Propagation, speed and shapes of genetic waves of expression during development can be modeled by a simple interplay between two transcriptional modules (dynamic/static), which explains robustness and precision of patterning.

An experimental and computational system has been developed to investigate how wavelike gene expression patterns are generated during embryonic development.

During the evolution of insect lineages, a signaling pathway dedicated to pathogen defense was co-opted for a new role in embryonic patterning.

Contrary to the current perception, insect eggs are very capable of defending themselves against pathogens.

In transgenesis assays involving diploid model organisms, two clearly distinguishable transformation markers embedded in interweaved, but incompatible Lox site pairs allow the systematic creation of homozygous transgenic lines and minimize the number of wasted animals.

The body axis of insects is divided into different fates using a self-regulatory and threshold-free mechanism.

Late morphogenesis of the insect extraembryonic epithelia involves transient formation of a basal-basal bilayer to coordinate the functional contributions of two discrete tissues.

Crucial functions of Toll signalling during dorsoventral axis formation might have evolved convergently in flies and crickets.

A retracting gradient of the transcription factor Tailless spatiotemporally patterns the Drosophila tail region by modulating the intrinsic dynamics of a regulatory network involving the timer genes caudal, Dichaete, and odd-paired.

A transport protein enables leaf beetle larvae to take up and store plant toxins and use them as part of their own defense strategy.