A Non-Synonymous Point Mutation in a WD-40 Domain Repeat of EML5 Leads to Decreased Bovine Sperm Quality and Fertility.

This study is part of a concerted effort to identify and phenotype rare, deleterious mutations that adversely affect sperm quality, or convey high developmental and fertility potential to embryos and ensuing progeny. A rare, homozygous mutation in ( ), which encodes a microtubule-associated protein with high expression in testis and brain was identified in an Angus bull used extensively in artificial insemination (AI) for its outstanding progeny production traits. The bull's fertility was low in cross-breeding timed AI (TAI) (Pregnancy/TAI = 25.

The botanical multiverse of Peter Barlow.

Dr Peter Barlow, who died in 2017, was one of the most respected botanists and biologists of the latter half of the 20th Century. His interests covered a wide range of plant biological topics, e.g.

Use of ultrasonographic fetometry for the estimation of days to kidding in dairy does.

The objective of this study was to predict the number of days to kidding in dairy goats by ultrasonographic measurement of three consecutive ribs and intercostal spaces or trunk diameter of fetuses. Two groups of primiparous and multiparous goats were examined by transabdominal ultrasonography. Actual kidding date was used to compute the true number of days to kidding relative to the ultrasound examination day.

Oxidative stress and NO signalling in the root apex as an early response to changes in gravity conditions.

Oxygen influx showed an asymmetry in the transition zone of the root apex when roots were placed horizontally on ground. The influx increased only in the upper side, while no changes were detected in the division and in the elongation zone. Nitric oxide (NO) was also monitored after gravistimulation, revealing a sudden burst only in the transition zone.

Gravity affects the closure of the traps in Dionaea muscipula.

Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Ellis) is a carnivorous plant known for its ability to capture insects thanks to the fast snapping of its traps. This fast movement has been long studied and it is triggered by the mechanical stimulation of hairs, located in the middle of the leaves. Here we present detailed experiments on the effect of microgravity on trap closure recorded for the first time during a parabolic flight campaign.