Comment

Simoneau and Scott ask that researchers provide complete descriptions of their choices and parameters of RNA-seq data analysis.

Michael Levin and colleagues discuss the need to rethink how the causes of cell biological processes are being identified.

Charles Darwin’s Pangenesis theory, which proposed an intercellular mechanism for the flow of hereditary information, is gaining new ground.

Dan Fletcher’s lab comments on the unique properties of membranes at cell–cell adhesions, suggesting that cell–cell interfaces are a separate cellular compartment.

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit a variety of signals, mostly by engaging G proteins, but G protein-independent signalling through arrestins has also been demonstrated. Based on recent experimental evidence, Gutkind and Kostenis argue that arrestins serve as important signal modulators instead of as independent signal transducers.

Biomolecules can phase separate and form condensates that have roles in diverse cellular processes and contexts. Michnick and Bergeron-Sandoval comment on this rapidly progressing field and envisage that the study of biological phase separation will bring new understanding of cell and developmental biology.

Cellular organelles extensively communicate with each other by close interactions, known as membrane contact sites. Schuldiner and Bohnert comment on the progress of this rapidly developing field, highlighting that the complexity of interactions at membrane contact sites is only now starting to emerge.

Synthetic biology is maturing into a true engineering discipline for model microorganisms, but remains far from straightforward for most eukaryotes. Here, we outline the key challenges facing those trying to engineer biology across eukaryota and suggest areas of focus that will aid future progress.

The commonly used budding yeast strain W303 carries a mutant RAD5 gene (rad5-535), but numerous laboratories use a strain corrected for the mutation. This has resulted in different phenotypes of W303 cells in similar experiments. Here, we aim to raise awareness of the issue to ensure data reproducibility and interpretation.

Fiona M. Watt at King’s College London Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (UK) discusses how gender balance in the scientific community is evolving.

Caixia Gao outlines the technical, regulatory and public opinion hurdles for the future use of CRISPR technologies in plant breeding.

Mary Herbert and Doug Turnbull discuss how the transmission of pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial DNA may be prevented by reproductive techniques designed to replace the mitochondria in eggs from affected women.

The term 'epigenetics' has multiple interpretations, so we need to be clear which definition we are using, argues John Greally.

Images are an integral part of reporting scientific data and conveying concepts in science. Janke and Chabrier argue for the importance of hand drawing — the original form of representation in science — as a complementary medium to photographs and schematics used in science publications today.

Studies of mechanobiology lie at the interface of various scientific disciplines from biology to physics. Ulrich Schwarz discusses the importance of technological advances, quantification and modelling for the progress in understanding the role of forces in biology.

Novoa, Mason and Mattick propose to use phage display technology and direct sequencing through nanopores to facilitate systematic interrogation of RNA modifications.

Job Dekker asserts that cases in which data from microscopy- and 3C-based methods appear discordant about genome organization will provide opportunities to improve our models of chromatin folding.

Sibon and Strauss discuss literature suggesting that cells can obtain intracellular coenzyme A by pathways in addition tode novobiosynthesis.

Tomas Lindahl presents a case for keeping DNA in the organic solvent glycol, in which it keeps its activity and is better protected from contamination and, potentially, radiation.