Endogenous reproductive rhythms in a tropical bird

Like other tropical birds, African stonechats breeding at the equator reproduce once a year during the main rainy season and subsequently carry out a complete molt. These two activities are controlled by endogenous circannual mechanisms: in stonechats held in constant conditions of photoperiod and temperature, a rhythm of gonadal size and molt persisted for up to 7.5 years, which would be a lifetime for free-living conspecifics. The fact that the period of these rhythms deviated from 12 months demonstrates their true endogenous nature. The results represent the longest circannual reproductive rhythm yet documented and suggest that circannual mechanisms may be of particular importance for reproductive timing in tropical organisms.     

Agrobiotechnology. Asia gets a taste of genetic food fights

Despite the need to feed growing populations in Asia, controversy over genetically modified foods is putting a damper on efforts to develop and test new crops. The signs of opposition are scattered and vary from country to country. But they are enough to be worrisome to the region's leaders.