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

Andrew Robinson reviews five of the best science picks.

Henry Sila Nzioki has developed a weed-killing fungus to improve food security.

Conventional tests that look only at a small subset of genetic code often miss variations hiding outside the protein-coding genome.

Models estimate the ginormous potential impact of foreign-aid cuts.

Understanding the playbook that those in power use to twist numbers, and how they make others complicit, is only becoming more important in the post-truth world.

Somatic DNMT3A R882 codon mutations drive the most common form of clonal haematopoiesis (CH) and are associated with increased acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) risk1,2. Preventing expansion of DNMT3A-R882-mutant haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) may therefore avert progression to AML. To identify DNMT3A-R882-mutant-specific vulnerabilities, we conducted a genome-wide CRISPR screen on primary

replying to: J. J. S. Santos et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08821-6 (2025). replying to: P. Chopra et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08822-5 (2025).

Hear the biggest stories from the world of science | 16 April 2025

Plastic ice VII is an exotic phase with characteristics of both ice and water.

Metformin could reduce people’s risk of certain age-associated blood cancers, but more work is needed to identify who is likely to benefit.

Potential treatments need to be subject to the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Artificial circulatory system enables feat by delivering nutrients to growing tissue.

Correction to: Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08544-0 Published online 26 February 2025

Transplanting dopamine-releasing neurons into the brain is a promising regenerative therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Two clinical trials show that it is safe, but more evidence is needed to prove its effectiveness.

Induced pluripotent stem cells are being tested to treat blindness, paralysis, Parkinson’s disease and more. Approvals might be around the corner.

A pangenome of wild and domesticated rice reveals genes that could be used to improve cultivated plants.