Perspectives

Synthesis-planning algorithms equipped with accurate knowledge of reaction rules can nowadays rival designs of expert organic chemists. This Review discusses how computer-assisted synthesis is used to help design routes that are not only chemically correct but also green, sustainable or circular.

The interactions of nanoparticles with the body are dynamic and complex. This Perspective examines the application of different multi-omics tools to investigate nano–bio interactions in vitro and in vivo.

Human brain organoids can partly mimic features of the human brain. This Perspective discusses key ethical considerations in human brain organoid research and introduces an ethical framework of mindful innovation to conceptualize and guide ethical considerations of human brain organoid research.

University departments may benefit from guidelines not only to craft effective diversity, equity and inclusion plans, but also to measure progress towards achieving specific goals. This Perspective presents a framework for building, assessing and continuously improving strategic plans to improve recruitment and retention and make departments more inclusive.

The emerging field of genetically targeted chemical assembly (GTCA) uses cell-specific genetic information to instruct chemical synthesis in situ. This Perspective discusses recent progress in GTCA and outlines opportunities for expanding the GTCA toolbox and diversifying applications.

Synthetic living materials are dynamic and responsive, actively interact with and integrate into biological systems, and predictably evolve. This Perspective discusses the engineering of synthetic living materials and their applications in cancer biology.