Recurrent horizontal transfer identifies mitochondrial positive selection in a transmissible cancer.

Autonomous replication and segregation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) creates the potential for evolutionary conflict driven by emergence of haplotypes under positive selection for 'selfish' traits, such as replicative advantage. However, few cases of this phenomenon arising within natural populations have been described. Here, we survey the frequency of mtDNA horizontal transfer within the canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT), a contagious cancer clone that occasionally acquires mtDNA from its hosts.

Smartphone and Tablet-Based Sensing of Environmental Radioactivity: Mobile Low-Cost Measurements for Monitoring, Citizen Science, and Educational Purposes.

Sensors for environmental radioactivity based on two novel setups using photodiodes, on the one hand, and an advanced tablet-based hybrid pixel detector, on the other hand, are presented. Measurements of four kinds of terrestrial and every-day radiation sources are carried out: Airborne radon, a mineral containing traces of uranium, edible potassium salt, and an old radium watch. These measurements permit comparisons between different types of ambient radioactive sources and enable environmental monitoring.

Anaerobic metabolism of phenol in proteobacteria and further studies of phenylphosphate carboxylase.

Anaerobic phenol metabolism was studied in three facultative aerobic denitrifying bacteria, Thauera aromatica, "Aromatoleum aromaticum" strain EbN1 (Betaproteobacteria), and Magnetospirillum sp. (Alphaproteobacterium). All species formed phenylphosphate and contained phenylphosphate carboxylase but not phenol carboxylase activity.