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The Internet's transformation of scientific communication has only begun, but already much of its promise is within reach. The vision below may change in its detail, but experimentation and lack of dogmatism are undoubtedly the way forward.
The industrial revolution that is reshaping structural biology is opening doors of opportunity for computer scientists and protein chemists alike, says Paul Smaglik.
Over the past two years, the Japanese government has increased funding for research in structural genomics. Although companies remain uncertain as to how this will benefit them, there will be more job opportunities in protein engineering and structural biology, says Robert Triendl.
Will gene therapy ever extend to inducing changes in humans that can be inherited down through generations? Maybe so, if the concerns over safety can be ironed out. Jonathan Knight considers the technical challenges and the ethical arguments.
The supermassive black hole at the centre of our Galaxy has a strong influence on its surroundings. Astronomers cannot yet see this beast directly but they now have a much better idea of its size.
Circulating platelets are essential for the formation of blood clots. Studies of mice reveal more about the proteins involved in activating platelets, with implications for understanding strokes and heart attacks.
Working out what happens in the extreme conditions at the centre of the Earth is not easy. A calculation of the properties of iron under such conditions helps to explain seismic observations of the inner core.
Actin is a major component of the cytoskeleton in yeast, plant and animal cells, but when did it evolve? The discovery of a bacterial protein that forms actin-like filaments suggests an answer.
Molecules containing gold atoms are not expected to form metallic bonds. But there is growing evidence that there are interactions between the gold atoms that are similar in strength to hydrogen bonds.
Humans are very adaptable: during the last ice age, they apparently lived within the Arctic Circle. The discovery suggests that, although cold, the region was probably not covered in ice at the time.
The lack of security when paying for goods over the Internet puts off many potential customers. A new low-limit credit card could change the way journals and newspapers interact with their readers.
