The Enigmatic Membrane
Despite years of research, the longstanding mystery of where the autophagosome gets its double lipid bilayers is not much clearer.
By Muriel Mari, Sharon A. Tooze, and Fulvio Reggiori
February 2012
Table of Contents
Cover Story
Features
Casting a Wide Eye
By Cristina LuiggiScientists study a variety of large-scale biological phenomena from the vantage point of space.
The War Within
By Ole H. Petersen, Oleg V. Gerasimenko, and Julia V. GerasimenkoUnraveling the molecular causes of acute pancreatitis—a potentially deadly disease in which the pancreas essentially digests itself—is yielding clues to how it might be treated.
Departments
Editorial
On the Menu
By Mary Beth AberlinDigestion on the cellular level: two mysteries examined
Notebook
Science Afield
By Jef AkstPortable wet-lab kits allow even soldiers stationed in war zones to earn college science credits.
Genghis Jon
By Cristina LuiggiBy helping Mongolians cultivate an understanding of their native insect fauna, scientists hope to protect the country’s unique yet fragile ecosystems.
Reading Tea Leaves
By Jef AkstCyclic peptides, discovered in an African tea used to speed labor and delivery, may hold potential as drug-stabilizing scaffolds, antibiotics, and anticancer drugs.
Sweet and Sour Science
By Ruth WilliamsJapanese researchers unravel the mystery of miracle fruit.
Speaking of Science
Speaking of Science
February 2012′s selection of notable quotes
Thought Experiment
Ready for Prime Time
By Dennis J. Selkoe and John C. MorrisBiomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease are ready for widespread use in clinical trials.
Critic At Large
Never Say Never
By H. Steven WileyNovel observations can sometimes be correct for unexpected reasons.
Learning by Doing
By Sarah L. SimmonsHaving freshmen perform research doesn’t just improve undergraduate learning, it convinces more students to become science majors.
The Literature
Forced Feeding
By Edyta ZielinskaEditor’s choice in drug development
Immune Heat
By Edyta ZielinskaEditor’s choice in immunology
Give Me a Hug
By Tia GhoseEditor’s choice in cell biology
Reading Frames
Killing with Kindness
By Barbara Oakley, Guruprasad Madhavan, Ariel Knafo, and David Sloan WilsonStudying the evolution of altruistic behaviors reveals how knee-jerk good intentions can backfire.
Scientist to Watch
Rommie Amaro: Protein Explorer
By Tia GhoseAssistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California, San Diego. Age: 34
Modus Operandi
Switching the Bait
By Edyta ZielinskaTurning a standard technique into an unbiased screen for diagnostic biomarkers
Lab Tools
Little Squirts
By Amy MaxmenA road map to liquid-handling solutions on the market
Careers
Female Frontrunners
By Jef AkstHow to successfully surmount the challenges women face in becoming biotech industry leaders
Capsule Reviews
Capsule Reviews
By Bob GrantNeurogastronomy, Why Calories Count, The Kitchen as Laboratory, Fear of Food
Foundations
Botanical Blueprints, circa 1843
By Cristina LuiggiAnna Atkins, pioneering female photographer, revolutionized scientific illustration using a newly invented photographic technique.
Contributors
Contributors
Meet some of the people featured in the February 2012 issue of The Scientist.
