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...

The immune environment in the gut is maintained by the constant exchange of information between immune cells, epithelial cells, and the gut microbiota. However, when these channels of communication break down the consequences can be dire—chronic inflammation, infection, or diminished nutrient absorption. This Immunology Select explores the response of intestinal epithelial cells to pathogens an...

This issue's Microbiology Select describes recent insights into the mechanisms and consequences of viral infections, including a functional genomics screen that reports an array of previously unknown host factors required for HIV-1 infection of cultured human cells. New work also defines host factors that restrain the release of HIV-1 from cells and reveals how a class of antimicrobial peptides...

introduction: although logbook is a useful tool in learning and assessment of the student, its use in the education of undergraduate dentistry students is not well-established. the present study was conducted to assess the effect of logbook as a study guide and an effective method for assessment of the students in the fixed prosthesis course. methods: this quasi-experimental study was performed...

RNAs are versatile molecules capable of an array of functions. In addition to their role as information-carrying intermediaries in gene expression, they act as key catalytic, structural, and regulatory elements in the cell. As highlighted in this issue's Select, recent studies on RNA show how these molecules collaborate with proteins in essential biological processes such as pre-mRNA splicing, ...