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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| Volume 467 Number 7319 pp1005-1146 |
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 About the cover
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In this issue
 Editorials
World View
Research Highlights
Seven Days
News
Features
Comment
Autumn Books
Correspondence
Obituary
News & Views
 Brief Communications Arising
Articles
Letters
Technology Features
Naturejobs
Futures
Also this week
 Editor's summary
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The Michael J. Fox Foundation Announces Funding Opportunities
A variety of grant programs are currently open to Parkinson's investigators. Funds are also available to researchers in other fields who are interested in repositioning drugs toward development of Parkinson's therapies. Learn more about the Foundation's Pipeline Programs at www.michaeljfox.org/research. |
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Super-Resolution Microscopy
Produced by Nature Methods
A collection of articles from several leaders in the field highlights the diversity of super-resolution microscopy techniques that have been developed.
Read this nature collection for FREE for a limited time.
Produced with support from: Nikon | |
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Special: The 1000 Genomes Project
The 1000 Genomes Project aims to provide a deep characterization of human genome sequence variation as a foundation for investigating the relationship between genotype and phenotype. This Special accompanies the publication of the result of the pilot phase of the project and will be updated with companion papers as they become available.
Access the Special free online and listen to this week's Podcast. | |
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| EDITORIALS |
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The innovation game p1005
Innovation within the European Union is wanting for reasons cultural, historical and technical. It can best be strengthened by breaking down barriers and building a united research area.
doi:10.1038/4671005a
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Not quite assured p1005
An upbeat assessment of phosphate reserves leaves several questions unanswered.
doi:10.1038/4671005b
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Space hitch-hiker p1006
Commercial spacecraft with room to carry experiments could give science a lift.
doi:10.1038/4671006a
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| WORLD VIEW |
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Spending review leaves research in the lurch p1007
A revised research spending plan won't meet the challenges Britain faces from its international competitors or from climate change, argues David King.
David King
doi:10.1038/4671007a
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| RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS |
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Natural resources management: Better fishing for the future p1008
doi:10.1038/4671008a
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Synthetic biology: Bacterial cyborg transmits electrons p1008
doi:10.1038/4671008b
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Evolutionary biology: Leopards change their spots p1008
doi:10.1038/4671008c
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Cell biology: Quiescent cells not so quiet p1008
doi:10.1038/4671008d
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Chemistry: The hunt for explosives p1009
doi:10.1038/4671009a
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Physics: Insulator insight into constant p1009
doi:10.1038/4671009b
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Cell biology: Spindle-free division in yeast p1009
doi:10.1038/4671009c
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Ecology: What mammoths left behind p1009
doi:10.1038/4671009d
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Biochemistry: Zooming in on proteins p1009
doi:10.1038/4671009e
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Molecular biology: Long RNAs turn up gene expression p1009
doi:10.1038/4671009f
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| SEVEN DAYS |
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Seven days: 22-28 October 2010 p1010
The week in science
doi:10.1038/4671010a
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| NEWS |
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Astronomy: Glimpsing a comet's heart p1013
As comet Hartley 2 comes into close view, researchers are lining up with questions.
Adam Mann
doi:10.1038/4671013a
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Global health: Verbal autopsy methods questioned p1015
Controversy flares over malaria mortality levels in India.
Declan Butler
doi:10.1038/4671015a
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Research funding: UK scientists celebrate budget reprieve p1017
Core science funding has escaped cuts, but capital budgets will feel the squeeze.
Geoff Brumfiel
doi:10.1038/4671017a
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Earth science: Quake threat looms over Haiti p1018
Tectonic strain remains in key fault line, researchers find.
Quirin Schiermeier
doi:10.1038/4671018a
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Publishing: Mystery fraud accusations p1020
Stem-cell researchers targeted by e-mails from unidentified group.
Heidi Ledford
doi:10.1038/4671020a
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Environment: Mountaintop mining plans close to defeat p1021
Environmental review details 'unacceptable' impacts.
Natasha Gilbert
doi:10.1038/4671021a
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| FEATURES |
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Human genome: Genomes by the thousand p1026
Nature surveys the sequencing landscape.
doi:10.1038/4671026a
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Space science: The telescope that ate astronomy p1028
NASA's next-generation space observatory promises to open new windows on the Universe — but its cost could close many more.
doi:10.1038/4671028a
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| COMMENT |
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Long shadow of the stem–cell ruling p1031
Two months on from the court decision that briefly suspended US federal funding for human embryonic stem-cell research, uncertainty still stalks the field. Here an ethicist, a team of bankers and a lawyer warn of effects of this saga that could be felt for years to come.
doi:10.1038/4671031a
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| AUTUMN BOOKS |
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Cosmology: Space‐time turn around p1034
Lee Smolin marvels at Roger Penrose's masterly and imaginative argument that our Universe is one of a succession.
Lee Smolin reviews Cycles of Time: An Extraordinary New View of the Universe Roger Penrose
doi:10.1038/4671034a
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Neuroscience: Learning to see p1036
Steve Silberman is moved by Oliver Sacks's poignant account of losing his vision through cancer.
Steve Silberman reviews The Mind's Eye Oliver Sacks
doi:10.1038/4671036a
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New in Paperback p1036
Highlights from this season's latest releases
doi:10.1038/4671036b
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Botany: Hitchers, outcasts and wasteland beauties p1037
Sandra Knapp revels in a portrait of weeds as resilient rebels shaped by our meddling with the wild.
Sandra Knapp reviews Weeds: How Vagabond Plants Gatecrashed Civilisation and Changed the Way We Think About Nature Richard Mabey
doi:10.1038/4671037a
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History: A polymath rediscovered p1039
George Rousseau uncovers the physiological side of Hermann von Helmholtz.
George Rousseau reviews Helmholtz: From Enlightenment to Neuroscience Michel Meulders Laurence Garey
doi:10.1038/4671039a
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Ecology: Conservation thriller earns its stripes p1040
A travelogue about tiger poaching in Russia's far east opens up a new genre, discovers Geoff Marsh.
Geoff Marsh reviews The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival John Vaillant
doi:10.1038/4671040a
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Quantum physics: Tripping the light fantastic p1042
Geoff Pryde on the weird world of quantum entanglement.
Geoff Pryde reviews Dance of the Photons: From Einstein to Quantum Teleportation Anton Zeilinger
doi:10.1038/4671042a
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Mathematics: Deception by numbers p1043
Jascha Hoffman reads about the rise of nonsense statistics in everything from adverts to voting.
Jascha Hoffman reviews Proofiness: The Dark Arts of Mathematical Deception Charles Seife
doi:10.1038/4671043a
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Forensics: Crime‐scene science in the dock p1044
Two books chart the growth of forensic science from its birth to modern times, finds Laura Spinney.
Laura Spinney reviews The Killer of Little Shepherds: A True Crime Story and the Birth of Forensic Science Douglas Starr
The Murder Room: The Heirs of Sherlock Holmes Gather to Solve the World's Most Perplexing Cold Cases Michael Capuzzo
doi:10.1038/4671044a
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| CORRESPONDENCE |
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Marine stewardship: catalysing change p1047
Rupert Howes
doi:10.1038/4671047a
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Pakistan: why the reforms need work p1047
Faisal Abbas
doi:10.1038/4671047b
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Pakistan: the brain drain dilemma p1047
Yajnavalka Banerjee
doi:10.1038/4671047c
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Safaris can help conservation p1047
Ralf Buckley
doi:10.1038/4671047d
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Fate of 'retired' research chimps p1047
Ajit Varki
doi:10.1038/4671047e
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| OBITUARY |
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Georges Charpak (1924–2010) p1048
Physicist who transformed the measurement of high-energy particles.
Ioannis Giomataris
doi:10.1038/4671048a
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| NEWS & VIEWS |
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Genomics: In search of rare human variants p1050
The 1000 Genomes Project has completed its pilot phase, sequencing the whole genomes of 179 individuals and characterizing all the protein-coding sequences of many others. Welcome to the third phase of human genomics. See Article p.1061
Rasmus Nielsen
doi:10.1038/4671050a
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See also: Editor's summary | Article by Durbin et al.
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Drug development: Longer-lived proteins p1051
Short residence times in the bloodstream reduce the effectiveness of protein drugs. Application of an approach that combines protein and polymer engineering prolongs circulation time and increases drug uptake by tumours.
Jeffrey A. Hubbell
doi:10.1038/4671051a
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Biogeochemistry: Phosphorus and the gust of fresh air p1052
Evidence of intense phosphorus weathering following 'snowball Earth' glaciations raises a further possibility — that this revved-up nutrient cycle drove conditions for the explosion of animal life. See Letter p.1088
Gabriel M. Filippelli
doi:10.1038/4671052a
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See also: Editor's summary | Letter by Planavsky et al.
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Cancer: Genomic evolution of metastasis p1053
Prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer is bleak, often owing to late diagnosis. The estimate that at least 15 years pass from tumour initiation to malignancy offers hope for early detection and prevention. See Letters p.1109 & p.1114
E. Georg Luebeck
doi:10.1038/4671053a
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See also: Editor's summary | Letter by Yachida et al. | Letter by Campbell et al.
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Stem cells: The intestinal–crypt casino p1055
Stem cells can renew themselves indefinitely — a feature that is often attributed to asymmetrical cell division. Fresh experimental and mathematical models of the intestine provide evidence that begs to differ.
Michael P. Verzi and Ramesh A. Shivdasani
doi:10.1038/4671055a
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Astrophysics: Weighing in on neutron stars p1057
The more massive a neutron star is, the greater the constraints it places on the nature of the matter at its core. The discovery of a new mass record holder has strengthened those constraints considerably. See Letter p.1081
M. Coleman Miller
doi:10.1038/4671057a
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See also: Editor's summary | Letter by Demorest et al.
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Structural biology: A peep through anion channels p1058
The crystal structure of a protein channel provides clues about the mechanisms that control the closure of pores found in the epidermis of plant leaves. Excitingly, the protein channel folds in a way never seen before. See Article p.1074
Sébastien Thomine and Hélène Barbier-Brygoo
doi:10.1038/4671058a
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See also: Editor's summary | Article by Chen et al.
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| BRIEF COMMUNICATION ARISING |
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Volatile accretion history of the Earth pE6
B. J. Wood, A. N. Halliday and M. Rehkämper
doi:10.1038/nature09484
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| ARTICLES |
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A map of human genome variation from population-scale sequencing p1061
The goal of the 1000 Genomes Project is to provide in-depth information on variation in human genome sequences. In the pilot phase reported here, different strategies for genome-wide sequencing, using high-throughput sequencing platforms, were developed and compared. The resulting data set includes more than 95% of the currently accessible variants found in any individual, and can be used to inform association and functional studies.
doi:10.1038/nature09534
Abstract | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary | News & Views by Nielsen
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Homologue structure of the SLAC1 anion channel for closing stomata in leaves p1074
SLAC1 is a plant ion channel that controls turgor pressure in the guard cells of plant stomata, thereby regulating the exchange of water vapour and photosynthetic gases in response to environmental signals. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of a bacterial homologue of SLAC1 has been solved, and structure-inspired mutagenesis has been used to analyse the conductance properties of the channel. The findings indicate that selectivity among different anions is largely a function of the energetic cost of ion dehydration.
Yu-hang Chen et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09487
Abstract | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary | News & Views by Thomine Barbier-Brygoo
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| LETTERS |
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A two-solar-mass neutron star measured using Shapiro delay p1081
Neutron stars comprise the densest form of matter known to exist in our Universe, but their composition and properties are uncertain. Measurements of their masses and radii can constrain theoretical predictions of their composition, but so far it has not been possible to rule out many predictions of 'exotic' non-nucleonic components. Here, radio timing observations of the binary millisecond pulsar J1614-2230 are presented, allowing almost all currently proposed hyperon or boson condensate equations of state to be ruled out.
P. B. Demorest et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09466
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary | News & Views by Miller
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Detecting excitation and magnetization of individual dopants in a semiconductor p1084
Isolated magnetic atoms doped into a semiconductor represent an interesting system for spintronics applications and a possible means of constructing quantum bits. So far, however, it has not been possible to study the correlation between the local atomic structure and the dopant's magnetic properties. Here, sensitive scanning probe techniques have been developed that allow the spin excitations of individual magnetic dopants within a two-dimensional semiconductor system to be measured.
Alexander A. Khajetoorians et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09519
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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The evolution of the marine phosphate reservoir p1088
Phosphorus is a biolimiting nutrient that is important in regulating the redox state of the ocean–atmosphere system. Here, the ratio of phosphorus to iron in iron-oxide-rich sedimentary rocks through time has been used to evaluate the evolution of the marine phosphate reservoir. Phosphate concentrations have been relatively constant over the past 542 million years of Earth's history, but were high in the aftermath of the 'snowball Earth' glaciations some 750 to 635 million years ago, with implications for the rise of metazoan life.
Noah J. Planavsky et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09485
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary | News & Views by Filippelli
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Deformation of the lowermost mantle from seismic anisotropy p1091
Here, the seismic anisotropy of the Earth's lowermost mantle between North and Central America has been measured, using shallow and deep earthquakes to increase the azimuthal coverage. The findings show that the previously assumed vertical transverse isotropy — where wave speed should show no azimuthal variation — is not possible, and that more complicated mechanisms must be involved.
Andy Nowacki, James Wookey and J-Michael Kendall
doi:10.1038/nature09507
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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Late middle Eocene epoch of Libya yields earliest known radiation of African anthropoids p1095
The origin of the anthropoids (higher primates, including monkeys, apes and humans) is mysterious. Fossils from the Eocene epoch in Africa have suggested that the anthropoids originated there, but this has been challenged by findings in Asia. Here, the discovery is reported of the oldest known diverse assemblage of African anthropoids, from the Eocene of Libya. The diversity of species found suggests either a long interval of anthropoid evolution in Africa, or the nearly synchronous colonization of Africa by several anthropoid clades.
Jean-Jacques Jaeger et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09425
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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Fine-scale recombination rate differences between sexes, populations and individuals p1099
Here, human genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from more than 15,000 parent–offspring pairs have been used to construct the first recombination maps that are based on directly observed recombination events. The data reveal interesting differences between the sexes: for instance, in males recombination tends to shuffle exons, whereas in females it generates new combinations of nearby genes. Comparison of these maps with others also reveals population differences.
Augustine Kong et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09525
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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On-line, voluntary control of human temporal lobe neurons p1104
Neurons in the medial temporal lobe are selectively responsive to particular visual objects, but their activity is modulated by internal cognitive effects. Here it is shown that humans can regulate the activity of their MTL neurons to alter the outcome of the contest between external images and their internal representation. Using a brain–machine interface, subjects looked at a hybrid superposition of two images and had to enhance one image at the expense of the other, using cognitive strategies such as attention and imagery.
Moran Cerf et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09510
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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The patterns and dynamics of genomic instability in metastatic pancreatic cancer p1109
Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive, usually because of widespread metastasis. Here, next-generation DNA sequencing has been used to detect genomic rearrangements in 13 patients with pancreatic cancer and to explore clonal relationships among metastases. The results reveal not only considerable inter-patient heterogeneity, but also ongoing genomic instability and evolution during the development of metastases.
Peter J. Campbell et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09460
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary | News & Views by Luebeck
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Distant metastasis occurs late during the genetic evolution of pancreatic cancer p1114
Here, whole-genome sequencing has been used to analyse primary pancreatic tumours and one or more metastases from the same patients. The findings show that tumours are composed of several geographically distinct subclones, and allow maps to be produced showing how metastatic cancer clones evolve within the primary tumour. Moreover, a quantitative analysis of the timing of the genetic evolution of pancreatic cancer has been performed.
Shinichi Yachida et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09515
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary | News & Views by Luebeck
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Structural basis of semaphorin–plexin signalling p1118
Semaphorin proteins mediate signal transduction by interacting with plexin receptors; they have key roles in neuronal development and many other biological processes. Here, crystal structures are presented of the semaphorin-binding regions of plexin B1 and plexin A2 with their cognate semaphorin ectodomains. On the basis of these structures, a signalling mechanism is proposed.
Bert J. C. Janssen et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09468
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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Structural basis for semaphorin signalling through the plexin receptor p1123
Semaphorin proteins mediate signal transduction by interacting with plexin receptors; they have key roles in neuronal development and many other biological processes. Here, crystal structures are presented of the semaphorin 6A receptor-binding fragment and the plexin A2 ligand-binding fragment in their pre-signalling and signalling states. On the basis of these structures, a signalling mechanism is proposed.
Terukazu Nogi et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09473
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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Maternal mRNA deadenylation and decay by the piRNA pathway in the early Drosophila embryo p1128
Piwi-associated RNAs (piRNAs) are small RNAs with several functions in the germline, such as repressing transposable elements and helping to maintain germline stem cells. Now, a function for piRNAs has been discovered outside the germline, in the fruitfly embryo. Specifically, piRNAs are required for the decay of the messenger RNA encoding the posterior morphogen Nanos. When piRNA-induced regulation is impaired, this mRNA is stabilized and developmental defects ensue.
Christel Rouget et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09465
First paragraph | Full Text | PDF
See also: Editor's summary
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| TECHNOLOGY FEATURES |
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Genomics: The search for association p1135
The list of human genetic variations is expanding; but an understanding of how they contribute to disease is still patchy.
Monya Baker
doi:10.1038/4671135a
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Genomics: The tough new variants p1136
doi:10.1038/4671136a
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Genomics: Seeing more SNPs p1138
doi:10.1038/4671138a
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Genomics: Table of suppliers p1139
doi:10.1038/4671139a
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| NATUREJOBS |
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Feature
Regions: Science city chic p1141
Berlin is an international hotspot for young scientists. Now it has to provide the incentives to help them stay long term.
Quirin Schiermeier
doi:10.1038/nj7319-1141a
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Q&A
Turning point p1143
Greg Graffin has found a way to pursue his dual passions for evolutionary biology and music.
Gene Russo
doi:10.1038/nj7319-1143a
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Career Briefs
Grant system simplified p1143
European Commission aims for more user-friendly, flexible process.
doi:10.1038/nj7319-1143b
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Career Briefs
Biodiversity centre bid p1143
German facility may create some 100 research posts.
doi:10.1038/nj7319-1143c
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Career Briefs
Gender target missed p1143
Lack of political support hinders effort to boost number of women in Europe's science research leadership.
doi:10.1038/nj7319-1143d
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Correction
Correction p1141
doi:10.1038/nj7319-1142a
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| FUTURES |
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The greatest science-fiction story ever written p1146
A real page-turner.
Eric James Stone
doi:10.1038/4671146a
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| ADVANCE ONLINE PUBLICATION |
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| 27 October 2010 |
Quantum tunnelling of the magnetization in a monolayer of oriented single-molecule magnets
M. Mannini et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09478
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Bottom-up effects of plant diversity on multitrophic interactions in a biodiversity experiment
Christoph Scherber et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09492
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Climate-driven population divergence in sex-determining systems
Ido Pen et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09512
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| 24 October 2010 |
Structure and mechanism of the S component of a bacterial ECF transporter
Peng Zhang, Jiawei Wang and Yigong Shi
doi:10.1038/nature09488
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Support for a synaptic chain model of neuronal sequence generation
Michael A. Long, Dezhe Z. Jin and Michale S. Fee
doi:10.1038/nature09514
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Autumn Books
In our seasonal selection of book reviews, cosmologist Lee Smolin finds Roger Penrose's latest idea that the universe is one of a succession "deliciously absurd", and writer Steve Silberman is moved by Oliver Sacks's poignant account of losing his vision through cancer. Others muse on tiger conservation, why we should learn to love weeds, the birth and future of forensic science and the promise of quantum teleportation.
Access selected content online. | |
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Natureevents is a fully searchable, multi-disciplinary database designed to maximise exposure for events organisers. The contents of the Natureevents Directory are now live. The digital version is available here.
Find the latest scientific conferences, courses, meetings and symposia on natureevents.com. For event advertising opportunities across the Nature Publishing Group portfolio please contact natureevents@nature.com |
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