Research Highlights in 2011

An analysis of over 100 human embryonic stem cell lines reveals a genetic change that might confer a growth advantage.

Combining experiments and calculations makes it possible to measure the prognostic value of toxic protein species in the cell.

Targeting portions of the transcriptome for deep sequencing reveals very rare transcripts.

A new fluorination approach enables the synthesis of diverse PET probes.

A combination of chromosome conformation capture carbon copy (5C), modeling and automated imaging renders an empirical three-dimensional model of a bacterial genome.

Synthetic clusters of membrane-bound droplets may provide a useful means for simulating tissues or transporting therapeutic payloads.

A self-imaging Petri dish monitors cell cultures as they grow in the incubator.

Researchers pave the way to high-throughput studies of intact protein isoforms.

Long noncoding RNA interactions with chromatin can be mapped genome-wide using biotinylated tiling oligos.

Precise amounts of DNA and quantum dots can be moved into cells through tiny channels.

Retaining the recipient oocyte genome after human somatic cell nuclear transfer permits development to the blastocyst stage and derivation of triploid human embryonic stem cell lines.

The hypothesis that many glycans may have a regular sequence gains support, with new evidence of a sequence for the simplest proteoglycan, bikunin.

A new chip and high-content imaging allow thousands of surface patterns to be tested for their influence on cell behavior.

An improved algorithm for genomic analysis allows scientists to build remarkably accurate and complete genomic sequences from single bacterial cells.

Mechanical force can revert the stable triazole product of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition back to the starting azide and alkyne components.

A combination of methods permits clonal tracking of mouse hematopoietic stem cells.

Researchers synthesize chromosome arms to facilitate genetic studies in yeast.

Engineered ion channels and cognate synthetic ligands expand the catalog of tools to study brain function.

Using a sheet of light to perform fluorescence-correlation analysis, scientists can track protein dynamics in entire cellular 'neighborhoods'.

A gene-counting method can be used to profile gene expression differences in an organism that lacks a sequenced genome.