Nature Reviews Microbiology takes a uniquely integrated approach to microbiology, bridging fundamental research on bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi and protozoan parasites with its clinical, industrial and environmental applications. All Reviews, Perspectives and Progress articles are commissioned from leaders in the field and undergo rigorous peer review, which results in authoritative, timely articles. Articles are carefully edited and the figures redrawn by professional art editors, creating highly readable, visually attractive articles that are accessible to specialists and non-specialists alike. In addition, each issue contains Research Highlights, providing critical summaries of significant recent research papers as well as a monthly update on the latest advances in microbial genomics - in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.