Features

DNA Sequencing: From Tedious to Automatic

Microscopy’s Growth Through the Years

Gene Editing: From Roots to Riches

Stem Cells Made Waves in Biology and Medicine
Contributors

Contributors
Meet some of the people featured in the October 2016 issue of The Scientist
Lab Tools

Techniques for Assessing Genomic Copy Number Variations
As the importance of genomic copy number variations for health and disease becomes clearer, researchers are creating new ways to detect these changes in the genome.

Mass Spec Analysis of Protein Interactions
Using the technique to study how RNA, DNA, lipids, and small molecules interact with proteins
Modus Operandi

How to Track Translation in Living Cells
Four independent research groups develop techniques for visualizing peptide production in living cells.
Notebook

Birders Break North American Record
A nude birder and an Australian zoo owner are competing to set the new bar for the number of species spotted in a single year.

Thirty Years of Lab Safety
From mouth pipetting to automated liquid handling, life-science labs have gotten much safer over the past three decades.

Researchers Grow “Frankenstein Ants” to Study Epigenetics
A molecular biologist ventures into entomology to use genetically modified ants as laboratory models of behavioral epigenetics.

Genetic Test Solves Royal Mystery
Genetic analyses lay to rest conspiracy theories about death of Belgian King Albert I, who lost his life in a rock climbing accident more than 80 years ago.
Speaking of Science

Notable Science Quotes
Roger Tsien R.I.P., predatory publishing, and diversity in science
Editorial

An Evolutionary History
Celebrating 30 years and a resurrection
Scientist to Watch

Lisa Boyette Started a Nonprofit to Save Her Brother and Cure Other Diseases
Founder and CEO, Curable; Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh. Age: 35
Profiles

Curious George
George Church has consistently positioned himself at genomics’ leading edge.
Bio Business

Pet Meds Adapted from Human Therapies
Companies focused on developing treatments for dogs, cats, and horses are bringing a diverse array of products to the pet medicine market.
Reading Frames

The Narcissistic Scientist
Are leading researchers driven more by the quest for knowledge or the pursuit of fame?
Foundations

Science History: The First Transgenic Arabidopsis
Tweaks to a transformation protocol in 1986 cemented the little plant's mighty role in plant genetics research.
The Literature

Do Brighter Species’ Brains Emit Redder Light?
Photon emissions in the brain are red-shifted in more-intelligent species, though scientists dispute what that means.

Some Human Cancers Exhibit Low-grade Inflammation
NSAIDs reduce this "parainflammation," hinting at how they help lower cancer risk.

Protozoans Found With No Dedicated Stop Codons
Some ciliates use the same trio of nucleotides to code for an amino acid and to stop translation.
Cover Story

Thirty Years of Progress
Since The Scientist published its first issue in October 1986, life-science research has transformed from a manual and often tedious task to a high-tech, largely automated process of unprecedented efficiency.