture allows novel developments.

The current Web Plateform is composed of 6 modules: project management, users' management, questionnaires, professional web pages, internal messaging and two smartphone applications. The two mobile applications allow studying physical activity  and food choice behaviors (EmouveRecherche http://goo.gl/SHQ0D7 and NutriQuantic) in free-living conditions. From algorithmic treatment of accelerometry data, eMouveRecherche assesses time spent in sedentary posture or in activities of different intensity and the daily energy expenditure of normal-weight or overweight people. NutriQuantic allows to calculate a score of compliance to nutritional guidelines according to the food consumption frequency.