Editorial - The changing of the guard

Editors’ choice – Ontogeny of effective mechanical advantage in eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus)

Jesse Young and his team show that young eastern cottontail rabbits have shorter limbs relative to their size than older rabbits. These shorter limbs amplify forces more, allowing the youngsters to accelerate faster during getaways, and thus promote survival.

Motor neurons relay signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles that perform behaviours. In their Review, Charlotte Barkan and Erik Zornik discuss an additional function of motor neurons: their contribution to the function of pattern-generating circuits.

Gall midge larvae don't have legs, but that doesn't stop them leaping when they need a quick getaway. Sheila Patek and her team show that larvae latch their front ends to their rears and press down on the back half to push off for a spectacular leap. Read their full research article here.

The Peter Baker Fellowship is for post-doctoral scientists interested in marine biology research, especially physiological research. It will provide living and travel expenses (up to £3,000) to spend approximately two months working at the Laboratory of the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, at any time of the year. Bench fees will be waived and a small sum may be available to assist with research expenses. This fund is held in trust by the Physiological Society, The Company of Biologists and the Marine Biological Association. Application deadline: 31 January 2020.

Journal of Experimental Biology is pleased to announce a new partnership with Publons! This allows reviewers to easily track and verify every review by choosing to add the review to their Publons profile when completing the review submission form. Publons also makes it simple for reviewers to showcase their peer review contributions in a format that can be included in job and funding applications (without breaking reviewer anonymity). Read the official announcement here!

The Company of Biologists provides grants to fund scientific meetings, workshops and conferences in the fields covered by our journals. Typically, meetings with fewer than 100 people may be granted up to £2,000, increasing up to £6,000 for about 400 people. The next deadline to apply is 28 November 2019.