A new study presents a quantitative biophysical model of microtubule aster growth with autocatalytic microtubule nucleation. The model accounts for asters that grow indefinitely, even when their microtubules are unstable.

The year 2000 is poised to be declared the ‘Year of the Genome’. The sequences of human chromosomes 21 and 22 have been published in the past six months, and two further landmark announcements are expected within days — indeed, may even have been made by the time you read this. Scientists of the Human Genome Project are on the verge of announcing completion of a “rough draft” of the human genom...

Clinicians, policy makers, and patients need to be able to rely on high-quality scientific research to make informed decisions about health care options and policy. Frustration ensues on all levels when there is low confidence in the quality and integrity of available research on spine care. When research quality is low and reporting of it is poor, clinicians and patients may have confusion reg...