Evolvability is the ability of a biological system to produce phenotypic variation that is both
heritable and adaptive. It has long been the subject of anecdotal observations and …

Prions are self-templating protein conformers that are naturally transmitted between
individuals and promote phenotypic change. In yeast, prion-encoded phenotypes can be …

Homology—a similar trait shared by different species and derived from common ancestry,
such as a seal's fin and a bird's wing—is one of the most fundamental yet challenging …

This review describes new developments in the study of transgenerational epigenetic
inheritance, a component of epigenetics. We start by examining the basic concepts of the …

John Dupré explores recent revolutionary developments in biology and considers their
relevance for our understanding of human nature and human society. Epigenetics and …

The concept of a prion as an infectious self-propagating protein isoform was initially
proposed to explain certain mammalian diseases. It is now clear that yeast also has …

The Logic of Chance offers a reappraisal and a new synthesis of theories, concepts, and
hypotheses on the key aspects of the evolution of life on earth in light of comparative …

The self-templating conformations of yeast prion proteins act as epigenetic elements of
inheritance. Yeast prions might provide a mechanism for generating heritable phenotypic …

Key challenges faced by all cells include how to spatiotemporally organize complex
biochemistry and how to respond to environmental fluctuations. The budding yeast …

Understanding the relationship between robustness and evolvability is key to understand
how living things can withstand mutations, while producing ample variation that leads to …