Cover Story
Fat's Immune Sentinels
Justin Odegaard and Ajay Chawla | Dec 1, 2012
Certain immune cells keep adipose tissue in check by helping to define normal and abnormal physiological states.
Features
Metabolism and the Brain
Danielle S. Cha, Oksana Kaidanovich-Beilin, Roger S. McIntyre | Dec 1, 2012
Evidence for the role of insulin in mediating normal and abnormal brain function may lead
to new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
to new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Top 10 Innovations 2012
The Scientist Staff | Dec 1, 2012
The Scientist’s 5th installment of its annual competition attracted submissions from across the life science spectrum. Here are the best and brightest products of the year.
Contributors
Contributors
Contributors
Meet some of the people featured in the December 2012 issue of The Scientist.
Editorial
In the Long Run
In the Long Run
Can emulating our early human ancestors make us healthier?
Speaking of Science
Speaking of Science
Speaking of Science
December 2012's selection of notable quotes
Notebook
Polly Wanna Genome?
Polly Wanna Genome?
Puerto Rican businesses and residents come together to support the genomic sequencing of the island’s only native parrot species, hoping to help protect the endangered bird.
Deleted Forever
Deleted Forever
By tapping local knowledge among African pastoralists and veterinarians, researchers successfully eradicated a deadly livestock virus—and are looking to replicate their success to halt other epidemics.
Genomics 101
Genomics 101
Undergraduate students delve into genomics and synthetic biology thanks to a new breed of technologically advanced courses.
Searching for Snails
Searching for Snails
A graduate student rediscovers a snail species officially declared extinct in 2000.
Critic at Large
Genomic Inequality
Genomic Inequality
To successfully use a patient’s genetic makeup in a clinical setting, we must better understand the incredible diversity of human genomes.
The Value of Your Genome
The Value of Your Genome
Genome sequencing: it’s not for everyone
Modus Operandi
Microchannel Masterpiece
Microchannel Masterpiece
A precision microfluidic system enables single-cell analysis of growth and division.
The Literature
How Plants Feel
How Plants Feel
A hormone called jasmonate mediates plants' responses to touch and can boost defenses against pests.
The Plastic Genome
The Plastic Genome
The poxvirus stockpiles genes when it needs to adapt.
Waking Cancer Cells
Waking Cancer Cells
A protein called Coco rouses dormant breast cancer cells in the lung.
Profile
An Epi Phenomenon
An Epi Phenomenon
While exploring the genetics of a rare type of tumor, Stephen Baylin discovered an epigenetic modification that occurs in most every cancer—a finding he’s helping bring to the clinic.
Scientist to Watch
Neil Bence: Manipulating Degradation
Neil Bence: Manipulating Degradation
Senior Scientist, Millennium Pharmaceuticals: The Takeda Oncology Company Age: 39
Lab Tools
Hit Parade
Hit Parade
Cell-based assays are popular for high-throughput screens, where they strike a balance between ease of use and similarity to the human body that researchers aim to treat.
High on High Content
High on High Content
A guide to some new and improved high-content screening systems
Careers
Lab 2.0
Lab 2.0
Apps and software for improving lab productivity
Reading Frames
Playing the Field
Playing the Field
The role of field biologists is changing as conservation biology evolves and ecological challenges mount.
Capsule Reviews
Capsule Reviews
Capsule Reviews
Unusual Creatures, Extinct Boids, The Mating Lives of Birds and A World in One Cubic Foot
Foundations
The Look of Emotion, circa 1868
The Look of Emotion, circa 1868
Researchers at Cambridge recreate an experiment first performed by Charles Darwin to understand how humans interpret facial expressions.