R. Walker

Silk Road Revealed: Mechanism of silk fibre formation in Bombyx mori

This study redefines the molecular structure of fibroin heavy chain and its role in the transition from solution to fibre.

Complex petal spot formation in the Beetle Daisy (Gorteria diffusa) relies on spot-specific accumulation of malonylated anthocyanin regulated by paralogous GdMYBSG6 transcription factors

This study identifies three R2R3-MYB transcription factors that regulate spot-specific malonylated anthocyanin production in Gorteria diffusa petals.

Effects of chitin and chitosan on root growth, biochemical defense response and exudate proteome of Cannabis sativa

This study examines how chitin and chitosan affect Cannabis sativa root growth, defense responses, and exudate proteome, finding that chitosan enhances defense protein production and secretion.

Genomic characterization of three novel Desulfobacterota classes expand the metabolic and phylogenetic diversity of the Phylum

This study characterizes 30 genomes from three novel Desulfobacterota classes, expanding their metabolic and phylogenetic diversity across various environments.

Methane-derived carbon flow through host-virus trophic networks in soil

This study identifies active host-virus interactions in methane-fueled soil microbial networks by tracing carbon transfer from hosts to viruses.

Stabilization of cultural innovations depends on population density: testing an epidemiological model of cultural evolution against a global dataset of rock art sites and climate-based estimates of ancient population densities.Short title: Cultural epidemiology: the case of rock art

The paper tests an epidemiological model of cultural evolution using rock art data and population density estimates, finding that population density above a critical threshold is necessary for cultural innovation stability.

Foot shock facilitates reward seeking in an experience-dependent manner

The paper shows that foot shock can facilitate reward seeking in rats with experience, contrasting previous findings of suppression.

Modulation of the tumour promoting functions of cancer associated fibroblasts by phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition increases the efficacy of chemotherapy in human preclinical models of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

This study shows that PDE5 inhibition reduces CAF tumor-promoting effects and enhances chemotherapy efficacy in EAC models.

Trans-epithelial Fluid Pumping Performance of Renal Epithelial Cells and Mechanics of Cystic Expansion

This study uses a microfluidic platform to show renal epithelial cells generate hydraulic pressure gradients, with PKD cells showing reversed fluid flow and higher stall pressure.

Treatment of mice with IL2-complex enhances inflammasome-driven IFN-γ production and prevents lethal toxoplasmosis

This study shows that IL2C treatment expands CD8+ T cells, DN T cells, and NK cells, enhancing IFN-γ production and preventing lethal toxoplasmosis in mice.