RESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Metáfora , Filogenia , Evolución Biológica , Biología , Humanos , AnimalesRESUMEN
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.
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Biodiversidad , Conservación de los Recursos NaturalesRESUMEN
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".
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Investigación Biomédica/métodos , Proyectos de Investigación/tendencias , Bibliometría , Investigación Biomédica/tendencias , HumanosAsunto(s)
Archaea/citología , Archaea/fisiología , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Bacterianos , Evolución Biológica , Mitocondrias/fisiología , Simbiosis , Animales , Apoptosis , Citofagocitosis , Retículo Endoplásmico/fisiología , Metabolismo Energético , Humanos , Mitocondrias/genética , Modelos BiológicosRESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Amiloidogénicas/metabolismo , Proteínas de Drosophila/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismo , Factores de Escisión y Poliadenilación de ARNm/metabolismo , AnimalesRESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Glicerofosfolípidos/metabolismo , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Modelos Biológicos , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismo , Treonina/análogos & derivados , Toxoplasma/metabolismo , Transferasas (Grupos de Otros Fosfatos Sustitutos)/metabolismo , Animales , Humanos , Membrana Dobles de Lípidos/metabolismo , Especificidad de la Especie , Treonina/metabolismo , Toxoplasma/enzimología , Toxoplasma/crecimiento & desarrollo , Toxoplasma/patogenicidad , VirulenciaRESUMEN
A study of zebra finches reveals the potential advantages of idiosyncratic mate choice in monogamous animal species. Read the Research Article.
Asunto(s)
Pinzones/genética , Aptitud Genética , Preferencia en el Apareamiento Animal/fisiología , Comportamiento de Nidificación , Reproducción , Animales , Femenino , MasculinoRESUMEN
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.
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Proteínas del Ojo/metabolismo , Proteínas de Homeodominio/metabolismo , Neocórtex/citología , Células-Madre Neurales/metabolismo , Neuroglía/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción Paired Box/metabolismo , Proteínas Represoras/metabolismo , Animales , Femenino , MasculinoRESUMEN
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.
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Aves/genética , Evolución Molecular , Especiación Genética , Variación Genética , Filogenia , AnimalesRESUMEN
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.
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Biodiversidad , Selección Genética , AnimalesRESUMEN
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.