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A representation of the individual quantum trajectories that connect two points in quantum state space. Classical systems are unmoved when a measurement is performed. Not so quantum systems, where continuous monitoring can direct the quantum state along a random path. Steve Weber et al. have tracked the quantum trajectories in a qubit, consisting of two aluminum paddles connected by a tunable Josephson junction deposited on silicon. The authors manage to determine which of the possible paths between an initial and a final quantum state is the most probable and show that these optimal paths are in agreement with the route predicted by theory, a quantum relative of the principle of least action that defines the correct path linking two points in space and time in classical mechanics. As well as giving insights into the interplay between measurement dynamics and evolution of a system, this work opens up new possibilities for first-principles synthesis of control sequences for complex quantum systems and in information processing. (Cover: Kater Murch)
Tackling pollution and using different grades of water for different tasks is more efficient than making all water potable, say Tao Tao and Kunlun Xin.
A broader pool of expertise is needed to understand how human behaviour affects energy demand and the uptake of technologies, says Benjamin K. Sovacool.
Some 34 million years ago, there was a rapid growth of ice on Antarctica. A modelling study indicates that the ultimate cause of this glaciation was a decrease in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. See Letter p.574
A study in monkeys finds that treatment with the protein interferon protects against simian immunodeficiency virus, but that prolonged interferon administration exacerbates the chronic stage of the infection. See Letter p.601
Continuous tracking of the random trajectories of a superconducting quantum system as it evolves between two selected initial and final states has allowed researchers to determine the most probable path of the system. See Letter p.570
Two analyses of human eggs, sperm and early-stage embryos reveal a pronounced loss of DNA methylation — a molecular modification that affects gene transcription — after fertilization. See Letters p.606 & p.611
Two studies provide evidence that the protein complex PTEX is needed for export of malaria-parasite proteins into the cytoplasm of infected cells, and that such export is essential for parasite survival. See Letters p.587 & p.592
An integrated transcriptome, genome, methylome and proteome analysis of over 200 lung adenocarcinomas reveals high rates of somatic mutations, 18 statistically significantly mutated genes including RIT1 and MGA, splicing changes, and alterations in MAPK and PI(3)K pathway activity.
An X-ray structure is presented for metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, a class C G-protein-coupled glutamate receptor linked to fragile X syndrome and neurological disorders; this study provides insights into the protein’s mechanism of action.
Measurements of the velocities of pairs of diametrically opposed satellite galaxies of host galaxies in the local Universe show that satellite pairs out to a distance of 150 kiloparsecs from their hosts are anti-correlated in their velocities and that galaxies in the larger-scale environment are strongly clumped along the axis joining the inner satellite pair.
Observations show that one or both of the protoplanetary disks in the young binary system HK Tauri are significantly inclined to the binary orbital plane, demonstrating that the necessary conditions exist for the misalignment-driven mechanisms thought to produce the unusual orbits of some extrasolar planets.
Reconstruction of the quantum trajectories of a superconducting circuit that evolves under the competing influences of continuous weak measurement and Rabi drive makes it possible to deduce the most probable path through quantum state space.
A climate model is used to show that the growth of the Antarctic ice sheet at about 34 Myr ago drove changes in ocean circulation, but the opening of ocean gateways had relatively little impact.
A new bombardment model of the early Earth, calibrated with existing lunar and terrestrial data, shows that the Earth’s surface would have been widely reprocessed by impacts through mixing and burial by impact-generated melt; the model may also explain the age distribution of ancient zircons and the absence of early terrestrial rocks.
Large annual variation in the stimulation of above-ground biomass by elevated carbon dioxide in a mixed C3/C4 temperate grassland can be predicted accurately using seasonal rainfall totals.
This paper demonstrates that a protein complex known as PTEX translocates all malaria parasite proteins destined for export into the cytosol of their host red blood cell.
Plasmodium parasites, the causative agent of malaria, infect and remodel red blood cells by exporting hundreds of proteins into the red blood cell cytosol, a topological conundrum given that the parasite resides in a compartment known as the parasitophorous vacuole; here a dihydrofolate-reductase-based destabilization domain approach is used to inactivate HSP101, part of the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins, and to demonstrate that it is required for the secretion of all classes of exported Plasmodium proteins.
Base-resolution maps of DNA methylation in human gametes and early embryos offer novel insights into human methylation dynamics and the functional relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression.
Genome-scale DNA methylation maps over early human embryogenesis and embryonic stem cell derivation provide insights into shared and unique modes of regulation when compared to the mouse model, including relationships to gene expression, transposable element activity, and maternal-specific methylation.
Here, a covalent inhibitor targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) demonstrates in vitro and in vivo efficacy against T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by downregulating oncogenic transcriptional programs.