Modern networks are rarely independent, instead being coupled together with many others. Thus the failure of a small fraction of nodes in one network may lead to the complete fragmentation of a system of several interdependent networks. Here, a framework is developed for understanding the robustness of interacting networks subject to such 'cascading' failures. Surprisingly, a broader degree distribution increases the vulnerability of interdependent networks to random failure

The genome of the black truffle - one of the most popular truffles on the market - has been sequenced. This is the first genome of a symbiotic ascomycete to be analysed. Comparison with the genome of another ectomycorrhizal symbiotic fungus indicates that a genetic predisposition to symbiosis evolved differently in ascomycetes and basidiomycetes. The study also offers insight into fungal sex and fruiting

Hereditary hypotrichosis simplex is a rare form of hereditary hair loss in humans, where the hair follicle is miniaturized. Now, the gene involved has been identified, using genetic linkage analysis in three affected families. The gene, APCDD1, is expressed in human hair follicles. It encodes a previously unknown membrane-bound glycoprotein that inhibits signalling through the Wnt protein and functions upstream of ?-catenin