Volume 38 Number 11 2009

The cover picture uses the thermally-induced biomimetic synthesis of endiandric acids to convey the idea of cascade reactions that are often referred to as domino processes and are sometimes compared to fireworks. (Burning blue flame: ©iStockphoto.com/hohl).

Volume 38 Number 10 2009

GFP is found in the photo-organs of the jellyfish Aequorea victoria; its fluorescence is due to the chromophore, which is embedded in a robust proton wire that regulates its protonation state.

Volume 38 Number 9 2009

This schematic shows a number of ion channels in a cell membrane: one of many strategies a cell adopts to maintain the flux of nutrient, waste and signalling molecules that it requires in order to survive.

Volume 38 Number 8 2009

Recent advances in the application of microfluidics for the generation of microgels from synthetic and biological polymers.

Volume 38 Number 7 2009

2D-IR spectroscopy provides new perspectives on the structure, dynamics and function of biological molecules. Protein structure generated using ProteinShop software.

Volume 38 Number 6 2009

A trefoil knot covered with images reflecting the scientific achievements of Jean-Pierre Sauvage. The background shows an image of the side of Strasbourg Cathedral.

Volume 38 Number 5 2009

This cover depicts a collection of metal-organic framework images supplied by the authors featured in this themed issue.

Volume 38 Number 4 2009

An artist's view of the reductive elimination enforced by the ligand's bite angle. The cover was created by Marta Guerrero.

Volume 38 Number 3 2009

Abstract representation of the helical nanofiber assembly of an organic semiconductor molecule.

Volume 38 Number 2 2009

The cover shows a portion of a synthetic vesicle used in membrane anion transport studies and the crystal structure of the HCl complex of a membrane transport agent.

Volume 38 Number 1 2009

Photosynthesis inspires us to imagine technology that would convert solar energy to fuel at a rate commensurate with human needs.