Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Ecology & Evolution
A natural variant in uORF underlying phenotypic diversity
To dissect natural genetic variation in crops facilitates molecular breeding. To date, most published causal variants underlying phenotypic diversity are involved in either gene expression or protein sequence polymorphisms. Natural variation at post-transcriptional level remains elusive in plants.
Can biodiversity reduce the negative effects of the co-occurrence of multiple pressures?
Multiple anthropogenic pressures can occur simultaneously, which is caused for concern because multifaceted pressures could lead to dramatic declines in ecosystem functions. Can biodiversity help to buffer the negative effects of the co-occurrence of multiple pressures? Read this report for details.
An expanded view on the evolution of olfaction
Evolution of olfactory perception is often thought to arise through protein changes in odorant receptors that alter the molecules that they bind. We found that adaptive evolution in olfactory perception also arises through coexpressed receptors that change in copy number and protein sequence.
virToad — a new arsenal in the fight against cane toad invasions
In a paper just published in Landscape Ecology, we showcase a state-of-the-art computer program called virToad. Scientists and conservation managers may use virToad to virtually test the efficiency and cost of potential management strategies before carrying them out in the real world.
Listening to the birds: how does song culture evolve?
The genesis of a long-term field data set can be prosaic: a researcher measures something, then comes back and repeats that measurement again, and again. It is not always clear what might emerge from the accretion of data over the long term; sometimes the focus evolves as the study progresses.
