The evolution of warning signals

Article Abstract:

Many animals adopt warning coloration signals to tell predators that they are dangerous or unpalatable to eat, but little is known about the initial evolution of such signals. However, a conspicuous mutant is vulnerable to attack from predators which have not learned to avoid it, therefore animals which evolve warning signals have previously been thought to be gregarious. A new study describes a theoretical model for the evolution of warning signals without gregariousness. As long as predators can generalize from unpleasant experiences and the prey populations exceed a necessary minimum, progressive selection for warning signals will continue to occur.

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Ins and outs of the ribosome

Article Abstract:

Joachim Frank and colleagues have used energy-filtering cryo-electron microscopy to develop a detailed depiction of Escherichia coli ribosomes morphology. The reconstruct at 25-Angstrom reconstruction of thousands of images shows more specific characteristics and allows fro some insight into protein synthesis because the ribosomes are preserved in hydrated form using ice embedding. The specific relationships between ribosomes and ligands can be explored using the subtle conformational features now visible.

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Genetic control and evolution of sexually dimorphic characters in Drosophila

Article Abstract:

Research is presented describing the study of pigmentation controls in the different sexes of fruitfly and the role of biological evolution.

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