Exploring complex networks. Strogatz, S. H. Nature 8 March (2001) . A review article on computer modelling of different types of network, ranging from social to neural.

Repression revisited. Conway , M. A. Nature 15 March (2001) . A News and Views article on the re-emergence of the theory that unwanted memories can be selectively suppressed.

Telling the brain about pain. Bartfai, T. Nature 22 March (2001) . A News and Views article on how the brain coordinates hypersensitivity to inflammatory pain by release of interleukin-1β rather than by the transmission of nerve impulses.

A twist on embryonic signalling. Harland, R. M. Nature 22 March (2001) . A News and Views article on antagonism of BMP signalling by the protein twisted during neural development in Drosophila.

In numero molecular biology: computational studies of gene regulatory networks. Hasty, J., McMillen, D., Isaacs, F. & Collins, J. J. Nature Reviews Genetics April (2001) . One of the challenges of post-genomic research will be to describe how genes interact within the cell. Computational approaches for analysing and modelling gene regulatory circuits will prove useful in this task and for guiding future investigations.

A real-time view of life within 100 nm of the plasma membrane. Steyer, J. A. & Almers, W. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology April (2001). A review on recent advances in light microscope design and technology and the valuable contribution they are making to the study of the cell membrane.

The survival motor neurons protein uses its ZPR for nuclear localization. (News and Views) Matera, A. G. & Hebert, M. D. Nature Cell Biology April (2001).

Color in the cortex revisited. Gegenfurtner, K. Nature Neuroscience April (2001) . A News and Views article on spatial transformation of colour in the primary visual cortex of the macaque monkey.

A wake-up call from the thalamus. Sherman, S. M. Nature Neuroscience April (2001) . A News and Views article on the impact of 'bursting' thalamic impulses at a neocortical synapse.