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Artistic representation of the alteration of neuronal excitability after photo-affinity labeling and exposure to different wavelengths of light. Cover by Erin Boyle. Article p331, Brief Communication p299, News and Views p293
Experimental comparisons of methods, technology platforms or reagents are time-consuming and expensive, but hugely beneficial. Enter the Analysis article format.
Here we introduce a new shorthand nomenclature for designating the disaccharide subunit structure of all glycosaminoglycans as a way to compare compositions and describe linear sequences. Each disaccharide structural code (DSC) comprises four alphanumeric characters that reflect the actual substituents and isomeric characteristics of each component sugar. Larger structures can be represented easily by forming concatamers. The structural transparency of this new nomenclature eliminates the need for ambiguous acronyms or difficult numeric representations.
Advances in methods that allow targeted remote control of neuronal activity open new possibilities for investigating and manipulating the function of neuronal circuits in vivo.
Although Drosophila melanogaster offers a variety of refined genetic techniques, it has lagged behind other model organisms in the high-resolution genotyping arena. A newly developed set of tools addresses this deficiency and provides a very welcome addition to the fly geneticists' armory.
Researchers are finally reaping the rewards of large-scale RNA interference (RNAi) screens in mammalian cells, obtaining insights into a wide range of biological questions. Nathan Blow takes a look at the technology advances spearheading this revolution.