Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Ecology & Evolution
Heterochrony of plant meristem: unusual organogenesis of Monophyllaea
We discovered a unique plant meristem that seems to be evolved by neoteny of the shoot apical meristem from studies of one-leaf plant, Monophyllaea.
Unlocking the evolutionary mechanism of Intermolecular Diels-Alderases from Mulberry Trees
In organic synthesis, the Diels-Alder reaction is pivotal. Seeking eco-friendly alternatives, researchers explore natural Diels-Alderases, enzymes that catalyze this reaction. Xiaoguang Lei's lab uncovers evolutionary mechanisms in plant-derived Diels-Alderases, especially from mulberry trees.
Mercury - the invisible contaminant that could be driving population declines among migratory shorebirds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway
Over one-third of the sampled shorebirds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway are facing Hg risk. Tringa genus in South China was at the highest risk. Feather Hg was best explained by feathers' moulting region, while habitat preference, diet, and forage stratum were less important.
Walking through fastidious acidophilic nitrous oxide-reducing microorganisms
Löffler Lab at University of Tennessee, Knoxville reports a fastidious, strict anaerobic microorganism thriving to reduce N2O (laughing gas) at acidic pH, which has been a nerdy topic over decades.
