Editors’ choice – High and dry limpets do better when the heat is on

As the planet's temperature continues to rise it's not clear which species will be able to stand the heat. A new study by Anne Todgham and colleagues reveals that fingered limpets exposed to air when the tide goes out are better prepared for higher temperatures than limpets that are permanently submerged lower down the shore.

Commentary – Considering aspects of the 3Rs principles within experimental animal biology

The 3Rs – reduction, replacement and refinement – are embedded into the legislation and guidelines governing ethical rigour of animal use in experiments. Lynne U. Sneddon, Lewis G. Halsey and Nic R. Bury consider the advantages of adopting key aspects of the 3Rs into experimental biology.

Featured article – Thermal imaging and vision are equally important for hunting pit vipers

A team of scientists based at the Chengdu Institute of Biology, China, show that thermally guided viper attacks are more accurate when their victims stand out against a cooler background. Success rates fell, however, when the snakes had to rely on their eyes alone, suggesting that the vipers depend equally on vision and thermal sensing when hunting.