Articles in 2010

As Roger Penrose publishes his collected works — six volumes comprising more than 5,000 pages — the mathematical physicist muses on 50 years of groundbreaking research in general relativity, quantum mechanics, cosmology, geometry and consciousness.

When knowledge is uncertain, experts should avoid pressures to simplify their advice. Render decision-makers accountable for decisions, says Andy Stirling.

Worlds within worlds.

The pioneers of nutrition research determined the energy content of food and also helped to overturn misconceptions about various diseases that plagued humankind.

Analysis of ancient nuclear DNA, recovered from 40,000-year-old remains in the Denisova Cave, Siberia, hints at the multifaceted interaction of human populations following their migration out of Africa. See Article p.1053

Some legitimate questions have been raised over the green credentials of wind turbines. Politics must not block research where it is needed.

Genetic studies of people conceived during famine reveals that prenatal malnutrition lingers long after the event.

A distant cousin raises questions about human origins.

Yvon Le Maho is moved by a powerful account of the demise of the Adélie penguin.

Nanowires are candidates for enabling the exchange of quantum information between light and matter. The rapid control of a single electron spin by solely electrical means brings this possibility closer. See Letter p.1084

Jane Lubchenco, Nature's Newsmaker of the Year, shows how scientists can help society.

Qatar's research machine is a work in progress, but its funding opportunities are already luring international scientists to its increasing number of institutions.

Health biomarkers, smart technology and social networks are hastening an era of nutrition tailored to your individual needs but relying on information generated by the crowd.

Divisions within US National Science Foundation throw plans for underground science facility into crisis.

Research on the contents of milk and how breast-feeding benefits a growing child is surprising scientists.

Certain things taste differently to different people. Why is this, and does this affect our choice of food?

Protein molecules in solution exist as an equilibrium of different conformations, but the sizes and shifts of these populations cannot be determined from static structures. A report now shows how they can be measured in solution.

Scientists must reach across the divide and speak up for campus colleagues in arts and humanities departments, says Gregory Petsko.

Protein factors can regulate gene expression by binding to specifically modified DNA-associated proteins. Small molecules that selectively interfere with such interaction may be of therapeutic value. See Article p.1067 & Letter p.1119

Linus Pauling's book on bonding brought quantum mechanics into practical chemistry, finds Philip Ball.