Ruth Lehmann

Correction to: Nature Reviews Genetics https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-024-00744-8, published online 18 June 2024. In the version of the article initially published, ref. 122 was outdated and has now been amended to Chen, R., Stainier, W., Dufourt, J., Lagha, M. & Lehmann, R. Direct observation of translational activation by a ribonucleoprotein granule. Nat. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-024-01452-5 (2024) in the HTML and PDF versions of the article.

Abstract Germ cells are the only cells in the body capable of giving rise to a new organism, and this totipotency hinges on their ability to assemble membraneless germ granules. These specialized RNA and protein complexes are hallmarks of germ cells throughout their life cycle: as embryonic germ granules in late oocytes and zygotes, Balbiani bodies in immature oocytes, and nuage in maturing gametes.

Intellectual freedom for scientists, unconstrained by commercial interests and direct application, fuels unexpected discoveries. Curiosity-driven, basic science has yielded a deeper understanding of how life forms develop and function in their environment and has had wide implications for health and our planet. Investing in this is vital for scientific progress and is worth protecting in a democracy.