S. E. Pierce

Repatterning of mammalian backbone regionalization in cetaceans

This study investigates vertebral regionalization in cetaceans, finding that their backbone is less regionalized in the precaudal segment but more so in the caudal segment, indicating a repatterning of the vertebral column.

Adaptive landscapes unveil the complex evolutionary path to mammalian forelimb function and posture

This study uses adaptive landscapes to analyze 3D humerus shape and function in fossil synapsids and extant species, revealing that the transition to parasagittal posture in mammals was not direct but involved evolutionary flexibility and multiple trait combinations.

A high-throughput platform for single-molecule tracking identifies drug interaction and cellular mechanisms

This paper introduces a high-throughput single-molecule tracking platform to study protein dynamics and drug interactions, identifying novel mechanisms and therapeutics.

High lineage survivorship across the end-Devonian Mass Extinction suggested by a remarkable new Late Devonian actinopterygian

The paper presents a new Late Devonian fossil that suggests lineage diversification occurred before the end-Devonian mass extinction, challenging previous models of post-extinction radiation.

Musculoskeletal modelling of sprawling and parasagittal forelimbs provides insight into synapsid postural transition

The paper models musculoskeletal forelimbs of three synapsid species to analyze posture and function during the transition from sprawling to parasagittal limb posture.

LKB1 inactivation modulates chromatin accessibility to drive metastatic progression

This study shows that LKB1 inactivation alters chromatin accessibility, promoting metastatic progression in lung cancer through SOX17 activation.

Megaevolutionary dynamics in reptiles and the role of adaptive radiations in evolutionary innovation

The paper examines evolutionary dynamics in reptiles, finding decoupling between phenotypic and molecular evolution rates, with high rates at the origin of major clades like snakes.

Evolutionary parallelisms of pectoral and pelvic network-anatomy from fins to limbs

This study shows pectoral and pelvic appendages evolved parallel topological changes during the fins-to-limbs transition, with digits as a key novelty reducing disparity and increasing modularity.

Semicircular Canals In Anolis Lizards: Ecomorphological Convergence And Ecomorph Affinities Of Fossil Species

This study examines semicircular canal shape convergence in Anolis lizards across ecomorphs, finding ecomorph grouping is the strongest predictor of canal morphology, with fossil species showing distinct shapes from modern groups.