The Journal of Theoretical Biology is the leading forum for theoretical papers that give insight into biological processes. It covers a very wide range of topics and is of interest to biologists in many areas of research. Many of the papers make use of mathematics, and an effort is made to make the papers intelligible to biologists as a whole. Experimental material bearing on theory is acceptable. Comment on theoretical issues or on papers published in the journal is welcomed in the form of Letters to the Editors. The Journal of Theoretical Biology now operates receiving offices in San Diego and London ensuring faster publication times for papers.