Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a recessive childhood disease caused by mutations in the ATM (AT-mutated) gene. The hallmark of the disease is progressive neurodegeneration that eventually affects all areas of the brain. It is known that the ATM protein initiates a cascade of signalling events that leads to cell-cycle arrest and DNA repair in response to ionising radiation. Its role in the nervous system is not clear.In the 1 March Genes & Development, researchers led by Carrolee Barlow of the

brain barrier.

ion transport in cystic fibrosis has important implications for treatment of this debilitating condition.

Genetic studies show that eels from different parts of the world don't mate in a free-for-all once they reach the Sargasso Sea.

An experimental model shows how the strength of the interaction between a prey and a specialist predator affects the population dynamics of the system.

gene encode protein, overturning a fundamental doctrine of molecular biology and suggesting another possibility for genomic analysis.

Drugs that inhibit a key signalling pathway in the human cell can halt the propagation of the influenza A virus.

Fanconi anaemia is a rare inherited disorder that causes children to develop bone marrow failure. Although a bone marrow transplant can cure the anaemia, many patients go on to develop a variety of cancers.The disorder is brought about by a mutation in any one of seven genes — five of which have been cloned. The proteins produced by these five genes form an enzyme that activates the sixth gene. Research teams led by Alan D'Andrea, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and Markus G

pancreatic islet cells.

A long-term study shows the four GM crops tested are not more invasive or more persistent than their non-GM counterparts.

when you're a ram, that is.

The first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of an extinct species is reported.