Various aberrant protein forms are the subject of intense research. It is not easy to probe their structures, but studies that have done so provide telling information about their biological properties.

Plant roots release potent molecules that activate symbiotic fungi and initiate a harmonious relationship. It turns out that the same compounds are detected by parasitic weeds for less benign purposes.

Smoldering beneath many latent tumors is a chronic inflammation that goads pre-malignant cells into becoming full-blown cancer. The spark that kindles these flames comes from an unexpected source.