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Small-molecule-based fluorescent probes can generally detect and image one type of protein via specific binding while cross-reactive sensor arrays can discriminate among multiple different proteins via pattern-based recognition. David Margulies and colleagues developed a pattern-generating fluorescent molecular probe that combines the properties of both. This probe can produce unique fluorescence fingerprints for specific protein groups, allowing it to identify various members of these groups in biofluids and living cells, where comparable macroscopic analytical devices cannot access. The cover image is an artist's impression of the way proteins can be identified within cells via pattern-based detection.
Publicly accessible databases are core resources for data-rich research, consolidating field-specific knowledge and highlighting best practices and challenges. Further effective growth of nanomaterial databases requires the concerted efforts of database stewards, researchers, funding agencies and publishers.
Lipid-motif-decorated DNA nanocapsules filled with photoresponsive polymers are capable of delivering signalling molecules into target organisms for biological perturbations at high spatiotemporal resolution.
Thermally activated escape underlies processes in chemistry, physics and biology. Experiments with levitated nanoparticles now confirm the underlying theory in the hitherto unmapped turnover regime.
Highly efficient interlayer e–h pair multiplication process in two-dimensional TMD heterostructures leads to strong enhancement of the optoelectronic responsivity.
Blocking band-edge absorption of compositionally graded quantum dots with suppressed Auger recombination by pre-existing electrons allows for demonstrating near-zero-threshold optical gain and amplified spontaneous emission at sub-single-exciton pump levels.
A molecule-sized ‘nose’ capable of producing unique fluorescence signatures for different proteins can detect combinations of biomarkers in biofluids, track several binding interactions simultaneously, and identify isoforms in living cells inaccessible to comparable macroscopic analytical devices.
Fast four-colour sequence readout from 20,000-bp-long DNA has been realized at sub-nanogram DNA input based on length-independent, voltage-induced DNA loading into waveguides equipped with nanopores in their floors.
For the first time, four different double-walled carbon nanotubes were sorted via aqueous gel permeation according to the electronic coupling between the inner and outer wall.
An icosahedral DNA nanocapsule with photoresponsive polymers that can deliver small molecules into model organisms with high spatial and temporal resolution.
A synthetic antibody fragment can disrupt the interaction of a GPCR regulatory protein β-arrestin with clathrin, and thereby inhibit induced internalization of GPCRs.