Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Ecology & Evolution
Discovering a molecular protective shield in a prebiotic environment
We show that AMP enables specific, mineral-assisted reduction of the redox coenzyme NAD. In a prebiotic context, this means that the non-functional AMP handle could have served a pre-enzymatic purpose.
Passing Traits Without Genes: How the Gut Microbiome Transfers Behavior
Microbes can evolve faster than their hosts. We show that selecting only the microbiome, while keeping host genes fixed, can alter mouse behavior across generations. Microbes and their metabolites thus act as agents of adaptation, transmitting traits independently of host DNA.
Developing a coral "baby food" to support early life survival
Feeding coral larvae with tailored lipid supplements — a kind of coral “baby food” — boosts their survival, strength, and settlement. This discovery offers a new pathway to improve coral restoration and resilience on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.
Developing a Marine Bioassay for Emerging Contaminants Using Haliotis midae
Our study presents a marine bioassay using Haliotis midae to evaluate the toxicity of emerging contaminants in South African coastal waters. We adapted international protocols to a local context, offering a tool for marine monitoring aligned with national and global sustainability goals.
Strontium isotopes reveal habitat preferences of fossil herbivores in Malawi
Late Pleistocene herbivore communities in northern Malawi included a higher abundance of grazers than expected given prevalent vegetation. We used a model of bioavailable strontium isotopic variability and strontium isotopes in fossil teeth to understand the habitat preferences of these animals.
A first approach to unravel the jellyfish diversity and ecology from Kribi coastal region (Cameroon, Gulf of Guinea)
Given jellyfish blooms associated huge socio-economic, environmental and health issues, sufficient information regarding their taxonomy, population dynamics, food web roles, and composition, are relevant to design sustainable conservation measures.
Differences that make science stronger
Enforcement of national and international laws banning illegal tropical timber trade hinges on independent origin verification, such as with genetic or chemical wood properties. In our recent paper, we combined these methods for the first time and showed their complementarity.
Mobile apps found to promote more sustainable and healthier diets
The first systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of apps to promote dietary change for planetary and human health. Across 21 studies and 10 countries and territories, we found benefits on promoting fruit and vegetables and reducing meat.
