Cover Story
Models of Transparency
Joan K. Heath, Richard White, Kirsten C. Sadler, David Langenau | Apr 1, 2013
Researchers are taking advantage of small, transparent zebrafish embryos and larvae—and a special strain of see-through adults—to understand the development and spread of cancer.
Features
After Chemo
Ellen A. Walker | Apr 1, 2013
Research into how the brain suffers as a result of chemotherapy is revealing potential avenues for ameliorating cognitive decline.
Best Places to Work Postdocs 2013
The Scientist Staff | Apr 1, 2013
This year’s survey concludes more than a decade of highlighting the institutions that treat postdoctoral researchers as valued members of the scientific community.
Contributors
Contributors
Contributors
Meet some of the people featured in the April 2013 issue of The Scientist.
Editorial
Making Cancer More Transparent
Making Cancer More Transparent
A decade into the age of genomics, science is generating a flood of data that will help in the quest to eradicate the disease.
Speaking of Science
Speaking of Science
Speaking of Science
April 2013's selection of notable quotes
Notebook
Speed-Sensitive Denticles
Speed-Sensitive Denticles
Tooth-like structures on the skin of a South American fish might serve as high-velocity water-flow detectors.
An Ear for Home
An Ear for Home
Pigeons may use ultra-low-frequency sounds to navigate—a strategy that could steer them off course in the face of infrasonic disturbances, such as sonic booms.
Catching Criminals
Catching Criminals
A tactic designed to nab repeat offenders also pinpoints the source of infectious diseases and invasive species.
The Cancer-Test Kid
The Cancer-Test Kid
After a family friend died of pancreatic cancer, high school sophomore Jack Andraka invented a diagnostic strip that could detect the disease in its early stages.
Critic at Large
Cancer Clinical Trials of Tomorrow
Cancer Clinical Trials of Tomorrow
Advances in genomics and cancer biology will alter the design of human cancer studies.
Border Buffers
Border Buffers
Protected areas help to conserve imperiled tropical forests, but many are struggling to sustain their resident species.
Modus Operandi
Mimicking Mussels
Mimicking Mussels
Scientists develop a gel that mimics mollusc glue to coat the insides of blood vessels.
The Literature
Branching Out
Branching Out
Satellites of the Golgi apparatus generate the microtubules used to grow outer dendrite branches in Drosophila neurons.
Mighty Modifications
Mighty Modifications
Histone acetylation levels keep intracellular pH in check.
Smurf-y Old Age
Smurf-y Old Age
Flies turning blue help researchers link the deterioration of the intestinal barrier to age-related death.
Profile
Up, Up, and Array
Up, Up, and Array
By scrutinizing gene expression profiles instead of individual oncogenes, Todd Golub launched a powerful platform for diagnosing, classifying, and treating cancer.
Scientist to Watch
Sarkis Mazmanian: Microbe Machinist
Sarkis Mazmanian: Microbe Machinist
Professor, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology. Age: 40
Lab Tools
Pluripotent Until Needed
Pluripotent Until Needed
Microarrays help keep induced pluripotent stem cell lines in check, from start to finish.
Structure by Feel
Structure by Feel
Applying the sensitive touch of atomic force microscopy to DNA, cells, and proteins
Careers
Start It Up
Start It Up
Young researchers who left the academic path to transform their bright ideas into thriving companies discuss their experiences, and how you can launch your own business.
Reading Frames
The Roots of Violence
The Roots of Violence
Archaeology can shine needed light on the evolution of our aggressive tendencies.
Capsule Reviews
Capsule Reviews
Capsule Reviews
Leopold, The Drunken Botanist, Beautiful Whale, and Between Man and Beast
Foundations
"White-Blooded" Icefish, 1927
"White-Blooded" Icefish, 1927
A bizarre group of Antarctic fishes lost their red blood cells but survived to tell their evolutionary tale, revealing a fundamental lesson about the birth and death of genes.