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Single-cell transcriptomics of hypothalamic cells from zebrafish and surface and cave morphs of Mexican tetra shows conservation of cell types and that cellular novelty is associated with genetic novelty and the species-specific expression of paralogous genes.
Identifying Neanderthal and Denisovan bone fragments using collagen peptide mass fingerprinting and mitochondrial DNA analysis at Denisova Cave, the authors are able to date the earliest secure Denisovan presence at the cave to c. 200 ka. The stratigraphic association with lithics and faunal remains allows the authors to explore the behavioural and environmental adaptations of these elusive hominins.
Measuring fitness effects of mutations in the same gene expressed at two levels, the authors show expression dependency of fitness effects in at least 42% of all single-nucleotide mutations, probably driven by avoidance of stochastic molecular errors.
Horizontal gene transfer could stabilize cooperation in bacteria because plasmids could promote the transfer of genes encoding public goods. However, the authors use comparative analysis and theoretical modelling to show that, while horizontal gene transfer may help cooperative genes invade a population initially, they have less of a role in long-term maintenance of cooperation.
The strength of functional diversity effects on forest productivity increases over time, highlighting the key role of multi-species tree communities in long-term restoration initiatives.
In a long-running forest biodiversity experiment in China, the authors ask which measures of tree functional trait diversity impact productivity as forests develop. While productivity increased with community-weighted mean trait values early on, after 7 years productivity was significantly increased in plots with higher functional diversity.
The climate and biodiversity crises are two sides of the same coin demanding urgent, ambitious action. Countries must commit to halve their carbon emissions and effectively protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.