July 2011

Eleanor Simpson, a neuroscientist at Columbia University Medical Center, discusses a recent Nature paper that probes dopamine's role in helping animals make positive associations to stimuli that herald pleasurable outcomes (such as the handing out of food).

Take a tour of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), whose ultra-powerful X-ray beam is being used to solve the structures of proteins that are notoriously hard to crystallize.

This animation illustrates optogenetics—a radical new technology for controlling brain activity with light. 

How cognitive prejudices can influence research decisions, and how the pitfalls of human nature can be avoided.

Why we love our jobs—there’s never a dull moment.

The optogenetic toolset is composed of genetically encoded molecules that, when targeted to specific neurons in the brain, enable the electrical activity of those neurons to be driven or silenced by light. 

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles secreted by most cell types. Internal vesicles form by the inward budding of cellular compartments known as multivesicular endosomes (MVE). 

Doing science sustainably

The story of the US government’s efforts to stamp out smallpox in the early 20th century offers insights into the science and practice of mass vaccination.

Solar, The Dark X, The Sky's Dark Labyrinth, Spiral

Editor’s Choice in Structural Biology

Editor’s Choice in Immunology

Editor’s choice in microbiology

I the dark Arctic shallows one research finds heterotrophic marine bacteria doing a surprising amount of carbon fixing.

Eleanor Simpson on how dopamine helps rats learn and may lead humans to addiction.

“This is my trophy,” says biologist Michael Edidin, walking across his office at Johns Hopkins University to pick up two oversized clock hands, once part of the stately clock tower that still stands on the Baltimore campus. 

When European explorers and fishermen began to frequent Canada’s shores in the 16th century, they brought with them a plethora of tools and trinkets, including knives, axes, kettles, and blankets. 

Studying the earliest events in visual development, Carla Shatz has learned the importance of looking at one’s data with open eyes—and an open mind.

July 2011's selection of notable quotes

A virtual lab—where all sorts of parameters are monitored and recorded—promises researchers a higher degree of reproducibility.

New strategies are needed to address the current and future shortages of radioisotopes that threaten medical research and treatment.

Member, Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington. Age: 38

The discovery of a new and mysterious form of radiation in the late 19th century led to a revolution in medical imaging.

Meet some of the finalists of this year's Best Places to Work in Academia survey. 

Meet some of the people featured in the July 2011 issue of The Scientist.

A powerful new X-ray–generating laser is imaging smaller crystals than ever before.