Abstract
Cell Biology In apicomplexan parasites, such as Plasmodium or Toxoplasma species, the major function of parasite filamentous actin (F-actin) was thought to be limited to gliding motility and host cell invasion. Using live-cell imaging, Periz et al. studied transgenic parasites labeled with anti-actin camel antibodies fused to fluorescent markers. They found that Toxoplasma parasites within host cell vacuoles formed an F-actin network that connected individual parasites and was required for recycling of maternal organelles. Using similar technologies, Del Rosario et al. investigated the F-actin dynamics of apicomplexan parasites during host cell invasion. Superresolution microscopy revealed that invading parasites have perinuclear F-actin that eases passage of the parasite nucleus into the host cell. Thus, apicomplexan F-actin can form highly dynamic filaments in vivo that fulfill multiple functions during parasite development and invasion. Nat. Commun. 10 , 4183 (2019); EMBO Rep. 2019 , e48896 (2019).
Highlights
A new discovery provides rare evidence of symbolic behavior in Neanderthal communities and extends the record further geographically and temporally across Europe
RodríguezHidalgo et al analyzed recently unearthed Spanish imperial eagle phalanges, which were found along the Iberian Peninsula, and inferred that Neanderthal communities used these talons for symbolic purposes
Neanderthals most likely cut the eagle phalanges to extract the talon, presumably for use as pendants. These findings address questions around the recurrent appearance of large raptor talons throughout the Middle Paleolithic time frame. —AC
Summary
A new discovery provides rare evidence of symbolic behavior in Neanderthal communities and extends the record further geographically and temporally across Europe. RodríguezHidalgo et al analyzed recently unearthed Spanish imperial eagle phalanges, which were found along the Iberian Peninsula, and inferred that Neanderthal communities used these talons for symbolic purposes. Neanderthals most likely cut the eagle phalanges to extract the talon, presumably for use as pendants. These findings address questions around the recurrent appearance of large raptor talons throughout the Middle Paleolithic time frame.
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