To all intents and purposes, the delta2 receptor is an unequivocal member of the family of glutamate receptors, the most important receptors for excitatory neurotransmitters in our brain. To date, however, this receptor has been considered the "black sheep" of the family because it does not react to glutamate, which, by definition, a glutamate receptor ought to do. This riddle fascinated neuroscientists. To unlock the secret of this receptor, they "crossed" it with another glutamate receptor that functions normally.

Scientists have discovered two new proteins that are of importance to the survival of bacteria and their colonization of the human body. Besides enhancing our knowledge of the ability of bacteria to spread, the findings may also lead to more effective treatment of endocarditis and infections associated with implants.

A synthetic DNA binding compound has proved surprisingly effective at binding to the DNA of bacteria and killing all the bacteria it touched within two minutes.

Screening adults for diabetes could result in significant cost-savings for health-care systems compared to the costs of not screening individuals at all.

Researchers have found a new proxy to measure the impact of fossil fuel emissions on the global nitrogen cycle. The scientists use nitrogen isotopes found in a Greenland ice core to link nitrates to the rise in nitric oxides since the industrial period. The research also shows the greatest change in the isotope ratios occurred between 1950 and 1980, following a rapid increase in fossil fuel burning. Results are published in Science.

Researchers have found a new proxy to measure the impact of fossil fuel emissions on the global nitrogen cycle. The scientists use nitrogen isotopes found in a Greenland ice core to link nitrates to the rise in nitric oxides since the industrial period. The research also shows the greatest change in the isotope ratios occurred between 1950 and 1980, following a rapid increase in fossil fuel burning. Results are published in Science.