Sexual selection promotes reproductive isolation in barn swallows.

Despite the well-known effects of sexual selection on phenotypes, links between this evolutionary process and reproductive isolation, genomic divergence, and speciation have been difficult to establish. We unravel the genetic basis of sexually selected plumage traits to investigate their effects on reproductive isolation in barn swallows. The genetic architecture of sexual traits is characterized by 12 loci on two autosomes and the Z chromosome.

A left-lateralized white matter tract associated with communication in domestic dogs.

The ability to communicate with conspecifics is an adaptive behavior important for survival and reproduction, particularly in lineages that evolved enlarged brains and complex social behavior. In humans, language is supported by a robust, left-lateralized white matter fiber tract called the arcuate fasciculus, which links Broca's and Wernicke's areas, the core neocortical language regions located in the frontal and temporal lobes, respectively. This tract is also present in chimpanzees, less substantial than in humans and either weakly leftwardly-asymmetric or not asymmetric.

Preparation of Lyocell Fibers from Solutions of Miscanthus Cellulose.

Both annual (cotton, flax, hemp, etc.) and perennial (trees and grasses) plants can serve as a source of cellulose for fiber production. In recent years, the perennial herbaceous plant miscanthus has attracted particular interest as a popular industrial plant with enormous potential.

"No one wants you back, you will stay here forever": Exploring the story of the Israeli children who were held in captivity by Hamas.

Background: Recent armed conflicts around the world have highlighted that child abduction and hostage-taking are pervasive, and of high concern for child rights, child development, and well-being. Little research exists on child hostages in specific conflict contexts.

Objective: This study was designed to examine child hostage stories conveyed by the Israeli children who were released from captivity in Gaza, post the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel.

Asymmetric fluid flow in helical pipes inspired by shark intestines.

Unlike human intestines, which are long, hollow tubes, the intestines of sharks and rays contain interior helical structures surrounding a cylindrical hole. One function of these structures may be to create asymmetric flow, favoring passage of fluid down the digestive tract, from anterior to posterior. Here, we design and 3D print biomimetic models of shark intestines, in both rigid and deformable materials.