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In heterogeneous colloidal systems, composition, shape, structure and physical properties result from the trade-off between thermodynamic and kinetic effects during nucleation and growth. Here, the authors demonstrate that kinetic and thermodynamic effects can be disentangled by careful selection of a colloidal systems and controlling phase separation in microfluidic devices
Single atom catalysts not only maximize the atomic efficiency of noble metal but also introduce unconventional geometric and electronic structures. Here, the authors demonstrate the decoration of iridium single atoms on silicon photoanodes to boost the photogenerated charge carrier kinetics.
STING is an intracellular sensor of pathogen- or host-derived DNA. In this study, the authors identify an ESCRT complex that regulates STING degradation, thus acting as a homeostatic regulator of STING signalling and type-I interferon responses.
Bone maintenance in health and disease depends on bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Whitlock et al. demonstrate that an RNA chaperon -La protein- lives a second life as a key regulator of osteoclast size and function, suggesting a new therapeutic target.
Hyperbolic lattices emulate particle dynamics equivalent to those in negatively curved space, with connections to general relativity. Here, the authors use electric circuits with a novel complex-phase circuit element to simulate hyperbolic graphene with negligible boundary contributions.
Every area of science can contribute to the changes that are required for a sustainable future through the application of its fundamental discoveries. While some fields have clear paths to application, Nature Communications believes that there is great potential for utility and application to be found in, and across, all of the different disciplines that we publish.
Recent studies have reported the growth of 2D non-centrosymmetric single crystals on substrates with surface steps, but the mechanisms are still unclear. Here, the authors demonstrate a method to grow unidirectionally aligned transition metal dichalcogenide grains on various types of substrates, showing the importance of the simultaneous formation of grain nuclei and substrate steps.
Introducing unknown compound classes is the key to extent the chemical space qualitatively. Here the authors report on a concept to design heterocyclic compound classes rationally and the synthesis of unknown classes of N-heterocyclic compounds
Most NIR radiation absorbers used in multi jet fusion 3D printing have an intrinsic dark color which prevents printing parts with variable colors. Here, the authors design an activating fusing agent containing a strong NIR absorbing dye that turns colorless after harvesting irradiation energy during the 3D printing process and provide a bright colored part when working with other color agents.
Animals precisely control the morphology and assembly of guanine crystals to produce diverse optical phenomena but little is known about how organisms regulate crystallization to produce optically useful morphologies. Here, the authors demonstrate that pre-assembled, fibrillar sheets in developing scallop eyes template nucleation and direct the growth and orientation of plate-like guanine crystals showing a striking resemblance to melanosome morphogenesis.
Physical distancing measures introduced to control the spread of COVID-19 had socio-economic trade-offs that may have particularly impacted vulnerable population groups. Here, the authors perform a scoping review and summarise the impacts on different vulnerable groups described in 265 studies.
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging type of crystalline and porous photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. Here, the authors report a β-ketoamine COF by systematically engineering N-sites, architecture, and morphology for improved water splitting activity.
The Planckian metal is a special case of a strange metal, in which the linear-in-temperature scattering rate reaches a universal limit. Here the authors study this state in a heavy-fermion superconductor in magnetic field and propose a microscopic mechanical based on quantum criticality of the Kondo hybridization.
Morphogenetic shape changes are regulated by mechanical properties of interacting tissues, but other factors remain less studied. By exploring how homeotic genes regulate morphogenesis, Villedieu et al. uncover how the interplay between genetic patterning and initial tissue geometry drives morphogenesis during development.
Glycerol flux across the plasma membrane is critical to metabolism and linked to disease. Here, authors present the cryo-EM structure of the glycerol channel AQP7 composed of two adhering tetramers and displaying well-defined densities in the central pore.
The paper presents a method that allows scaling machine learning interatomic potentials to extremely large systems, while at the same time retaining the remarkable accuracy and learning efficiency of deep equivariant models. This is obtained with an E(3)- equivariant neural network architecture that combines the high accuracy of equivariant neural networks with the scalability of local methods.
Sustainable recycle of spent Li ion batteries is an effective strategy to alleviate environmental concerns and support resource conservation. Here, authors report the direct regeneration of LiFePO4 cathode using multifunctional organic lithium salts, leading to high environmental and economic benefits.
Covalent organic frameworks are more and more used in the design of stimuli responsive materials. Here, the authors expand the application range of COFs by demonstrating a sweat induced colour change for detection of fingerprints using a sweat responsive COF.