24 December 2009 Volume 462 Number 7276, pp 957 - 1088
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EDITORIALS
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A clean slate p957
Nature is pleased to name physicist Steven Chu, Nobel laureate and
the US Secretary of Energy, as its Newsmaker of the Year.
doi:10.1038/462957a
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After Copenhagen p957
The agreement reached last week lends fresh urgency to challenges
in science and communication.
doi:10.1038/462957b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=229&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
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Palaeontology: Not from chimps p960
doi:10.1038/462960a
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Atmospheric science: Stealth ozone destroyer p960
doi:10.1038/462960b
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Stem cells: Protein reprogramming p960
doi:10.1038/462960c
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Neuroscience: Signal source questioned p960
doi:10.1038/462960d
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Genomics: Digging out a diabetes gene pp960-961
doi:10.1038/462960e
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Immunology: Breaking into the brain p961
doi:10.1038/462961a
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Biochemistry: Changing bases p961
doi:10.1038/462961b
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Materials chemistry: Marvellous metal-organics p961
doi:10.1038/462961c
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Climate change: What's up with sea levels? p961
doi:10.1038/462961d
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Cancer drug development: Targeted tumour take-out p961
doi:10.1038/462961e
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NEWS
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News 2009 pp962-963
The year in which …
Lizzie Buchen
doi:10.1038/462962a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=45&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
News briefing: 24/31 December 2009 pp964-965
The week in science
doi:10.1038/462964a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=46&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
World looks ahead post-Copenhagen pp966-967
A weak international climate agreement leaves room for science to
shape the next round of negotiations.
Jeff Tollefson
doi:10.1038/462966a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=12&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
'Dark-matter' events spotted p967
Signals may be first evidence of elusive particles.
Geoff Brumfiel
doi:10.1038/462967a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=13&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Tsunami watch pp968-969
Five years after the Indian Ocean disaster, the technology is in
place, but local preparedness is less advanced.
Quirin Schiermeier
doi:10.1038/462968a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=14&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Extortion attempt involved retracted papers p969
E-mail made threats and demanded money.
Erika Check Hayden and Rex Dalton
doi:10.1038/462969a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=15&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Fraud rocks protein community p970
University finds that researcher falsified data supporting 11
protein structures.
Brendan Borrell
doi:10.1038/462970a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=16&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
2009 Gallery: Images of the year pp972-977
Take a tour through the images that defined 2009, from the murkiest
depths of the oceans, where warring worms pepper their enemies with
glowing bombs, to the spectacular swirling rainbows thousands of
light years away at the heart of the Milky Way. This year has
provided a pictorial panoply, with dust-filled volcanic eruptions
captured on film by luck, the tiniest of toads at risk of being lost
forever and humankind's outpost in space picked out in detail as it
passes in front of the Sun.
Katharine Sanderson
doi:10.1038/462972a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=19&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
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NEWS FEATURE
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Newsmaker of the year: The power player pp978-983
As a physicist, he found a way to capture atoms and won a Nobel prize.
Now he is marshalling scientists and engineers to transform the world's
biggest energy economy. Eric Hand profiles the US energy secretary,
Nature's Newsmaker of the Year.
Eric Hand
doi:10.1038/462978a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=20&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
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CORRESPONDENCE
----------------------
Goodbye to Darwin from a contemporary with vision p984
Richard Kool
doi:10.1038/462984a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=340&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Global Darwin: long kept under wraps in Pakistan p984
Saheeb Ahmed Kayani
doi:10.1038/462984b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=348&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Global Darwin: ideas blurred in early eastern translations p984
David Flannery
doi:10.1038/462984c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=343&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Don't forget the artists when studying perception of art p984
Olaf Blanke, Luca Forcucci and Sebastian Dieguez
doi:10.1038/462984d
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=345&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
How much are we willing to pay for a fossil? pp984-985
Elisabetta Cioppi and Stefano Dominici
doi:10.1038/462984e
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=354&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
'Snow joke as festive season gives rise to a blizzard of fake flakes p985
Thomas Koop
doi:10.1038/462985a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=356&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Rewilding can cause rather than solve ecological problems p985
Tim Caro and Paul Sherman
doi:10.1038/462985b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=349&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
A toast to Mendeleev, who merits more than periodic honour p985
Renad I. Zhdanov
doi:10.1038/462985c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=352&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
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BOOKS AND ARTS
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Timely tale of avian flu p986
A gripping account of the spread of the bird flu virus across
southeast Asia holds lessons for the global management of
pandemics such as swine flu, explains Ab Osterhaus.
Ab Osterhaus reviews The Fatal Strain: On the Trail of Avian
Flu and the Coming Pandemic by Alan Sipress
doi:10.1038/462986a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=361&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Johannes Kepler on Christmas p987
Kepler's interpretation of the supernova of 1604, De Stella Nova,
interwove the science of astronomy with astrology and theology in
an attempt to determine the correct birthdate of Jesus,
explains Martin Kemp.
doi:10.1038/462987a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=363&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Personal favourites of 2009 p988
Nature invited some of its regular reviewers to name their pick
of this year's book publications.
doi:10.1038/462988a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=358&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
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NEWS AND VIEWS
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Ageing: Diet and longevity in the balance pp989-990
Dietary restriction promotes longevity but impairs fecundity in many
organisms. When the amino acids in a diet are fine-tuned, however,
lifespan can be increased without loss of fecundity -- at least in
fruitflies.
Thomas Flatt
doi:10.1038/462989a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=279&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Applied physics: Bubbly but quiet pp990-991
An array of air bubbles in a rubber-like material can be made to
block the transmission of sound. This finding might help in the
design of soundproof walls for music rooms and urban apartments.
Edwin L. Thomas
doi:10.1038/462990a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=280&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Astrophysics: Stellar revival in old clusters pp991-992
Observations of star clusters in the Milky Way show that collisions
between stars as well as mass flow within binary systems can explain
how the peculiar family of blue straggler stars came to be born.
Melvyn B. Davies
doi:10.1038/462991a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=281&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Hangovers: Uncongenial congeners p992
Andrew Mitchinson
doi:10.1038/462992a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=282&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Structural biology: Translocation chamber's secrets pp992-994
DNA transfer across membranes is a fundamental life process. The
structure of part of a protein channel that performs this task
offers insight into the mechanism of DNA passage through bacterial
cell envelopes.
Peter J. Christie
doi:10.1038/462992b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=275&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
50 & 100 years ago p994
doi:10.1038/462994b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=276&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Nanotechnology: Molecular transistors scrutinized pp994-995
Transistors have been made from single molecules, where the flow of
electrons is controlled by modulating the energy of the molecular
orbitals. Insight from such systems could aid the development of
future electronic devices.
James Kushmerick
doi:10.1038/462994a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=277&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Word of the Year p995
doi:10.1038/462995a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=278&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Obituary: Vitaly Ginzburg (1916-2009) p996
Nobel-prizewinning success in physics achieved in the Soviet system.
Malcolm Longair
doi:10.1038/462996a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=285&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
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REVIEW
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The first decade of science with Chandra and XMM-Newton pp997-1004
Maria Santos-Lleo et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08690
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=286&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=287&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
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ARTICLES
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Complex landscapes of somatic rearrangement in human breast cancer
genomes pp1005-1010
Multiple somatic rearrangements are often found in cancer genomes, but
the underlying processes of rearrangement and the effects of this are
unclear. A paired-end sequencing strategy is now used tomap somatic
rearrangements in human breast cancer genomes. More rearrangements in
some breast cancers are found than previously recognized, including
frequent tandem duplications that may reflect a specific defect in
DNA maintenance.
Philip J. Stephens et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08645
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=306&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=308&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Structure of the outer membrane complex of a type IV secretion system
pp1011-1015
Type IV secretion systems span the two membranes of Gram-negative
bacteria, with three proteins ---- VirB7, VirB9 and VirB10 -- assembled
into a 1.05 megadalton core spanning the inner and outer membranes.
Here, the crystal structure of an outer-membrane complex is presented.
The structure is the largest determined for an outer-membrane channel
and is unprecedented in being composed of three proteins.
Vidya Chandran et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08588
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=301&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=303&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
The chromatin remodeller ACF acts as a dimeric motor to space
nucleosomes pp1016-1021
The ATP-dependent chromatin assembly factor (ACF) generates and
maintains nucleosome spacing by constantly moving a nucleosome
towards the longer flanking DNA faster than the shorter flanking
DNA. But how the enzyme moves back and forth between both sides of
a nucleosome to accomplish bidirectional movement is unknown.
Nucleosome movement is now shown to depend cooperatively on two ACF
molecules, indicating that ACF functions as a dimer of ATPases.
Lisa R. Racki et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08621
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=297&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=299&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Dynamics of nucleosome remodelling by individual ACF complexes pp1022-1027
The ATP-dependent chromatin assembly factor (ACF) generates regularly
spaced nucleosomes, but the mechanism by which ACF mobilizes nucleosomes
remains poorly understood. Here, single-molecule FRET is used to monitor
the remodelling of individual nucleosomes by ACF in real time; the study
reveals previously unknown remodelling intermediates and dynamics, and
indicates that ACF is a highly processive and bidirectional nucleosome
translocase.
Timothy R. Blosser et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08627
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=293&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=295&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
=========================== ADVERTISEMENT ===========================
Nature News Special: 2009 Review of the year
Revisit the best of 2009 in the Nature News Review of the year and
celebrate with us the Year in Review, The Year in Pictures and the
hottest research of 2009!
Nature is also pleased to honour Steven Chu's achievement as the
2009 newsmaker of the year. In acknowledging a newsmaker of the year,
we aim to celebrate the role that individuals have in science.
Access the Newsmaker of the year editorial free online.
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LETTERS
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Two distinct sequences of blue straggler stars in the globular
cluster M 30 pp1028-1031
'Blue straggler' stars lie on or near the main sequence of star
clusters and are sufficiently massive that they should have evolved
into white dwarfs long ago. Two possible mechanisms have been proposed
for their formation: mass transfer between binary companions and
stellar mergers resulting from direct collisions between two stars.
Here, two distinct parallel sequences of blue stragglers are reported
in the globular cluster M 30, one arising from the evolution of close
binaries, the other from direct collisions.
F. R. Ferraro et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08607
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=315&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=131&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
A binary star fraction of 76 per cent and unusual orbit parameters
for the blue stragglers of NGC 188 pp1032-1035
'Blue straggler' stars lie on or near the main sequence of star clusters
and are sufficiently massive that they should have evolved into white
dwarfs long ago. Statistical evidence indicates that in globular star
clusters the blue stragglers probably form from binary stars. Here,
76 per cent of the blue stragglers in the open cluster NGC 188 are found
to be currently in binary systems, a three times higher frequency than
that among normal solar-type main-sequence stars.
Robert D. Mathieu and Aaron M. Geller
doi:10.1038/nature08568
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=125&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=128&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
A strong, highly-tilted interstellar magnetic field near the Solar
System pp1036-1038
Although magnetic fields have an important role in the evolution of
gas clouds in the Galaxy, the strength and orientation of the field
in the interstellar medium near the heliosphere has been poorly
constrained, with previous estimates varying widely and based on
indirect observational inferences or modelling. Measurements of the
deflection of the solar wind plasma flows in the heliosheath are now
used to determine the magnetic field strength and orientation in the
interstellar medium.
M. Opher et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08567
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=120&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=122&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Observation of molecular orbital gating pp1039-1043
A longstanding aim in molecular-scale electronics is to create a true
transistor analogue in which charge transport through a molecule is
directly controlled by external modulation of the molecular orbitals.
The observation of such a solid-state molecular device is now reported.
The data demonstrate that true molecular transistors can be created,
and clear the way for molecularly engineered electronic devices.
Hyunwook Song et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08639
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=116&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=118&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Glaciers as a source of ancient and labile organic matter to the marine
environment pp1044-1047
Coastal ecosystems are sensitive to changes in the quantity and lability
of terrigenous dissolved organic matter (DOM) delivered by rivers. The
lability of DOM is thought to decrease with age, but this view stems
from work in watersheds where terrestrial plant and soil sources dominate
streamwater DOM. Here, glaciated watersheds on the Gulf of Alaska are
shown to be a source of old but labile dissolved organic matter,
suggesting that glacial runoff is an important source of labile reduced
carbon to marine ecosystems.
Eran Hood et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08580
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=113&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=112&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Tremor-tide correlations and near-lithostatic pore pressure on the
deep San Andreas fault pp1048-1051
Non-volcanic tremor was discovered nearly a decade ago; however, a
thorough explanation of the geologic process responsible for tremor
generation has yet to be determined. A robust correlation is now
identified between extremely small, tidally induced shear stress
parallel to the San Andreas fault and non-volcanic tremor activity
near Parkfield, California. Such tremor may represent shear failure
on a critically stressed fault in the presence of near-lithostatic
pore pressure.
Amanda M. Thomas, Robert M. Nadeau and Roland Burgmann
doi:10.1038/nature08654
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=115&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=79&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
The velocity of climate change pp1052-1055
As the climate changes, species will have to move if they are to remain
in an area with the same average temperature. Here, this required
movement -- termed the velocity of temperature change -- is quantified.
The results indicate management strategies for minimizing biodiversity
loss from climate change and suggest that montane landscapes may
effectively shelter many species into the next century.
Scott R. Loarie et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08649
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=80&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=82&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
A phylogeny-driven genomic encyclopaedia of Bacteria and Archaea
pp1056-1060
There are now nearly 1,000 completed bacterial and archaeal genomes
available, but as most of them were chosen for sequencing on the
basis of their physiology, the data are limited by a highly biased
phylogenetic distribution. To explore the value added by choosing
microbial genomes for sequencing on the basis of their evolutionary
relationships, the genomes of 56 species of Bacteria and Archaea
selected to maximize phylogenetic coverage are now sequenced and
analysed.
Dongying Wu et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08656
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=83&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=73&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Amino-acid imbalance explains extension of lifespan by dietary restriction
in Drosophila pp1061-1064
Dietary restriction extends healthy lifespan in diverse organisms but
reduces fecundity; this is thought to be because of an adaptive
reallocation of nutrients from reproduction to somatic maintenance.
Here, the nutrients producing the responses of lifespan and fecundity
to dietary restriction in Drosophila are identified. Adding essential
amino acids to the dietary restriction condition increased fecundity
and decreased lifespan; furthermore, addition of methionine alone rescued
fecundity.
Richard C. Grandison, Matthew D. W. Piper and Linda Partridge
doi:10.1038/nature08619
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=76&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=77&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Secreted semaphorins control spine distribution and morphogenesis in
the postnatal CNS pp1065-1069
Dendritic spines carry the majority of excitatory synapses, and spine
morphology and distribution are critical for synaptic transmission,
synaptic integration and plasticity. Here, signalling by the secreted
semaphorin Sema3F is shown to control spine distribution along select
dendritic processes, and distinct secreted semaphorin signalling events
orchestrate CNS connectivity through the differential control of a
variety of processes.
Tracy S. Tran et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08628
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=78&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=205&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Novel mutant-selective EGFR kinase inhibitors against EGFR T790M
pp1070-1074
Non-small-cell lung cancers with activating mutations in the epidermal
growth factor receptor (EGFR) often show a clinical response to EGFR
kinase inhibitors but tend to develop drug-resistance mutations,
including the gatekeeper T790M mutation. Here, a new class of EGFR
inhibitors is developed; these agents are 30- to 100-fold more potent
against EGFR with the T790M mutation, and up to 100-fold less potent
against wild-type EGFR, than current EGFR inhibitors.
Wenjun Zhou et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08622
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=203&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=191&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
DNA nanomechanics allows direct digital detection of complementary DNA
and microRNA targets pp1075-1078
Over the past decade, several techniques have been developed to improve
the detection of small amounts of DNA and RNA molecules, but detection
of DNA molecules at concentrations below the femtomolar level requires
amplified detection schemes. A unique nanomechanical response of
hybridized DNA and RNA molecules that serves as an intrinsic molecular
label is now reported; nanomechanical measurements allow direct
detection and counting of hybridized molecules.
Sudhir Husale, Henrik H. J. Persson and Ozgur Sahin
doi:10.1038/nature08626
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=184&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=185&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Rational design of a structural and functional nitric oxide reductase
pp1079-1082
Despite the progress that has been made in designing proteins that
mimic native proteins structurally, it is difficult to design functional
proteins and particularly challenging to design metalloproteins that
reproduce both the structure and function of native metalloenzymes. Here,
the successful, rational design of a structural and functional model of
a metalloprotein -- nitric oxide reductase -- is achieved.
Natasha Yeung et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08620
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=182&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=183&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
----------------------
NATUREJOBS
----------------------
Careers Q&A
Martin Cole p1085
Martin Cole takes over as chief of food and nutritional sciences at
the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in
Australia in January 2010.
Virginia Gewin
doi:10.1038/nj7276-1085a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=208&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
In Brief
Innovative energy p1085
Research fellowship is looking for energy innovators.
doi:10.1038/nj7276-1085b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=206&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
In Brief
Lab expansion opens p1085
Michigan biomedical research institute opens new lab space.
doi:10.1038/nj7276-1085c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=204&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
In Brief
Pharma job losses ranked p1085
Where the cuts hit in 2009.
doi:10.1038/nj7276-1085d
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=227&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
----------------------
FUTURES
----------------------
Divine diseases p1088
An act of faith.
Ian Watson
doi:10.1038/4621088a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=188&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
----------------------
Advance Online Publication
----------------------
23 December 2009
The transcriptional network for mesenchymal transformation of brain
tumours
Maria Stella Carro et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08712
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=189&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=186&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
20 December 2009
Innate production of TH2 cytokines by adipose tissue-associated
c-Kit+Sca-1+ lymphoid cells
Kazuyo Moro et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08636
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=187&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=174&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Deubiquitinase USP9X stabilizes MCL1 and promotes tumour cell survival
Martin Schwickart et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08646
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=171&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=172&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Crystal structure of DNA-PKcs reveals a large open-ring cradle
comprised of HEAT repeats
Bancinyane L. Sibanda, Dimitri Y. Chirgadze and Tom L. Blundell
doi:10.1038/nature08648
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=163&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=166&m=34512165&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NjI5NjI0MDgS1&mt=1&rt=0
=========================== ADVERTISEMENT ===========================
Nature Medicine Classics Collection
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