Phenotype | Issue 30 | Trinity Term 2018
“Development has always been a science of syntheses and relationships, and these will be major themes for all sciences in the 21st century. Developmental biology will become a "biology without borders." The new developmental biology may be simultaneously molecular, ecological, evolutionary and physiological. I would be surprised if it were not.” – Professor Scott Gilbert
Welcome to the 30th issue of Phenotype!
After many months growing in utero, we are excited to share the articles that our contributors and editors have so expertly developed. As the above quote suggests, Development is relevant to every aspect of biology. You will find many examples of Developmental Biology’s breadth and impact within this edition.
Turn to page 14 for an insightful article by Vincent Frontera and Emanuele Azzoni on dissecting the complex lineage map of blood formation, and read Abigail Wilson’s discussion on the potential of stem cells to regenerate damaged cardiac tissue on page 10.
The brain is an enormously complex organ, and disruptions to its development have a devastating impact. Rohan Krajeski argues for the importance of establishing a reliable animal model of Primary Microcephaly on page 15, while Samuel Gerard tells us about how Zika virus affects fetal brain development on page 8. Carolina Rezaval talks about sexually dimorphic behaviours and what they can tell us about brain organisation and function on page 12.
On page 3, Professor Clive Wilson and his team investigate the role of exosomes as multifunctional intercellular signals in development, and their relevance further afield in reproduction, cancer, and neurodegeneration.
You can find our 5’ interview on page 30, where Stefania Monterisi asks Professor Elena Seiradake about her cutting-edge research, career, and mentorship.
Moving on from animal life, Thomas Gate discusses on an exciting example of bacteria influencing the development of specialist tissues in plants, on page 17.
Aside from our Features articles, there is much to read in our Regulars and Science & Society sections. Patrick Inns considers the potential impacts of Brexit on UK science on page 22.
Don’t forget to enter our SNAPSHOT Image competition! Read about our latest winner on page 2, and enter this term’s competition for the chance to have your research image on the front cover of Phenotype, and to win a £50 voucher from Oxford University Press. On the back of this issue you will find our Developmental Biology themed crossword, for a bit of light entertainment.
I hope you enjoy this issue, and your Trinity term! If you are interested in getting involved with Phenotype, please contact us at oxphenotype@googlemail.com. We are always happy to expand our team, regardless of your experience.
Jack Cooper
Editor-in-Chief