Articles in 2011

Two systems allow precise optogenetic stimulation of specific neurons in freely behaving nematodes.

In-depth mass spectrometric analysis reveals how cells survive stress by coordinating various enzymes that modify RNAs involved in protein synthesis.

Combining rule-based descriptions of biochemical reactions with agent-based computer simulation opens new avenues for exploring complex cellular processes.

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is used to directly visualize lipids in cells and model organisms, and facilitates screening for genes involved in fat storage.

RNA-based regulatory systems control the behavior of cells in response to endogenous proteins.

Two approaches using either fosmid clones or a microfluidic device are used to tackle the challenge of a haplotype-resolved human genome.

For the development, application and dissemination of high-impact methods, interdisciplinary collaboration between experts is vital.

Practical microsystems are used to monitor flies and worms.

The focus of metabolomic studies is shifting from cataloging chemical structures to finding biological stories.

In recent years, single-molecule force spectroscopy techniques have been used to study how inter- and intramolecular interactions control the assembly and functional state of biomolecular machinery in vitro. Here we discuss the problems and challenges that need to be addressed to bring these technologies into living cells and to learn how cellular machinery is controlled in vivo.

Microscope control software allowed automatic machine learning-based detection of rare events in living cells and unattended operation of complex imaging assays. Performance was demonstrated by detailed analysis of processes during transient mitotic stages.

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a quantitative, label-free imaging method to map fat distribution and accumulation with high spatial resolution and sensitivity at both cellular and organism levels.

An optogenetic illumination system based on the use of a digital micromirror device and video tracking software is reported, which allows real-time light delivery with high spatial resolution to specified targets in freely moving Caenorhabditis elegans. Also in this issue, Stirman et al. report a similar illumination system using a liquid crystal display projector. Both methods allow optogenetic perturbation of a variety of neural circuits in the behaving worm.

Tagging the endogenous beta-actin locus with an MS2-binding cassette allows live-cell imaging of mRNA in real time.

An optogenetic illumination system based on the use of a liquid crystal display projector and video tracking software is reported, which allows real-time multispectral light delivery with high spatial resolution to specified targets in freely moving Caenorhabditis elegans. Also in this issue, Leifer et al. report a similar illumination system using a digital micromirror device. Both methods allow optogenetic perturbation of a variety of neural circuits in the behaving worm.

In vivo calcium imaging at multiple depths simultaneously is shown using multifocal two-photon microscopy and spatiotemporal multiplexing. This technique involves scanning the sample with multiple beams in parallel at different axial planes and is applied to monitor neuronal network activity in multiple cortical layers of an anesthetized mouse.