function calling

A new commentary argues that research into non-coding RNA has focused too heavily on cataloguing RNA sequences and attributing functions to them, and should instead study RNA molecules directly — their biochemistry, structures and mechanisms of action. The authors propose rebalancing the field's agenda toward the RNA itself, a call likely to spark debate among molecular biologists about how the next phase of RNA research should be prioritised.

A new open source office suite called ElixirOffice has arrived in beta, presenting itself as a Word clone aimed at users seeking a free alternative to Microsoft's word processor. The announcement, attributed to Pasquale Pillitteri, offers few details beyond the launch itself, with functionality, platform support and licensing specifics not yet clear.