Agricultural subsoil microbiomes and functions exhibit lower resistance to global change than topsoils in Chinese agroecosystems.

Soils play a critical role in supporting agricultural production. Subsoils, below 20 cm, underpin fundamental agroecosystem sustainability traits including soil carbon storage, climate regulation and water provision. However, little is known about the ecological stability of subsoils in response to global change.

Visualizing motions within the cochlea's organ of Corti and illuminating cochlear mechanics with optical coherence tomography.

Beginning in 2006, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been adapted for use as a vibrometer for hearing research. The application of OCT in this field, particularly for studying cochlear mechanics, represents a revolutionary advance over previous technologies. OCT provides detailed evidence of the motions of components within the organ of Corti, extending beyond the first-encountered surface of observation.

More Than a Small Brain: The Importance of Studying Neural Function during Development.

The nervous system contains complex circuits comprising thousands of cell types and trillions of connections. Here, we discuss how the field of "developmental systems neuroscience" combines the molecular and genetic perspectives of developmental neuroscience with the (typically adult-focused) functional perspective of systems neuroscience. This combination of approaches is critical to understanding how a handful of cells eventually produce the wide range of behaviors necessary for survival.