Method to Watch in 2008

After constructing a synthetic genome, the challenge is to prove its functionality.

Optical methods to image deep into thick samples make it increasingly possible to watch biological processes in vivo.

Quantitative mass spectrometry–based proteomics is now being applied on a large scale to address interesting biological questions.

The use of light for active cellular control rather than just passive observation continues to make headway.

Methods to reprogram somatic cells to pluripotency have improved and will improve further; more biological studies of these cells are forthcoming.

New methods addressing the challenges in membrane protein expression, solubilization and crystallization promise to yield many more atomic structures.

Automated imaging has the power to transform microscopy into a more quantitative technique with new capabilities.

Although microRNA target predictions are continually improving, high-throughput validation of direct interaction is still needed.

New methods using light to control cellular activity promise to illuminate hidden biology.

Needed: large scale experimental validation of predicted microRNA targets.

Differentiated cells can be reverted to an 'embryonic' state. But how embryonic are they really?

Needed: a network of databases to comprehensively link current knowledge in the biosciences.

As proteomic and structural biology methods mature, determining high-resolution structures of macromolecular assemblies comes within reach.

Fluorescence microscopy is being transformed by methods to improve its resolving power.

Top-down mass spectrometry offers the ability to sequence intact proteins—post-translational modifications and all—but is not yet a high-throughput method.

Examining cell biology at the single-molecule level is methodologically challenging but offers high rewards.