Zebra finch genome
The zebra finch can communicate through learned vocalizations. It is therefore an important model for human neuroscience. Now, genome analysis is revealing that vocalization engages gene-regulatory networks in the zebra finch brain, altering the expression of long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs and transcription factors. In addition,Sexy silk dresses, comparative approaches are providing evidence of the rapid molecular evolution of genes regulated during song experience. This web focus celebrates the publication of the zebra finch genome, and showcases recent papers on vocal learning and memory published in Nature or simultaneously in Genome Research and BioMed Central journals.