This detects the activity of genes by measuring the presence of the molecular messengers they send into the cell to do their bidding.

ECONOMIST: Brain development may be influenced by genetic parasites

More recently studies using DNA chips have found that vitamin D can raise or lower the activity of at least 1, 000 genes, says McGill University molecular biologist John White.

FORBES: D Is for Debate

The Orion Molecular Cloud Complex is one of the best and nearest regions in space to study this activity.

BBC: Science correspondent, BBC News