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For many biologists, the idea of creating a computer model of a living cell is anathema. But for mathematicians and physicists, the pursuit of such a goal is proving irresistible, says Diane Gershon.
The choice of potential drug targets thrown up by genomics data is overwhelming, which is why several firms are now offering drug companies a model solution. Diane Gershon reports.
There is a strong case for constructing a major new neutron source somewhere in Europe. The obstacles to progress towards this goal reflect much that is problematic about the organization of European science.
During the 1990s, ultracold gases were used to open up a new and often bizarre frontier of physics. Now researchers are poised to use similar gases to enter another, equally intriguing, realm. Mark Haw reports.
Having realized that proteins usually do their jobs by combining to form transient complexes, biologists are queuing up to study these structures using a powerful electron-microscopy technique. Alison Abbott reports.
Nature published a paper last year claiming that transgenic DNA had become genetically incorporated into traditional maize in Mexico. A debate ensued ...
This famous thought experiment sets out to show a paradox in the second law of thermodynamics, but in reality Maxwell's "neat fingered being" would not get away with it.
Gravitational lensing of light from some of the most distant objects known could be more widespread than had been thought. If so, it could be good — and bad — news for cosmologists.
The Cancer Genome Project intends to search every human gene for cancer-related mutations. Its first success is the discovery of such mutations in the BRAF gene.
Thin films are grown ideally one atomic layer at a time, but atoms can move along and between layers. The model for film growth has now been extended to describe how atoms tumble over 'cliffs' between layers.
Proteins that help plants connect with symbiotic microbes have been identified. These proteins are related to receptors in animals and plants that function in the innate immune system and organ development.
Active mountain belts have crustal 'roots' that gravitationally balance the high topography. So why do old mountains that have been worn flat by erosion still have these roots?
Knocking out a minor form of the Igf2 messenger RNA from the placenta in mice has surprisingly strong effects on nutrient transport to the fetus. This has implications for the theory of maternal–paternal genetic conflict.
Daedalus is inventing 'Lampglo' dye, along with spectacles that cut out the frequency of a particular light source. These should have a variety of uses, for example in enabling spectacle-wearers to see Lampglo-coloured cars but not dazzling headlamps or streetlights.
