This article reviews the infrastructure of software that has been developed under the SPINE initiative for high-throughput protein-structure analysis covering target selection and prototype LIMS for protein production through to structure annotation, with contributions to the management of a large-scale crystallization set-up and structure determination.

By studying nine crystallographically independent structures of M. viridifaciens sialidase, the relative flexibility of its three domains has been analysed. A detailed study is also presented of the recognition of galactose and lactose by the M. viridifaciens carbohydrate-binding module.

The surface chemistry of the wings of the Clanger cicada Psaltoda claripennis has been studied using two synchrotron infrared beamlines. A heterogeneous surface distribution of long-chain hydrocarbons has been observed, which can account for this insect wing's previously observed heterogeneous superhydrophobicity, and which will assist in further understanding the structure and function of similar insect wings.

The title compound features an intra­molecular hydrogen bond involving the acidic H atom bound to the cage C atom and an ortho-F atom of the hepta­fluoro­tolyl substituent.