(August 2003) Cells show an astounding awareness of the environments in which they find themselves, actually adapting their behavior to changing surroundings. The key to this ability is a constant sampling of the multitude of molecules found in their environments, many of which are signals that convey information to the cell [1]. To do communicate with their environment, they employ a large array of molecules that allow signals to be sent, received, deciphered and responded to. These molecules are generally referred to as “signaling molecules [2].” Categorization of these molecules on the most general level is based on whether they…
in which, with respect to our name, we are as confused as you are
By davidsecko
David Secko is a molecular biologist and a science writer, who is currently studying journalism at the University of British Columbia. He thinks Steven Wright was right when he asked: "ok, so what's the speed of dark?" His writing has appeared in The Scientist, The Tyee, Canadian Medical Association Journal, Science's Next Wave and UBC's Thunderbird Magazine.