Widespread 3'UTR capped RNAs derive from G-rich regions in proximity to AGO2 binding sites.

The 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) plays a crucial role in determining mRNA stability, localisation, translation and degradation. Cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE), a method for the detection of capped 5' ends of mRNAs, additionally reveals a large number of apparently 5' capped RNAs derived from locations within the body of the transcript, including 3'UTRs. Here, we provide direct evidence that these 3'UTR-derived RNAs are indeed capped and widespread in mammalian cells.

Fragmentation in patchy ecosystems: a call for a functional approach.

Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to biodiversity, but existing literature largely ignores naturally patchy ecosystems in favor of forests, where deforestation creates spatially distinct fragments. Here, we use savannas to highlight the problems with applying forest fragmentation principles to spatially patchy ecosystems. Identifying fragmentation using landscape functionality, specifically connectivity, enables better understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

Scavenging in two mountain ecosystems: Distinctive contribution of ants in grassland and non-ant invertebrates in forest.

Scavenging is a key process for the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems, yet it is still neglected in the ecological literature. Apart from the importance of specific groups of animals in scavenging, there have been few ecological studies that compare them. Furthermore, the ecological studies on scavenging have mainly focused on vertebrates despite the crucial importance of invertebrates in this process.