Behind the Paper

The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows.

Uncinate processes, lever-like structures attached to the ribs, may have helped many dinosaurs breathe a little easier

We used tell-tale markings on ribs to show that uncinate processes were widespread in dinosaurs and their relatives, and likely represent an ancient adaptation for improved respiration that was ultimately inherited by birds. Blog post by Yan-yin Wang, with contributions from Leon P. A. M. Claessens and Corwin Sullivan.
Go to the profile of Yan-yin Wang +2
Yan-yin Wang and 2 others
Jan 17, 2023

Genomic analysis of hypoxia inducible factor alpha in ray-finned fishes reveals missing Ohnologs and evidence of widespread positive selection

Fishes are increasingly challenged by low dissolved oxygen in nature and their survival relies, in part, upon their molecular responses. This study sheds new light on the evolution and diversity of the hypoxia inducible factor, the master regulator of oxygen-dependent gene expression, in fishes.
Go to the profile of Bernard Rees
Dec 28, 2022