In the largest genomic mapping of Africa's elephants, an international team of researchers shows that elephant history is defined by the ability to move across large distances and exchange genes throughout the African continent. But as the elephants’ living space is becoming increasingly patchy, the study documents the visible genetic consequences of isolation – and points to approaches that help to incorporate genomics into current and future elephant conservation.

Kyoto, Japan -- The larynx, also known as the voice box, is home to your vocal folds and is the reason you can talk and sing while manipulating the pitch and volume of your voice. The vocal folds, which are part of the larynx, are covered with mucosa, or mucous membranes.

Besides vocalization, the larynx also serves other essential functions such as breathing, airway protection, and swallowing. For this reason, any kind of damage resulting in laryngeal dysfunction, or vocal cord dysfunction, can severely disrupt a person's life and lead to symptoms such as voice disorders, chronic cough, or aspiration.

"Vibration of the vocal fold in the larynx plays a crucial role in voice production," says Japanese researcher Koichi Omori. "However, these tissues are difficult to regenerate after injury or the surgical removal of head or neck tumors, which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life."

A new economic report analysing the financial impact of sequencing all complex life in the UK and Ireland has shown a huge return on investment and expected growth in scientific research.