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Here the authors use sex-stratified genetic analyses in mice and humans to uncover hidden trait influences, revealing many undetected loci and cautioning against misleading genetic interactions from widespread effects.

This protocol describes the synthesis of two photoredox catalysts, [Ir{dF(CF₃)₂ppy}₂(bpy)]PF₆ and [Ru(bpy)₃](PF₆)₂, that are activated by visible light. These single-electron transfer agents are used to facilitate diverse synthetic transformations.

ETS transcription factor ERG has been implicated in numerous cancers, including leukemia. Here, the authors show that ERG interaction with the NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor complex is essential for its leukemogenic activity. Highlighting this interaction as a potential therapeutic target, HDAC3 inhibition led to reduced growth of ERG-dependent leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo.

Technologies for profiling biological environments with high spatiotemporal resolution are in demand to enable the discovery of new targets for addressing unmet clinical needs. Now, a deep red light-mediated photocatalytic strategy for the targeted activation of aryl azides has been developed. This platform enables mapping of protein microenvironments in physiologically relevant systems.

A recent international conference focused on Hsp90, a molecular chaperone that plays a critical role in a diverse array of cellular processes including the assembly and maturation of some important 'client' proteins, many of which are involved in signal transduction.

This protocol describes a bio-orthogonal method for dynamically altering the adhesiveness or stiffness of the synthetic extracellular matrix during three-dimensional culture in a spatiotemporal manner to induce phenotypic changes and to produce functional tissues.

Delivering genes to and across the brain vasculature efficiently and specifically across species remains challenging. Here, the authors show that endothelial-specific AAVs with serotype flexibility enable redosing and transform the brain vasculature into an in vivo biofactory in genetically diverse rodents. In primates, these vectors cross the blood-brain-barrier and show broad tropism.

Demonstration of high performance, upscaling and integration of ultra-lightweight perovskite solar cells are still rare. Hailegnaw et al. develop 2D perovskite solar cells based on methylbenzyl ammonium iodide with improved specific power and stability, showing scalability and integration in drones.

Environmental and genetic risk factors affect the distal airway epithelium in idiopatic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) but the role of the epithelium in IPF remains unclear. Here the authors show that pathologic activation of the ERBB-YAP axis induces dynamic and structural dysfunction in the distal airway epithelium eliciting a pro-fibrotic phenotype in mesenchymal cells.

Most high-loading silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries suffer from low efficiency and volumetric capacity. Here, the authors show that a paper-like electrode of silicon oxycarbide glass and graphene at mass loading of >2 mg cm⁻²can efficiently deliver high energy density for over 1,000 cycles.

Microbial natural products represent a large reservoir of potential pharmaceutical agents. Here, Johnston et al. describe a computer-automated programme for connecting genome sequences with identified and isolated natural products.

Exome sequencing and copy number analysis are used to define genomic aberrations in early sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; among the findings are mutations in genes involved in chromatin modification and DNA damage repair, and frequent and diverse somatic aberrations in genes known as embryonic regulators of axon guidance.

Current top-down and bottom-up syntheses of graphene nanostructures suffer from low yields or do not produce structures with different and controlled shapes. Here, monodisperse graphene shapes are produced by diamond-edge cutting of pyrolytic graphite followed by exfoliation.

Uncertainty associated with solution-based electron-transfer studies of DNA–metal-complex systems has now been overcome by combining X-ray and time-resolved infrared data obtained for ruthenium polypyridyl–DNA crystals. Using these methods both the geometry of the reaction site and the kinetics of the reversible photo-induced one-electron oxidation of guanine have been determined.

Small modifications to the organic linkers in metal–organic framework materials (MOFs) can profoundly change their properties. Now, selective in situ esterification of a carboxylic-acid-based linker leads to a MOF with two types of channel having different surface chemistries. Adsorption into these channels is independent and can be switched using thermal or chemical triggers.

An array-based method can identify synthetic hydrogels that outperform Matrigel in screening for vascular-disruptor compounds and in supporting the expansion and pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells.

Ernest Fraenkel and colleagues present ResponseNet, a method used to integrate analysis of genetic and transcriptional datasets, and its application characterizing yeast cellular responses to alpha-synuclein toxicity.

The Drosophila proteins Neuroligin (Nlg1) and Neurexin (Nrx-1) form a trans-synaptic complex that regulates synapse formation at the neuromuscular junction. Here the authors show that Syd-1, also known to regulate active zone formation, interacts with presynaptic Nrx-1, promoting synaptic clustering and immobilization of Nrx-1, and subsequent glutamate receptor incorporation.

Transplantation of pancreatic islet cells encapsulated in alginate microspheres into the omental bursa of the peritoneal cavity of NHPs significantly reduces FBRs and extends the longevity of the cells.

The Fischer–Tropsch reaction is one of the key means of producing synthetic fuels. Here a deposition method to disperse cobalt nanoparticles across an alpha alumina support is shown to produce a highly stable system capable of withstanding demanding conditions while providing excellent activity.

The biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as stephacidin A and its congeners continues to intrigue both biochemists and synthetic chemists. Now, a laboratory chemical synthesis of these natural products has been achieved based on a bioinspired synthetic strategy, which may provide key insights into the possible biosynthesis of these captivating molecules.

Despite net cropland expansion in recent decades, substantial areas of cropland have been abandoned for a variety of socioeconomic reasons. This study evaluates the effects of such cropland abandonment on bird and mammal species across four continents.

A phenotypic screen led to the identification of potent inhibitors of mouse BAK-driven apoptosis. The compounds interact with VDAC2 and stabilize its interaction with BAK, blocking apoptosis at an early stage to preserve long-term cell survival.

Using the MeerKAT radio telescope, the authors have discovered a neutron star with an ultra-long spin period of 76 s. Though it resides in the neutron star graveyard, it emits radio waves and challenges our understanding of neutron star evolution.

Nested sampling is an algorithm for computing Bayesian inference and high-dimensional integrals. This Primer introduces the nested sampling algorithm and variations, highlighting its use across various areas of physical science, from cosmology to particle physics.

Impact models projections are used in integrated assessments of climate change. Here the authors test systematically across many important systems, how well such impact models capture the impacts of extreme climate conditions.

EasyFuse detects gene fusions in cancer transcriptomes for personalized immunotherapy.

¹⁸F-labeled cysteine residues, synthesized via metal-free radiodeoxyfluorination, and ¹⁸F-labeled ruthenium-containing peptide sequences, via ruthenium-assisted radiodeoxyfluorination, can be used as tracers for positron emission tomography imaging.

Paul Boutros, Robert Bristow and colleagues report a molecular analysis of the spatial heterogeneity of clinically localized, multifocal prostate cancer. They find that multifocal tumors are highly heterogeneous, and they identify a novel recurrent amplification of MYCL1.

Numerous marine ecosystem models are used to project animal biomass over time but integrating them can be challenging. Here the authors develop a test for statistical significance in multi-model ensemble trends, and thus relate future biomass trends to current patterns of ecological and socioeconomic status.

Nemamides are hybrid polyketide–nonribosomal peptide natural products that were identified by metabolomics profiling in Caenorhabditis elegans and are involved in the organism's survival response to nutrient-deficient conditions.