Synaptic plasticity underlies learning by modifying specific synaptic inputs to reshape neural activity and behavior. However, the rules governing which synapses will undergo different forms of plasticity in vivo during learning and whether these rules are uniform within individual neurons remain unclear. Using in vivo longitudinal imaging with single-synapse resolution in the mouse motor cortex during

The extracellular space (apoplast) in plants is a key battleground during microbial infections. To avoid recognition, the bacterial model phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 produces glycosyrin. Glycosyrin inhibits the plant-secreted β-galactosidase BGAL1, which would otherwise initiate the release of immunogenic peptides from bacterial flagellin. Here, we report the structure, biosynthesis

If you were to ask a random passerby to describe what a robot is made of and how it is powered, they would likely tell you that a robot is made of metal and requires electricity to operate. Experts, however, would likely say that robotic control systems consist of electronic boards connected to a variety of sensors—from light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors to cameras to electronic skins—and

Although C 60 is usually the electron transport layer (ETL) in inverted perovskite solar cells, its molecular nature of C 60 leads to weak interfaces that lead to non-ideal interfacial electronic and mechanical degradation. Here, we synthesized an ionic salt from C 60 , 4-(1',5′-dihydro-1'-methyl-2' H -[5,6] fullereno-C 60 - I h -[1,9-c]pyrrol-2'-yl) phenylmethanaminium chloride (CPMAC), and used it

Ancient Mars had surface liquid water and a dense carbon dioxide (CO 2 )–rich atmosphere. Such an atmosphere would interact with crustal rocks, potentially leaving a mineralogical record of its presence. We analyzed the composition of an 89-meter stratigraphic section of Gale crater, Mars, using data collected by the Curiosity rover. An iron carbonate mineral, siderite, occurs in abundances of 4.8

The establishment and growth of scientific communities require long-term planning, political backing, and social and economic support. In many Latin American countries, these entities have been repeatedly shaken by monetary catastrophes, political attacks, and the lack of national and regional developmental strategies that include science and technology. Such volatility has taken its toll on the region’s

Differentiating between similar alkyl groups is a major challenge in asymmetric catalysis. Achieving enantiocontrol over unactivated prochiral alkyl radicals is even more difficult owing to their high reactivity and limited interactions with chiral catalysts. In this study, we report a copper-catalyzed asymmetric amination of unactivated prochiral secondary alkyl radicals, using specifically designed

Toxic metal pollution is ubiquitous in soils, yet its worldwide distribution is unknown. We analyzed a global database of soil pollution by arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead at 796,084 sampling points from 1493 regional studies and used machine learning techniques to map areas with exceedance of agricultural and human health thresholds. We reveal a previously unrecognized

The MYC oncogene promoter G-quadruplex (MycG4) regulates transcription and is a prevalent G4 locus in immortal cells. Nucleolin, a major MycG4-binding protein, exhibits greater affinity for MycG4 than for nucleolin recognition element (NRE) RNA. Nucleolin’s four RNA binding domains (RBDs) are essential for high-affinity MycG4 binding. We present the 2.6-angstrom crystal structure of the nucleolin-MycG4

Structural elements are widespread across genomes, but their complexity and role in repeatedly driving local adaptation remain unclear. In this work, we use phased genome assemblies to show that adaptive divergence in cryptic color pattern in a stick insect is repeatedly underlain by structural variation, but not a simple chromosomal inversion. We found that color pattern in populations of stick insects

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSBs) are promising for electric vehicles because of their potential to provide high energy density and enhanced safety. However, these batteries face short-circuit challenges caused by uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth during cycling. Using operando scanning electron microscopy and phase-field simulations, we determined that failure of SSBs is closely linked

Gene expression and complex phenotypes are determined by the activity of cis-regulatory elements. However, an understanding of how extant genetic variants affect cis regulation remains limited. Here, we investigated the consequences of cis-regulatory diversity using single-cell genomics of more than 0.7 million nuclei across 172 Zea mays (maize) inbreds. Our analyses pinpointed cis-regulatory elements

Strongly coupled electron-hole bilayers can host quantum states of interlayer excitons, such as high-temperature exciton condensates at zero magnetic field. This state is predicted to feature perfect Coulomb drag, where a current in one layer is accompanied by an equal but opposite current in the other. We used an optical technique to probe the electrical transport of correlated electron-hole bilayers

Excitonic insulators (EIs) are a solid-state prototype for bosonic phases of matter that can support charge-neutral exciton currents. However, demonstration of exciton transport in EIs is difficult. In this work, we show that the strong interlayer excitonic correlation at equal electron and hole densities in MoSe 2 /WSe 2 double layers separated by a 2-nanometer barrier yields perfect Coulomb drag

The synthesis of polarized N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) based on an imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine scaffold is presented. In contrast to regular NHOs the unique bicyclic heterocyclic core allows the incorporation of various substituents in close proximity to the highly polarized exocyclic C–C bond. The donor properties of the new carbon-based ligand class were quantified and the coordination chemistry explored

DNA four-way junctions (4WJs) play an important biological role in DNA repair and recombination, and viral regulation, and are attractive therapeutic targets. Compounds that recognise the junction structure are rare; in this work, we describe cationic metallo-supramolecular M2L4 cages as a new type of 4WJ binder with nanomolar affinities. A combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and biophysical

: Exploring the synergy of feedback behavior and molecular communication between micro- and nanocompartments is of great implication for the development of advanced hierarchical living-like materials. Non-covalent interactions are the driving forces for dynamic and temporal events in biomimetic structures. Herein, pH-responsive hierarchical multicompartments (HMC) are constructed via hydrophobic-hydrophobic

Enantioselective reduction of hydrazones provides a convergent and versatile route to synthesize hydrazine-containing motifs that are commonly found in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However current methods require the use of precious metals, costly chiral ligands and/or forcing reaction conditions. Here, we report the development of a biocatalytic approach for enantioselective hydrazone reduction

Auto-tandem catalysis (ATC) leverages the multiple roles of the catalyst, facilitating the direct synthesis of complex molecules from simple starting materials in a highly efficient and step-economical manner. However, in conventional ATC, employing a single catalyst imposes significant limitations on the variety of catalyzed reactions. Herein, we present a novel catalysis strategy termed "orthogonal

External tuning of enamine intermediate has significantly expanded reaction space of typical aminocatalysis. Notwithstanding the progress of chemo- and photo-oxidation of enamine intermediate, electro-oxidation was left as a much less explored area, in stark contrast to the prosperous renaissance of electrochemistry in recent years. Challenges mainly come from the reactivity barrier as a consequence

Silicon-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells offer significant advantages for solar-to-clean fuel conversion but face challenges such as surface recombination and poor stability, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of device failure mechanisms and effective mitigation strategies. Using nickel decorated n-type silicon (n-Si/Ni) as a model photoelectrode, we demonstrate that surface restructuring

The thionation induced intersystem crossing (ISC) in perylenebisimide (PBI) derivatives was studied. The triplet state lifetimes of the thionated PBIs are substantially shortened (0.12 μs − 0.78 μs) as compared to the unsubstituted PBI (ca. 130 μs). Moreover, there is a clear trend of shortening of the triplet excited state lifetimes and the degree of thionation of the carbonyl groups in PBI. These

We report a novel bimetallic approach utilizing cooperative Fe-Al reactivity for N2 activation on the Cp*Fe(1,2-Cy2PC6H4AlEt) platform, effectively capturing two N2 molecules through intermolecular Fe-N≡N-Al coordination. Characterizations of the N2-bridged Fe-Al dimer (2) using Mössbauer spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations reveals its electronic structure as a resonance hybrid

Aqueous-phase molecular recognition pairs with ultrahigh binding affinity hold immense value in biotechnology and chemical applications. However, the rational design of synthetic pairs with such exceptional binding strength has long remained a significant challenge, with notable progress achieved only in recent years. In this Minireview, we begin by defining the term “ultrahigh-affinity” through a

Electrolytes are an essential part of rechargeable batteries such as lithium batteries. However, electrolyte innovation is facing grand challenges due to the complicated solution chemistry and infinite molecular space (>1060 for small molecules). This work reported an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, namely Uni-Electrolyte, for designing advanced electrolyte molecules, which mainly includes three

The biosynthesis of bioorthogonal chemical handles for precise protein labeling remains a significant challenge. In this issue of Chem, Thomas Huber and colleagues report the successful biosynthesis of nitrile-containing amino acids and their site-specific incorporation into proteins, enabling efficient protein conjugation and fluorogenic labeling.

In Science, Ma and co-workers report a zero-CO2-emission reaction strategy involving the thermal catalytic ethanol reforming over a 3Pt3Ir/α-MoC catalyst to realize an unprecedented hydrogen production rate of 331.3 mmol H2 gcat−1 h−1 with 84.5% selectivity for value-added acetic acid at a low temperature of 270°C. This breakthrough could become a milestone in sustainable energy technologies and beyond