The identification of a cluster of essential genes on mouse chromosome 11 as well as similar clusters on the chromosomes of other organisms -- including humans -- buttresses the argument that there may be rules as to how genes are structured or laid out on chromosomes, according to recent research.

Research at Northwestern University has shown that a combination of nanotechnology and biology may enable damaged tissues and organs to heal themselves. In a dramatic demonstration of what nanotechnology might achieve in regenerative medicine, paralyzed lab mice with spinal cord injuries have regained the ability to use their hind legs six weeks after a simple injection of a purpose-designed nanomaterial.

Back in March, we posted a story about how some law-school students were blaming their lack of success in the job market on message-board postings that had been made about them. Of course, it wasn't at all clear if the messages themselves really played any part in the students' job hunts, and we noted at the time that if they did, it was probably a bit of an overreaction on the part of potential employers. Now, another law student has lost a job offer because of the site -- only this time, it's one of the site's employees. Even though the student was the site's "chief education director" and had no control over the message boards, a law firm that made him a job offer last August has withdrawn it, saying the site was against the "principles of collegiality and respect that members of the legal profession should observe in their dealings with other lawyers," and refused to change its mind even after the student resigned his post. Some see it as the guy getting what he deserved, but this still seems like little more than an overreaction on par with other firms basing their employment decisions on anonymous postings by third parties beyond job applicants' control.

Scientists are aiming to finding ways to use carbon dioxide to make fuels, plastics, and other products and materials that could triple the amount of this key greenhouse gas put to practical use, rather than released into the atmosphere or simply captured and buried underground, according to a recent article.