Wnt6 - beyond wings

Wnt is known to regulate Drosophila wing development. Teleman and colleagues now report that its evolutionarily ancient cousin Wnt6 can be lost with no effect on fruitfly wings, but seems to be essential for the development of mouthparts.

Improved maternal care needed in LMICs

In a clinical trial, interventions based on birth planning, hospital transport and staff training do not reduce perinatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), suggesting more resources are needed to improve obstetric care systems.

Light at night reduces melatonin production in urban birds

Urban birds are active earlier in the day due to the suppression of melatonin production, which is a result of increased light levels at night in urban environments. This suggests that urban birds could become desynchronized with the light-dark cycle which affects daily behaviour as well as annual breeding cycles.

Epigenetic variation in twin-twin transfusion syndrome

An examination of global and gene specific DNA methylation patterns in children with twin-twin transfusion syndrome, a complication of disproportionate blood supply.

Chromosomal evolution in the grasshopper

Marcos Neto et al. report the chromosome complement of four Neotropical grasshopper species using FISH mapping analysis.

Heterogeneous genetic origins of CAS

Whole exome sequencing (WES) of individuals with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) suggests that CAS is genetically heterogeneous, and that WES could have a potential role in the clinical and genetic diagnosis of pediatric motor speech disorders.

Low transmission potential of H7N9

Mathematical models suggest the novel influenza A/H7N9 virus has low transmission potential in China, but continued monitoring is warranted as changing seasonal factors and relaxed interventional measures might promote its spread.

How is epigenetic information maintained through generations?

As part of the Epigenetics & Chromatin conference article collection, Jessica Tyler and colleagues discuss mechanisms of how the epigenetic landscape is continued through DNA replication.

Umbilical cord stem cells for IVD therapy?

Human umbilical cord stem cells can differentiate into cells exhibiting an immature nucleus pulposus phenotype in a laminin-rich culture environment, and may have therapeutic potential in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.

Mobile DNA in the butterfly genome

The first analysis of transposable elements in a butterfly genome is presented and compared with a moth genome, providing insights into transposable element evolution within the Lepidoptera order.