Peer Reviewed

Researchers link skeletal disorders with sugar chain production

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia's anti-cancer screening program carried out at their Centre for Proteomic Research screened 31 plant species for anti-breast cancer activity. An active plant was found to have notable anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells.

Summaries of newsworthy papers include Trp’ing the copper fantastic, Compound screening gets more specific, Helium on the brane, Mechanical memories, The workings of deep brain stimulation, Foamy viruses join the gene therapy toolbox, Gene mutation affecting human brain size, The protective effects of brain damage and Gaining entry into the brain

In what will become an annual event, Nature is singling out a "Newsmaker of the Year". The newsmaker in question is Rajendra Pachauri, the Indian engineer and economist who currently chairs the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Next-generation sequencing has been selected as the Method of the Year 2007 by Nature Methods.

Summaries of newsworthy papers including: Terrestrial ancestors of whales, Looking for cancer in all the right places, Optics: A fine-tooth comb, Stem cells: A case of mistaken functional identity, Superconductors: Who needs phonons?, Palaeoclimate: Early warming signs, Dating the Moon's formation and Making the most of melodious mistakes

A new method of analysing placental RNA in maternal plasma enables non-invasive prenatal detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy

The prize winning research were on Nano-structured Photonic Fibres & Fabrics, Nano-structured Materials Generation System, Polymer-bonded Magnetic Devices, PolyJbot Rehabilitation Robotic System, Intelligent Warehouse Optimizing System and A Novel Integrative Acupressure Pen for Pain Relief

A standard laboratory tool for measuring pharmacological activity of biological substances and performing other related tests may soon be replaced by a new miniaturized bioassay that will be faster, cheaper and more efficient for scientists to use, with new technology developed by Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN).

Summaries of newsworthy papers in Nature research journals including: Meteoritic boost to biodiversity?, In the right direction, Silicon nanowires stay current, Genetic risk factor for ALS, Genetic susceptibility to Kawasaki disease, A pathway controlling body temperature, and Control of EGFR in breast cancer cell invasion

Conservation of these forest genetic resources is the best means to guarantee their availability for the use of present and future generations. Therefore, information on population genetics of forest plant species is essential for the successful implementation of conservation and tree improvement programmes.

This paper highlights the research into developing conservation strategies, curbing illegal logging through forensic forestry, developing forest conservation strategies using molecular marker technology, molecular breeding to advance the breeding of specific traits, in vitro conservation of plant species and new drug discovery programs.

Bio-deterioration of wood products by micro-organisms and insects is a major problem. The current trend in the development of wood preservatives is to use biocide combinations which include both inorganic-organic and organic-organic binary mixtures.

Results from the early work on the Malaysian red list and conservation monitoring on critically threatened plant species provide a perspective into the underlying issues of conservation priorities.

Japanese biologists identify a protein critical to the normal development of the embryonic brain

RIKEN researchers are learning how to electrically control spin orientation for data storage technology photo

A team of scientists shows how to electrically control the polarization of nuclear spins

Summaries of newsworthy papers including: Mammals: Patterns of evolution, Remote control of tropical cyclones, A rotating ring current around Saturn, Fathoming giant rogue waves, Books: Seasonal kids' special, A gallery of protein pumps, Space: Halo halo, New compound comes out of the cool, and Why pregnant women don’t tip over

Homosexual men in China who seek sexual partners both on the Internet and in venues that traditionally attract homosexuals are at the highest risk of HIV transmission

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has appointed world-renowned architect Ms Zaha Hadid as the Architect of its new “Innovation Tower”. This building will be her first permanent architectural work in Hong Kong.

Recommend roadmap based on flexible, universally compatible technologies for good governance and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

At the Third Global Knowledge Forum (GK3), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and its research partners will be showcasing some of the innovative ways in which ICTs can foster human development. The GK3 will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 11-13, 2007

Ottawa, Canada, December 10, 2007 – Recognizing the serious consequences of climate change for development, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is helping developing countries adapt by supporting research and strengthening local institutions so they can better prepare for an uncertain future.

Summaries of newsworthy papers including: Complementing IPCC, Cooling the Cretaceous greenhouse, The pulse of the San Andreas, Re-examining firefly bioluminescence, Silicon nanowires restore optical signals, How protein modules fit together, Compact synchrotron demonstrated, Pathway to breast cancer, You must remember this & Romancing the fly

Superconductivity is found to be strengthened by a competing order of electrons

The first wave of cells giving rise to an early stem cell population are derived from cells of the neural tube

Discovering the structure of a key protein in human cells may lead to treatment for asthma and shock

Summaries of newsworthy papers including: Tracking volcanic activity on the Moon, Space: How close is too close? Joined-up thinking on bird flu, Cancer: A double agent exposed, Cinderella science, A quantum-dot light switch, Ancient magma ocean under Earth's mantle?, Snowball versus slushball, Are you a man or a mouse?

China's rapid economic development has accelerated biological invasion and more from Nature China this week

Summaries of newsworthy papers in Nature Geoscience including: In search of a plate boundary and Modern Arctic Ocean circulation exceptional?

Summaries of newsworthy papers in Nature journals including: Restoring bacterial killing in cystic fibrosis, Bad to the bone, Run away from your depression, Genetic risk factor for psoriasis, Genetic variants predispose to lupus, and Fuelling allergic inflammation