Mixed-effects logistic regression modelling of a dataset of individual reproductive behaviours shows fitness pay-offs of cooperative versus mixed cooperative and parasitic reproductive strategies are approximately equal in female greater anis (Crotophaga major).

A subtype of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma characterized by disrupted cholesterol homeostasis and associated with a poor prognosis responds to treatment with the SOAT1 inhibitor avasimibe in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model.

A mechanism for creating patterns of iridescent structural colour by total internal reflection of light beams along a concave optical interface leading to interference is described, for complex microscopic systems and for systems as simple as condensed water drops.

Genetic engineering of yeast enables the production of cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogues from the simple sugar galactose, without the need to cultivate Cannabis.

Exogenous pyruvate is needed for breast cancer cells to form metastases, and the inhibition of pyruvate metabolism impairs collagen hydroxylation and the growth of lung metastases in different mouse models.

A single logical qubit is encoded, manipulated and read out using a superposition of displaced squeezed states of the harmonic motion of a trapped calcium ion.

An algorithm based on symmetry indicators is used to search a crystallographic database and finds thousands of candidate topological materials, which could be exploited in next-generation electronic devices.

The integration of liver and plasma quantitative lipidomic and proteomic data from 107 distinct mouse strains provides important insights into regulators of mammalian lipid metabolism.

A global biodiversity crash 251.9 million years ago has revealed how ecosystems respond to extreme perturbation. The finding that terrestrial ecosystems were less affected than marine ones is unexpected.

Quantum computers require controlled encoding to protect computations from environmental noise. Two experiments have achieved such encoding using what are known as infinite-dimensional quantum systems.

Bone elongation requires the maintenance of a growth plate of cartilage. Two studies have now identified stem cells specific to this structure that give rise to both cartilage cells and bone-marrow stem cells.

Iridescent colours have been observed to be reflected from specially designed droplets of colourless liquids, with the reflected colour depending on the viewing angle. The finding reveals a curious mechanism for creating coloration.

Insecticides that kill mosquitoes have helped to fight malaria, but insecticide resistance is rising. Treating mosquitoes with drugs that target the disease-causing parasite offers another way of tackling malaria.

A study of a cuckoo species that usually shows cooperative nesting behaviour, but sometimes cheats at parenthood by laying eggs in others’ nests, reveals the benefits that have shaped the evolution of this parasitic tactic.

One in two female respondents to a national poll has been sexually harassed at work.

eLife’s prototype lets scientists modify the software underlying figures to validate, build on, or better understand the work.

The agency has faced sharp criticism over its handling of harassment allegations.

Other sensitive topics in 2018 include a vaccine scandal and a physician jailed for criticizing traditional Chinese medicine.

University of California and Dutch publisher fail to strike deal that would allow researchers to publish under open-access terms.

They say the Aus$3.5-billion package will not help the country meet its Paris emissions targets.