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Quantification of carbon monoxide (CO) in postmortem human brain tissues after CO poisoning

GluK2 kainate receptor subunit-selective, potentiating RNA aptamer

Abstract Kainate receptors are a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Potent and selective modulatory agents of kainate receptors are potential drug candidates for treatment of various neurological diseases involving receptor dysregulation. Here, we report an RNA aptamer that selectively potentiates GluK2, a key kainate receptor subunit. The potentiating aptamer, termed U9, is designed by changing the sequence of the predecessor RNA, which is an inhibitor without subunit selectivity, leading to the change of function: U9 selectively potentiates GluK2 with an EC50 of ~ 210 nM. Our study demonstrates a potential utility of combining molecular docking with functional assay for a template-based discovery of potent, single-subunit selective RNA aptamers.

Liquid-crystal specs refocus with the push of a button

How cognitive biases affect winning probability perception in beach volleyball experts

Abstract In professional beach volleyball, the belief in “never give up” is deeply ingrained, but its strategic implications remain underexplored. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining sport psychology and sport informatics, to assess the perception of set-winning probabilities (SWPs) in beach volleyball, as this is a crucial factor for strategic in-game decisions and improved performance. We examined cognitive biases and adaptive strategies influencing SWP estimations in scenarios of substantial trailing or leading. Forty-three members of the German beach volleyball national team estimated SWPs for 60 scores, responded to questions on game tactics, and completed questionnaires measuring optimism, pessimism, confirmation bias, and the sunk cost fallacy. Empirical SWPs were calculated from a dataset of 6,571 matches. Results revealed that participants significantly overestimated SWPs when trailing and underestimated them when leading. Optimism and confirmation bias significantly shaped these estimations. Notably, confirmation bias had a dual role: in trailing scenarios, it amplified overestimation, causing players to underestimate their disadvantage, while in leading scenarios, it improved accuracy by focusing on the likelihood of victory. Players were more likely to recall situations reinforcing the belief that “We (can still) win”. These findings highlight the psychological and strategic complexities of SWP estimations in competitive beach volleyball.

Octopus arm flexibility facilitates complex behaviors in diverse natural environments

Architecture, dynamics and biogenesis of GluA3 AMPA glutamate receptors

Abstract AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of excitatory neurotransmission in the brain1. Assembled from combinations of four core subunits, GluA1–4 and around 20 auxiliary subunits, their molecular diversity tunes information transfer and storage in a brain-circuit-specific manner. GluA3, a subtype strongly associated with disease2, functions as both a fast-transmitting Ca2+-permeable AMPAR at sensory synapses3, and as a Ca2+-impermeable receptor at cortical synapses4,5. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of the Ca2+-permeable GluA3 homomer, which substantially diverges from other AMPARs. The GluA3 extracellular domain tiers (N-terminal domain (NTD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD)) are closely coupled throughout gating states, creating interfaces that impact signalling and contain human disease-associated mutations. Central to this architecture is a stacking interaction between two arginine residues (Arg163) in the NTD dimer interface, trapping a unique NTD dimer conformation that enables close contacts with the LBD. Rupture of the Arg163 stack not only alters the structure and dynamics of the GluA3 extracellular region, but also increases receptor trafficking and the expression of GluA3 heteromers at the synapse. We further show that a mammalian-specific GluA3 trafficking checkpoint determines the conformational stability of the LBD tier. Thus, specific design features define communication and biogenesis of GluA3, offering a framework to examine this disease-associated glutamate receptor.

Correction: Incidence and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Thailand based on National administrative health data and a comprehensive literature review

Correction: Adaptation of grassweeds to spring cropping through changes in germination, flowering time and fecundity

How ageing changes our genes — huge epigenetic atlas gives clearest picture yet

Research posts on Bluesky are more original — and get better engagement

Trump called for ‘gold-standard science’: how the NIH, NSF and others are answering

Hundreds of suspicious journals flagged by AI screening tool

This deep-sea worm creates a toxic yellow pigment found in Rembrandt and Cézanne paintings

Dual-scale chemical ordering for cryogenic properties in CoNiV-based alloys

Abstract The mechanical properties of metallic materials often degrade under harsh cryogenic conditions, posing challenges for low-temperature infrastructures 1 . Here we introduce a dual-scale atomic-ordering nanostructure, characterized by an exceptionally high number density of co-existing subnanoscale short-range ordering (approximately 2.4 × 10 26  m −3 ) and nanoscale long-range ordering (approximately 4.5 × 10 25  m −3 ) domains, within a metallic solid-solution matrix in a CoNiV-based alloy to improve the synergy of strength and ductility at low temperatures. We observe an ordering-induced increase in dislocation shear stress as well as a more rapid dislocation multiplication owing to the dislocation blocking effect of nanoscale long-range ordering and the associated generation of new dislocations. The latter effect also releases stress concentrations at nanoscale long-range-ordered obstacles that otherwise would promote damage initiation and failure. Consequently, the alloy shows a strength–elongation product of 76 GPa % with a yield strength of approximately 1.2 GPa at 87 K, outperforming materials devoid of such ordering hierarchy, containing only short-range ordered or coherent precipitates of a few tens of nanometres. Our results highlight the impact of dual co-existing chemical ordering on the mechanical properties of complex alloys and offer guidelines to control these ordering states to enhance their mechanical performance for cryogenic applications.

Social exposome and brain health outcomes of dementia across Latin America

Abstract A multidimensional social exposome (MSE)—the combined lifespan measures of education, food insecurity, financial status, access to healthcare, childhood experiences, and more—may shape dementia risk and brain health over the lifespan, particularly in underserved regions like Latin America. However, the MSE effects on brain health and dementia are unknown. We evaluated 2211 individuals (controls, Alzheimer’s disease, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration) from a non-representative sample across six Latin American countries. Adverse exposomes associate with poorer cognition in healthy aging. In dementia, more complex exposomes correlate with lower cognitive and functional performance, higher neuropsychiatric symptoms, and brain structural and connectivity alterations in frontal-temporal-limbic and cerebellar regions. Food insecurity, financial resources, subjective socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare emerge as critical predictors. Cumulative exposome measures surpass isolated factors in predicting clinical-cognitive profiles. Multiple sensitivity analyses confirm our results. Findings highlight the need for personalized approaches integrating MSE across the lifespan, emphasizing prevention and interventions targeting social disparities.

Neutrophils drive vascular occlusion, tumour necrosis and metastasis

Photoswitchable intein for light control of covalent protein binding and cleavage

Retraction Note: Crystal structures of agonist-bound human cannabinoid receptor CB1

Electrically driven lasing from a dual-cavity perovskite device

Abstract Solution-processed semiconductor lasers promise lightweight, wearable and scalable optoelectronic applications. Among the gain media for solution-processed lasers, metal halide perovskites stand out as an exceptional class because of their ability to achieve wavelength-adjustable, low-threshold lasing under optical pumping1–8. Despite the progress in this field, electrically driven lasing from perovskite semiconductors remains a critical challenge. Here we demonstrate an electrically driven perovskite laser, constructed by vertically integrating a low-threshold single-crystal perovskite microcavity sub-unit with a high-power microcavity perovskite LED (PeLED) sub-unit. Under pulsed electrical excitation, the dual-cavity perovskite device shows a minimum lasing threshold of 92 A cm−2 (average threshold: 129 A cm−2, at about 22 °C, in air), which is an order of magnitude lower than that of state-of-the-art electrically driven organic lasers9,10. Key to this demonstration is the integrated dual-cavity device architecture, which allows the microcavity PeLED sub-unit to deliver directional emission into the single-crystal perovskite microcavity sub-unit (at a coupling efficiency of about 82.7%) to establish the lasing action. An operational half-life (T 50) of 1.8 h (6.4 × 104 voltage pulses at 10 Hz) is achieved, outperforming the stability of electrically pumped organic lasers9,10. The dual-cavity perovskite laser can be rapidly modulated at a bandwidth of 36.2 MHz, indicating its potential for data transmission and computational applications.

Real-time in situ magnetization reprogramming for soft robotics

Abstract Magnetic soft robots offer considerable potential across various scenarios, such as biomedical applications and industrial tasks, because of their shape programmability and reconfigurability, safe interaction and biocompatibility1–4. Despite recent advances, magnetic soft robots are still limited by the difficulties in reprogramming their required magnetization profiles in real time on the spot (in situ), which is essential for performing multiple functions or executing diverse tasks5,6. Here we introduce a method for real-time in situ magnetization reprogramming that enables the rearrangement and recombination of magnetic units to achieve diverse magnetization profiles. We explore the applications of this method in structures of varying dimensions, from one-dimensional tubes to three-dimensional frameworks, showcasing a diverse and expanded range of configurations and their deformations. This method also demonstrates versatility in diverse scenarios, including navigating around objects without undesired contact, reprogramming cilia arrays, managing multiple instruments cooperatively or independently under the same magnetic field, and manipulating objects of various shapes. These abilities extend the range of applications for magnetic actuation technologies. Furthermore, this method frees magnetic soft robots from the sole reliance on external magnetic fields for shape change, facilitating unprecedented modes and varieties of deformation while simultaneously reducing the need for complex magnetic field generation systems, thereby opening avenues for the development of magnetic actuation technologies.