Full-genome sequences of multiple yeast species offer exciting possibilities for the functional analysis of yeast evolution and speciation. Lee et al. (2008) now report that hybrid sterility between two yeast species is caused by incompatibility between a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial regulatory protein and its mitochondrial-encoded target gene.

We speculate about possible cosmic exploration by extraterrestrial civilizations using interstellar smart probes. We call attention to some emerging technologies that may be used for interstellar exploration. We estimate that advanced civilizations may already have these technologies and may be using them to contact their galactic neighbors. We explore some observational consequences of these c...

thought-based and wisdom-centered actions have always made different civilizations and cultures closer together. these actions need continuous and stable trends. remaining fixed in a changing world inflicts severe damages on the society and culture. in this regard, the dialogue among civilizations can open many new ways which were non-existent or hardly achievable in the past. meanwhile, the di...

In This Issue In This Issue Clash of the titin he sarcomere is more than a complicated piece of structural machinery. According to new results by McElhinny et al. (page 125), a building block of striated muscle cells called MURF-1 may also indirectly regulate gene expression. MURF-1 localizes to sarcomeres thanks to its interaction with titin, a major structural component of the muscle sarcomer...