The EMBO Reports

Palmer, Lucy; Vincent, Jean‐Paul; Beckett, Karen

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.222pmid: 22094272

Wnts are secreted through a dedicated exocytic pathway, which has been only partly characterized. Here, Palmer and colleagues comment on two recent reports by the groups of K. Basler and M. Boutros, respectively, in which they show that p24 proteins take part in this exocytic route and are required for Wnt exit from the ER to the Golgi.

Cannon, Danielle; Chubb, Jonathan R

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.217pmid: 22094274

Different studies using various techniques have estimated the elongation rate of RNA Pol II to range between 1 and 6 kb/min. Here, Cannon and Chubb comment on a report published online this month in which A. Marcello and colleagues show that Pol II speed is not only variable but can be as high as 100 kb/min.

Gingras, Anne‐Claude

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.225pmid: 22094273

The Europhosphatases meeting brought together 180 participants with a wide range of backgrounds and research interests to discuss the current status of research on phosphatases. This report highlights some of the transformative research presented at the meeting.

Leppek, Kathrin; Schott, Johanna; Stoecklin, Georg

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.224pmid: 22081139

At the EMBO Conference on ‘Protein Synthesis and Translational Control’ held in Heidelberg in September 2011, scientists shared their latest findings on the structure and function of the ribosome, mRNA‐specific regulation of translation and the numerous quality control mechanisms that ensure accurate protein synthesis.

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.216pmid: 22081138

Jocelyn Krebs, the lead author of the textbook Genes, talks to EMBO reports about textbooks in the digital age and educating biology students to become scientists.

Trewavas, Anthony J; Baluška, František

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.218pmid: 22094270

Our definitions of consciousness and intelligence are largely anthropocentric, potentially skewing research. In fact, consciousness in its many forms could well be ubiquitous, even down to the simplest of organisms.

Wolinsky, Howard

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.220pmid: 22094275

Looking back on the International Year of Biodiversity, some conservationists hope that it has raised awareness, if nothing else. Even so, many scientists remain pessimistic about our efforts to halt biodiversity decline.

Hunter, Philip

doi: 10.1038/embor.2011.219pmid: 22081143

Epigenetics research is racing ahead to address questions about short‐term adaptation to environmental changes. It might also open new therapeutic options for diseases such as cancer or diabetes.