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 abscisic acid-inducible genes during salinity and drought stress; medical device related infections; the effect of opiates on pregnancy and breastfeeding; using primate models to study vaginal HIV infection; the biosynthesis of ABA in fruits; patellar tendonitis in dancers; and metabolism and health.