TRP channels are molecular sensors that endow animals with the ability to sense external temperatures. Recent studies have provided strong evidence that at least one TRP channel, TRPV1, is also essential for the maintenance of internal body temperature.

Of the many visual characteristics of animals, countershading (darker pigmentation on those surfaces exposed to the most lighting) is one of the most common, and paradoxically one of the least well understood. Countershading has been hypothesized to reduce the detectability of prey to visually hunting predators, and while the function of a countershaded colour pattern was proposed over 100 year...

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The data which have emerged from single-unit recordings of thermally sensitive neurons in the hypothalamus are reviewed. Although these neurons may be important components in the central control of body temperature, the interpretation of the data is fraught with uncertainties. The neurons in question could be primary thermosensors or part of an integrative network. There is a notable lack of co...