Whither or wither geomicrobiology in the era of 'community metagenomics'

Molecular techniques are valuable tools that can improve our understanding of the structure of microbial communities. They provide the ability to probe for life in all niches of the biosphere, perhaps even supplanting the need to cultivate microorganisms or to conduct ecophysiological investigations. However, an overemphasis and strict dependence on such large information-driven endeavours as environmental metagenomics could overwhelm the field, to the detriment of microbial ecology. We now call for more balanced, hypothesis-driven research efforts that couple metagenomics with classic approaches.     

Whither systems biology

Cell biologists are interested in how complexity arises from the interaction of different molecules. However, cells are many orders of magnitude larger than the protein-binding interfaces. To bridge these vast difference in scales, biologists construct hierarchies of organization of cellular structures. I describe how systems biology provides an approach to bridge these different scales.     

Whither adaptation?

The two authors of this paper have diametrically opposed views of the prevalence and strength of adaptation in nature. Hendry believes that adaptation can be seen almost everywhere and that evidence for it is overwhelming and ubiquitous. Gonzalez believes that adaptation is uncommon and that evidence for it is ambiguous at best. Neither author is certifiable to the knowledge of the other, leaving each to wonder where the other has his head buried. Extensive argument has revealed that each author thinks his own view is amply supported by both theory and empirical evidence. Further reflection has revealed that the differences in opinion may start with the different disciplines in which we work: evolutionary ecology for Hendry and community ecology for Gonzalez. In the present paper, we each present devastating evidence supporting our own position and thus refuting that of the other. We then identify the critical differences that led to such opposing views. We close by combining our two perspectives into a common framework based on the adaptive landscape, and thereby suggest means by which to assess the prevalence and strength of adaptation.     

Whither malpractice litigation?

Existing tort reform has produced moderating effects on some states, particularly California. Continued escalation of claims frequency, however, and average paid-claim costs mean that other remedies will have to be sought if the professional liability problem is to be solved. Many sources, including the American Medical Association, have proffered radical changes, but most of these changes will cost more than physicians and hospitals can afford. Therefore, the availability of additional funds will determine the next stage of reform. In the meantime, physicians must become more expert in medical staff peer review if they expect to successfully affect future developments.     

Whither Ethnographic Film?

Cinematographic Theory and New Dimensions in Ethnographic Film . Paul Hockings and Yasuhiro Omori , eds.
Anthropological Filmmaking: Anthropological Perspectives on the Production of Film and Video for General Public Audiences . Jack R. Rollwagen , ed.
Disappearing World . Andre Singer and Leslie Woodhead.
Visual Explorations of the World: Selected Papers from the International Conference on Visual Communication . Martin Taureg and Jay Ruby , eds.     

The Chemotherapy of Protozoal Infections: Whither?1

An assessment is given of the present state of the art in chemotherapy of protozoal infections with suggestions as to improved results in the future, especially by rendering available drugs more effective. Selective targeting of chemotherapeutic agents through enhancement of lysosomotropic character has been demonstrated, particularly through the use of liposome-encapsulated drugs.