Issues
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Cover image
Cover Image
Confocal image of an embryoid body stained by immunofluorescence for Brachyury (red) and Hoechst (blue). The work by Atoosa Amel and colleagues investigates the effects of various supplements commonly used in generating stem cell embryo models to better understand their roles in stem cell differentiation. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
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MEETING REVIEW
Ecophysiology of neotropical amphibians and reptiles: lessons learned from Colombia
Summary: We present progress in the ecological physiology of neotropical amphibians and reptiles through the lenses of our specialized symposium held in Colombia, and highlight the fundamental role of early-career herpetologists.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the ubiquitin variant UbKEKS reveals a role in regulating nucleolar structures and composition
Summary: UbKEKS is a new universal post-translational modification which brings a new depth in the ubiquitin regulation system. Here, we explore its impact on nucleolar composition, structures and functions.
Intermittent hypoxia differentially affects metabolic and oxidative stress responses in two species of cyprinid fish
Summary: This research sheds light on oxidative stress and metabolic adjustments to oxygen fluctuations on two common species of freshwater cyprinids.
Expression and function of four AAV-based constructs for dystrophin restoration in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Summary: Comparing four shortened dystrophin combinations in an rAAVrh74 platform showed that rAAVrh74.MHCK7.micro-dystrophin produced the greatest functional improvement in mdx mice, highlighting the importance of promoter/transgene selection in gene transfer therapies.
Elevated temperatures increase abnormalities in embryos and reduce larval survival in serpulid polychaetes
Summary: This work describes the effect of increased temperature on the early developmental stages of two serpulid polychaetes. We demonstrated that increased temperatures induced embryo abnormalities and decreased larval survival.
CD133/Prom1 marks proximal mouse oviduct epithelial progenitors and adult epithelial cells with a low generative capacity
Summary: A description of CD133/Prom1 expressing epithelial cells in adult and postnatal mice identifying differences between distal and proximal domains and no evidence of a resident stem cell.
Wnt and BMP signalling direct anterior–posterior differentiation in aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells
Summary: The complex reagents used in ‘stembryo’ protocols have unclear roles in stem cell differentiation in vitro requiring further investigation. This study examines their effects on embryoid bodies.
Human in vivo medial gastrocnemius gear during active and passive muscle lengthening: effect of inconsistent methods and nomenclature on data interpretation
Summary: We identified inconsistencies in muscle gearing nomenclature and calculation methods across the biological sciences. Our empirical data show that these methodological differences affect conclusion depending on the contraction mode used and is thus important in animal and human comparative physiology.
Effects of particle size and thickness of quartz sand on the webbed foot kinematics of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Summary: Effects of particle size and thickness of quartz sand on the joint (tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint and intertarsal joint) angle and the webbed foot kinematics of mallard.
Using CRISPR/Cas9 to identify genes required for mechanosensory neuron development and function
Summary: Using CRISPR/Cas9 to study neuronal function and development in a classroom context.
METHODS & TECHNIQUES
Quantifying acute kidney injury in an Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury mouse model using deep-learning-based semantic segmentation in histology
Summary: This study employs AI-driven analysis of kidney tissue slides, enhancing the understanding of disease progression using mouse models. Deep learning's potential to improve injury assessment methods is explored, challenging conventional standards.
A universal method for generating knockout mice in multiple genetic backgrounds using zygote electroporation
Summary: A universal method for zygote genome editing in multiple inbred mouse strains allows for generation of novel mutant mice for understanding mammalian gene function and human disease pathogenesis.
insideOutside: an accessible algorithm for classifying interior and exterior points, with applications in embryology
Summary: Motivated by the need to classify cells of mouse embryos based on spatial position alone, we establish a theoretical framework, develop an easy-to-deploy package, and perform benchmarking.
Visualization of the biphasic calcium wave during fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans using a genetically encoded calcium indicator
Summary: We report the development of a genetically encoded calcium indicator in C. elegans to visualize the universally conserved calcium wave during fertilization.
FIRST PERSON
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A novel role for glycogen synthase during heat stress

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