🧉 #YerbaMate makes the third most popular caffeinated drink in the world, but it’s unrelated to tea and coffee. The first reconstruction of its genome is helping us understand how multiple species have evolved to synthesise caffeine.https://t.co/ACp25n4XeW pic.twitter.com/SfOi44PHdb
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In our latest monthly media coverage roundup, we highlight the top mentions that eLife papers generated in January. You can view the coverage, along with the related research articles, below:
In Evolutionary Biology:
Jagielska et al.’s Short Report/Reviewed Preprint, ‘New soft tissue data of pterosaur tail vane reveals sophisticated, dynamic tensioning usage and expands its evolutionary origins’, was featured in:
- India Education Diary – Ancient Reptiles’ Flight Secrets Unveiled In New Discovery
- CBC – Solving the mysteries of our solar system, and more
- LiveScience – 'Sexy' pterosaur tail should have been nightmare for flying. How did it work?
- The Jerusalem Post – Pterodactyl tail vanes functioned like ship sails, says latest research
- Observer Voice – Unraveling the Secrets of Pterosaur Tails

An early pterosaur. Image credit: Adapted from Jagielska et al. (CC BY 4.0)
Thomas et al.’s Research Article/Reviewed Preprint, ‘Seasonal and comparative evidence of adaptive gene expression in mammalian brain size plasticity’, was featured in:
- Super Interessante (Brazil) – This species of shrew can shrink its own brain. Find out why (translated)
In Genetics and Genomics:
Tateossian et al.’s Research Article/Reviewed Preprint, ‘DYRK1A kinase triplication is the major cause of Otitis Media in Down Syndrome’, was picked up by:
- The Hearing Review – Gene Linked to ‘Glue Ear’ Identified
This study was also summarised by the eLife press release, ‘Gene discovery sheds light on common ear condition in people with Down syndrome’.
Vignale, Garcia et al.’s Research Article/Reviewed Preprint, ‘Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) genome provides new insights into convergent evolution of caffeine biosynthesis’, was picked up by:
- El Litoral (Argentina) – Yerba Mate DNA Decoded: A Mate That Doesn’t Generate Acidity Could Be “Designed” (translated)
- Impacto (Argentina) – Researchers from Corrientes and Misiones decode the yerba mate genome (translated)
- Revista Chacra (Argentina) – Conicet participated in the international project to decipher the yerba mate genome (translated)
- El Libertador (Argentina) – Argentine scientists have deciphered the genetic essence of yerba mate (translated)
- La Unión (Argentina) – CONICET specialists deciphered the yerba mate genome (translated)
- Tiempo Argentino – Scientists from Conicet deciphered the yerba mate genome (translated)
- Real Politik (Argentina) – Yerba mate genome sequenced, paving the way for its productive revolution (translated)
- Radio 3 Cadena Patagonia (Argentina) – They managed to decipher the genome of yerba mate (translated)
- Diario Hoy (Argentina) – Conicet specialists deciphered the yerba mate genome (translated)
- Río Negro (Argentina) – Decoding the genome of yerba mate
In Plant Biology:
Orlovskis et al.’s Research Article/Reviewed Preprint, ‘The phytoplasma SAP54 effector acts as a molecular matchmaker for leafhopper vectors by targeting plant MADS-box factor SVP’, was picked up by:
- Observer Voice – Bacterial Parasite Manipulates Plant and Insect Interactions
This study was also summarised by the eLife press release, ‘Parasite ‘matchmakers’ genetically alter plant cells to attract insects’.

The leafhopper, Hemiptera cicadellidae. Image credit: Gail Hampshire via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Media contacts
Emily Packer
eLife
e.packer@elifesciences.org
+441223855373George Litchfield
eLife
g.litchfield@elifesciences.org
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eLife transforms research communication to create a future where a diverse, global community of scientists and researchers produces open and trusted results for the benefit of all. Independent, not-for-profit and supported by funders, we improve the way science is practised and shared. From the research we publish, to the tools we build, to the people we work with, we’ve earned a reputation for quality, integrity and the flexibility to bring about real change. eLife is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Max Planck Society and Wellcome. Learn more at https://elifesciences.org/about.