Biology Direct is an open access, peer reviewed journal devoted to the biochemistry, genetics, cell, molecular, and computational biology of organisms and cells. It deals with all aspects of life sciences that have relevant biological and medical implications. Biology Direct will also place an emphasis on translational and applied research and will provide a unified forum open to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It is committed to the rapid publication of high-quality original papers together with topical - usually solicited - review papers, meeting reports, discussion forums, editorial correspondence and occasional commentaries on controversial and scientifically informative issues. .