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Abstract Background Plant-parasitic nematodes are economically important pests responsible for substantial losses in agriculture. Researchers focusing on plant-parasitic nematodes, especially on finding new ways of their control, often need to assess basic parameters such as their motility, viability, and reproduction. Traditionally, these assays involve visually counting juveniles and eggs under a dissecting microscope, making this investigation time-consuming and laborious. Results In this study, we established a procedure to efficiently determine the motility of two plant-parasitic nematode species, Heterodera schachtii and Ditylenchus destructor, using the WMicrotracker ONE platform. Additionally, we demonstrated that hatching of the cyst nematode H. schachtii can be evaluated using both the WMicrotracker ONE and by assessing the enzymatic activity of chitinase produced during hatching. Conclusions We present fast and straightforward protocols for studying nematode motility and hatching that allow us to draw conclusions about viability and survival. Thus, these methods are useful tools for facilitating fast and efficient evaluation in various fields of research focused on plant-parasitic nematodes.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, possesses antioxidant properties and regulates various cell functions. Here, we examined the function of EGCG in inflammatory bone resorption. In calvarial organ cultures, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone resorption was clearly suppressed by EGCG. In osteoblasts, EGCG suppressed the LPS‐induced expression of COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 mRNAs, as well as prostaglandin E2 production, and also suppressed RANKL expression, which is essential for osteoclast differentiation. LPS‐induced bone resorption of mandibular alveolar bones was attenuated by EGCGin vitro, and the loss of mouse alveolar bone mass was inhibited by the catechinin vivo.