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Advances in multi-neuron recordings and optogenetic manipulation have resulted in an interrogation of the function of specific cortical cell types in auditory cortex during sound processing. Here, the authors review this literature and discuss the merits of integrating computational approaches from dynamic network science.
Ice crystal growth is a major problem in cell and tissue cryopreservation for transplantation, transfusion, icing of aircraft wings and many other applications. Here the authors review the emerging field of synthetic macromolecular mimics of antifreeze proteins that can be used overcome such problems.
Transposable elements can be activated during germ cell maturation, potentially leading to genome instability and rewiring of the genetic circuitry. In this review, the authors discuss how the piRNA machinery suppresses these elements to ensure accurate spermatogenesis.
In situ TEM is a powerful tool that helps to understand energy storage behaviors of various materials. This review summarizes the critical discoveries, enabled by in situTEM, in rechargeable ion batteries, and foresees its bright future for extensive applications.
Proper functioning of the neocortex – the center of higher-order brain functions – depends on the correct assembly of neocortical neural circuits during development. Here the author discusses how cell-intrinsic developmental programs and activity-dependent signals together shape the formation of neocortical circuits.
Nanoscale magnetic devices play a key role in modern technologies but current applications involve only 2D structures like magnetic discs. Here the authors review recent progress in the fabrication and understanding of 3D magnetic nanostructures, enabling more diverse functionalities.
A better understanding of the earliest stages of human cancer formation can enable future improvements in early detection, diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the authors summarize the methods enablingde novotumorigenesis protocols to be applied to human cells and the insights derived from them to date, as well as the exciting and relevant technical developments anticipated to extend even further the utility of these strategies.
The conversion of thioesters to amides via acyl transfer has become one of the most important synthetic techniques for the chemical synthesis and modification of proteins. This review discusses this S-to-N acyl transfer process, and highlights some of the key applications across chemistry and biology.
The brain controls peripheral glucose metabolism, for example by modulating hepatic gluconeogenesis or by regulating glucose uptake into brown adipose tissue. Here, the authors review the brain regions, neurons and molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, and discuss their relevance to disease.
The continued search of high-performance semiconductors for organic electronics calls for smart molecular designs. Here, Yinget al. review the recent development of synthesizing regioregular narrow bandgap conjugated polymers and the effect of regioregularity on transistor and photovoltaic performance.
Vascular endothelium possesses remarkable plasticity in response to cues from its surroundings, leading to great heterogeneity of endothelial cells in different vascular beds. Here the authors explain the molecular basis of endothelial plasticity during embryogenesis and in various diseases.
The Human Proteome Project aims to catalogue the ∼20,000 proteins encoded by the human genome. In this review, Bakeret al. focus on the missing proteins, proteins that lack high stringency proteomic evidence, and launch MissingProteinPedia, a database aimed at accelerating the search for missing proteins.