Chemists usually kick-start reactions with heat, light or electricity, but a far less common option is to use mechanical stress. It now seems that stress not only triggers reactions, but can also direct their course.

Fragile chemical groups can be shielded from harsh reaction conditions by temporary protection. This approach is conventional wisdom for organic synthesis, but is it always the best solution?

Experiments with microorganisms can guide thinking about the big questions being tackled by evolutionary biologists — for instance, how predation and immigration might play a role in adaptive radiation.