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Going back in genes
A new analysis of the genes common to bacteria and archaea offers strong evidence that the earliest cells on Earth lived deep in hydrothermal vents, explains William F Martin The Biologist 64(2) p20-23 The last universal common ancestor (LUCA) is the...
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All together now
Could a diverse group of compounds known as oxylipins, found across the kingdoms of life, be the molecules that enabled ancient single cells to join forces and become multicellular? Georgy Kurakin and colleagues look at the evidence October 6th 2021...
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The Power of Poison
Botulinum toxins are among the most deadly substances known to man, yet have a remarkable range of therapeutic uses. David Feld, who has received injections of the toxins for 20 years, and his doctor, Richard Grünewald, explore this fascinating...
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An RSB Podcast: Biosphere
Biosphere is a Royal Society of Biology podcast that covers the broad field of the life sciences by interviewing bioscience researchers and discussing interesting biological discoveries and science policy. Biosphere will launch Monday 16th October, and...
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Bridging the gaps
What can educators and their institutions do to close the worrying gap in attainment between different groups of students in STEM? September 5th 2022 In 2017-2018, 80.9% of white students were given a first or 2:1, compared to 67% in racially...
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Breaking down barriers
A better understanding of how bacterial biofilms form is vital to prepare us for future pandemics and the worsening of the antimicrobial crisis, writes Susana Direito May 31st 2021 In the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 the majority of the estimated...
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Herding the wild
Iain Gordon explores whether the concept of ‘rewilding lite’ can help us restore the biodiversity of agricultural land where the return of large herbivores and predators is not possible May 27th 2022 Across the UK and Europe land is being abandoned at...
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Resistance fighters
Just like bacteria, agricultural pests evolve resistance to the chemicals we develop to control them. Anthony Flemming looks at what we can do about it The Biologist Vol 63(6) p16-19 For an increasingly urbanised population, the agricultural landscape...
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To Dye For
Before the invention of synthetic dyes in the late 19th century, people relied heavily on plants to add colour to their world. Barbara Rush reports from a small corner of France dedicated to conserving these fascinating plants The Biologist 64(4)...
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Buried Alive
Above: A rainbow captured over the drilling rig of the research vessel JOIDES Resolution. Image courtesy of IODP JRSO Yuki Morono explains why the discovery of living bacteria in 100 million year old sediment may force us to rethink the minimum levels...
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The imitation game
Jennifer Mather looks at how cephalopods can perfectly camouflage themselves and create stunning visual displays with their skin – all without colour vision The Biologist 65(6) p10-13 Pictures courtesy of Craig Foster, Seachangeproject, South Africa...
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Built to last
The shell of pollen grains is one of the toughest biological materials found on Earth. Grahame Mackenzie and Terry Corbitt look at its amazing properties and potential uses The Biologist 66(4) p8-11 When we think of shells perhaps our first thoughts...
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Divide and Conquer
A technique known as ‘microfragmentation’ can help slow-growing coral grow up to 40 times faster than in nature. Zac Forsman explains how the technique could help restore colonies impacted by climate change and mass bleaching events February 7th 2020...
