The secreted protein Noggin1 antagonises the BMP family of TGFβ ligands and, as a consequence, plays a key role in many processes during embryogenesis. Here (p. 5345), Andrey Zaraisky and colleagues unexpectedly reveal that Noggin1 and its homologue Noggin2 also antagonise, albeit less effectively, the non-BMP TGFβ ligands ActivinB, Xnr2 and Xnr4 (Nodal homologues), and XWnt8 during early Xenopus embryogenesis. Inactivation of these ligands is essential for head induction, and the researchers show that both Noggin proteins can induce a secondary head, including a forebrain, if ectopically produced at high concentrations in Xenopus embryos. During normal development, they report, the Noggin1 concentration in the presumptive forebrain is only sufficient for its BMP-antagonizing function whereas the higher concentration of Noggin2 produced in the anterior margin of the neural plate protects the developing forebrain from inhibition by ActivinB and XWnt8 signalling. Thus, the researchers conclude, forebrain specification in Xenopus requires the inhibition of Activin/Nodal, BMP and Wnt signalling not only during gastrulation but also at post-gastrulation stages.