Mercury News Photo

One nurse’s end-of-life choice was surprisingly simple — and liberating.

Integrated Manufacturing Group in Livermore, Calif. adds jobs here in the U.S. while expanding production in Asia to be close to its customers.

Cost of Dying series: At-home caregivers face challenges, sacrifice. Video by Dai Sugano

Wish Book: Music Therapy at Pacific Autism Center for Education. Kevin, a PACE student, sings during his music therapy session.

White Leaf, USA builds desktop computers right here in Silicon Valley.

Made in the Bay Area: Part Two, Altierre

Made in the Bay Area: Part One, Intuitive Surgical

Treating the chronically ill in hospitals is expensive and can be painful, but comprehensive in-home care is seen improving lives and easing the cost of dying.

2012 Bay Area Olympian profiles by the Mercury News photographers LiPo Ching and Jim Gensheimer.

Santa Clara County’s court-appointed personal and estate managers are handing out costly and questionable bills.

The Jellies Experience is a new 7,000 square- foot exhibit that incorporates technology, in touch screens, computerized simulations and interactive displays for a richer experience in learning about jellyfish.

Guitar genius Jason Becker continues to beat the odds living and composing with ALS for more than two decades. He is the subject of an inspiring new documentary by Jesse Vile, “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet”. Video by Karl Mondon.

Iraq War veteran known as Abel Gutierrez

Craftsmen create art you can ride.

Local law enforcement clean up illegal pot growing sites on public land in Los Gatos, Calif.

Up From the Ashes