Mammalian copper biology: hitting the pause button in celebration of three pioneers and four decades of discovery

This themed issue of Metallomics showcases recent progress in mammalian and bacterial copper biology made possible by the seminal discoveries of three pioneers in our field who recently announced their retirements. Here, we pause to celebrate the many significant contributions of Professors Julian Mercer, James Camakaris and Joseph Prohaska over the last four decades, which have paved the way to our sophisticated yet evolving understanding of the impact this double edged (metal) sword on human health and disease.