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Studies of the retinoblastoma gene can still deliver surprises, and enlightenment. Several of the abnormalities in mice lacking this gene are, it seems, the indirect consequence of a placental defect.
The brain's hippocampal region contains many classes of interneurons, which, it transpires, show different patterns of activity. They might contribute to memory by shaping the dynamics of neuronal networks.
Using the methods of polymer deposition that are employed in making integrated circuits, light-emitting polymers can be patterned for application in flat-screen, full-colour displays.
Self-organized systems can evolve by small parameter shifts that produce large changes in outcome. Concepts from mathematical ecology show how the way swarming bees dance helps to achieve unanimous decisions.
Molecular chaperones are generally thought to protect newly synthesized proteins and ensure that they fold into the correct shape. But it seems that two chaperones also help to target certain proteins to mitochondria.
The confinement of photons in a resonant cavity is the basis of laser operation. A device that has a resonant cavity for acoustic phonons inside an optical cavity enhances the interaction between sound and light.
It has long been known that cells repair chemically or physically damaged DNA. But the discovery that damaged RNA can also be repaired may come as a surprise. What's more, some of the same enzymes are involved.
Small, but consistent, steps are being taken towards the realization of a quantum computer. The demonstration of the coupling of two quantum bits in a solid-state device moves us closer to that goal.
An extended system of highly ionized gas clouds that surrounds the Milky Way has been detected. This gas may be part of the original matter from which our Galaxy and its nearest neighbours formed.
Electron-microscope studies of the motor protein dynein reveal fascinating details of the movements of its various structural regions. The protein displays a degree of gymnastic ability that is rarely seen.
What is the smallest unit of area? To find out, theorists have been wrestling with the notion of quantum black holes. Two independent analyses now seem to lead to the same answer.
When inflammatory cells leave blood vessels to repair injured tissues, they are helped on their way by the endothelial cells lining the vessels. The invagination and expulsion of endothelial membrane may be the key.
Sediment is bad news for coral reefs. In Australia, large increases in sedimentation were a by-product of introducing intensive agricultural practices, and that may also apply to other parts of the world.
The interleukin-12 protein has been implicated in autoimmunity, but one complication is that it shares a subunit with a related protein. New work looks at the contribution of these proteins to autoimmunity in mice.
Activation of the nuclear factor NF-κB has been linked with many human cancers. But in tumours of some tissues this molecule is inactive. New work examines how turning off NF-κB promotes cancer in one tissue, the skin.
