This continuing series gathers and presents original research results on the leading edge of medicine and biology. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial topical data across a broad spectrum. Topics discussed include the role of thyroid hormones on hypothalamus development and function; new therapies for hepatitis c virus infection; defence responses to abiotic stress in plants and mammalian skin cells; dysphagia in the elderly; mastectomy procedures and risks, pathology and management of bone tumours.