ABSTRACT
The phylogenetic tree has been a core conceptual tool for evolutionary biology for nearly 200 years. This editorial explores the role of the tree as a metaphor, discussing two new PLOS Biology Essays that look to the future.
Subject(s)
Metaphor , Phylogeny , Biological Evolution , Biology , Humans , AnimalsABSTRACT
As the UN International Day for Biological Diversity enters its twentieth year, we take stock of recent developments and trends in biodiversity research and renew the call to build a better shared future for all life.
Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Conservation of Natural ResourcesABSTRACT
Meta-research involves the interrogation of every stage of the research lifecycle, from conception to publication and dissemination. Looking back over the first six years of PLOS Biology Meta-Research Articles highlights the important insights that can be obtained from such "research on research".
Subject(s)
Biomedical Research/methods , Research Design/trends , Bibliometrics , Biomedical Research/trends , HumansABSTRACT
Why do some amyloids cause serious neurodegenerative diseases, while others have important biological functions? A new study of the functional amyloid Orb2 suggests that it's all about speed. Read the Research Article.
Subject(s)
Amyloidogenic Proteins/metabolism , Drosophila Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism , mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors/metabolism , AnimalsABSTRACT
A new study reveals that an exotic lipid, phosphatidylthreonine, makes up a substantial proportion of the membrane of a widespread human parasite and is essential for its virulence. Read the Research Article.
Subject(s)
Cell Membrane/metabolism , Glycerophospholipids/metabolism , Lipid Metabolism , Models, Biological , Protozoan Proteins/metabolism , Threonine/analogs & derivatives , Toxoplasma/metabolism , Transferases (Other Substituted Phosphate Groups)/metabolism , Animals , Humans , Lipid Bilayers/metabolism , Species Specificity , Threonine/metabolism , Toxoplasma/enzymology , Toxoplasma/growth & development , Toxoplasma/pathogenicity , VirulenceABSTRACT
A study of zebra finches reveals the potential advantages of idiosyncratic mate choice in monogamous animal species. Read the Research Article.
Subject(s)
Finches/genetics , Genetic Fitness , Mating Preference, Animal/physiology , Nesting Behavior , Reproduction , Animals , Female , MaleABSTRACT
This synopsis examines the implications of a new study that imposes primate-like expression of the transcription factor Pax6 on the developing mouse cortex and finds evidence of primate-like proliferation of neuronal progenitors.
Subject(s)
Eye Proteins/metabolism , Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism , Neocortex/cytology , Neural Stem Cells/metabolism , Neuroglia/metabolism , Paired Box Transcription Factors/metabolism , Repressor Proteins/metabolism , Animals , Female , MaleABSTRACT
Rapid sequential speciation events can outpace the fixation of genetic variants, resulting in a family tree that lacks clear branching patterns. A new study of bird genomes reveals such an explosive super-radiation that may coincide with the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Subject(s)
Birds/genetics , Evolution, Molecular , Genetic Speciation , Genetic Variation , Phylogeny , AnimalsABSTRACT
A new study uses a massive comparative population genetics dataset to explore why the neutral genetic diversity of a species does not have a simple relationship to its population size.
Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Selection, Genetic , AnimalsABSTRACT
Fatty acids made in chloroplasts must be exported into the rest of the cell to be converted into commercially important plant oils. A new study identifies FAX1 as a protein that mediates this crucial transport step. Read the Research Article.
