30 July 2008
Nature China highlights the best research coming out of Mainland China and Hong Kong, providing scientists from around the world with a convenient portal into publications drawn from across all scientific disciplines.
CHINA'S CHALLENGES
The 24th July special issue of Nature explores the challenges that China faces on route to becoming a major scientific player, and the challenges that its rapid development pose to the rest of the world.
Immunology: Another role to play
The multifunctional signalling molecule β-arrestin 2 regulates the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells through binding of inhibitory receptors
Esterification: Smelling gold
A catalyst containing gold nanoparticles provides a simple one-step route to making esters
Persistent organic pollutants: Bark breakdown
Studies of tree bark have provided a detailed China-wide dataset on persistent organic pollutants
Cancer gene therapy: One stone, two birds
Researchers in China have identified a potential therapeutic gene for the treatment of a number of human cancers
Nanostructures: Growing vines
Helical 'vines' have been grown around zigzag pillars made of the same material
Photonics: Slowing down light
A waveguide comprising a dielectric slab sandwiched between two pieces of photonic crystal that have a negative effective refractive index seems poised to provide a flexible alternative for generating slow light
