My research is directed toward the physiology of host-parasite relationships. I am interested in biochemical adaptations that result from parasitic invasions of holometabolous insects. My attention has been focused toward parasite regulation of host development, host- and parasite-derived factors that synchronize parasite proliferation with host development, and the immunological response of insects attacked by parasitic wasps. My current efforts are aimed at understanding the mode of action of venom from the wasp Nasonia vitripennis. Most recent work in my lab has been geared toward examining how venom manipulates signal transduction pathways to elicit death, and the cellular immune responses of host flies toward wasp venom. Selected publications: Rivers, D.B., J. Zdarek, and D.L. Denlinger 2005. Disruption of pupariation and eclosion behavior in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata Parker (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), by venom from the ectoparasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology 57:78-91.
Rivers, DB, T. Crawley, and H. Bauser, 2005 Localization of intracellular calcium release in cells injured by venom from the ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and dependence of calcium mobilization on G-protein activation. Invited submission to the special issue of the Journal of Insect Physiology,
Pauline Lawrence, editor. 51: 149-160.
Rivers, D.B., F. Uckan, , and E. Ergin, 2006. Characterization and biochemical analyses of venom from the ectoparasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology 61: 24-41.
Ergin, E., F. Uckan, D.B. Rivers, O. Sak. In vivo and in vitro activity of venom from the endoparasitic wasp Pimpla turionella (L.) Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. In press.
Yoder, J. A., Benoit, J.B., Denlinger, D.L., and Rivers, D.B 2006. Stress-induced accumulation of glycerol in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata Parker (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): Evidence indicating anti-desiccant and cyroprotectant functions for this polyol during aseasonal stress. Journal of Insect Physiology 52: 202-214. 
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