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In the process of exploring the formation of primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors to both sperm and ova, RIKEN researchers have uncovered findings which could have a profound effect on fertility research and help scientists to better understand the earliest stages of reproductive development.

Read more of the article entitled 'How it all begins'

A team of RIKEN researchers has synthesized a key fragment of the natural product called physalin B, which shows both antitumor and anti-inflammatory activity. The work will make an important contribution towards the goal of synthesizing the whole compound, which has eluded chemists since its discovery in 1969.

Read more of the article entitled 'Natural products: Cage closed'

A chance observation leads to potential insights into the basis for cell damage associated with disorders like Alzheimer’s disease

Read more of the article entitled 'Of fibers and filaments'

Three papers in Nature this week provide new insights into genetic variation and schizophrenia risk. Using combined data from three large cohorts, the papers jointly reveal significant associations to individual loci that implicate immunity, cognition and brain development.

Read more of the article entitled 'Genetic variants associated with schizophrenia'

Summaries of newsworthy papers include Heart progenitors yield diverse cell types, Cells remember where they came from, Plant power, ‘Ethical’ stem cells under the spotlight, How cells get a LIF to pluripotency, A single-molecule optical transistor and A black hole not too big and not too small

Read more of the article entitled '‘Ethical’ stem cells under the spotlight'