Monthly Archives:June 2016

How the tiger shark lost its placenta

800px-Tiger_shark

Tiger sharks are notorious for having the widest food range of any shark, eating anything from fish, to birds, to dolphins. Less well-known, but equally unusual, they are one of the few species who have evolved to lose the placenta with which both their ancestors and living relatives feed their developing young. As shown by new research,published this weekinBMC Evolutionary Biology, this dramatic shift in reproductive strategy has left clear footprints in the tiger shark’s genes.

Biology

Canine epilepsy: the importance of high quality studies

34327ppuppy2

Back in 2014, we published ablogdetailing the difficulties encountered when conducting a systematic review of canine epilepsy treatment. Two years on and the group from the Royal Veterinary College are still working hard to gain insight into the safety and efficacy of anti-epileptic drugs. InBMC Veterinary Researchthis month, the group have published the first eversystematic review and meta-analysis的the adverse effects of anti-epileptic drugs in dogs, but have experienced similar issues.

Biology

FDA proposes sodium reduction guidelines

salt

With the recent introduction of voluntary sodium-reduction targets for processed and commercially prepared food by the FDA, we take a look at some articles published inBMC Public Healthwhich have explored the topic of dietary salt reduction interventions.

Health

Highlights of the BMC Series: May 2016

BMCWordle

Attitudes to incorporating genomic risk assessments into population screening programs • Clinical decision-making and secondary findings in systems medicine • To share or not to share? • Patient and interest organizations’ views on personalized medicine • Survival of the oldest • Sour grapes • The Holy Grail • Bringing home more than memories…Olympics 2016 • You’ve got mail! • A personalized puzzle • How safe are anti-epileptic drugs in canine epilepsy – who knows?

Biology Medicine

Our Section Editor of the year: Sharon Lawn fromBMC Psychiatry

psychiatry

Every year, both BMC-series Section Editors and Editors of our society and proprietary titles are nominated by BioMed Central staff for an award that acknowledges their hard work and achievements throughout the year. This year Sharon Lawn fromBMC Psychiatrywas voted as Section Editor of the year so we asked her a few questions about her career and what she thinks makes a good Section Editor.

Biology Medicine Open Access