Increased Web Traffic at the DNA and Cell Biology Online Journal

I am pleased to announce that the recent changes in the Journal have led to a strong increase in Web traffic. We have 12 percent more full-text downloads over last year, averaging close to 5,000 full-text downloads per month. Clearly you, our readers around the globe in more than 140 countries, have been interested in many of the fine articles we have published. For that, the Editors and the Publisher are grateful.

This issue features two articles that focus on two pathologies: neurodegeneration and pulmonary fibrosis. The interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria is critical for normal neuron function, but when dysregulated, results in neuronal loss and irreversible pathology. While everyone recognizes the contribution of mast cells to allergy (type I hypersensitivity), their contribution to lung fibrosis is just now being appreciated.

As this issue goes to press, the sequester threatens to substantially cut funding for biomedical research in the U.S. and other countries whose investigators are supported by U.S. Federal agency grants. This draconian decrease in current grants and the risk to future applications is chilling. We hope that the budget crisis can soon be addressed in a rational and thoughtful manner that will lead to long-term secure support for biomedical (and other) research.

Finally, I would like to note to our readers the first Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on “Infections of the Nervous System” will be held July 7–12, 2013, in Hong Kong. The link for the conference is www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2013&program=infectnerv Organized by Roberto Bruzzone (HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, Hong Kong) and Lisa Ng (A*STAR SIgN, Singapore), this promises to be a cutting-edge conference.