Reviews & Analysis

The results of in vitro and in vivo screens to identify genes that are essential for the survival of a type of brain cancer show almost no overlap, underlining the need for caution when interpreting in vitro studies. See Letter p355.

The protein tau forms abnormal filamentous aggregates called tangles in the brains of people with neurodegeneration. Structures of two such filaments offer pathways to a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's disease. See Article p.185

A polymer that incorporates liquid-crystal components generates continuous mechanical waves when lit by ultraviolet light, with potential applications for energy harvesting and self-cleaning surfaces. See Letter p.632

Small changes to molecular structures can transform how reactions occur, but studying reaction mechanisms directly is difficult. An imaging technique that provides direct insights into competing mechanisms might improve matters.

The growth factor MIDKINE, which is secreted by skin tumours called melanomas, stimulates the formation of lymphatic vessels at distant lymph nodes and organ sites, paving the way for metastatic cancer spread. See Letter p.676

Quantum objects that can hold more information than quantum bits have been generated and manipulated in an integrated photonic platform, paving the way for advanced protocols in quantum information processing. See Letter p.622

An analysis of 360 breast-cancer genomes has identified cancer-driving mutations in 9 non-coding DNA sequences called promoters, which regulate gene expression. The result hints at the prevalence of non-coding drivers. See Article p.55

A combination of leading-edge techniques has enabled interaction-induced magnetic motion to be observed for pairs of ultracold atoms — a breakthrough in the development of models of complex quantum behaviour. See Letter p.519

The extent to which aerosols affect climate is highly uncertain. Observations of clouds interacting with aerosols from a volcanic eruption suggest that the effect is much smaller than was once feared. See Article p.485

The binding of T-cell receptors to peptide molecules not normally present in the body can trigger an immune response. Predicting which peptide a T-cell receptor will bind to — a difficult feat — has now been achieved. See Letters p.89 & p.94

The protein HP1 mediates compaction of DNA into a repressive structure called heterochromatin. Analysis reveals that HP1 has liquid-like properties, offering a fresh perspective on genome organization. See Letters p.236 & p.241

Intestinal infection with rotavirus is a major cause of diarrhoea in infants, and can be fatal. The identification of immune sensor proteins that detect and restrict this viral infection now illuminates the body's defence system. See Letter p.667

Most human infectious diseases are initially transmitted from animals. An analysis of all known mammalian viruses improves our understanding of such cross-species spillover, with potential benefits for public health. See Letter p.646

High-mass stars often pair up to form binary systems. Observations reveal that the stars in such systems are born farther apart than was formerly thought, casting fresh light on an enduring debate about star formation.

A paper that analysed genetic variants in 14,000 people to identify disease-associated regions set the standard for collaborative genome-wide association studies and provided methodological advances whose effects are still felt today.

Rubber sheets that reversibly bind and release substrates have been made by copying a subtlety in the shape of octopus suckers. The findings reveal how macro-scale biological structures can influence function. See Letter p.396