News & Comment

A strategy for selectively disabling activated neurons helps researchers to characterize brain circuitry controlling addiction-related behaviors.

Researchers describe a genetic approach to identify the native components responsible for forming molecular transport junctions between the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum.

A method that allows precise capture of Neanderthal genome sequences will permit detailed comparison of modern and ancient humans.

A fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor helps scientists monitor the activation of an essential signaling protein over the course of embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

Modification of a system for rapid amplification of misfolded prion proteins allows de novo generation of these infectious molecules and provides a glimpse of the diverse range of possible misfolded prion strains.

A multilaboratory study designed to assess the reproducibility of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry–based proteomics demonstrates the promise of this technology for disease biomarker verification.

Researchers lay the foundation for networks that will self-destruct after being exposed to a predetermined number of stimuli.

Cells can be delivered to the rodent brain noninvasively, via the nasal cavity.

A prototype for a mass spectrometer with single-molecule sensitivity has prospects for single-cell proteomics.

Optical signatures from organic chemicals may help scientists detect traces of life on other planets.

Grafting two transgenic plants triggers lateral gene transfer at the graft site but does not elicit long-distance transport of DNA into the scion or root of the graft.

A fluorescent probe designed to incorporate a fluorophore into the structure of a neurotransmitter finds activity-dependent heterogeneity in dopamine release at individual synapses.

An engineered infrared fluorescent protein is the first member of a new class of genetically encodable probes, with special advantages over visible-wavelength fluorescent proteins for in vivo imaging.

Computational and experimental biologists teamed up to develop a new software tool to analyze the rich data generated by new and powerful flow cytometers.

Two groups report culture conditions for long-term in vitro growth of intestinal tissue from the mouse.

Researchers use microRNAs to more efficiently generate induced pluripotent stem cells in the mouse.