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In markets that have never been tougher, IT and telecoms companies are well structured for essential innovation. Investors are recognizing this, but some governments risk losing long-term opportunities by failing to invest in related research.
Computer and telecoms firms are losing money and laying off staff — yet say that R&D remains a priority. Can their scientists really remain immune to the economic downturn? Declan Butler and Jim Giles investigate.
Tiny specks of semiconductor can make biological molecules and cellular components glow in a kaleidoscope of colours. These 'quantum dots' may soon be a standard biological tool, says Erica Klarreich.
Does our ability to talk lie in our genes? The suspicion is bolstered by the discovery of a gene that might affect how the brain circuitry needed for speech and language develops.
Physicists can already make ultracold atoms perform quantum tricks in sophisticated magnetic and optical traps. But a fast route to trapping atoms on a microchip opens up new possibilities.
The genome of the bacterium that causes plague is highly dynamic, and scarred by genes acquired from other organisms. Does this explain its ability to kill both mammals and insects?
A paradox in palaeoclimatology has been the apparent existence of a cool sea surface in the tropics under conditions of high CO2 in the atmosphere. It looks as if that paradox has been resolved.
Different types of nerve cells are made in a particular sequence during development. But how? Studies of fruitflies reveal a temporal order in the expression of the genes that regulate these decisions.
Simulations of what happens when two black holes collide predict they will release their energy mostly as gravity waves. Such predictions are a bonus to researchers seeking to observe gravity waves.
Ultrasound waves can levitate heavy balls of tungsten. This contact-free method of keeping items suspended in the air can be applied to the investigation and processing of new materials.
In multicellular animals, there has to be a balance between the free flow and clotting of blood. One molecule involved is von Willebrand factor, and the enzyme that cuts it down to size is now unveiled.
Carbon fibre composites could be made stronger if they contained more polymeric carbon nanotubes. This would require a better understanding of the melting processes during manufacture.
