Palaeomicrobiology: current issues and perspectives. Drancourt, M. & Raoult, D. Nature Reviews Microbiology January (2005) This review examines the techniques used to genotype microorganisms from ancient specimens — those that have been mummified, buried or embedded in amber — an approach that sheds light on the epidemiology and evolution of microorganisms, as well as the afflictions that beset our ancestors.

Applying new maps to understand the genetics of human inflammatory disease. Hafler, D. A. & De Jager, P. L. Nature Reviews Immunology January (2005)

Microarrays go mainstream. Gershon, D. Nature Methods December (2004) This Technology Feature reviews the microarray technologies that are now on offer and discusses the novel applications that these techniques can be used for.

The God gene: how faith is hardwired into our genes. Goldman, M. A. Nature Genetics December (2004) This article reviews the recent book by molecular biologist Dean Hamer about the controversial notion that our genes might influence a disposition towards spirituality and religion.

Shaping small RNAs in plants by gene duplication. Voinnet, O. Nature Genetics December (2004)

Genetics may aggravate India's growing AIDS problem. Jayaraman, K. S. Nature Medicine December (2004) A News article discussing new research that warns that people in India are more likely to carry genetic variants that favour the faster progression of AIDS, and that vaccines developed in the West might be inappropriate for the treatment of AIDS in India.

Aneuploidy and cancer. Rakagopalan, H. & Lengauer, C. Nature 18 November (2004)

In genetic control of disease, does 'race' matter? Goldstein, D. B. & Hirschhorn, J. N. Nature Genetics December (2004) Does a gene variant that leads to better drug response in Japan also lead to better response in Europe? This News and Views article comments on evidence that the effects of gene variants might be consistent across different groups.

High-throughput matchmaking. Rusk, N. Nature Methods December (2004) This News and Views article describes a modified yeast one-hybrid assay applied to Caenorhabditis elegans that has allowed researchers to match transcription factors with their promoters.