The Scientist Daily

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The Scientist is the magazine for life science professionals—a print and digital publication dedicated to covering a wide range of topics central to the study of cell and molecular biology, genetics, and other life-science fields. Through innovative print articles, online stories, and multimedia features, the magazine explores the latest scientific discoveries, trends in research, innovative techniques, new technology, business, and careers. It is read by leading researchers in industry and academia who value penetrating analyses and broad perspectives on life-science topics both within and beyond their areas of expertise. Written by prominent scientists and professional journalists, articles in The Scientist are concise, accurate, accessible, and entertaining.

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Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out The Sound of Color By Jef Akst A completely colorblind musician and painter perceives the world in a new way with help from technology. The Aging and Inflammation Link By Ruth Williams A protein that keeps the immune response in check leads a double life as an anti-aging factor. Loss of Microtubule Regulator Blocks Sperm Maturation By Sabrina Richards New research suggests that controlling cytoskeletal dynamics in sperm accessory cells may help regulate male fertility. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Bogus Isomer Vendors Identified By Sabrina Richards Pharma company publishes a list of 17 companies known to have sold the incorrect isomer of the kinase inhibitor bosutinib. Lab Bench Beauty By Megan Scudellari Ten scientist-produced images take top honors in the first annual Bio-Art competition. Food’s Afterlife By Edyta Zielinska Meals left to mold develop colors, mycelia, and beads of digested juices, sparking the eye of an artist, and the slight concern of a mycologist. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Pain-Killing Transplants By Ed Yong Neurons injected into mice help treat chronic pain at its roots, rather than simply alleviating its symptoms. Burgers and Flies By Megan Scudellari Inspired by Darwin, Mohamed Noor has uncovered the molecular dance by which a single species becomes two. The Sugar Lnc By Sabrina Richards Genes that react to cellular sugar content are regulated by a long non-coding RNA via an unexpected mechanism. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Fukushima Risk Less Than Feared By Sabrina Richards Cancers due to radiation will not increase in Japan, according to studies conducted in the wake of the 2011 nuclear disaster. Obama to Weigh Open Access By Edyta Zielinska A petition asking for online, readable publication of all government-funded research is making its way to the White House. DNA to Curb Illegal Fishing By Cristina Luiggi A new SNP assay can determine the geographical origin of commonly overexploited fish species. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Could Stem Cells Cure MS? By Megan Scudellari A growth factor isolated from human stem cells shows promising results in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Next Generation: Good Vibrations By Edyta Zielinska Adding texture to a lotus-leaf-like surface lets researchers control the movement of liquid droplets, and provides a cheap alternative for microfluidic applications. Robert Blelloch: Teacher, Doctor, Scientist By Jef Akst Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco. Age: 45 The Nutshell Daily News Roundup DNA Hard Drive By Megan Scudellari Researchers design the first rewritable biological data storage system. Overhauling Industry-Sponsored Studies By Bob Grant Major pharmaceutical companies have agreed to a handful of recommendations aimed at increasing the transparency of clinical trials they fund. Cancer Test Gets Bad Reviews By Sabrina Richards US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against a commonly used prostate cancer screening. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: Saving Species Through Economics By Kristen Steele Successful conservation depends on an economy that doesn’t incentivize destruction of species and habitats. Genome Digest By Cristina Luiggi What researchers are learning as they sequence, map, and decode species’ genomes Feature: Telomeres in Disease By Rodrigo Calado and Neal Young Telomeres have been linked to numerous diseases over the years, but how exactly short telomeres cause diseases and how medicine can prevent telomere erosion are still up for debate. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup GM Crop Field Intruder Arrested By Jef Akst A protestor is arrested for trying to break into a field of genetically modified wheat at a UK agricultural research station. Passing On Stress By Cristina Luiggi Exposure to an environmental toxin can affect future generations’ ability to handle stressful conditions. How Castor Oil Stimulates Labor By Sabrina Richards Researchers flag the EP3 prostaglandin receptor as a key player in castor oil’s laxative and labor-inducing effects. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Mind Control of Robot Arm By Jef Akst Two paralyzed patients successfully manipulate a robotic arm just by thinking about how they would move their own limbs if they could. Synchronized Clocks By Megan Scudellari Researchers identify the first circadian clock component conserved across all three domains of life. SPRead Your Antibody Capabilities By Carina Storrs Using surface plasmon resonance to improve antibody detection and characterization: four case studies The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Just Throw Them Out By Edyta Zielinska Researchers determine that the best way to get rid of unused pharmaceuticals with the least amount of environmental impact is to drop them in the garbage. Battlefield Head Trauma By Cristina Luiggi A new study suggests that the brain injuries suffered by soldiers in Afghanistan may be similar to those observed in some athletes. Gene Therapy for Brain Disease By Jef Akst Delivering a missing enzyme to the brains of paralyzed children with a rare, life-threatening neurological disease restores movement and builds muscle mass. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Mismarketed Chemical Causes Concern By Sabrina Richards An incorrect isomer of the kinase inhibitor bosutinib is circulating in the biomedical research community, potentially throwing doubt on study results. Opinion: Cooking Up Creative Solutions By H. Steven Wiley More collaborators and more data are the key ingredients. Ginormous Genome By Sabrina Richards Researchers find organisms with huge, highly mutable genomes, overturning a common expectation in evolutionary biology. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Can Fish Eco-Labeling be Trusted? By Jef Akst and Edyta Zielinska Programs that provide sustainable certification for fisheries may be too generous with their accreditation. Approving “Breakthrough” Drugs Fast By Bob Grant The FDA is on board with a proposal to speed the approval of experimental pharmaceuticals that show big treatment effects early in clinical testing. New Algerian Research Center By Jef Akst Algeria is set to build the first HIV/AIDS research center in Africa. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Mismarketed Chemical Causes Concern By Sabrina Richards An incorrect isomer of the kinase inhibitor bosutinib is circulating in the biomedical research community, potentially throwing doubt on study results. Opinion: Cooking Up Creative Solutions By H. Steven Wiley More collaborators and more data are the key ingredients. Ginormous Genome By Sabrina Richards Researchers find organisms with huge, highly mutable genomes, overturning a common expectation in evolutionary biology. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Can Fish Eco-Labeling be Trusted? By Jef Akst and Edyta Zielinska Programs that provide sustainable certification for fisheries may be too generous with their accreditation. Approving “Breakthrough” Drugs Fast By Bob Grant The FDA is on board with a proposal to speed the approval of experimental pharmaceuticals that show big treatment effects early in clinical testing. New Algerian Research Center By Jef Akst Algeria is set to build the first HIV/AIDS research center in Africa. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Mighty Moth Man By Cristina Luiggi An evolutionary biologist’s posthumous publication restores the peppered moth to its iconic status as a textbook example of evolution. From Squeaks to Song By Hannah Waters House mice sing melodies out of the range of human hearing, and the crooning is impacting research from evolutionary biology to neuroscience. Capsule Reviews By Bob Grant Masters of the Planet, Learning from the Octopus, Darwin’s Devices, and Psychology’s Ghosts The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Online Map of Life By Sabrina Richards An interactive tool that allows users to visualize world-wide species distributions is now available on the Web. Music Lessons Benefit Babies By Jef Akst One year olds smile more and communicate better if they participate in interactive music classes with their parents. Rare Alleles Rise with Population By Megan Scudellari As the human population expands, the number of rare genetic variants dramatically increases. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: Academia Suppresses Creativity By Fred Southwick By discouraging change, universities are stunting scientific innovation, leadership, and growth. What Bugs Are in Your Gut? By Ruth Williams Hundreds of samples of human feces reveal how gut microbes change as we age and vary between people in different countries. Robert Blelloch: Teacher, Doctor, Scientist By Jef Akst Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Ocean Plastic Aid Insects By Cristina Luiggi Floating pools of plastic debris in the Pacific offer more surfaces for marine insects to lay eggs. Bones Won’t Be Buried Yet By Jef Akst Two 9,000-year-old skeletons will be held by University of California, San Diego, officials—rather than turned over to American Indians for reburial—until a lawsuit is settled. Money for Team Research By Edyta Zielinska The University of Michigan is funding exploratory ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries at $20,000 a pop. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out The Sugar Lnc By Sabrina Richards Genes that react to cellular sugar content are regulated by a long non-coding RNA via an unexpected mechanism. Tumor Turnabout By Megan Scudellari A cytokine involved in suppressing the immune system may activate it to kill cancer cells. Contributors By Sabrina Richards Meet some of the people featured in the May 2012 issue of The Scientist. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Bacterial Computing? By Cristina Luiggi Researchers coax bacteria to produce tiny magnets and electrical wires that may be used to build advanced electronics. Rural Teens Have Fewer Allergies By Megan Scudellari The diversity of microbes in the great outdoors may protect against inflammatory disorders. Dwarf Mammoth Once Roamed Crete By Bob Grant Researchers analyze a diminutive forelimb bone and molar, calling them evidence that a tiny mammoth resided on the Greek island. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Treating Fat with Fat By Edyta Zielinska Is brown fat ready for therapeutic prime time? Burgers and Flies By Megan Scudellari Inspired by Darwin, Mohamed Noor has uncovered the molecular dance by which a single species becomes two. SPRead Your Antibody Capabilities By Carina Storrs Using surface plasmon resonance to improve antibody detection and characterization: four case studies The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Hundreds of Marine Animals Dead By Cristina Luiggi Rising temperatures and El Niño weather patterns may be killing pelicans, dolphins, and other animals in Peru. Death by Lab-Acquired Infection? By Sabrina Richards A researcher dead from a meningococcal infection may have acquired it in his laboratory. Sanofi Thief Reprimanded By Jef Akst A former Sanofi research scientist is sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing trade secrets. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Telomeres in Disease By Rodrigo Calado and Neal Young Telomeres have been linked to numerous diseases over the years, but how exactly short telomeres cause diseases and how medicine can prevent telomere erosion are still up for debate. Pure Pursuits By Katherine Bagley Techniques for simpler, cheaper, and better antibody purification Bubble Vision By Edyta Zielinska Turning a liability into an asset, cryo-electron microscopists exploit an artifact to probe protein structure. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Doubled Gene Boosted Brain Power By Sabrina Richards Human-specific duplications of a gene involved in brain development may have contributed to our species’ unique intelligence. Legislating Negative Result Reporting By Bob Grant A new bill aims to increase transparency in cancer clinical trials by requiring researchers to divulge all outcomes. Gene Signaling by Remote By Edyta Zielinska Researchers use radio signals to switch on nanoparticles that activate insulin production in mice. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Bird Flu Transmission in Mammals By Ruth Williams After much ado, Nature publishes the first report of a bird flu virus adapted for transmission in ferrets. Opinion: Missing Methods By Irwin H. Gelman A lack of methodological detail in the published literature threatens the foundation of scientific discourse. Boyle’s Monsters, 1665 By Sabrina Richards From accounts of deformed animals to scratch-and-sniff technology, Robert Boyle’s early contributions to the Royal Society of London were prolific and wide ranging. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup UK Going Open Access By Bob Grant The United Kingdom government hatches a plan to provide free public access to government-funded research. Another NFL Victim of Brain Trauma? By Jef Akst Former NFL linebacker Junior Seau commits suicide. Is head injury-induced dementia to blame? Nervous Mice Get Worse Cancer By Edyta Zielinska Anxious mice are more likely to come down with aggressive skin cancer than those who show less stress on behavioral tests. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Data Diving By Kerry Grens What lies untapped beneath the surface of published clinical trial analyses could rock the world of independent review. Are Humans Still Evolving? By Sabrina Richards Research on an 18th and 19th century Finnish population suggests that agriculture and monogamy may not have stopped human evolution. With All Due Consideration By Mary Beth Aberlin Scientists and their many hats The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Call for Diabetes Drug Ban By Sabrina Richards A consumer advocacy group calls for a ban of a diabetes drug after evidence surfaces that it may increase the risk of cancer. More Research Money for MDs By Cristina Luiggi Principal investigators with medical training have a slightly higher NIH funding rate than those with just a PhD. Sensor Measures Produce Ripeness By Megan Scudellari The device could help grocers and food distributors better monitor fruits and vegetables. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Fungus Thwarts Dengue By Harvey Black A mosquito-killing fungus shows promise as an effective dengue-control agent. Microscopy Boot Camp By Jeffrey M. Perkel A researcher in Florida changes lives by showing struggling 20-somethings the ins and outs of life in the lab. Contributors By The Scientist Staff Meet some of the people featured in the April 2012 issue of The Scientist. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Flu Review Criticized By Sabrina Richards A member of the NSABB biosecurity board that recently reviewed H5N1 data criticizes the process. Genomics Boom Continues By Jef Akst A new report estimates that the genomics research tools market will be worth nearly $9 billion by 2016. Spotted: Emperor Penguins By Cristina Luiggi Satellites are used to count the number of penguins living in Antarctica. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Brain Controls Paralyzed Muscles By Ed Yong A new system decodes brain signals from the motor cortex of monkeys and translates them into basic arm movements, despite temporary paralysis. Feature: Are Cancer Stem Cells Ready for Prime Time? By Suling Liu, Hasan Korkaya, and Max S. Wicha A flood of new discoveries has refined our definition of cancer stem cells. Now it’s up to human clinical trials to test if they can make a difference in patients. A Malignant Alliance By Megan Scudellari Two proteins interact to save adhesion molecules from degradation, potentially contributing to a more aggressive cancer. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup White House Weighs in on H5N1 By Jef Akst Science adviser John Holdren speaks out about how the Obama Administration is handling the controversial research that rendered avian flu transmissible between ferrets. An Antidote for Cocaine Overdose? By Cristina Luiggi A novel antibody with a powerful affinity for cocaine shows promise in reversing the deadly effects of an overdose. $44 Million Earmarked for Research By Edyta Zielinska Congress sets aside a large pot of pork-barrel funds for research projects in 2012, but not nearly as much as seen in pre-recession years. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Shopping Your Science By Marc J. Kuchner A dose of marketing training may help you win grants, woo collaborators, and land jobs. Synthetic Genetic Evolution By Ruth Williams Scientists show that manmade nucleic acids can replicate and evolve, ushering in a new era in synthetic biology. New Target for Aspirin By Sabrina Richards New work on salicylate, a natural component of aspirin, suggests that activation of the energy-sensing AMP kinase may underlie some of aspirin’s health benefits. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Melting Ice Releases Ancient Microbes By Megan Scudellari Living cells escaping from Antarctic glaciers could speed global warming and affect marine life. RNA-DNA Virus Hybrid Found By Sabrina Richards Researchers discovered a virus produced from recombination between RNA and DNA viruses, suggesting a possible new mechanism of virus evolution. Polar Bear More Ancient Than Realized By Jef Akst A genetic analysis reveals that the polar bear split from the brown bear some 600,000 years ago. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Bacterial Insecticide Resistance By Ed Yong By cultivating detoxifying bacteria in its gut, a pest called the bean bug can become instantly resistant to a common insecticide. Deliberating Over Danger: A Debate The creation of H5N1 bird flu strains that are transmissible between mammals has thrown the scientific community into a heated debate about whether such research should be allowed and how it should be regulated. Finding Phenotypes By Edyta Zielinska Genes shared across species that produce different phenotypes—deafness in humans and directional growth in plants—may reveal new models of disease. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Publish H5N1 Papers, Says US Gov’t By Jef Akst The NIH agrees with the government advisory board’s recommendation to publish both controversial bird flu studies in full. Gulf Oil Spill Failings By Cristina Luiggi A marine scientist ponders how academics could have better handled the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. Honeycomb-grown Nerves By Sabrina Richards A honeycomb-shaped scaffold may help damaged neurons reconnect after injury. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Dangers of Disclosure By Ruth Williams Editors at PLoS Medicine suggest that merely disclosing conflicts of interest is insufficient and possibly even counterproductive. The Best of Experimental Biology By Edyta Zielinska From breast milk stem cells to bone repair, this year’s EB conference held a number of exciting advances that could one day be translated into therapies. Opinion: Antibiotics in the Animals We Eat By Bonnie M. Marshall and Stuart B. Levy Low-dose antibiotics in animal feed fuel drug-resistance in human infectious diseases. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Embryonic Stem Cells in Court Again By Sabrina Richards A judicial technicality may decide the fate of NIH-funded human embryonic stem cell research. Amgen Founder Dies By Megan Scudellari George Rathmann, father of the biotech industry, passes away. Building a Better Sheep By Bob Grant Chinese scientists claim to have cloned a lamb carrying a roundworm gene that aids in the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Anti-inflammatory Factors Fight Bugs By Megan Scudellari A combination of antibiotics and the body’s own defensive metabolites clears bacterial infections faster than antibiotics alone. Take Our 2012 Salary Survey By The Scientist Staff Got 5 minutes? Help us compile the most current salary data for life scientists. Robo Rat By Jef Akst More-realistic whiskered robots are better able to navigate dark or dusty environments, while providing insights into rodent sensory processing. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Cleansing Chinese Publishing By Cristina Luiggi The country vows to curb misconduct in scholarly publishing. An NIH Director Departs By Edyta Zielinska The newly appointed chief of one of the agency’s institutes gives up his appointment days before starting. Conventional Yields Trump Organic By Bob Grant A new meta-analysis of farming practices suggests that traditional methods of cultivating food plants result in heftier harvests than do organic strategies. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Pigeon GPS Identified By Megan Scudellari A population of neurons in pigeon brains encodes direction, intensity, and polarity of the Earth’s magnetic field. Marked for Life By Jef Akst Conservationists working in Madagascar are doing the unthinkable—defacing the shells of endangered ploughshare tortoises—but it may be the animals’ last hope. Capsule Reviews By Bob Grant Consciousness, The Social Conquest of Earth, How Not to Be Eaten, and Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Rare Reptiles Breed in Wild By Jef Akst Two baby ploughshare tortoises born to parents raised in a captive breeding program are discovered in Madagascar, validating the conservation effort. Obama’s Plan for a Bioeconomy By Megan Scudellari The White House announces a strategy to foster development of biological products in fields ranging from medicine to agriculture. Glow-in-the-Dark Sharks By Sabrina Richards The hormone melatonin lights up the bellies of pygmy sharks, hiding their silhouette from predators below. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: Politics Doesn’t Threaten Owl By Paul Henson A US Fish and Wildlife official responds to the assertion that the northern spotted owl is being mismanaged by government. Truth and Beauty By Karen Hopkin With strong foundations in both art and science, Ahna Skop has been able to capture the marvel of—and mechanisms behind—cytokinesis. Live and In Color By Sarah Webb How to track RNA in living cells The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Extended H5N1 Moratorium? By Cristina Luiggi A US science official recommends extending moratorium on bird flu studies as well as other types of risky research. Illegal Genes By Bob Grant California mulls a state law that would criminalize the unauthorized sharing, storing, or analyzing of genetic data. Mad Cow in California By Edyta Zielinska A variant of the prion that causes bovine spongiform encephalopathy turns up in the United States. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Data Diving By Kerry Grens What lies untapped beneath the surface of published clinical trial analyses could rock the world of independent review. Are Humans Still Evolving? By Sabrina Richards Research on an 18th and 19th century Finnish population suggests that agriculture and monogamy may not have stopped human evolution. With All Due Consideration By Mary Beth Aberlin Scientists and their many hats The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Call for Diabetes Drug Ban By Sabrina Richards A consumer advocacy group calls for a ban of a diabetes drug after evidence surfaces that it may increase the risk of cancer. More Research Money for MDs By Cristina Luiggi Principal investigators with medical training have a slightly higher NIH funding rate than those with just a PhD. Sensor Measures Produce Ripeness By Megan Scudellari The device could help grocers and food distributors better monitor fruits and vegetables. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	Plant RNA Paper Questioned By Emily Willingham Remarkable findings of ingested plant miRNA in animal liver and blood draw speculation about the study’s validity.
	Iron Deficiency Protective Against Malaria By Sabrina Richards A study of children in Tanzania links iron deficiency with fewer malaria infections.
	Take Our 2012 Salary Survey By The Scientist Staff Got 5 minutes? Help us compile the most current salary data for life scientists.
The Nutshell Daily News Roundup
	Stem Cell Researcher Fabricates Data By Edyta Zielinska A scientist who claimed to have injected monkey embryonic stem cells into the eyes of rats to improve their vision accepts the penalty for research misconduct.
	Forgetting Drug Addiction By Cristina Luiggi Researchers weaken the memories of drug use in recovering addicts.
	Repurpose Failed Drugs, NIH Urges By Bob Grant Francis Collins says pharmaceutical companies should help bridge the gap between basic science and applications with old drug compounds.

Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	Fungus Thwarts Dengue By Harvey Black A mosquito-killing fungus shows promise as an effective dengue-control agent.
	Microscopy Boot Camp By Jeffrey M. Perkel A researcher in Florida changes lives by showing struggling 20-somethings the ins and outs of life in the lab.
	Contributors By The Scientist Staff Meet some of the people featured in the April 2012 issue of The Scientist.
The Nutshell Daily News Roundup
	Flu Review Criticized By Sabrina Richards A member of the NSABB biosecurity board that recently reviewed H5N1 data criticizes the process.
	Genomics Boom Continues By Jef Akst A new report estimates that the genomics research tools market will be worth nearly $9 billion by 2016.
	Spotted: Emperor Penguins By Cristina Luiggi Satellites are used to count the number of penguins living in Antarctica.

Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	Monkeys “Read” Writing By Megan Scudellari Baboons are able to distinguish printed English words from nonsense sequences of letters—the first step in the reading process.
	Bushmeat Roulette By Megan Scudellari Pathogens lurk in illegal wildlife products confiscated at US airports.
	Speaking of Science April 2012′s selection of notable quotes
The Nutshell Daily News Roundup
	The Retraction Mother Lode? By Sabrina Richards Editors at 23 scientific journals demand validation of nearly 200 studies authored by a Japanese anesthesiologist.
	China’s Black Market Stem Cells By Megan Scudellari Despite government efforts to ban unapproved stem cell treatments, companies around China still offer them openly.
	Huntington’s Disease Protects from Cancer? By Bob Grant Swedish researchers have discovered that patients with the neurodegenerative disorder had half the normal expected risk of developing tumors.

Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Plant RNA Paper Questioned By Emily Willingham Remarkable findings of ingested plant miRNA in animal liver and blood draw speculation about the study’s validity. Iron Deficiency Protective Against Malaria By Sabrina Richards A study of children in Tanzania links iron deficiency with fewer malaria infections. Take Our 2012 Salary Survey By The Scientist Staff Got 5 minutes? Help us compile the most current salary data for life scientists. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Stem Cell Researcher Fabricates Data By Edyta Zielinska A scientist who claimed to have injected monkey embryonic stem cells into the eyes of rats to improve their vision accepts the penalty for research misconduct. Forgetting Drug Addiction By Cristina Luiggi Researchers weaken the memories of drug use in recovering addicts. Repurpose Failed Drugs, NIH Urges By Bob Grant Francis Collins says pharmaceutical companies should help bridge the gap between basic science and applications with old drug compounds. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Insect Battles, Big and Small By Megan Scudellari Social insect soldiers not only protect the colony from insect invasions; some also secrete strong antifungal compounds to kill microscopic enemies. Opinion: Reading Into the Future By Richard Smith Will traditional scientific journals follow newspapers into oblivion? Truth and Beauty By Karen Hopkin With strong foundations in both art and science, Ahna Skop has been able to capture the marvel of—and mechanisms behind—cytokinesis. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Inferring DNA from RNA By Jef Akst A new technique to derive DNA information from non-DNA sources, such as RNA, threatens the anonymity of genetic database donors. Social Rank Affects Monkey Immunity By Megan Scudellari In rhesus macaques, an individual’s drop in the social hierarchy leads to overactive immune genes and, possibly, poor health. Dental X-rays Linked to Brain Tumors By Sabrina Richards A traditional dentist’s checkup may give patients more than just clean teeth. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out The Dark Side of Working Nights By Cristina Luiggi Pulling frequent all-nighters, experiencing jet lag, and working night shifts can lead to diabetes in more than one way. Live and In Color By Sarah Webb How to track RNA in living cells The World in a Cabinet, 1600s By Sabrina Richards A 17th century Danish doctor arranges a museum of natural history oddities in his own home. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Anti-science in Tennessee Classrooms By Bob Grant A new law opens the door to teaching creationism and climate change denialism in the state’s public schools. Size Matters to Industry By Edyta Zielinska Large molecules are more likely to make it to market these days than small molecules, according to new reports. Spotting a Giraffe’s Age By Cristina Luiggi A giraffe’s spots can give away its years. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: The Best of Both Worlds By Hannah Waters Choosing to work in industry does not preclude a return to academe. But the move back takes some planning and finesse. Opinion: Antibiotics in the Animals We Eat By Bonnie M. Marshall and Stuart B. Levy Low-dose antibiotics in animal feed fuel drug-resistance in human infectious diseases. Emmeline Hill: Genes for Speed By Hannah Waters Lecturer, School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Malaria Drug Resistance Spreading By Bob Grant A genomic analysis reveals a crucial detail in drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite that are on the move in Southeast Asia. Colony Collapse from Pesticides? By Edyta Zielinska Yet another study demonstrates how pesticides might be related to the collapse of wild bee colonies. Cretaceous Easter Eggs By Cristina Luiggi Researchers discover a 70-million-year-old egg that belonged to a small, bird-like, meat-eating dinosaur. Covering the life sciences inside and out The Science of Van Gogh By Hannah Waters The Dutch artist’s sunflower paintings have attracted the attention of doctors and geneticists. The 2012 Salary Survey Is Here By The Scientist Staff Take our survey to help us determine the most current salary data for life scientists. Robo Rat By Jef Akst More-realistic whiskered robots are better able to navigate dark or dusty environments, while providing insights into rodent sensory processing. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Banned Antibiotics Found in Poultry By Jef Akst Researchers find evidence of illegal use of antibiotics in poultry products. Europe Watches Conflicts of Interest By Sabrina Richards The European Medicines Agency revised its policy on conflicts of interest in response to concerns regarding its ability to conduct independent evaluations. GM Crop Case Nears Supreme Court By Megan Scudellari The US Supreme Court has asked the Obama administration to weigh in on a petition concerning Monsanto’s Roundup Ready seeds. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Lab Studies Lie about the Clock By Megan Scudellari Fly circadian behavior is dramatically different in natural environments than in the lab. News from Cancer Meeting By Cristina Luiggi A roundup of recent research announced this week at the annual conference of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Multiple Strikes Against Autism By Ruth Williams Scientists discover new autism genes and a non-coding RNA thought to contribute to the disorder. The Nutshell Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Lab Studies Lie about the Clock By Megan Scudellari Fly circadian behavior is dramatically different in natural environments than in the lab. News from Cancer Meeting By Cristina Luiggi A roundup of recent research announced this week at the annual conference of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Multiple Strikes Against Autism By Ruth Williams Scientists discover new autism genes and a non-coding RNA thought to contribute to the disorder. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Bird Flu Mutations Revealed By Bob Grant One of the researchers who created a highly transmissible form of the bird flu virus has broken his silence and shared which mutations made it possible. Genome Data in the Cloud By Cristina Luiggi The Amazon cloud will host data collected from the 1000 Genomes Project. Tall Women Beware By Edyta Zielinska Extra inches may mean a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer. Daily News Roundup Bird Flu Mutations Revealed By Bob Grant One of the researchers who created a highly transmissible form of the bird flu virus has broken his silence and shared which mutations made it possible. Genome Data in the Cloud By Cristina Luiggi The Amazon cloud will host data collected from the 1000 Genomes Project. Tall Women Beware By Edyta Zielinska Extra inches may mean a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: The Risk of Forgoing Vaccines By Juliette K. Tinker Herd immunity, or the protection of individuals who are not vaccinated due to generally high vaccination rates within a population, does not currently exist in many pockets of the US. Ants Share Pathogens for Immunity By Sabrina Richards A new study shows that grooming by ants promotes colony-wide resistance to fungal infections by transferring small amounts of pathogen to nestmates. Finding Phenotypes By Edyta Zielinska Genes shared across species that produce different phenotypes—deafness in humans and directional growth in plants—may reveal new models of disease. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Nemeroff Appointment Protested By Edyta Zielinska A psychiatric professional society is drawing heat over its decision to add a scientist accused of repeated conflicts of interest to its advisory board. Poisonous Shrooms Battle Cancer By Megan Scudellari A deadly mushroom toxin shrinks pancreatic tumors in mice. Organizational Regulation By Sabrina Richards A new study shows that transcription of genes in trypanosome parasites is regulated by genome organization. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Are Cancer Stem Cells Ready for Prime Time? By Suling Liu, Hasan Korkaya, and Max S. Wicha A flood of new discoveries has refined our definition of cancer stem cells. Now it’s up to human clinical trials to test if they can make a difference in patients. Next Generation: Painless Vaccine Patch By Megan Scudellari Vaccination via tiny microneedles elicits a powerful immune response in the skin. A Malignant Alliance By Megan Scudellari Two proteins interact to save adhesion molecules from degradation, potentially contributing to a more aggressive cancer. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Bird Flu Papers to Publish By Sabrina Richards Biosecurity board recommends publication of data detailing transmissibility of H5N1 avian influenza. How Predictive are Genomes? By Cristina Luiggi Researchers put the predictive power of whole genome sequencing to the test. US Doesn’t Ban BPA By Jef Akst The FDA announces that BPA will continue to be permitted in food and beverage containers. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Deliberating Over Danger: A Debate The creation of H5N1 bird flu strains that are transmissible between mammals has thrown the scientific community into a heated debate about whether such research should be allowed and how it should be regulated. Agents Provocateurs By Mary Beth Aberlin Asking pointed questions is a key part of the scientific process. Whirlpool Bistros By Edyta Zielinska Fish adapt to feed for months along the entire depth of massive oceanic whirlpools that are rich in nutrients and plankton. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Risky Research Review By Jef Akst A new policy will require federal agencies to perform a careful review of research involving 15 pathogens and toxins that could be used for bioterrorism, including H5N1. Obesity Drugs in Check By Cristina Luiggi The FDA may require weight-loss drugs to undergo clinical trials to see if they pose a risk of heart attack. Big Money for Big Data By Edyta Zielinska The Obama administration pledges $200 million for better ways of managing and extracting information from large data sets. Covering the life sciences inside and out Best Places to Work Postdocs, 2012 By Sabrina Richards Much has changed in the last 10 years for postdocs, who are staying in their positions longer than ever before—and coming out with more to show for it. More Maternal Effort Means More Robust Offspring By Sabrina Richards House wrens forced to invest extra resources in their offspring produced bigger sons and daughters with stronger immune systems. The Subcellular World Revealed, 1945 By Cristina Luiggi The first electron microscope to peer into an intact cell ushers in the new field of cell biology. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Insufficient Bird Flu Surveillance By Edyta Zielinska Monitoring of bird flu outbreaks around the world is spotty, with most countries performing little in the way of genetic analysis. A Better Cancer Test By Cristina Luiggi Researchers have identified a group of biomarkers that can detect recurring breast cancers earlier than existing tests. Disaster-centric Journal Launched By Hannah Waters The open-access Public Library of Science has launched a new journal to publish and disseminate scientific information quickly in the wake of disaster. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Stimulants Fail to Stimulate? By Ruth Williams Caffeine and amphetamine don’t always help rats work harder at tests of mental effort. It depends on their work ethic. Who Are We Really? By Kieran O’Doherty Manipulating the human microbiome has ethical implications. Speaking of Science By The Scientist Staff March 2012′s selection of notable quotes The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Courts to Re-Examine Gene Patents By Sabrina Richards The US Supreme Court ordered patents held by Myriad Genetics to be reviewed further by the Federal Circuit Court. MIT Students Petition Congress By Megan Scudellari Graduate students ask for more federal research support. How Now Brown Cow? By Bob Grant A recent study suggests that domestic cattle come from a single founding population of ancient oxen. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Molecular Blueprints By Cristina Luiggi Check out the latest crop of high-resolution structures and how they inform biological function. Feature: Vitamin D on Trial By Amy Maxmen Prevention trials for vitamins and supplements are notoriously difficult, but some researchers aren’t giving up on finding proof that vitamin D helps ward off disease. Model Citizen By Karen Hopkin With an eye to understanding animal regeneration, Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado has turned a freshwater planarian into a model system to watch. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup More Oversight for Omics Tests By Cristina Luiggi A new report outlines ways in which omics-based technologies can be shuttled more safely and effectively from the bench to the clinic. James Cameron Hits Rock Bottom By Hannah Waters The movie director-turned-explorer made the 6.8-mile drop to the deepest point on the seafloor, but wasn’t too impressed by what he found. McKnight Neuroscientist Dies By Jef Akst William Luttge, the founding executive director of the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida, passes away. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: Saving an Owl from Politics By Dominick A. DellaSala The imperiled northern spotted owl faces extinction if efforts enacted to save it continue to put politics ahead of science. The 2012 Salary Survey Is Here By The Scientist Staff Take our survey to help us determine the most current salary data for life scientists. T-Bee By Edyta Zielinska Two researchers are trying to train bees to sniff out tuberculosis. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup New York Higher Education Brawl By Edyta Zielinska Faculty at New York City’s public universities are suing their board of trustees over a new curriculum they say will harm science education. Baldness Genes Discovered? By Bob Grant Researchers say they’ve found key molecular clues to a problem that plagues 80 percent of men. Old Memories Excavated By Sabrina Richards Scientists use molecular techniques to reawaken memories in mice. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Nervy Production By Mary Beth Aberlin A new play about the father of modern neuroscience explores the many facets of Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s work, personality, and life. Let Them Eat Dirt By Megan Scudellari Early exposure to microbes shapes the mammalian immune system by subduing inflammatory T cells. Snake Tales By Ruth Williams An anthropologist and a herpetologist join forces to reveal the complex shared evolutionary and ecological history of pythons and primates. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Mouse Made For You By Megan Scudellari Mice “avatars” grafted with patient tumor tissue help identify effective drug regimens. Gut Microbe Redux By Hannah Waters The theory that people can largely be divided into three groups based on their dominant gut microbiota species is called into question. UNC Debates Open Access By Sabrina Richards The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is considering a policy of requiring faculty to deposit their work in open-access repositories. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: A Truly Public Lab? By Brian S. McGowan Should the healthcare system support health and wellness data tracking for the purposes of long-term observational studies? Behavior Brief By Megan Scudellari A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research Biota Babble By Edyta Zielinska Crosstalk between gut microbiota and the immune system is necessary for keeping the gut lining functioning normally. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Prometheus Patents Overturned By Sabrina Richards The US Supreme Court ruled that two dose calibration methods from biotech company Prometheus Laboratories cannot be patented. Upheaval Over Children’s Health Study By Megan Scudellari A second advisor for the National Children’s Study resigns in response to changes in study design. Can War Injuries Spawn Massacres? By Bob Grant Recent research on the neurological effects of combat might play a role in the defense trial of a US Army soldier who is accused killed 16 Afghan civilians. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Are the Kids Alright? By Bob Grant Two key pieces of legislation, enacted to spur drugmakers into testing pharmaceutical products in children, are up for reauthorization in the US Congress this October. Have they done their jobs? Feature: Child-Proofing Drugs By Edyta Zielinska When children need medications, getting the dosing and method of administration right is like trying to hit a moving target with an untried weapon. Opinion: What it Takes to Develop Better Drugs for Kids By J. Steven Leeder A prescription for making and testing pediatric pharmaceuticals The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Teaching HIV/AIDS Denialism? By Cristina Luiggi An Italian university is investigating whether a professor was right to teach a course denying a causal link between HIV and AIDS. Tuberculosis Trial Launched By Hannah Waters The TB Alliance will test a new combination of drugs to combat normal and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. New African Bone Marrow Registry By Jef Akst Nigeria launches its first ever bone marrow registry, which should make it easier to find matches for black people around the world. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Cerebral Beauty By Hannah Waters Cap off your celebration of Brain Awareness Week with some artistic applications of neuroscience. Eye of the Giant By Megan Scudellari Soccer ball-sized eyes may help giant squid see distant predators in the deep, dark ocean. The Joint Collector By Hannah Waters Forget stamps: one bioengineer amasses broken artificial joints to learn why they failed and how to build better ones. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup New Frog Species in NYC? By Sabrina Richards Genetic data support designating a New York City-area leopard frog as a unique species. Lions Up Close By Cristina Luiggi An armored, remote controlled contraption fitted with a camera snaps dangerously close pictures of lions in Masai Mara. HHMI Competition Opens By Megan Scudellari The biomedical institute seeks up to 30 new investigators in its first nationwide search in 5 years. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Slipping from the Top? By Jef Akst Experts and the American public worry that the country is at risk of losing its global leadership position in scientific research. Delivering Silence By Sabrina Richards Using RNA viruses to silence genes could optimize tissue targeting while reducing toxicity. Test-Tube Zoo Babies By Jef Akst A National Zoo researcher works to perfect gamete preservation and in vitro fertilization techniques in order to better manage endangered populations. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Lab Animal Transport Ends By Hannah Waters The last company that ferried research animals into the UK halted service after an animal rights group applied pressure. A Call to Ban Synthetic Biology By Edyta Zielinska More than 100 environmental policy organizations call for greater oversight and regulation of synthetic biology. New Human Species? By Bob Grant Researchers have analyzed centuries-old human remains found in China and suggest adding a member to our evolutionary tree. Selected Stories Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Next Generation: A Molecular Camera By Hannah Waters Knocking electrons out of atomic orbit with a laser allows researchers to take femtosecond-scale “movies” of molecules in motion. The Subcellular World Revealed, 1945 By Cristina Luiggi The first electron microscope to peer into an intact cell ushers in the new field of cell biology. Combing the Cancer Genome By Carina Storrs A guided tour through the main online resources for analyzing cancer genomics data The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Electric Molluscs By Megan Scudellari Snails with implanted electrodes generate electricity via metabolism. FDA Approves New Gum Grafts By Sabrina Richards A new gum graft technique promises to give patients with receding gums a less-painful surgical alternative. Archaean Prey By Jef Akst Animals can and do eat Archaea. Covering the life sciences inside and out Sayonara Sweet Tooth By Megan Scudellari Many carnivorous mammals have lost their sweet taste receptors. Opinion: Who Are We Really? By Kieran O’Doherty Manipulating the human microbiome has ethical implications. How to Make Eyeball Stew By Hannah Waters Researchers concoct a culture medium that drives mouse embryonic cells to spontaneously start growing eyes. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Ozone Defender Dies By Cristina Luiggi Nobel Laureate Sherwood Rowland, who first demonstrated that the ozone layer could be destroyed by chemical pollutants, passes away at age 84. Self-prescribing Patients? By Jef Akst The FDA considers making some drugs for diabetes, asthma, and other ailments available over the counter. Top Science Policy Concerns By Hannah Waters A selection of 40 top science policy questions that need to be addressed were selected and published by researchers last week. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Child-Proofing Drugs By Edyta Zielinska When children need medications, getting the dosing and method of administration right is like trying to hit a moving target with an untried weapon. Opinion: One Year On By Nick Beresford and Jordi Vives i Batlle Some thoughts about the ecological fallout from Fukushima David Sabatini: Demystifying mTOR By Cristina Luiggi Researcher at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Trouble at the CDC? By Bob Grant Anonymous letters to The Lancet point to problems with the CDC’s Center for Global Health, but the agency denies the allegations. Research is Tough for Dads Too By Edyta Zielinska A new survey finds that men as well as women scientists struggle to find time for family and life outside of the lab. LSD for Alcoholics? By Sabrina Richards A retrospective meta-analysis suggests that LSD may aid in the treatment of alcoholism. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Misconduct Hearing Granted By Hannah Waters A cancer researcher charged with scientific misconduct in 2011 may have the right to present his defense—a rare occurrence under current regulations. Capsule Reviews By Bob Grant The Wandering Gene and the Indian Princess, The Forever Fix, Connectome, and DNA USA New Type of DNA Discovered? By Sabrina Richards Small circles of extrachromosomal DNA appear to be widespread in mammals, and may be byproducts of small deletions in the nuclear DNA of somatic cells. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup High Tumor Heterogeneity Confirmed By Sabrina Richards One biopsy may not provide enough information about the array of mutations in cancer to devise treatments based on a tumor’s genetic profile. Dinosaurs’ Shiny Black Feathers By Cristina Luiggi A 130 million-year-old winged dinosaur offers scientist the oldest evidence of iridescent feathers. Origami Sensors By Megan Scudellari An inexpensive 3-D paper sensor could test for HIV and malaria. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: On the Gene Patent Debate By Courtenay C. Brinckerhoff Two key patent cases that no doubt will impact the future of personalized medicine are pending review by the US Supreme Court. What will the Court decide? Model Citizen By Karen Hopkin With an eye to understanding animal regeneration, Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado has turned a freshwater planarian into a model system to watch. Genome Digest By Cristina Luiggi Meet the species whose DNA has recently been sequenced. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Bird Flu Debate Continues By Hannah Waters A series of articles published in open access journal mBio underscores the variety in opinion on whether a transmissible H5N1 strain should be studied. Transplant Without Drugs? By Edyta Zielinska A new method for transplanting immunologically mismatched organs may remove the need for life-long immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. Small Shark Species Discovered By Jef Akst Deep diving scientists near the Galapagos Islands churn up a new shark variety, measuring just over 1 foot long. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Are the Kids Alright? By Bob Grant Two key pieces of legislation, enacted to spur drugmakers into testing pharmaceutical products in children, are up for reauthorization in the US Congress this October. Have they done their jobs? Opinion: What it Takes to Develop Better Drugs for Kids By J. Steven Leeder A prescription for making and testing pediatric pharmaceuticals Exercise Alters Epigenetics By Hannah Waters Exercise causes short-term changes in DNA methylation and gene expression in muscle tissue that may have implications for type 2 diabetes. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Publishers Fight Open Access Bill By Bob Grant The Federal Research Public Access Act faces stiff opposition from the Association American of Publishers. Banana Fungus Origin Revealed By Sabrina Richards A fungal disease that is plaguing banana plants around the world originated in South East Asia. The Sweet Sounds of Spider Silk By Megan Scudellari A researcher spins spider silk into violin strings. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Vitamin D on Trial By Amy Maxmen Prevention trials for vitamins and supplements are notoriously difficult, but some researchers aren’t giving up on finding proof that vitamin D helps ward off disease. Antarctic Invasion By Megan Scudellari Invasive species threaten the most pristine place on Earth. Tricky Trials By Mary Beth Aberlin Studies on safety, efficacy, or dosing of drugs in children, or on nutritional supplements, are not run-of-the-mill. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup H5N1 Insiders Speak Out By Cristina Luiggi NSABB and Congress members voice their opinions about the new developments in the H5N1 research debate. Harvard Primate Director Resigns By Hannah Waters The interim director of Harvard’s New England Primate Research Center stepped down amidst monkey deaths and animal welfare citations. Victory for Climate Scientist By Jef Akst The State Supreme Court denies the attorney general’s request to have the University of Virginia turn over detailed records regarding the work of its former climate researcher Michael Mann. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out New Mice on the Block By Megan Scudellari After 10 years in development, a novel mouse population proves its mettle in complex trait research. Skin-Deep Immunity By Megan Scudellari Immune cells in skin provide powerful protection against infection, suggesting new routes for vaccination. Biota Babble By Edyta Zielinska Crosstalk between gut microbiota and the immune system is necessary for keeping the gut lining functioning normally. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Bird Flu Research Reconsidered By Hannah Waters Biosecurity agency will give controversial H5N1 bird flu research another look-over in light of new data and clarification. Jurassic Parasites By Cristina Luiggi Fossilized fleas dating as far back as 165 million years provide clues of early flea evolution. Checking on Science Ed By Edyta Zielinska A National Academies panel is nearly done evaluating research institutions with a critical eye on the quality of undergraduate education. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Magnetic Yeast By Sabrina Richards Researchers succeed in magnetizing yeast cells, providing insight into how magnetism could be genetically induced in other organisms. Opinion: Never Say Never By H. Steven Wiley Novel observations can sometimes be correct for unexpected reasons. Sweet and Sour Science By Ruth Williams Japanese researchers unravel the mystery of miracle fruit. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Anti-Open Access Bill Dies By Bob Grant Legislators have dropped the Research Works Act, which would have nixed policies that require federally funded research findings to be deposited in public databases. CDC’s Slippery Fiscal Slope By Megan Scudellari Proposed budget cuts could undermine the agency’s disease prevention efforts. New Giant Penguin Reconstructed By Sabrina Richards Researchers reconstruct a new giant penguin species from fossils unearthed in New Zealand. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: Casting a Wide Eye By Cristina Luiggi Scientists study a variety of large-scale biological phenomena from the vantage point of space. Botanical Blueprints, circa 1843 By Cristina Luiggi Anna Atkins, pioneering female photographer, revolutionized scientific illustration using a newly invented photographic technique. Contributors By The Scientist Staff Meet some of the people featured in the February 2012 issue of The Scientist. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Cancer Researcher Sued Again By Bob Grant UPenn has filed suit against the president of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for failing to share intellectual property he developed while at the university. Chemo for Stroke? By Edyta Zielinska A chemotherapy medication designed to kill cancer may prevent neuronal death after stroke, according to a study in mice. Mobile DNA Makes Transcription Stumble By Sabrina Richards Researchers show that retrotransposons can influence phenotypic variation by triggering early transcription termination. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Capsule Reviews By Bob Grant Neurogastronomy, Why Calories Count, The Kitchen as Laboratory, Fear of Food Bird Flu Prevalence Underestimated By Hannah Waters Pooled data from H5N1 bird flu studies suggests that the World Health Organization may be underestimating infection and overestimating fatality. Speaking of Science By The Scientist Staff February 2012′s selection of notable quotes Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: Good, But Not Good Enough By Umberto Galderisi Funding only outstanding researchers is increasing the gap between good and great labs and forcing some out of science in search of a bigger paycheck. Genghis Jon By Cristina Luiggi By helping Mongolians cultivate an understanding of their native insect fauna, scientists hope to protect the country’s unique yet fragile ecosystems. Give Me a Hug By Tia Ghose Mitochondria divide with the help of a little squeeze from the endoplasmic reticulum. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Elsevier Abandons Anti-Open Access Bill By Bob Grant The publishing giant withdraws its support of the Research Works Act, which would eliminate open-access requirements on federally funded work. Ovarian Stem Cells in Humans? By Sabrina Richards Adult human ovaries contain a population of stem cells capable of generating immature egg cells. Coffee Pest Gene Transfer By Hannah Waters An insect that plagues coffee plants likely got its bean-digesting gene from a bacterium. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Long Live the Y By Megan Scudellari Despite suggestions to the contrary, the Y chromosome is not necessarily rotting away. Feature: The War Within By Ole H. Petersen, Oleg V. Gerasimenko, and Julia V. Gerasimenko Unraveling the molecular causes of acute pancreatitis—a potentially deadly disease in which the pancreas essentially digests itself—is yielding clues to how it might be treated. Switching the Bait By Edyta Zielinska Turning a standard technique into an unbiased screen for diagnostic biomarkers Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Bird Flu Paper Publication Delayed By Jef Akst The World Health Organization recommends publishing the two controversial H5N1 papers in full, as soon as a few details are worked out. And Science is listening. News from AAAS By Jef Akst A roundup of recent research announced last weekend at the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Immune Heat By Edyta Zielinska Immune cells may play a role in keeping us warm in the winter. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: The Enigmatic Membrane By Muriel Mari, Sharon A. Tooze, and Fulvio Reggiori Despite years of research, the longstanding mystery of where the autophagosome gets its double lipid bilayers is not much clearer. Behavior Brief By Megan Scudellari A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research Forced Feeding By Edyta Zielinska Legionella hijacks its host’s degradation machinery in order to get a regular high-protein meal. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Building Flowers By Jef Akst An architecture graduate constructs intricate botanical illustrations using the computer graphics programs intended to design buildings. Boozing for Better Health By Megan Scudellari Fruit flies consume alcohol to kill off parasites. Killing with Kindness By Barbara Oakley, Guruprasad Madhavan, Ariel Knafo, and David Sloan Wilson Studying the evolution of altruistic behaviors reveals how knee-jerk good intentions can backfire. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: What Is Life? By Edward N. Trifonov Designing the simplest possible living organism artificially may lend clues as to what life is. Propitious Prions By Megan Scudellari Often thought to be artifacts of the lab, prions in yeast may actually drive the evolution of beneficial traits. Science Afield By Jef Akst Portable wet-lab kits allow even soldiers stationed in war zones to earn college science credits. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Freeze-tolerant Flies By Sabrina Richards Two steps help Drosophila melanogaster larvae survive freezing conditions. Next Generation: Rockets for the Gut By Edyta Zielinska Researchers develop a tiny device that motors around the stomach, fueled by its acidic environment. Little Squirts By Amy Maxmen A road map to liquid-handling solutions Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Satellites Spy on Fish Farms By Cristina Luiggi Scientists use Google Earth to fact check official reports of fish farming in the Mediterranean. Cell Change Up By Cristina Luiggi Imaging cell cytoskeletons during early embryonic development leads researchers to uncover a new regulator of cell shape Feature: Casting a Wide Eye By Cristina Luiggi Scientists study a variety of large-scale biological phenomena from the vantage point of space. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Cancer’s First Step By Megan Scudellari A single mutant cell breaks free of its neighbors in the early stages of cancer development. Fasting Heightens Chemotherapy Benefits By Hannah Waters Starvation paired with cancer drugs slowed or stopped unchecked cell growth in yeast and mouse models of cancer, outpacing or matching the isolated effects of chemo. Rommie Amaro: Protein Explorer By Tia Ghose Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California, San Diego. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Next Generation: World’s First Nano-ear By Megan Scudellari A new device can detect sounds a million times fainter than the hearing threshold of the human ear. Opinion: Ready for Prime Time By Dennis J. Selkoe and John C. Morris Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease are ready for widespread use in clinical trials. Sweet and Sour Science By Ruth Williams Japanese researchers unravel the mystery of miracle fruit. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: No Objections to Nano? By Susanna Priest While biotechnology has met with mixed public reactions, to date nanotechnology seems to invoke much less public concern. Female Frontrunners By Jef Akst How to successfully surmount the challenges women face in becoming biotech industry leaders Switching the Bait By Edyta Zielinska Turning a standard technique into an unbiased screen for diagnostic biomarkers Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out C. diff Infection Source Unclear By Sabrina Richards Only a quarter of Clostridium difficile infections in one hospital system were traced to contact with a symptomatic patient. Opinion: Learning by Doing By Sarah L. Simmons Having freshmen perform research doesn’t just improve undergraduate learning, it convinces more students to become science majors. Give Me a Hug By Tia Ghose Mitochondria divide with the help of a little squeeze from the endoplasmic reticulum. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Occupy Elsevier? By Bob Grant A boycott of the publishing giant swells, but is the criticism warranted? The War Within By Ole H. Petersen, Oleg V. Gerasimenko, and Julia V. Gerasimenko Unraveling the molecular causes of acute pancreatitis—a potentially deadly disease in which the pancreas essentially digests itself—is yielding clues to how it might be treated. Immune Heat By Edyta Zielinska Immune cells may play a role in keeping us warm in the winter. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Color Explosion By Cristina Luiggi A fluorescence microscopy image competition straddles the boundary of science and art. Sex, Deconstructed By Megan Scudellari Hormones in the brain control sex-specific behaviors by activating individual genetic programs. Reading Tea Leaves By Jef Akst Cyclic peptides, discovered in an African tea used to speed labor and delivery, may hold potential as drug-stabilizing scaffolds, antibiotics, and anticancer drugs. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out RNA Chases Its Tail By Sabrina Richards New research suggests that circular RNA transcripts are not as rare as previously thought. Opinion: Never Say Never By H. Steven Wiley Novel observations can sometimes be correct for unexpected reasons. On the Menu By Mary Beth Aberlin Digestion on the cellular level: two mysteries examined Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Feature: The Enigmatic Membrane By Muriel Mari, Sharon A. Tooze, and Fulvio Reggiori Despite years of research, the longstanding mystery of where the autophagosome gets its double lipid bilayers is not much clearer. Behavior Brief By Hannah Waters A roundup of recent studies in behavior research Forced Feeding By Edyta Zielinska Legionella hijacks its host’s degradation machinery in order to get a regular high-protein meal. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Lost Colony DNA By Kerry Grens Genotyping could answer a centuries-old mystery about a vanished group of British settlers. The Making of a Trait By Megan Scudellari Populations of organisms acquire beneficial traits repeatedly and rapidly through co-evolution with other species and through gene interaction. Capsule Reviews By Richard P. Grant Our Dying Planet, Here Be Dragons, Rat Island, Harnessed Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	Eye Trials Give Hope for Stem Cells By Hannah Waters Preliminary data from human embryonic stem cell trials for two degenerative eye disorders are promising, but challenges remain for more complex tissues.
	Scanning the Psychedelic Brain By Ruth Williams Brain scans reveal the surprising secret of magic mushrooms’ hallucinogenic effect.
	Metabolites Involved in Chronic Pain By Jeffrey M. Perkel Untargeted metabolic profiling implicates a new suite of metabolites that may be involved in nerve damage-induced pain.

Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Opinion: Academic Publishing Is Broken By Michael P. Taylor The current system by which academics publish their scientific discoveries is a massive waste of money. Immune Role in Brain Disorder? By Hannah Waters Replacing immune cells in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, a developmental brain disorder, improved symptoms, suggesting a new target for treatment. Contributors By The Scientist Staff Meet some of the people featured in the March 2012 issue of The Scientist. The Nutshell Daily News Roundup Debate over RNA Transcription By Edyta Zielinska Researchers question earlier findings of a new mechanism for gene regulation. A FASTer FDA? By Bob Grant A new bill recently debated in the US Congress seeks to streamline the drug approval process. Mammal Embryos May Pause By Sabrina Richards Mammalian embryos may be able to undergo a developmental pause before implanting in the womb. Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	The Breast Implant Risk By Hannah Waters Breast implants leaking contaminated silicone are causing a fuss in Europe, but all breast implants carry risks.
	High-Tech Choir Master By Karen Hopkin Elaine Mardis can make DNA sequencers sing, generating genome data that shed light on evolution and disease.
	No Mo’ Slow Flow By Jeffrey M. Perkel Tools and tricks for high-throughput flow cytometry

Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	Opinion: Occupy Science? By Krishanu Saha and J. Benjamin Hurlbut Biomedical research can learn from citizen science, which is grounded in strong relationships with study participants.
	Antimicrobial Cross-Resistance Risk By Sabrina Richards Bacteria that evolve resistance to antimicrobial therapies may be able to evade natural immune peptides.
	Feature: Resolving Chronic Pain By Claudia Sommer and Frank Birklein The body’s own mechanism for dispersing the inflammatory reaction might lead to new treatments for chronic pain.

Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out Bat Luck By Cristina Luiggi An intrepid researcher and her team battle the elements and bouts of misfortune to explore the biodiversity of a brand new African country. Can DNA Self-replicate? By Sabrina Richards Using DNA subunits to create DNA-like superstructures, scientists think they’ve discovered how to turn DNA into enzymes. Speaking of Science By The Scientist Staff January 2012′s selection of notable quotes Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	Life Sciences Salary Survey 2011 By Jef Akst and Edyta Zielinska US salaries are starting to recover after last year’s survey recorded the first-ever drop.
	A Possible Ebola Vaccine? By Tia Ghose A new Ebola vaccine candidate protects mice against death and can be produced quickly in response to a bioterrorism threat.
	Top 7 in Ecology By Bob Grant A snapshot of the most highly ranked articles in ecology, from Faculty of 1000

Selected Stories Covering the life sciences inside and out
	Feature: Matters of Taste By Thomas E. Finger and Sue C. Kinnamon Compounds we perceive as sweet or bitter in the mouth trigger similar receptors and signaling pathways elsewhere in the body, helping to regulate digestion, respiration, and other systems.
	Behavior Brief By Tia Ghose A roundup of recent discoveries in behavior research
	Five Days Left for Surveys By The Scientist Staff Help make our 10th year of Best Places to Work surveys the best—respond by December 16.