Sally LowellFavourite talk so far at BSDB2026 was from Cliff Tabin, entitled 'Quack science':
Proper hardcore dev-bio airway-patterning mechanisms... explaining distinct vocalisations in birds!
Estrogen modulates developmental signalling, explaining why male (but not female) ducks can whistle as well as quack.
Left-Right asymmetry during development of airways explains why some songbirds can harmonise with themselves.