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		Editorial Open questions about influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:68 (2 October 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Nursing some sense out of Myc Nicole M Sodir, Gerard I Evan Journal of Biology 2009, 8:77 (28 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The transcriptional regulator Myc drives the proliferation of most tumor cells, but is also important for many normal functions. Sodir and Evan discuss a paper in BMC Biology that, among others, suggests the normal functions can survive inhibition of Myc.
		Minireview Physical forces in myelination and repair: a question of balance? Nina G Bauer, Charles ffrench-Constant Journal of Biology 2009, 8:78 (25 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Bauer and ffrench-constant discuss a BMC Cell Biology paper suggesting how the balance of intracellular contractile forces and extracellular attachments may direct myelination, and could explain why remyelination fails in multiple sclerosis.
		Minireview Deciphering the genetic code of morphogenesis using functional genomics Athea Vichas, Jennifer A Zallen Journal of Biology 2009, 8:76 (22 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Vichas and Zallen review the routes from genome-wide data-sets to functional characterization, in the light of a temporal and spatial screen published in BMC Biology which identifies 55 previously unknown genes expressed during Drosophila gastrulation.
		Opinion The 'stem cell' concept: is it holding us back? Arthur D Lander Journal of Biology 2009, 8:70 (21 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| 2 comments \| Editor’s summary Arthur Lander argues that the molecular definition of a stem cell is a mirage and 'stemness' is an emergent property of cells in their physiological context, so that the current concept is arguably an obstacle to research.
		Question & Answer Q&A: What have we found out about the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic virus? Stephen J Turner, Lorena E Brown, Peter C Doherty, Anne Kelso Journal of Biology 2009, 8:69 (18 September 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Stephen Turner and colleagues follow up their earlier Q&A on influenza A (H1N1) 2009 and ask what we now know about its transmissibility, pathogenicity and variability, and the likelihood of more severe disease in the Northern hemisphere winter.
		Minireview Complementary pathways in mammalian female sex determination Serge Nef, Jean-Dominique Vassalli Journal of Biology 2009, 8:74 (2 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Nef and Vassalli discuss the molecular basis of female sex determination in the light of a recent BMC Developmental Biology paper identifying two independent and complementary signaling pathways that promote ovarian fate and repress testicular development.
		Minireview Motifs from the deep Tony W Hwang, Vlad Codrea, Andrew D Ellington Journal of Biology 2009, 8:72 (2 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Ellington and colleagues review a new method published in BMC Genomics developed to search for noncoding RNAs in marine metagenomic data, and that identified eight novel RNA motifs including a new riboswitch class.
		Minireview The absolute pitch mind continues to reveal itself Patrick Bermudez, Robert J Zatorre Journal of Biology 2009, 8:75 (27 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Insulators as mediators of intra- and inter-chromosomal interactions: a common evolutionary theme Chin-Tong Ong, Victor G Corces Journal of Biology 2009, 8:73 (27 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Ong and Corces review the long-range inter- and intrachromosomal interactions that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes and discuss a recent study in BMC Molecular Biology that helps illustrate the diversity of insulation mechanisms at the interaction points.
		Minireview The complex genetic basis of simple behavior Anna J Jasinska, Nelson B Freimer Journal of Biology 2009, 8:71 (27 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Jasinska and Freimer discuss a recent paper in BMC Biology by Mackay and colleagues that reveals the complex genetics behind fruitfly aggression, with implications for the dissection of human behaviours
		Editorial Dysregulating the regulators Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:60 (27 August 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Opinion Beyond toxicity: aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated functions in the immune system Brigitta Stockinger Journal of Biology 2009, 8:61 (17 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Brigitta Stockinger argues that the immunosuppressive effects of dioxin and other toxic aryl hydrocarbons may reflect disruption of the regulatory interactions between immune cells, which variably express the specific receptor for these compounds.
		Minireview Infectious causes of cancer and their detection Lucy Dalton-Griffin, Paul Kellam Journal of Biology 2009, 8:67 (11 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Lucy Dalton-Griffin and Paul Kellam discuss the role of viruses in cancer following a recent paper in BMC Medical Genomics describing a new method of detecting viral DNA in cancer cells.
		Minireview The human spermatozoon – a stripped down but refined machine Christopher LR Barratt, Vanessa Kay, Senga K Oxenham Journal of Biology 2009, 8:63 (7 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Christopher Barratt and colleagues review our current knowledge of the human sperm cell and available treatments for male subfertility in the light of a recent paper in BMC Developmental Biology on the role of the annulus.
		Minireview Parasite immunomodulation and polymorphisms of the immune system Rick M Maizels Journal of Biology 2009, 8:62 (5 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Rick Maizels discusses a recent paper in BMC Biology on wild mammals that lend support to the hygiene hypothesis, and explains why genetic variants that reduce parasite-induced immunosuppression are associated with an increase in allergic reactions.
		Minireview From bending DNA to diabetes: the curious case of HMGA1 Robert K Semple Journal of Biology 2009, 8:64 (27 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Robert Semple reviews new findings published in BMC Biology that help explain how deficiencies in the DNA-bending protein HMGA1 can cause type 2 diabetes and low levels of the insulin receptor but paradoxically increased insulin sensitivity.
		Minireview The where and wherefore of evolutionary breakpoints David Sankoff Journal of Biology 2009, 8:66 (24 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary David Sankoff discusses the properties of chromatin in breakpoint regions and their relevance to evolutionary change in the light of two recent papers in BMC Genomics.
		Minireview Comparative embryology without a microscope: using genomic approaches to understand the evolution of development David A Garfield, Gregory A Wray Journal of Biology 2009, 8:65 (21 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The early stages of development are generally very highly conserved. Garfield and Wray discuss recent genome-scale studies published in BMC Biology and aimed at testing three theories of how selection acts on early embryos.
		Editorial Of primordial genomes and cooperative kittens Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:52 (20 July 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Search for a 'Tree of Life' in the thicket of the phylogenetic forest Pere Puigbò, Yuri I Wolf, Eugene V Koonin Journal of Biology 2009, 8:59 (13 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Koonin and colleagues, comparing a forest of 7000 phylogenetic trees, discern vertical inheritance even at the earliest stages of prokaryotic evolution, despite horizontal gene transfer, but the branching order of the earliest radiations may never be resolved.
		Minireview Trees in the Web of Life Kristen S Swithers, J Peter Gogarten, Gregory P Fournier Journal of Biology 2009, 8:54 (13 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Gogarten and colleagues review new research by Koonin and colleagues in Journal of Biology and explain how the obstacle of horizontal gene transfer can be circumvented to reconstruct the prokaryotic Tree of Life.
		Minireview Vernalization in cereals Elizabeth S Dennis, W James Peacock Journal of Biology 2009, 8:57 (22 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Elizabeth Dennis and James Peacock review recent advances in the molecular basis of the vernalization response that, with the increase in day length at the end of the winter season, triggers flowering.
		Minireview Do unicolonial wood ants favor kin? Heikki Helanterä Journal of Biology 2009, 8:56 (18 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Clocks, cryptochromes and Monarch migrations Charalambos P Kyriacou Journal of Biology 2009, 8:55 (18 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The magnetosensitivity that guides the annual autumn migration of the Monarch butterfly from eastern North America to Mexico is, Charalambos Kyriacou tells us, beginning to yield to molecular analysis.
		Minireview Oxidative stress, thermogenesis and evolution of uncoupling proteins Eduardo Rial, Rafael Zardoya Journal of Biology 2009, 8:58 (16 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Question & Answer Q&A: Cooperativity James E Ferrell Journal of Biology 2009, 8:53 (16 June 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary James Ferrell explains in Q&A format how cooperativity can tune the behaviour of biological macromolecules to their physiological functions, and can be achieved in many different ways.
		Editorial Influenza: one or two more questions Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:45 (12 June 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central
		Minireview Transcription in mosquito hemocytes in response to pathogen exposure Julián F Hillyer Journal of Biology 2009, 8:51 (5 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Identification of infection-fighting genes in mosquitoes could be used to genetically modify insects that are unable to transmit disease-causing pathogens such as the malarial Plasmodium parasite: Hillyer discusses recent work published in BMC Genomics.
		Minireview Fish 'n' TRIMs Louis Du Pasquier Journal of Biology 2009, 8:50 (29 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Letting go: modification of cell adhesion during apoptosis Magali Suzanne, Hermann Steller Journal of Biology 2009, 8:49 (28 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Can modular analysis identify disease-associated candidate genes for therapeutics? Jesper Tegnér Journal of Biology 2009, 8:48 (28 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Editorial Biologists who count* Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:34 (27 May 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Prion variants, species barriers, generation and propagation Reed B Wickner, Herman K Edskes, Frank Shewmaker, Dmitry Kryndushkin, Julie Nemecek Journal of Biology 2009, 8:47 (26 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Reed Wickner and colleagues discuss a recent paper in BMC Biology on yeast prions that helps shed light on how new variants can overcome species barriers.
		Question & Answer Q&A: What do we know about influenza and what can we do about it? Peter C Doherty, Stephen J Turner Journal of Biology 2009, 8:46 (26 May 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Peter Doherty and Stephen Turner explain in Q&A format what we know of what determines the pathogenicity and transmissibility of influenza viruses, and the prospects for effective protection.
		Review Notch signaling, the segmentation clock, and the patterning of vertebrate somites Julian Lewis, Anja Hanisch, Maxine Holder Journal of Biology 2009, 8:44 (22 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Julian Lewis and colleagues review the part played by the Notch signaling pathway in the emergence of somites from the embryonic mesoderm and their later differentiation.
		Question & Answer Q&A: Epistasis Frederick P Roth, Howard D Lipshitz, Brenda J Andrews Journal of Biology 2009, 8:35 (22 May 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The term epistasis has at least three meanings in biology. Brenda Andrews and colleagues explain in Q&A format how in its classical sense, epistasis allows biological pathways to be defined.
		Minireview Parental squabbles and genome expression: lessons from the polyploids Daniela Pignatta, Luca Comai Journal of Biology 2009, 8:43 (1 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Many plant species have evolved from hybrids that have retained the diploid genomes of both parents; Pignatta and Comai discuss a study in BMC Biology on cotton allopolyploids illustrating the novel patterns of expression that can result.
		Minireview Natural and engineered mosquito immunity Luke Alphey Journal of Biology 2009, 8:40 (1 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Alphey reviews recent genetic approaches to mosquito control including one published in BMC Microbiology based on depression of mosquito populations through suppression of the insect's innate immunity to virus infections.
		Minireview How do terrestrial Antarctic organisms survive in their harsh environment? David A Wharton, Craig J Marshall Journal of Biology 2009, 8:39 (29 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Wharton and Marshall discuss studies in BMC Genomics that identify genes and proteins involved in protecting Antarctic nematodes during desiccation, a strategy they developed to survive in a harsh environment.
		Minireview The genetics of gender and life span John Tower, Michelle Arbeitman Journal of Biology 2009, 8:38 (29 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Tower and Arbeitman discuss two studies in BMC Evolutionary Biology showing that the genetic differences between male and female seed beetles and in fruit flies have a significant effect upon aging and life span.
		Minireview Why do taste cells generate action potentials? Aurelie Vandenbeuch, Sue C Kinnamon Journal of Biology 2009, 8:42 (28 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Vandenbeuch and Kinnamon discuss a study in BMC Neuroscience that identifies three genes encoding the tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ currents that underlie action potentials in taste cells, providing insights into their physiological significance in taste transduction.
		Minireview The origin and evolution of lactation Anthony V Capuco, R Michael Akers Journal of Biology 2009, 8:37 (24 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Capuco and Akers review the biology of lactation and discuss a new report in Genome Biology that compares the bovine genome with six other mammalian genomes to study how lactation and its regulation evolved.
		Minireview The cattle genome reveals its secrets David W Burt Journal of Biology 2009, 8:36 (24 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Burt discusses the impact of the recently sequenced Bovine genome on our understanding of bovine phylogeny and the genomics of domestication.
		Minireview Is genetic diversity really higher in large populations? Hans Ellegren Journal of Biology 2009, 8:41 (21 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Hans Ellegren discusses a study in BMC Evolutionary Biology that shows that avian mtDNA diversity patterns are influenced by variations of mutation rate rather than population size.
		Question & Answer Q&A: Genetic analysis of quantitative traits Trudy FC Mackay Journal of Biology 2009, 8:23 (17 April 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Quantitative traits, such as human height and cholesterol levels, are controlled by large numbers of genes with small effects, and cannot be analyzed by Mendelian genetics. Trudy MacKay explains in Q&A format what is required to identify the many contributing genes for these traits.
		Editorial Teaching new dogs old tricks Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:22 (17 April 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Conservation of core gene expression in vertebrate tissues Esther T Chan, Gerald T Quon, Gordon Chua, Tomas Babak, Miles Trochesset, Ralph A Zirngibl, Jane Aubin, Michael JH Ratcliffe, Andrew Wilde, Michael Brudno, Quaid D Morris, Timothy R Hughes Journal of Biology 2009, 8:33 (16 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary High conservation of tissue-specific expression is found across vertebrates yet there is a lack of conservation in common regulatory sequences/signatures.
		Minireview The genomic 'inner fish' and a regulatory enigma in the vertebrates John Malone, Brian Oliver Journal of Biology 2009, 8:32 (16 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Brian Oliver and John Malone invoke our 'inner fish' in their commentary on new research in Journal of Biology which shows high conservation of tissue-specific gene expression from fish to human but without corresponding conservation in the gene regulatory sequences.
		Minireview Exploiting the promiscuity of imatinib Shun J Lee, Jean YJ Wang Journal of Biology 2009, 8:30 (15 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Lee and Wang discuss how the structural flexibility of the cancer drug imatinib (Gleevec) accounts for the drug's off-target promiscuity, illustrated by a structural study published in BMC Structural Biology.

	All
		Editorial Open questions about influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:68 (2 October 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Nursing some sense out of Myc Nicole M Sodir, Gerard I Evan Journal of Biology 2009, 8:77 (28 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The transcriptional regulator Myc drives the proliferation of most tumor cells, but is also important for many normal functions. Sodir and Evan discuss a paper in BMC Biology that, among others, suggests the normal functions can survive inhibition of Myc.
		Minireview Physical forces in myelination and repair: a question of balance? Nina G Bauer, Charles ffrench-Constant Journal of Biology 2009, 8:78 (25 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Bauer and ffrench-constant discuss a BMC Cell Biology paper suggesting how the balance of intracellular contractile forces and extracellular attachments may direct myelination, and could explain why remyelination fails in multiple sclerosis.
		Minireview Deciphering the genetic code of morphogenesis using functional genomics Athea Vichas, Jennifer A Zallen Journal of Biology 2009, 8:76 (22 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Vichas and Zallen review the routes from genome-wide data-sets to functional characterization, in the light of a temporal and spatial screen published in BMC Biology which identifies 55 previously unknown genes expressed during Drosophila gastrulation.
		Opinion The 'stem cell' concept: is it holding us back? Arthur D Lander Journal of Biology 2009, 8:70 (21 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| 2 comments \| Editor’s summary Arthur Lander argues that the molecular definition of a stem cell is a mirage and 'stemness' is an emergent property of cells in their physiological context, so that the current concept is arguably an obstacle to research.
		Question & Answer Q&A: What have we found out about the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic virus? Stephen J Turner, Lorena E Brown, Peter C Doherty, Anne Kelso Journal of Biology 2009, 8:69 (18 September 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Stephen Turner and colleagues follow up their earlier Q&A on influenza A (H1N1) 2009 and ask what we now know about its transmissibility, pathogenicity and variability, and the likelihood of more severe disease in the Northern hemisphere winter.
		Minireview Complementary pathways in mammalian female sex determination Serge Nef, Jean-Dominique Vassalli Journal of Biology 2009, 8:74 (2 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Nef and Vassalli discuss the molecular basis of female sex determination in the light of a recent BMC Developmental Biology paper identifying two independent and complementary signaling pathways that promote ovarian fate and repress testicular development.
		Minireview Motifs from the deep Tony W Hwang, Vlad Codrea, Andrew D Ellington Journal of Biology 2009, 8:72 (2 September 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Ellington and colleagues review a new method published in BMC Genomics developed to search for noncoding RNAs in marine metagenomic data, and that identified eight novel RNA motifs including a new riboswitch class.
		Minireview The absolute pitch mind continues to reveal itself Patrick Bermudez, Robert J Zatorre Journal of Biology 2009, 8:75 (27 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Insulators as mediators of intra- and inter-chromosomal interactions: a common evolutionary theme Chin-Tong Ong, Victor G Corces Journal of Biology 2009, 8:73 (27 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Ong and Corces review the long-range inter- and intrachromosomal interactions that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes and discuss a recent study in BMC Molecular Biology that helps illustrate the diversity of insulation mechanisms at the interaction points.
		Minireview The complex genetic basis of simple behavior Anna J Jasinska, Nelson B Freimer Journal of Biology 2009, 8:71 (27 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Jasinska and Freimer discuss a recent paper in BMC Biology by Mackay and colleagues that reveals the complex genetics behind fruitfly aggression, with implications for the dissection of human behaviours
		Editorial Dysregulating the regulators Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:60 (27 August 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Opinion Beyond toxicity: aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated functions in the immune system Brigitta Stockinger Journal of Biology 2009, 8:61 (17 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Brigitta Stockinger argues that the immunosuppressive effects of dioxin and other toxic aryl hydrocarbons may reflect disruption of the regulatory interactions between immune cells, which variably express the specific receptor for these compounds.
		Minireview Infectious causes of cancer and their detection Lucy Dalton-Griffin, Paul Kellam Journal of Biology 2009, 8:67 (11 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Lucy Dalton-Griffin and Paul Kellam discuss the role of viruses in cancer following a recent paper in BMC Medical Genomics describing a new method of detecting viral DNA in cancer cells.
		Minireview The human spermatozoon – a stripped down but refined machine Christopher LR Barratt, Vanessa Kay, Senga K Oxenham Journal of Biology 2009, 8:63 (7 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Christopher Barratt and colleagues review our current knowledge of the human sperm cell and available treatments for male subfertility in the light of a recent paper in BMC Developmental Biology on the role of the annulus.
		Minireview Parasite immunomodulation and polymorphisms of the immune system Rick M Maizels Journal of Biology 2009, 8:62 (5 August 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Rick Maizels discusses a recent paper in BMC Biology on wild mammals that lend support to the hygiene hypothesis, and explains why genetic variants that reduce parasite-induced immunosuppression are associated with an increase in allergic reactions.
		Minireview From bending DNA to diabetes: the curious case of HMGA1 Robert K Semple Journal of Biology 2009, 8:64 (27 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Robert Semple reviews new findings published in BMC Biology that help explain how deficiencies in the DNA-bending protein HMGA1 can cause type 2 diabetes and low levels of the insulin receptor but paradoxically increased insulin sensitivity.
		Minireview The where and wherefore of evolutionary breakpoints David Sankoff Journal of Biology 2009, 8:66 (24 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary David Sankoff discusses the properties of chromatin in breakpoint regions and their relevance to evolutionary change in the light of two recent papers in BMC Genomics.
		Minireview Comparative embryology without a microscope: using genomic approaches to understand the evolution of development David A Garfield, Gregory A Wray Journal of Biology 2009, 8:65 (21 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The early stages of development are generally very highly conserved. Garfield and Wray discuss recent genome-scale studies published in BMC Biology and aimed at testing three theories of how selection acts on early embryos.
		Editorial Of primordial genomes and cooperative kittens Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:52 (20 July 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Search for a 'Tree of Life' in the thicket of the phylogenetic forest Pere Puigbò, Yuri I Wolf, Eugene V Koonin Journal of Biology 2009, 8:59 (13 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Koonin and colleagues, comparing a forest of 7000 phylogenetic trees, discern vertical inheritance even at the earliest stages of prokaryotic evolution, despite horizontal gene transfer, but the branching order of the earliest radiations may never be resolved.
		Minireview Trees in the Web of Life Kristen S Swithers, J Peter Gogarten, Gregory P Fournier Journal of Biology 2009, 8:54 (13 July 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Gogarten and colleagues review new research by Koonin and colleagues in Journal of Biology and explain how the obstacle of horizontal gene transfer can be circumvented to reconstruct the prokaryotic Tree of Life.
		Minireview Vernalization in cereals Elizabeth S Dennis, W James Peacock Journal of Biology 2009, 8:57 (22 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Elizabeth Dennis and James Peacock review recent advances in the molecular basis of the vernalization response that, with the increase in day length at the end of the winter season, triggers flowering.
		Minireview Do unicolonial wood ants favor kin? Heikki Helanterä Journal of Biology 2009, 8:56 (18 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Clocks, cryptochromes and Monarch migrations Charalambos P Kyriacou Journal of Biology 2009, 8:55 (18 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The magnetosensitivity that guides the annual autumn migration of the Monarch butterfly from eastern North America to Mexico is, Charalambos Kyriacou tells us, beginning to yield to molecular analysis.
		Minireview Oxidative stress, thermogenesis and evolution of uncoupling proteins Eduardo Rial, Rafael Zardoya Journal of Biology 2009, 8:58 (16 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Question & Answer Q&A: Cooperativity James E Ferrell Journal of Biology 2009, 8:53 (16 June 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary James Ferrell explains in Q&A format how cooperativity can tune the behaviour of biological macromolecules to their physiological functions, and can be achieved in many different ways.
		Editorial Influenza: one or two more questions Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:45 (12 June 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central
		Minireview Transcription in mosquito hemocytes in response to pathogen exposure Julián F Hillyer Journal of Biology 2009, 8:51 (5 June 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Identification of infection-fighting genes in mosquitoes could be used to genetically modify insects that are unable to transmit disease-causing pathogens such as the malarial Plasmodium parasite: Hillyer discusses recent work published in BMC Genomics.
		Minireview Fish 'n' TRIMs Louis Du Pasquier Journal of Biology 2009, 8:50 (29 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Letting go: modification of cell adhesion during apoptosis Magali Suzanne, Hermann Steller Journal of Biology 2009, 8:49 (28 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Can modular analysis identify disease-associated candidate genes for therapeutics? Jesper Tegnér Journal of Biology 2009, 8:48 (28 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Editorial Biologists who count* Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:34 (27 May 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Minireview Prion variants, species barriers, generation and propagation Reed B Wickner, Herman K Edskes, Frank Shewmaker, Dmitry Kryndushkin, Julie Nemecek Journal of Biology 2009, 8:47 (26 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Reed Wickner and colleagues discuss a recent paper in BMC Biology on yeast prions that helps shed light on how new variants can overcome species barriers.
		Question & Answer Q&A: What do we know about influenza and what can we do about it? Peter C Doherty, Stephen J Turner Journal of Biology 2009, 8:46 (26 May 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Peter Doherty and Stephen Turner explain in Q&A format what we know of what determines the pathogenicity and transmissibility of influenza viruses, and the prospects for effective protection.
		Review Notch signaling, the segmentation clock, and the patterning of vertebrate somites Julian Lewis, Anja Hanisch, Maxine Holder Journal of Biology 2009, 8:44 (22 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Julian Lewis and colleagues review the part played by the Notch signaling pathway in the emergence of somites from the embryonic mesoderm and their later differentiation.
		Question & Answer Q&A: Epistasis Frederick P Roth, Howard D Lipshitz, Brenda J Andrews Journal of Biology 2009, 8:35 (22 May 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The term epistasis has at least three meanings in biology. Brenda Andrews and colleagues explain in Q&A format how in its classical sense, epistasis allows biological pathways to be defined.
		Minireview Parental squabbles and genome expression: lessons from the polyploids Daniela Pignatta, Luca Comai Journal of Biology 2009, 8:43 (1 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Many plant species have evolved from hybrids that have retained the diploid genomes of both parents; Pignatta and Comai discuss a study in BMC Biology on cotton allopolyploids illustrating the novel patterns of expression that can result.
		Minireview Natural and engineered mosquito immunity Luke Alphey Journal of Biology 2009, 8:40 (1 May 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Alphey reviews recent genetic approaches to mosquito control including one published in BMC Microbiology based on depression of mosquito populations through suppression of the insect's innate immunity to virus infections.
		Minireview How do terrestrial Antarctic organisms survive in their harsh environment? David A Wharton, Craig J Marshall Journal of Biology 2009, 8:39 (29 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Wharton and Marshall discuss studies in BMC Genomics that identify genes and proteins involved in protecting Antarctic nematodes during desiccation, a strategy they developed to survive in a harsh environment.
		Minireview The genetics of gender and life span John Tower, Michelle Arbeitman Journal of Biology 2009, 8:38 (29 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Tower and Arbeitman discuss two studies in BMC Evolutionary Biology showing that the genetic differences between male and female seed beetles and in fruit flies have a significant effect upon aging and life span.
		Minireview Why do taste cells generate action potentials? Aurelie Vandenbeuch, Sue C Kinnamon Journal of Biology 2009, 8:42 (28 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Vandenbeuch and Kinnamon discuss a study in BMC Neuroscience that identifies three genes encoding the tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ currents that underlie action potentials in taste cells, providing insights into their physiological significance in taste transduction.
		Minireview The origin and evolution of lactation Anthony V Capuco, R Michael Akers Journal of Biology 2009, 8:37 (24 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Capuco and Akers review the biology of lactation and discuss a new report in Genome Biology that compares the bovine genome with six other mammalian genomes to study how lactation and its regulation evolved.
		Minireview The cattle genome reveals its secrets David W Burt Journal of Biology 2009, 8:36 (24 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Burt discusses the impact of the recently sequenced Bovine genome on our understanding of bovine phylogeny and the genomics of domestication.
		Minireview Is genetic diversity really higher in large populations? Hans Ellegren Journal of Biology 2009, 8:41 (21 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Hans Ellegren discusses a study in BMC Evolutionary Biology that shows that avian mtDNA diversity patterns are influenced by variations of mutation rate rather than population size.
		Question & Answer Q&A: Genetic analysis of quantitative traits Trudy FC Mackay Journal of Biology 2009, 8:23 (17 April 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Quantitative traits, such as human height and cholesterol levels, are controlled by large numbers of genes with small effects, and cannot be analyzed by Mendelian genetics. Trudy MacKay explains in Q&A format what is required to identify the many contributing genes for these traits.
		Editorial Teaching new dogs old tricks Miranda Robertson Journal of Biology 2009, 8:22 (17 April 2009) Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Conservation of core gene expression in vertebrate tissues Esther T Chan, Gerald T Quon, Gordon Chua, Tomas Babak, Miles Trochesset, Ralph A Zirngibl, Jane Aubin, Michael JH Ratcliffe, Andrew Wilde, Michael Brudno, Quaid D Morris, Timothy R Hughes Journal of Biology 2009, 8:33 (16 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary High conservation of tissue-specific expression is found across vertebrates yet there is a lack of conservation in common regulatory sequences/signatures.
		Minireview The genomic 'inner fish' and a regulatory enigma in the vertebrates John Malone, Brian Oliver Journal of Biology 2009, 8:32 (16 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Brian Oliver and John Malone invoke our 'inner fish' in their commentary on new research in Journal of Biology which shows high conservation of tissue-specific gene expression from fish to human but without corresponding conservation in the gene regulatory sequences.
		Minireview Exploiting the promiscuity of imatinib Shun J Lee, Jean YJ Wang Journal of Biology 2009, 8:30 (15 April 2009) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Lee and Wang discuss how the structural flexibility of the cancer drug imatinib (Gleevec) accounts for the drug's off-target promiscuity, illustrated by a structural study published in BMC Structural Biology.