Nature Medicine 7, 673-679 (June 2001)

The small round blue cell tumors (SRBCT) of childhood can be difficult to diagnose using currently available molecular tools. In the June 2001 issue of Nature Medicine, Khan et al. apply artificial neural networks to gene expression profiles of SRBCT and are able to use their algorithms to correctly diagnose and classify blinded tumor samples with 100% accuracy. The cover illustrates the idea of a diagnostic 'chip' that merges cDNA microarray analysis (colored spots) with neural networks (circuit board) to create decision pathways (yellow lines). Cover art based on an image created by Darryl Leja.