Peer Reviewed

Trieste, Italy, 26 April 2007. An eminent Mexican biologist, whose research helped to spur the creation of the first genetically modified plants, and an internationally renowned Indian chemist, whose innovative laboratory techniques have led to the synthesis of more than 50 natural products, have been awarded the Trieste Science Prize for 2007.

It took nearly 140 years for Asia to develop a prosperous Asian communications industry. This paper tells the story of why it took so long by focusing on a Danish telegraph company who monopolised the telecommunications industry in the region from the mid-19th century until quite recent times.

Physicians have avoided recommending hormonal contraceptives like the ‘pill’ in women with rheumatic diseases because of the related risks of disease exacerbation or thrombosis. This is an important issue, as many women affected by rheumatic diseases are of childbearing age.

The G8, a network of the world's largest industrialized countries, and the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) will hold a World Forum on Education, Research and Innovation in Trieste, Italy, 10-12 May.

Summaries of newsworthy papers published online in Nature and Nature Research journals on 29 April 2007 including: Plastic power, A gel to absorb solvent spills, Recovering from amblyopia, The wisdom of youth, New player in inflammatory ‘shut down’, Ancient diversity, Standards for the analysis of metagenomes.

It is well understood in Japan, like in most parts of economically-resurgent Asia, that the oil market would increasingly become a sellers' market. As a major oil consumer, Tokyo realizes the importance of maintaining a tangible presence in the Middle East.

Teaching of English to students in the tourism industry, results of an experiment using suggestive symbols to improve native Thai student's pronunciation of English and what local learners of English perceive as a useful learning tool?

Variation in the gene called CDKAL1 is associated with risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study to be published online this week in Nature Genetics.

The IDRC Digital Library provides full access over the Internet to IDRC’s rich research archive. In addition to making information more freely available, this initiative provides IDRC-funded researchers with a much-needed outlet to publish and showcase their work.

Los Baños, Philippines – World-class scientific facilities continue to play an increasingly important role in helping poor nations overcome poverty and food insecurity as well as handle new challenges such as the impact of climate change.

The T-cell leukaemia virus targets cell proteins to promote tumour growth, A newly discovered gene controls the lateral growth of rice plants, Silkworm silk can be as strong as spider silk if spun out quickly by artificial reeling and many more.

Being breastfed as an infant does not help prevent people becoming overweight later in life, according to a study published online this week in the International Journal of Obesity.

Summaries of newsworthy papers include Ocean science: A natural approach, Reducing the risk of severe adverse drug reactions, Swift study into wing shape, Weighing at the nanoscale, Invasive species thrive on hard times and finally… The perfect pint?

Prof. Keiichi Fukuda of Keio University and others found that Sema3a, a type of intravital protein, is the key in determining the density and patterning of cardiac sympathetic innervation. Sema3a controls arrhythmia through sympathetic innervation patterning and unexplained sudden deaths may include cases of genetic defects of Sema3a.

Summaries of newsworthy papers that will be published online on 22 April 2007 in Nature and Nature Research Journals, including: Enzyme curtails allergic reaction to chitin, Magnetic imaging enters the nanoworld, Catalysts under the microscope, The immune system and susceptibility to cancer, Engineering diverse sets of drug sensitive proteins.

Winter Sonata is the highly-popular South Korean television series. The super hit program paved the way for hanryu, the craze for South Korean popular culture. This study analyses how this phenomenon has affected Zainichi Koreans in Japan

Saraswati Adhikari has reason to be proud: 16 times the Nepali farmer and her husband Surya Nath have successfully improved local varieties of rice by cross-breeding, in the process helping to conserve agricultural biodiversity.

Pioneering neuroscientists from Japan and UK will present their latest research in London on April 27th. Keio University scientists will discuss their work in brain damage repair, the birth of new adult cells, aquaporin and their implications for spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease and mental disorders and much more. Admission is free.

In the week of the first round of France’s presidential elections, Nature takes a unique look at what the incoming president will mean for French research.

Summaries of newsworthy papers include Geology: The big melts and Fossils: Tell it to the trees

In the twentieth century nationalism has been considered a disintegrative force embraced by peoples who fought for independence from colonial rule. The number of states in the international system grew rapidly as a result, from 50 states in 1900 to about 200. This volume suggests that few new states will form in the next generation.

August 6, 2005, was the 60th anniversary of the explosion of an atomic bomb over Hiroshima. This study investigated the ways in which major newspapers around the world memorialised the event. 4 different frames emerged - route to salvation/war-ender, an atrocity/holocaust, both salvation and atrocity, deserved punishment for Japan

Microelectronics is the cornerstone of the information technologies that pervade virtually every aspect of contemporary life. This publication contains contributions from renowned experts and status reports on the subject from several developing countries: Cuba, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Turkey.

Genetic susceptibility to Crohn disease, Mutation leads to male infertility, Astrocytes kill neurons in ALS, Increasing bad cholesterol levels

Summaries of newsworthy papers include Cancer: Genes linked to chemotherapy response, Smart materials: A light touch, Photochemistry: Quantum tricks in photosynthesis and finally… Punish the rich

Amplification of oestrogen receptor gene in breast cancer, Natural genetic variant influencing rice grain weight, Stabilization contra retardation, How one’s own DNA can cause autoimmunity, Enrichment of metabolites with chemical probes

Significant Finds from a Decade of Philippine Archaeological Research: 1996-2006 including the dating of early man fossils from the Tabon Caves, networking with foreign archaeologists in the SEA region, The Cagayan Valley Project and Hizen porcelain exports from Japan.

The relics of St Joan of Arc are not the remains of the fifteenth-century French heroine after all, according to a News Exclusive in Nature this week. European experts who have analysed the sacred scraps say the relics are a forgery, made from the remains of an Egyptian mummy.

Summaries of newsworthy papers include Winds of change, Antibiotic-resistant bacteria meet their match?, Geomagnetic data captured in crystals, A salty solution, The great electron escape and Algorithm for group success?

New evidence could rewrite the history of the discovery of America