Issues
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Cover image
Cover Image
Cover: The small white butterfly (Pieris rapae) has been shown to use the polarized reflections from plant leaves to recognize host plants including cabbage (Brassica oleracea). The compound eyes of this insect contain several classes of photoreceptors sensitive to polarized light but the downstream processing allowing discrimination of plants based on polarized light is not well understood. Blake et al. (jeb220350) investigate possible mechanisms underlying the exploitation of these cues. The neurological mechanism remains elusive, but behavioral experiments reveal that the small white uses polarized light cues in a manner that differs from that of all polarization-sensitive taxa investigated thus far. Photo credit: Adam Blake.
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Remodeling the epigenome and (epi)cytoskeleton: a new paradigm for co-regulation by methylation
Summary: A shared chromatocytoskeletal machinery uses methylation to remodel chromatin and the cytoskeleton; we discuss how this might regulate and integrate cellular functions, and suggest the term ‘epiregulation’ to describe this co-regulation.
Chilling induces unidirectional solute leak through the locust gut epithelia
Summary: Evidence for the presence of cold-induced paracellular leak along the gut of the migratory locust; this leak is strongest in the mucosal to serosal direction.
Surviving anoxia: the maintenance of energy production and tissue integrity during anoxia and reoxygenation
Summary: Here we integrate knowledge gained from studies of anoxia-tolerant species from many animal taxa to identify common strategies, as well as novel solutions, for the challenges of anoxia exposure.
Effect of ambient temperature on sleep breathing phenotype in mice: the role of orexins
Summary: Orexin peptides do not play a role in the temperature-dependent modulation of respiratory regulation in different sleep states in mice; however, the occurrence of sleep apneas critically depends on ambient temperature.
Copepod feeding strategy determines response to seawater viscosity: videography study of two calanoid copepod species
Summary: Using high-speed micro-videography to resolve individual-level movements of copepods reveals that, depending on feeding strategy, calanoid copepods respond differently to changes in seawater viscosity but similarly to diet.
How do hoverflies use their righting reflex?
Summary: Hoverfly righting is achieved by performing a rolling manoeuvre; reorientation is achieved within 6 wingbeats and hoverfly head rotation follows that of their body after a time lag of 16 ms.
Ontogenetic variation in the auditory sensitivity of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) and the implications of anthropogenic sound on behavior and communication
Summary: Juvenile black sea bass, Centropristus striata, are significantly more sensitive to sounds than fish in two larger size classes, and all classes are most sensitive in the 150–300 Hz range.
A novel microRNA and its pfk target control growth length in the freshwater shrimp Neocaridina heteropoda
Summary: Identification of a novel microRNA that inhibits translation of the phosphofructokinase (pfk) gene, thereby inhibiting molting and body length growth of the freshwater shrimp Neocaridina heteropoda.
Carbonic anhydrases are influenced by the size and symbiont identity of the aggregating sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima
Summary: Symbiosis and body size are important in determining carbonic anhydrase activity and gene expression in the temperate symbiotic sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima.
Polarized light sensitivity in Pieris rapae is dependent on both color and intensity
Editor's choice:Pieris rapae females process and interpret polarization reflections dependent on both their color and intensity and in ways different from other polarization-sensitive taxa.
Response to: Lipid content of whale blubber cannot be measured using biopsies
Ryan, C. (2020). Lipid content of whale blubber cannot be measured using biopsies. J. Exp. Biol. 223, jeb227710. doi:10.1242/jeb.227710
Hypoxia acclimation alters reactive oxygen species homeostasis and oxidative status in estuarine killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)
Summary: Hypoxia acclimation leads to pronounced changes in redox status, with no signs of oxidative damage, during hypoxia and re-oxygenation in the estuarine killifish.
To walk or to run – a question of movement attractor stability
Summary: In accordance with the dynamical systems theory, lower limb attractor stability is highest at a particular gait mode closest to the corresponding preferred speed.
Mitochondrial performance of a continually growing marine bivalve, Mytilus edulis, depends on body size
Summary: Mitochondrial respiration in a marine mollusc increases with body mass, demonstrating a link with overall growth performance.
Evidence that male sea lamprey increase pheromone release after perceiving a competitor
Summary: Male sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, increase pheromone release after perceiving intrasexual competition, and this change in chemical signaling strategy may influence female mate choice.
Mussel acclimatization to high, variable temperatures is lost slowly upon transfer to benign conditions
Summary: Acclimatization to high, variable temperatures is lost slowly with constant submersion, potentially facilitating animals’ survival during intermittent stressful thermal events. Previous acclimatization state influences the changes observed with constant submersion.
Ionoregulatory aspects of the hypoxia-induced osmorespiratory compromise in the euryhaline Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus): the effects of salinity
Summary: In the euryhaline killifish Fundulus heteroclitus, ionoregulatory responses to acute hypoxia involve decreases in gill ion flux and permeability when in freshwater and seawater, but increases when in isosmotic salinity.
Neural dysfunction correlates with heat coma and CTmax in Drosophila but does not set the boundaries for heat stress survival
Summary: Hyperthermic failure of the Drosophila central nervous system causes heat coma, a trait varying in temperature between drosophilids, but neural failure is not the primary cause of heat mortality.
Complex multi-modal sensory integration and context specificity in colour preferences of a pierid butterfly
Summary: Cross-modal integration of information negatively affects colour learning in a butterfly.
Morphological and functional development of the spiral intestine in cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame)
Summary: The spiral intestine is formed and becomes functional for nutrient absorption at the timing of an embryonic event (‘pre-hatching’) in oviparous cloudy catsharks (Scyliorhinus torazame).
So long Andy and welcome Monica
We say a fond farewell to Andy Biewener who, after 20 years and steering hundreds of manuscripts through peer review, will be stepping down from his role as JEB Editor. We are delighted to welcome Monica Daley to the team in his place.
Supporting early-career researchers
As a journal published by The Company of Biologists, we champion early-career researchers. Find out more about the practical solutions available to help this vital community navigate the first stages of their careers.
Neuroethology of number sense across the animal kingdom
Andreas Nieder considers the fundamentally different types of brains of diverse and distantly related animal species that give rise to number skills across the animal kingdom.
Hiking trails ideal for sauntering grizzlies
New measurements reveal that grizzly bears use similar amounts of energy as humans when walking and prefer to take routes with a gradient of less than 10%, which explains why they sometimes turn up on human hiking trails that are shallow for our use and are also ideal for grizzlies.
Upcoming grant deadlines
Grants awarded by The Company of Biologists help scientists travel, attend events and host sustainable activities. Make a note of the upcoming application deadlines and find out more about the grants on offer:
Sustainable Conferencing Grants
17 May 2021
Travelling Fellowships
31 May 2021
Scientific Meeting Grants
4 June 2021