The thermal dependence (0-40oC) of Na+ flux in isolated liver cells of three endotherms (mice, rat and rabbit) was compared to ectotherms in the form of a thermally tolerant amphibian (cane toad), a cold-water fish (rainbow trout) and a thermophilic reptile (lizard). Mammals were found to share similar high rates of Na+ flux (3.0-3.7 nmoles Na+. mgP−1. min−1) at their normal body temperatures (between 36-39 oC). These Na+ flux rates were significantly greater (p<0.0004-0.0001) than those of the ectotherms that shared similar low rates of Na+ flux (0.7-1.3 nmoles Na+. mgP−1. min−1) at their very different normal acclimated body temperatures (15oC for trout, 25oC for toad and 37oC for the lizard species). Trout, that possess highly unsaturated membranes (similar to those of mammals), showed a Na+ flux with high thermal sensitivity at low temperature similar to that found in mammals at higher temperature. The thermal sensitivity of toad Na+ flux was significantly less (p<0.05-0.01) than that present in rat and rabbit. Trout Na+ flux did not increase with increasing temperature much above 20oC, whereas all other species measured increased their Na+ flux with increasing temperature up to 40oC. In conclusion, at normal operating body temperatures the rate of Na+ flux is much lower in ectotherms.
The thermal dependence of Na+ flux in isolated liver cells from ectotherms and endotherms
2023 JEB Outstanding Paper Prize shortlist and winner
The JEB Editors are delighted to announce the shortlisted authors for the 2023 JEB Outstanding Paper Prize. Read the winning paper - Tiny spies: mosquito antennae are sensitive sensors for eavesdropping on frog calls - by Hoover Pantoja-Sanchez and Brian Leavell from Ximena Bernal's lab at Purdue University, USA.
JEB Science Communication Workshop for ECRs
If you’re an early-career researcher interested in science communication and are attending the SEB Annual Conference in Prague this summer, come a day early and join the JEB Editors at a sci comm workshop to learn the key writing skills needed to promote your research to a broad audience beyond your peers (1 July at 14.30-17.30). Places are limited to 24 attendees, and applicants should apply through the SEB registration page by 30 April 2024.
Bridging the gap between controlled conditions and natural habitats in understanding behaviour
Novel technologies enable behavioural experiments with non-model species, in naturalistic habitats and with underexplored behaviours. In their Commentary, Scholz and colleagues discuss how to obtain a deeper understanding of the natural ecology and lifestyle of study animals.
Beluga metabolic measures could help save species
To help save animals from extinction, it’s important to understand what each species needs to survive. This led Jason John et al. to measure the metabolic rates of captive belugas to develop a ‘fish calculator’ showing that the whales need to eat ~23 salmon per day.
ECR Workshop on Positive Peer Review
Are you an ECR looking for tips on how to write concise, astute and useful manuscript reviews? If so, join the JEB Editors at a 2-hour JEB-sponsored Workshop on Positive Peer Review at the Canadian Society of Zoologists annual meeting in Moncton on 9 May 2024 at 13.00-15.00. There are 25 spaces for ECRs and selection is first come, first serve. To sign up, check the ECR Workshop box when you register for the CSZ meeting.
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