Cover photo by G. Arnell Williams

Features

FIELD NOTES—Decomposition

PLANT BIOLOGY—Plant evolution and global warming

GENETICS—Yeasty inquiries

STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY—Seeing proteins

STUDENT LIFE—Refugee to medical student

DONOR HONOR ROLL

Winter 2006–07

Cover story

THE STATE OF BIOFUELS

Research supported by the University of Minnesota’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment has helped the state position itself as a biofuels leader. But will Minnesota stay ahead of the curve?

In every issue

FROM THE DEAN

What are you driven to discover?

ABSTRACTS

Fungi study gives insights into evolution… ecologist wins Packard prize… plant diversity boosts bug diversity… a genetic cause for hyperactivity

CBS NEWS

Cedar Creek makeover… new Norwegian chair… $1 million for grad education… a fitting memorial

GIVING BACK

Making your contributions count

ALUMNI NEWS

Class Notes… Calendar

BACK PAGE

Fill your tank with prairie grass