Rochester, NY, USA. Early findings indicate that scientists have discovered an entirely new way to change the genetic code by overriding an errant form of genetic signaling.

For the first time, researchers artificially modified messenger RNA, and in doing so changed the original instructions for creating the protein. The end result: A different protein than originally called for.

East Lansing, MI, USA. The United States should establish higher standards for math teachers it can break a “vicious cycle” of mediocrity, says William Schmidt, an education scholar at Michigan State University (MSU).

Pupils in countries such as Russia and Taiwan continue to outpace American students in mathematics. Schmidt recommends adopting more rigorous, demanding and internationally benchmarked teacher-preparation standards for math teachers.