Perspective and outside front cover
Andreas Kirschning and colleagues at the University of Hannover discuss recent examples of mutational biosynthesis, including innovative examples of precursor directed biosynthesis.

 

Perspective 
Alexander Cobb at the University of Reading describes recent developments in the synthesis and application of modified nucleic acids.

 

Emerging Area
The detection of narcotics and explosives is crucial in the fight against terrorism. Adam McCluskey and colleagues at the University of Newcastle, Australia, highlight some potential ways to apply molecular imprinting technology to forensic testing.