Reviews & Analysis

The discovery of an inner giant planet in the unusually massive solar system around the star HR 8799 creates an ensemble of planets that is difficult to explain with prevailing theories of planet formation. See Letter p.1080

Quantum entanglement has been observed at low temperatures in both microscopic and macroscopic systems. It now seems that the effect can also occur at high temperatures if the systems are not in thermal equilibrium.

The Lassa virus nucleoprotein coats the viral genome to make a template for RNA synthesis. A study shows that it also binds the 'cap' structure of cellular messenger RNAs and directs immune evasion using a novel mechanism. See Article p.779

Blood cells are generated from haematopoietic stem cells on demand. The protein Lkb1, which lies at the crossroad of energy metabolism and cell growth, seems to regulate these stem cells' dynamics. See Articles p.653, p.659 & Letter p.701

Alphaviruses infect their host by binding to cellular receptors and fusing with cell membranes. New studies define the receptor-binding protein of these viruses and its regulation of the membrane-fusion reaction. See Letters p.705 & p.709

The lack of absorption features in the transmission spectrum of exoplanet GJ 1214b rules out a hydrogen-rich atmosphere for the planet. It is consistent with an atmosphere rich in water vapour or abundant in clouds. See Letter p.669

Labelling molecules by fast oxidation allows mass spectrometry to study protein folding at submillisecond time resolution. The method also brings a wealth of structural information about protein folding within reach.

Resistance of tumour cells to chemotherapy can severely affect the efficacy of this anticancer treatment. The non-tumour cells of the organ in which the tumour resides may aid the emergence of such resistance.

The transition by certain nematode worms to plant parasitism, and possibly more generally to herbivory, is illuminated by an investigation into how nematodes acquired the protein weapons to penetrate the plant cell wall.

As in humans, the actions and reactions of male and female fruitflies during courtship are quite distinct. The differences seem to lie in gender-specific neural interpretations of the same sensory signals. See Letter p.686

Extensive mapping of local electronic structure in copper oxide superconductors reveals fluctuating stripe-like electron patterns that appear as a high-temperature precursor to superconductivity. See Letter p.677

A simple peptide that assembles into desirable nanoscale structures is a striking example of how the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. What's more, the assembly process is controllably reversible.

Bose–Einstein condensation, which demonstrates the wave nature of material particles, now offers further illumination of wave–particle duality: it has been observed in light itself. See Letter p.545

A type of sugar transporter has been discovered that exports glucose from cells. In plants, these transporters are targeted by disease-causing microbes that divert sugar production for their own use. See Article p.527

Accurate cell division depends on proper attachment of chromosomes to the microtubule-based division apparatus. An impressive in vitro study shows how applied force plays a pivotal part in regulating such attachment. See Letter p.576

A neat way of measuring the geometry of the Universe offers a new test of the standard cosmological model. It probes, among other things, the elusive dark energy thought to be driving the Universe's expansion. See Letter p.539

It is hoped that reactivating the tumour-suppressor protein p53 will help to combat cancer. However, fresh evidence suggests it is unlikely that all cells in a tumour will respond to such treatment. See Letters p.567 & p.572

The timing of the dispersal of our species from Africa is a continuing and lively topic of debate. Evidence that modern humans existed in China more than 100,000 years ago is both equivocal and thought-provoking.