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Ecologists have long pondered how so many species of plant can coexist locally in tropical forests. It seems that fungal pathogens have a central role, by disadvantaging species where they are locally common. See Letter p.85
The asteroid Ceres has been thought to contain abundant water. Observations acquired with the Herschel Space Observatory now show that this Solar System object is spewing water vapour from its surface. See Letter p.525
Mating competition between males often has harmful consequences for females. But it seems that fruit flies alter their behaviour among kin, with brothers being less aggressive and females reproducing for longer as a result. See Letterp.672
A combination of observational data and modelling reveals the potential significance of the north and tropical Atlantic Ocean in driving change in Antarctic winds and sea ice on decadal timescales and longer. See Letter p.538
Haematopoietic stem cells, from which blood cells originate, are shown to respond to oestrogen and divide more frequently in female mice than in males, probably preparing females for the increased demand for blood in pregnancy. See Letter p.555
The discovery that most CD4+ T cells killed during HIV infection die through a process known as pyroptosis may provide long-sought explanations for HIV-associated T-cell depletion and inflammation. See Article p.509
Stars of spectral type 'Be' are often found with neutron stars or other evolved analogues, but a black-hole companion has never been spotted before. Optical emission from a black hole's surroundings has given it away. See Letter p.378
A thin engineered surface has been developed that can protect sensitive electronic systems from strong signal interference, allowing them to communicate effectively with external antennas.
A data-set compilation suggests that measurements of river erosion into rock depend on the observation timescale, casting doubt on whether terraces and other incised landforms faithfully record changes in climate and tectonics. See Letter p.391
In-air measurements of northern bald ibises flying in a V formation show that the birds conform to predictions for saving energy by regulating their relative body position and synchronizing their flapping motion. See Letter p.399
