Algae growth follows the hourglass model

The mid-embryonic developmental stages are strikingly similar in animals, plants and algae Recent observations in brown algae from researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen and the University of Dundee reveal the same hourglass pattern during embryogenesis as animals and plants. The ‘hourglass model’ of development in multicellular organisms suggests that embryos of the same phylum display differences morphologically and molecularly at the earliest and latest stages but rese...

Harnessing Mutations: A Breakthrough in Fruit Fly Genetics

A game-changing technique, TF-High-Evolutionary (TF-HighEvo), allows large-scale assessment of de-novo mutations in multicellular organisms Developed in collaboration with researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society and published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, this technique provides fresh insights into the evolutionary dynamics of gene regulatory networks and their role in shaping life’s diversity....
Phys.org •

Why do females switch to asexual reproduction?

"Amazon" algae shed light on what happens to populations when females switch to asexual reproduction. Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen and Kobe University discovered populations of female brown algae that reproduce from unfertilized gametes and thrive without males. In a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, they used brown algae to shed light on the phenotypic and genetic consequences of the shift from sexual to asexual reproduction. The researchers found several populations of brown algae in the sea on the co...
Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen •

Cannibalism in Nematodes

Developmental plasticity plays a crucial role in the predatory development of Allodiplogaster sudhausi, according to experimental genetics. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biology have produced intriguing evidence of how environmental factors and genetic adaptation can lead to evolution of novel and aggressive traits and behaviours in nematodes. The discovery of genome duplication and a new cannibalistic morph in Allodiplogaster sudhausi raises questions about how these genetic cha...
Phys.org •

Researchers discover Paleocene origin of leaf beetles in Panama

Brightly colored beetles that feed on a wide range of plants possess robust metabolic capabilities, thanks to bacteria residing in specialized organs in their digestive tract. The bacterium Stammera provides essential enzymes enabling Cassidinae beetles to digest plant cell wall components efficiently. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen discovered the ancient origin of this specialized relationship. They found symbiotic leaf beetles exhibit greater species diversi
idw - Informationsdienst Wissenschaft e.V. Nachric •

Bacterial pathogens share genes to outsmart treatments and adapt to new environments

Bacterial pathogens share genes to outsmart treatments and adapt to new environments A new study published in PNAS sheds light on how bacterial plant pathogens, like Pseudomonas syringae, rapidly evolve resistance to antibiotics and adapt to changing environments. This is particularly concerning as copper-based antimicrobials are commonly used in agriculture to control these very pathogens. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism by which these bacteria gain new abilities due to mobile
The Playa Times •

Editorial: Of Corpse You Will Have A Good Time

From the cult-ish to the traditional, the end of October and the start of November is a festive treat for locals and tourists. Here in the Riviera Maya, the Mexican celebration of the Dead of the Dead has joined up with Halloween for a three-day death fest. Halloween has become an important social event for the region, and The "Poltergeist" Playa Times is looking forward to the spooky season of nightcrawlers made up of the little devils and their Addams families.
The Playa Times •

TPT Meets Svetlana Aleksandroff, Author of Plants of the Mayan World

Already in its second edition, Plants of the Mayan World, is an essential reference guide to plant botany of the Yucatan peninsula and beyond. We talked to the author to find out more behind the making of her book Originally from Moscow, and after having lived in Vermont, Svetlana Aleksandroff moved to Mexico to escape the cold. Mexico reminded her of Russia, with its unique culture, cuisine, people and nature. Her interest in ethnobotany inspired her to write a book; it became an  I expression
The Playa Times •

Editorial: An Unforgettable Mexican Winter

There is no denying that the Riviera Maya truly comes alive in winter. Alfresco festivals transform streets with live music, film, art and entertainment; beaches buzz with sun seekers, kite surfers and paddle boarders; divers disappear into the depths of the oceans seeking out Nemo; cafes, taco stands, restaurants and bars welcome foodies early and stay open late; and the musicians from the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and dancers for the FIDanza step into the spotlight. In this issue of
The Playa Times •

Editorial - Happy Birthday to The Playa Times!

It has been two years since we first distributed the newspaper out into the streets of the Mexican Caribbean, and we couldn’t have done it without you. The first time the idea of The Playa Times was pitched, we believed there was a need for a publication that informed, engaged and entertained English speakers and readers as told from the perspective of those who live here. Our target audience is primarily the millions of visitors from an internationally diverse background who arrive here annua
The Playa Times •

Editorial - Facing the Storm Together

Did you know that the word hurricane is derived from the Maya storm god Hunraken? That is a good dinner party conversation starter, right? Natural disasters are unavoidable. Especially when the Mexican Caribbean lies in one of the six main tropical areas of the Earth where hurricanes can develop every year. Just by talking to a local, you are bound to hear about their experiences of when Hurricane Wilma hit the coastline in 2005. Although natural disasters are beyond human control, proper mana
The Playa Times •

Cirque du Soleil’s Joyà Celebrates One Year of Adventure

Riviera Maya audiences, as spoiled as we are in paradise, are no strangers to the mystical world of the Maya jungle and the mixture between old and the new. In November 2014, the area received a world class resident, as Cirque du Soleil opened their doors to their new show Joyà. The show and its settings are perfectly designed and scripted to reflect a deep respect for the ecological, cultural and historical richness of Mexico. From the first glimpse of the building right to the end of the per
The Playa Times •

Editorial: Año Nuevo, Vida Nueva

January can feel like a stodgy month after all the Yule-tidings, especially if you ate as much, drank as much and attended as many Christmas parties as we did. If you did, well done. You are probably feeling as worn out and overweight as us too. For those that celebrated here, you may have noticed Mexicans practice a few unusual rituals to ring in the good fortune in the New Year. For instance, the clothing worn at the end of year celebrations has a special meaning to people. White clothing is
The Playa Times •

Editorial - Under the Seaweed

Every year it seems some natural phenomenon takes over the talk of the town and this year the focus is on sargassum. The thick and endless layers of brown seaweed have moved into the region, much to the dislike of everyone. The floods of sargassum have been invading the coastline of all Caribbean destinations; it is not a problem exclusive to Mexico. At this point, we clearly cannot stop it from moving in, but there have been large initiatives through clean-up programs to help ensure guests get
Load More Articles