Faces and races in the brain. Phelps, E. A. Nature Neuroscience August (2001). Nature Neuroscience

Why do we find it easier to recognize people of our own race than of other races? This News and Views article describes a new study that might provide some answers.

Ion-age molecular motors. Meech, R. & Holley, M. Nature Neuroscience August (2001). Nature Neuroscience

This News and Views article discusses new data that support the hypothesis that prestin is the molecular motor in the outer hair cells of the mammalian ear.

Transcriptional regulation by the phosphorylation-dependent factor CREB. Mayr, B. & Montminy, M. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology August (2001). Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology

The transcription factor CREB is an important molecule for learning and memory; this Review explores its mechanism of action.

Vesicles and the spinal cord. Jeong, J. & McMahon, A. P. Nature 12 July (2001). Nature

A News and Views article that provides new insights into the role of vesicle trafficking in the regulation of the Shh signalling pathway during spinal cord development.

Sensory neurons are PARtial to pain. Mantyh, P. W. & Yaksh, T. L. Nature Medicine July (2001). Nature Medicine

A News and Views article on PAR2, a proteinase-activated receptor that is expressed by nociceptive sensory neurons. Stimulation of PAR2 causes hyperalgesia, and the authors suggest that it might provide a new target for analgesic drugs.

Four deaths and a funeral: from caspases to alternative mechanisms. Leist, M. & Jäättelä, M. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology August (2001). Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology

A Review on caspase-independent mechanisms of cell death, which includes a discussion of alternative cell death in the nervous system.

Cause of neural death in neurodegenerative diseases attributable to expansion of glutamine repeats (Hypothesis). Perutz, M. F. & Windle, A. H. Nature 12 July (2001). Nature

Molecular stepping stones in memory consolidation. Carew, T. J. & Sutton, M. A. Nature Neuroscience August (2001). Nature Neuroscience

A News and Views article exploring the role of the transcription factor C/EBPβ in memory consolidation. New data indicate that this factor is required for the initial consolidation of memory, but not for reconsolidation following recall.

Genetics of morphogen gradients. Tabata, T. Nature Reviews Genetics August (2001). Nature Reviews Genetics

A Review on morphogen gradients and pattern formation, focusing on the developing Drosophila melanogaster embryo.