Search

Koala retroviruses are models of transposable element colonization of germlines. By mapping their integration sites in koala pedigrees, this study provides genetic risk scoring for breeding decisions and documents rates of acquisition and loss of retroviral integrations across generations.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants resistant to neutralizing antibodies poses a constant threat. Here, the authors identify a camelid antibody targeting ACE2 which broadly inhibits infection and provides antiviral protective effects in vivo after nasal inoculation.

The variability in clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection is partly due to deficiencies in production or response to type I interferons (IFN). Here, the authors describe a FIP200-dependent lysosomal degradation pathway, independent of canonical autophagy and type I IFN, that restricts SARS-CoV-2 replication, offering insights into critical COVID-19 pneumonia mechanisms.

Tunable polarization control and a two-colour X-ray pump–X-ray probe operating mode are demonstrated at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS).

Less than a month after the sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was first announced, a number of articles in Nature and Cell examine its immune evasion characteristics.

The bacteriophage lambda and its hostEscherichia coli provide a model system to study cell-fate decisions. Here, Trinh et al. develop a four-colour fluorescence system at the single-cell/single-virus/single-viral-DNA level and find phages cooperate during lysogenization and compete during lysis.

An analysis of 24,202 critical cases of COVID-19 identifies potentially druggable targets in inflammatory signalling (JAK1), monocyte–macrophage activation and endothelial permeability (PDE4A), immunometabolism (SLC2A5 and AK5), and host factors required for viral entry and replication (TMPRSS2 and RAB2A).

An isolate of the Omicron variant of SARS-COV-2 was completely or partially resistant to neutralization by all nine clinically approved monoclonal antibodies tested.

This Perspective discusses how the field of behavioural ecology has contributed to fundamental science and tackling global challenges, ranging from understanding how natural selection leads to adaptation to optimizing the biocontrol of pest species.

Kodali, Proietti et al. report that increased numbers of P-bodies in leukaemia cells account for sequestration and prevention of tumour-suppressive mRNAs from being translated, which could be targeted as a potential intervention in myeloid leukaemia.

Protein-energy wasting (PEW), manifested by low serum levels of albumin and weight loss, is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is a strong predictor of mortality. The authors of this Review discuss the evidence indicating that dietary interventions and nutritional support can mitigate PEW and improve outcomes in patients with CKD. They also describe how in-center meals and oral supplements during dialysis may improve survival and quality of life in this group of patients.

Genome-wide association studies have uncovered several loci associated with diabetes risk. Here, the authors reanalyse public type 2 diabetes GWAS data to fine map 50 known loci and identify seven new ones, including one near ATGR2 on the X-chromosome that doubles the risk of diabetes in men.

Here the authors report results from a randomized clinical trial testing a combination of ChAOx1/MVA.HTI vaccines and the TLR7 agonist vesatolimod in men living with HIV-1. While the treatment showed a good safety profile and induction of HTI-focused T-cell responses, viral rebound was similar in treatment arm and placebo arm.

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant partially evades neutralization by several monoclonal antibodies and by sera from individuals who have had COVID-19, but two doses of anti-COVID-19 vaccines still generate a strong neutralizing response.

Whole-genome sequencing, transcriptome-wide association and fine-mapping analyses in over 7,000 individuals with critical COVID-19 are used to identify 16 independent variants that are associated with severe illness in COVID-19.

The humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is not yet fully understood. Here, Marot et al. monitor the longitudinal profile and neutralizing activity of IgG, IgA, and IgM among 26 healthcare workers and provide evidence for a short-lasting humoral immune protection due to a decrease of neutralizing antibody titers within 3 months.

Many chemical reactions rely on the preference of copper for positive oxidation states. In this work, the authors report that the reaction of an N-heterocyclic carbene ligated copper alkoxide with a dimeric magnesium(I) compound results in a stable compound with a Cu-Mg bond which acts as a nucleophilic source copper in the formal oxidation state of Cu(-I).

Rheumatoid arthritis patients respond differently to anti-TNF treatment. Using community-based challenge, the authors show that currently available data does not reveal meaningful genetic predictors of response to anti-TNF therapy, thus confirming clinical observations.

The first operation of the European X-ray free-electron laser facility accelerator based on superconducting technology is reported. The maximum electron energy is 17.5 GeV. A laser average power of 6 W is achieved at a photon energy of 9.3 keV.

Actinides generally form ionic compounds, however, when electron-rich ligands with large hyperpolarizabilities are used, partially covalent bonds can also form. Now a rare californium borate is shown to exhibit significant differences from other f-elements in its structure and bonding. Quantum mechanical calculations support Cf and ligand orbital interactions, also indicating partial covalent bonding.

Selective functionalization of light hydrocarbons is a challenging but desirable transformation. Now a family of Fe(II)-based metal–organic frameworks has been shown to convert ethane into ethanol and acetaldehyde using N₂O. Electronic structure calculations indicate that the active Fe oxidant in the MOF is a high-spin S = 2 iron(II)–oxo species.

The assembly of the genome of the koala provides insights into its adaptive biology and identifies gene expansions that contribute to its ability to detoxify eucalyptus-derived compounds and perceive plant secondary metabolites.

A cooperative insertion mechanism for CO₂ adsorption is shown to generate highly efficient adsorbents for carbon capture applications.

Attosecond time–energy characterization of pulses generated by the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray free-electron laser is enabled by angular streaking measurements.

A randomized clinical trial reveals that the antidiabetic effects of metformin are at least partially due to beneficial changes in the microbiota.

Analysis of 2,170 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Spain provides insights into transmission patterns and the effects of lockdown on the emergence of new variants.

Analysis of the spread of the 20E (EU1) variant of SARS-CoV-2 through Europe suggests that international travel and insufficient containment, rather than increased transmissibility, led to a resurgence of infections.

The main physiologic function of albumin is to maintain colloid osmotic pressure. The recognition of many other physiologic functions, however, means that the clinical application of albumin has expanded. This Review discusses the physiologic actions of albumin, the clinical settings in which albumin has been used in patients with cirrhosis, and the potential benefits and pitfalls associated with the use of albumin.

Protein–energy wasting (PEW) is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients on dialysis. Improving the poor nutritional status of patients with PEW on peritoneal dialysis is difficult owing to the multifactorial and complicated pathogenesis of PEW. This Review summarizes the nutritional issues regarding the causes, assessment and treatment of PEW, with a focus on patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.