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Cover image
Cover Image
Cover: Most studies on the biomechanics of running in birds have focused on sagittal plane movements. Using a combination of anatomical modeling and gait analysis, Rubenson et al. (pp. 2548−2562) reconstructed the ostrich (Struthio camelus) hind limb during running in three dimensions (seen here with marker and anatomical landmark trajectories). Surprisingly, this cursorial species exhibits considerable non-sagittal segment motion, much of which is explained by the orientation of the jointsâ flexion/extension axes. Three-dimensional analyses such as these provide valuable clues into the relationship between avian bipedal musculoskeletal structure and function, and its evolution. (Images created using BodyBuilder software, Oxford Metrics.) - PDF Icon PDF LinkTable of contents
Ecosystem engineers on tropical reefs in transition
Giant barrel sponges (GSBs) remain robust to rising seawater temperatures and have rapidly populated reefs stripped of coral cover by climate change. GBSs may be poised to become the dominant habitat-forming organisms in tropical reef ecosystems of the future. In this Review, Joseph Pawlik provides an integrative and critical assessment of research on giant barrel sponges.
JEB grants to support junior faculty
Learn about the grants that we launched in 2023 to support junior faculty from two of our awardees: Erin Leonard, Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Visiting Fellowship recipient, and Pauline Fleischmann, Research Partnership Kickstart Travel Grant recipient. The next deadline to apply is 28 November 2025.
Stressed salmon develop hallmarks of depression
Farmed salmon can experience high levels of CO2 and now Marco Vindas and colleagues report that fish which have experienced this form of stress show signs of fishy depression. They hope that understanding this could help farmers improve the fish's quality of life.
Extraordinary creatures: hummingbirds
Doug Altshuler and Ken Welch tell us about the extraordinary lives of hummingbirds, from their ability to hover during flight to their use of nectar as a primary food source.
