Motivated by the problem of storing coloured de Bruijn graphs, we show how, if we can already support fast select queries on one string, then we can store a little extra information and support fairly fast select queries on a similar string.

The formation of new neurons (neurogenesis) results from the complex interplay of many variables: cell proliferation, migration, cell fate choice, and survival. Recent papers identify factors involved in each of these aspects of neurogenesis and indicate how these variables may be integrated during development and adulthood. This recent work includes the report of a kinase that controls cell di...

GWAS: ‘‘G-whiz!’’ or ‘‘GWAShed-up’’? Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) link single-nucleotide variations in the human genome to a complex trait. Over the past 4 years, these ground-breaking studies have identified almost 1000 alleles increasing an individual’s risk for developing common diseases, such as cancer and obesity. However, these variants often explain only a small portion of the...

Neuroimaging, the topic of this Neurobiology Select, continues to advance our understanding of brain function at both the molecular and systems levels. Recent reports include the use of two-photon microscopy to study crosstalk between neighboring dendritic spines, the differences in activity between cortical layers, and the effects of presynaptic glutamate release on neuromuscular junction deve...

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a serious threat to human health. A recent study by D’Costa et al. reveals that multidrug-resistant microbes are far more prevalent than previously imagined. This group examined soil microbes for antibiotic resistance. First, they isolated sporeforming bacteria from different environments and then selected the actinomycetes (confirmed by sequencing 16S ribosoma...

The interactions between virus proteins and host cells are intricate and impact diverse processes. Recent papers explored in this issue's Microbiology Select reveal unexpected mechanisms by which viruses interact with host cells to facilitate infection, promote replication of their genomes, and foster horizontal gene transfer. The Tat (transactivator of transcription) protein of the human immun...

Understanding how neural circuits in the brain respond to external cues resulting in behavioral changes is an important aspect of neuroscience research. A valuable model in this endeavor is the neural circuitry governing courtship behavior in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. New work provides detailed insights into how factors such as sex pheromones direct the intricate courtship behavior...