Making the paper: Andrew Fabian

Nature 454, xi (2008). doi:10.1038/7207xia

Giant galaxy's filamentous structure is held stable by magnetic fields.

Abstractions

Nature 454, xi (2008). doi:10.1038/7207xib

First authorEvolutionary biologists would like to map the origin and early diversification of animals. So far, researchers have targeted sponge and sea anemone genomes for clues. The seeming simplicity of a microscopic soft-bodied marine organism called Trichoplax adhaerens made it a top candidate

From the blogosphere

Nature 454, xi (2008). doi:10.1038/7207xic

Should there be affirmative action for women in science? Heather Buschman, a science writer for the Consortium for Functional Glycomics, poses that question at the Naturejobs careers advice forum (http://tinyurl.com/65x54m). “Wouldn't it do more harm than good,” she wonders, “to punish departments

Case not closed

Nature 454, 917 (2008). doi:10.1038/454917a

The FBI says it has evidence showing that Bruce Ivins was behind the 2001 anthrax attacks — but with his death, this will not be tested in court. A full enquiry into the case is needed if justice is to be done.

Scandalous behaviour

Nature 454, 917 (2008). doi:10.1038/454917b

Austria's most serious report of scientific misconduct in recent memory must be handled properly.