17 January 2008 Volume 451 Number 7176, pp223-372
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Year of Planet Earth
The Year of Planet Earth supplement is a collection of pieces
highlighting both the work of Earth scientists and the benefits of
this work to society. It contains informal, sometimes opinionated,
forward-looking pieces on topics from across the Earth sciences. Its
publication is timed to correspond with the start of the United
Nations International Year of Planet Earth - a joint initiative by
UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences.
Read the supplement in this issue of Nature or access it free online
for 6 months at:
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlOk0E6
Produced with support from
The International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) and the International
Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
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EDITORIALS
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How not to prioritize p223
A high-level reprimand to US astronomers highlights the need for the
objectives of 'big science' to be openly debated.
doi:10.1038/451223a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXP0En
Deserting the hungry? pp223-224
Monsanto and Syngenta are wrong to withdraw from an international
assessment on agriculture.
doi:10.1038/451223b
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXQ0Eo
Philanthropy needed... p224
... to save a historic home of scientific stimulation.
doi:10.1038/451224a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXR0Ep
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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
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Research highlights pp226-227
doi:10.1038/451226a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXS0Eq
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JOURNAL CLUB
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Journal club p227
Vivian G. Cheung
doi:10.1038/451227a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXT0Er
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NEWS
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Funding edict for mission has NASA over a barrel pp228-229
Cost of planet-hunting telescope could hold back other space projects.
Eric Hand and Alexandra Witze
doi:10.1038/451228a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXU0Es
Stem cells: a national project p229
Japan rushes to capitalize on 'reprogrammed' adult cells.
David Cyranoski
doi:10.1038/451229a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXV0Et
Nuclear war: the safety paradox pp230-231
In the second of a series of articles, Geoff Brumfiel looks at whether
certain nuclear-weapons technology should be shared.
Geoff Brumfiel
doi:10.1038/451230a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXW0Eu
Sidelines p232
Scribbles on the margins of science.
doi:10.1038/451232a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXX0Ev
Europe to capture carbon pp232-232
New power stations could be forced to store greenhouse-gas emissions.
Quirin Schiermeier
doi:10.1038/451232b
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXY0Ew
Novartis Foundation to close its doors pp233-233
Time runs out for acclaimed scientific symposia.
Alison Abbott
doi:10.1038/451233a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXZ0Ex
Genomics sizes up pp234-234
China launches large-scale human sequencing initiative.
Jane Qiu and Erika Check Hayden
doi:10.1038/451234a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXa0E5
=====================================================================
Efficient PCR from impure samples
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXb0E6
Finnzymes' High Performance PCR allows efficient and fast
amplification regardless of PCR inhibitors such as those present in
blood. To see how our unique combination of instruments, vessels, and
reagents delivers this unparalleled performance, click here.
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXb0E6
=====================================================================
Nuclear power gets green light from UK government pp235-235
doi:10.1038/451235a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXc0E7
Health agency recalculates death toll for Iraq conflict pp235-235
doi:10.1038/451235b
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXd0E8
Florida funds expansion of Oregon university p235
doi:10.1038/451235c
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXe0EA
Budget cuts force early closure of Stanford collider pp235-235
doi:10.1038/451235d
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXf0EB
Time is running out for paranormal prize pp235-235
doi:10.1038/451235e
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXg0EC
Free bags face the axe in China pp235-235
doi:10.1038/451235f
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXh0ED
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NEWS FEATURES
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Experimental Cosmology: Cosmos in a bottle pp236-238
Physicists often borrow techniques from other fields. But how far can
this get you? Geoff Brumfiel asks if simple table-top experiments can
provide new insights into the early Universe.
Ewen Callaway
doi:10.1038/451236a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXi0EE
Chemistry: Power Play pp240-243
A German physicist and a hedge-fund magnate are competing to push
protein simulations into the realm of the millisecond.
Brendan Borrell finds out what is at stake.
doi:10.1038/451240a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXj0EF
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CORRESPONDENCE
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Citations: rankings weigh against developing nations p244
D. C. Mishra
doi:10.1038/451244a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXk0EG
Citations: poor practices by authors reduce their value p244
Peter A. Todd and Richard J. Ladle
doi:10.1038/451244b
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXl0EH
Glacier programme shows the value of 'ground truth' p244
Mauri Pelto
doi:10.1038/451244c
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXm0EI
Restricted access to fossils hinders claim confirmation p244
Christopher P. Heesy
doi:10.1038/451244d
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXn0EJ
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BOOKS AND ARTS
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Twenty-first-century anatomy lesson p245
Polymath pieces together the surprising past of the human body from
fins, wings, hangovers and hiccups.
Carl Zimmer reviews Your Inner Fish: A Journey into the
3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body by Neil Shubin
doi:10.1038/451245a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXo0EK
Interdisciplinary inspiration p246
Alice W. Flaherty reviews Artscience: Creativity in the Post-Google
Generation by David Edwards
doi:10.1038/451246a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXp0EL
Biography of a blockbuster text book p247
Ken Arnold reviews The Anatomist: A True Story of Gray's Anatomy by
Bill Hayes
doi:10.1038/451247a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXq0EM
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NEWS AND VIEWS
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Behavioural neuroscience: Neurons of imitation pp249-250
In songbirds, a class of neurons shows a striking similarity in
activity when the bird sings and when it hears a similar song. This
mirroring neuronal activity could contribute to imitation.
Ofer Tchernichovski and Josh Wallman
doi:10.1038/451249a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXr0EN
Inorganic chemistry: Uranium gets a reaction pp250-252
The most common form of uranium in solution is notoriously unreactive,
limiting the use of the element. But interactions of this complex with
potassium ions unleash a potentially rich seam of unexpected chemistry
James M. Boncella
doi:10.1038/451250a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXs0EO
50 & 100 Years Ago p251
doi:10.1038/451251a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXt0EP
Cancer: Hay in a haystack pp252-253
Although some diseases occur when both copies of a gene are mutated,
mutation of just one copy of certain tumour-suppressor genes promotes
tumorigenesis. Identifying such mutations is arduous, but worth the
effort.
Kevin M. Shannon and Michelle M. Le Beau
doi:10.1038/451252a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXu0EQ
Astronomy: Elliptical view of galaxies past pp253-254
How and when galaxies assembled their mass to become the structures
seen today are among astronomy's big outstanding questions. A
comprehensive study of nearby galaxies provides a new angle on the
issue.
Andrea Cimatti
doi:10.1038/451253a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXv0ER
Immunology: Cascade into clarity pp254-255
Immune mediator molecules such as antimicrobial peptides are crucial
for host responses to pathogens. Akirins are the latest identified
components of a signalling cascade that leads to these responses in
insects and mice.
Fayyaz S. Sutterwala and Richard A. Flavell
doi:10.1038/451254a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXw0ES
Correction p255
doi:10.1038/451255a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXx0ET
Solid-state physics: Join the dots p256
A new variation on an old theme in atomic physics, a spectral
distortion known as the Fano effect, has been revealed -- not in an
atom, but in an artificial nanostructure known as a quantum dot.
Galina Khitrova and H. M. Gibbs
doi:10.1038/451256a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXy0EU
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SUPPLEMENT
----------------------
INTRODUCTION
Year of planet Earth p257
Joanna Thorpe, Juliane Mössinger and John VanDecar
doi:10.1038/451257a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlXz0EV
ESSAY
A tribe of jobbing ditchers pp258-260
Earth science, a field in which science and profession have been
intimately linked, has grown through the practicalities imposed by
industrialization and war but must now revamp to address climate
change.
Ted Nield
doi:10.1038/nature06581
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX10EI
FEATURE
A planetary perspective on the deep Earth pp261-265
Earth's composition, evolution and structure are in part a legacy of
provenance (where it happened to form) and chance (the stochastics
of that formation).
David J. Stevenson
doi:10.1038/nature06582
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX20EJ
Using seismic waves to image Earth's internal structure pp266-268
Seismic waves generated in Earth's interior provide images that help
us to better understand the pattern of mantle convection that drives
plate motions.
Barbara Romanowicz
doi:10.1038/nature06583
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX30EK
Mineralogy at the extremes pp269-270
The discovery of a new silicate structure at conditions corresponding
to a depth of 2,700 kilometres below Earth's surface has fundamentally
changed our understanding of the boundary between the core and mantle.
Thomas S. Duffy
doi:10.1038/nature06584
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX40EL
Earthquake physics and real-time seismology pp271-273
The past few decades have witnessed significant progress in our
understanding of the physics and complexity of earthquakes. This has
implications for hazard mitigation.
Hiroo Kanamori
doi:10.1038/nature06585
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX50EM
From landscapes into geological history pp274-276
Erosional and depositional landscapes are linked by the
sediment-routing system. Observations over a wide range of timescales
might show how these landscapes are translated into the narrative of
geological history.
Philip A. Allen
doi:10.1038/nature06586
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX60EN
The rise of atmospheric oxygen pp277-278
Clues from ancient rocks are helping to produce a coherent picture of
how Earth's atmosphere changed from one that was almost devoid of
oxygen to one that is one-fifth oxygen.
Lee R. Kump
doi:10.1038/nature06587
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX70EO
An early Cenozoic perspective on greenhouse warming and carbon-cycle
dynamics pp279-283
Past episodes of greenhouse warming provide insight into the coupling
of climate and the carbon cycle and thus may help to predict the
consequences of unabated carbon emissions in the future.
James C. Zachos, Gerald R. Dickens and Richard E. Zeebe
doi:10.1038/nature06588
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlX80EP
Unlocking the mysteries of the ice ages pp284-285
Much progress has been made towards understanding what caused the
waxing and the waning of the great ice sheets, but a complete theory
of the ice ages is still elusive.
Maureen E. Raymo and Peter Huybers
doi:10.1038/nature06589
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYA0EZ
Ocean circulation in a warming climate pp286-288
Climate models predict that the ocean's circulation will weaken in
response to global warming, but the warming at the end of the last
ice age suggests a different outcome.
J. R. Toggweiler and Joellen Russell
doi:10.1038/nature06590
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYB0Ea
Terrestrial ecosystem carbon dynamics and climate feedbacks pp289-292
Recent evidence suggests that, on a global scale, terrestrial
ecosystems will provide a positive feedback in a warming world, albeit
of uncertain magnitude.
Martin Heimann and Markus Reichstein
doi:10.1038/nature06591
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYC0Eb
An Earth-system perspective of the global nitrogen cycle pp293-296
With humans having an increasing impact on the planet, the
interactions between the nitrogen cycle, the carbon cycle and climate
are expected to become an increasingly important determinant of the
Earth system.
Nicolas Gruber and James N. Galloway
doi:10.1038/nature06592
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYD0Ec
A steep road to climate stabilization pp297-298
The only way to stabilize Earth's climate is to stabilize the
concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but future
changes in the carbon cycle might make this more difficult than has
been thought.
Pierre Friedlingstein
doi:10.1038/nature06593
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYE0Ed
Small-scale cloud processes and climate pp299-300
Clouds constitute the largest single source of uncertainty in climate
prediction. A better understanding of small-scale cloud processes
could shed light on the role of clouds in the climate system.
Marcia B. Baker and Thomas Peter
doi:10.1038/nature06594
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYF0Ee
ESSAY
Earth science and society pp301-303
The unique set of challenges that face humankind today mean that it is
more essential than ever that Earth scientists apply their
understanding of the planet to benefit society and that society invite
them to do so.
Frank Press
doi:10.1038/nature06595
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYG0Ef
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ARTICLE
----------------------
Precise auditory-vocal mirroring in neurons for learned vocal
communication pp305-310
A certain class of neurons in the swamp sparrow forebrain displays a
precise auditory-vocal correspondence, and it is shown that these
neurons respond in a temporally precise fashion to auditory
presentation of certain note sequences in this songbird's repertoire
and to similar note sequences in other birds' songs.
J. F. Prather, S. Peters, S. Nowicki and R. Mooney
doi:10.1038/nature06492
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYH0Eg
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYI0Eh
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LETTERS
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The nonlinear Fano effect pp311-314
Clear Fano resonances that can be tuned by changing the device design
or with applied voltages are observed. In the nonlinear regime, the
visibility of the Fano interferences increases dramatically, which
could be used as a sensitive probe of the degree of coupling between
discrete states and the continuum, which is relevant for example for
qubits where coupling to the environment needs to be kept to a minimum.
M. Kroner et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06506
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYJ0Ei
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYK0Ej
Reduction and selective oxo group silylation of the uranyl dication pp315-317
Polly L. Arnold, Dipti Patel, Claire Wilson and Jason B. Love
doi:10.1038/nature06467
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYL0Ek
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYM0El
Programming biomolecular self-assembly pathways pp318-322
A versatile system, based on modular DNA hairpins, that allows
assembly and disassembly pathways to be programmed into DNA building
blocks is described. A key development is the reaction graph, a simple
representation of DNA modules and their interactions that simplifies
the overall design process. In this way, it is possible to write
assembly programs that are executed to prepare branched junction
molecules, self-catalysing pairs of DNA duplexes and molecular trees.
Peng Yin, Harry M. T. Choi, Colby R. Calvert and Niles A. Pierce
doi:10.1038/nature06451
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYN0Em
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYO0En
Net production of oxygen in the subtropical ocean pp323-325
The balance of oxygen production over three years at sites in the
North and South Pacific subtropical gyres is examined using oxygen
sensors deployed on profiling floats. It is found that mixing events
during early winter homogenize the upper water column and cause low
oxygen concentrations. Oxygen then increases below the mixed layer at
a nearly constant rate that is similar to independent measures of net
community production.
Stephen C. Riser and Kenneth S. Johnson
doi:10.1038/nature06441
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYP0Eo
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYQ0Ep
Dry mantle transition zone inferred from the conductivity of
wadsleyite and ringwoodite pp326-329
A large amount of water could potentially reside in the Earth's mantle
transition zone, as two minerals there, wadsleyite and ringwoodite,
can store significant amounts of water in their crystal structure.
This paper reports the electrical conductivity measurements of these
minerals, and finds that they can explain observed conductivity-depth
profiles without introducing a significant amount of water into the
mantle transition zone.
Takashi Yoshino, Geeth Manthilake, Takuya Matsuzaki and Tomoo Katsura
doi:10.1038/nature06427
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYR0Eq
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYS0Er
Reversal of pathological pain through specific spinal GABAA receptor
subtypes pp330-334
Chronic pain is an unwelcome consequence of inflammatory disease and
nerve injury that currently has no effective treatment. This paper
shows that specific pharmacological inhibition of alpha2 and alpha3
subunits of GABAA receptors is an effective therapy for inflammatory
and neuropathic pain in rats.
Julia Knabl et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06493
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYT0Es
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYU0Et
Identification of RPS14 as a 5q- syndrome gene by RNA interference
screen pp335-339
Deletions on chromosome 5q are associated with myelodysplastic
lesions. The genes responsible have largely remained elusive. But use
of an RNA interference-based approach that can identify
haploinsufficient tumour suppressor genes identifies RPS14, which
regulates ribosomal RNA processing as a candidate tumour suppressor
gene responsible for this so-called 5q- syndrome.
Benjamin L. Ebert et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06494
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYV0Eu
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYW0Ev
Cyclic dermal BMP signalling regulates stem cell activation during
hair regeneration pp340-344
Telogen lag is a delay period where the hair follicle is refractive to
signals that stimulate regeneration. Even though this concept has been
around for over 50 years, the molecular mechanisms behind this
phenomenon are still poorly understood. This paper shows that bone
morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their inhibitors are crucial
molecules in controlling hair follicle waves and cycling.
Maksim V. Plikus et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06457
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYX0Ew
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYY0Ex
Identification of cells initiating human melanomas pp345-349
The isolation of tumour-initiating cells from human melanomas is
reported, with preliminary evidence suggesting that these melanoma
stem cells can be specifically targeted with antibodies targeted
against ABCB5, which offers a potential therapeutic strategy against
melanomas.
Tobias Schatton et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06489
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYZ0Ey
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYa0E6
Listeriolysin O allows Listeria monocytogenes replication in
macrophage vacuoles pp350-354
Listeria monocytogenes multiplies rapidly in the cytosol of infected
cells, but has also been found in intracellular vacuoles during
persistent infection. Now, these vacuoles are described as sites of
comparably slow bacterial replication, which may promote bacterial
survival in face of the host immune response.
Cheryl L. Birmingham et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06479
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYb0E7
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYc0E8
The bacterial enzyme RppH triggers messenger RNA degradation by 5prime
pyrophosphate removal pp355-358
Degradation of bacterial mRNAs involves internal cleavage events, but
internal cleavage is prevented until the 5' triphosphate of the mRNA
is converted to a monophosphate. However, the identity of this
pyrophosphatase was unknown. This work shows that the product of the
NudH gene (now called RppH) possesses this activity and accelerates
mRNA degradation in vivo. This enzyme is a member of the Nudix family
of pyrophosphohydrolases.
Atilio Deana, Helena Celesnik and Joel G. Belasco
doi:10.1038/nature06475
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYd0EA
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYe0EB
Translational control of intron splicing in eukaryotes pp359-362
Olivier Jaillon et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06495
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYf0EC
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYg0ED
Structural basis of microtubule severing by the hereditary spastic
paraplegia protein spastin pp363-367
Spastin and kastin are AAA-ATPases that function as microtubule
severing enzymes. Mutations in spastin are the predominant cause of
hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP). The atomic structure of spastin
monomer and coupled with atomic docking generate a model of spastin
hexamer is solved. Spastin forms a ring with a prominent central pore
and six radiating arms that dock onto the microtubule.
Antonina Roll-Mecak and Ronald D. Vale
doi:10.1038/nature06482
Abstract: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYh0EE
Article: http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYi0EF
----------------------
NATURE JOBS
----------------------
Prospect
Prospects p369
Postdoc journal keepers embark on their journey.
Gene Russo
doi:10.1038/nj7176-369a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYj0EG
Career View
Leszek Borysiewicz, chief executive, Medical Research Council, London p370
Medical Research Council gets new director.
Jill U. Adams
doi:10.1038/nj7176-370a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYk0EH
Bound for Bangalore p370
India is angling for international students and fellows.
K. S. Jayaraman
doi:10.1038/nj7176-370b
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYl0EI
Starting anew p370
Postdoc leaves South Africa for United States.
Aliza le Roux
doi:10.1038/nj7176-370c
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYm0EJ
----------------------
FUTURES
----------------------
Project: Verbivore p372
It's a write off.
James Lovegrove
doi:10.1038/451372a
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYn0EK
------------------------------
ADVANCE ONLINE PUBLICATION
------------------------------
16 January 2008
Article
Tetherin inhibits retrovirus release and is antagonized by HIV-1 Vpu
Stuart J. D. Neil, Trinity Zang & Paul D. Bieniasz
doi:10.1038/nature06553
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYo0EL
Letters
Drosophila Pgc protein inhibits P-TEFb recruitment to chromatin in
primordial germ cells
Kazuko Hanyu-Nakamura, Hiroko Sonobe-Nojima, Akie Tanigawa, Paul Lasko
& Akira Nakamura
doi:10.1038/nature06498
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYp0EM
NLRX1 is a regulator of mitochondrial antiviral immunity
Chris B. Moore et al.
doi:10.1038/nature06501
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYq0EN
News and Views
HIV/AIDS: Virus kept on a leash
Without its Vpu protein, the AIDS-associated virus HIV-1 becomes stuck
to the surface of the human cell in which it has replicated. The
mysterious factor that tethers HIV-1 is probably a cell-membrane protein.
Heinrich G. Göttlinger
doi:10.1038/nature06364
http://ealerts.nature.com/cgi-bin24/DM/y/eig80Xztnp0HjB0BlYr0EO
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Point-Counterpoint: insight on emergency contraception
State of the Art: advances in the treatment of breast cancer
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