Since their initial discovery several decades ago, stem cells have faced intensive study due to their potential medical applications and fascinating biology. A question that has long interested scientists is how do stem cells continue to remain in an undifferentiated or 'uncommitted' state, unlike every other cell type in the body? Now, a new study from researchers at the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) sheds light on this unique problem.

Researchers have identified a new genus of bacteria that lives in the guts of the common redworm and is capable of degrading a potent neurotoxin that has been responsible for several food-poisoning outbreaks. The researchers have named the new isolate Pradoshia eiseniae, as a tribute to their mentor, the late Indian microbiologist Pradosh Roy.

Reading and writing science is an important component of scientific training. It prepares students for an academic career and adds to their soft skills. Writing literature review is a great way to practice the organisation of scientific ideas into an informative, rational piece. Peer review assessment of the piece leads to collective learning. In this article, we discuss how these skills can be introduced in an undergraduate classroom.