News & Views in 2005

The genome sequence of a meat-borne lactic acid bacterium sheds light on its food-preserving abilities.

Two novel methods for generating mouse ES cells may represent more ethically acceptable methods for producing human ES cells.

Lessons from embryology point to better ways of generating endodermal cells from embryonic stem cells.

Antibody surrogates based on a class of human receptor domains bind protein targets with high affinity.

Testes-specific expression of green fluorescent protein allows automated sex sorting of mosquitoes for population control.

A recent multidisciplinary conference in Crete underscored advances in protein and peptide self-assembly in a variety of biotechnological applications.

Dendritic cells transplanted into patients for cancer immunotherapy can be tracked by MRI.

A new algorithm facilitates the design of ribozymes that encode logical operations.

The complete haplotype map of the human genome provides an unprecedented view of human genetic variation.

Sublethal concentrations of antibiotics increase bacterial drug tolerance by promoting biofilm formation.

An engineered IgG induces degradation of endogenous IgG, providing a potential therapeutic approach to autoimmune disease.

Ion channels can be inshibited by polyclonal antibodies targeted to a specific extracellular loop.

The genome sequence of a dechlorinating bacterium offers new opportunities for bioremediation of chlorinated organic pollutants.

A reversibly immortalized human β-cell line may find applications in diabetes therapy and drug screening.

A recent meeting emphasized the importance of integrating concepts from developmental biology and other disciplines into tissue engineering.

A modular method for assembling polyketide synthases accelerates the generation of new polyketides.

A plant gene that confers antibiotic resistance provides a 'cleaner' selectable marker for plant transgenesis.