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The discovery that most CD4+ T cells killed during HIV infection die through a process known as pyroptosis may provide long-sought explanations for HIV-associated T-cell depletion and inflammation. See Article p.509
Stars of spectral type 'Be' are often found with neutron stars or other evolved analogues, but a black-hole companion has never been spotted before. Optical emission from a black hole's surroundings has given it away. See Letter p.378
A thin engineered surface has been developed that can protect sensitive electronic systems from strong signal interference, allowing them to communicate effectively with external antennas.
A data-set compilation suggests that measurements of river erosion into rock depend on the observation timescale, casting doubt on whether terraces and other incised landforms faithfully record changes in climate and tectonics. See Letter p.391
In-air measurements of northern bald ibises flying in a V formation show that the birds conform to predictions for saving energy by regulating their relative body position and synchronizing their flapping motion. See Letter p.399
The transcription enzyme RNA polymerase stalls at DNA lesions, hindering their repair. Accessory factors dislodge the enzyme by pushing it forwards, but a study finds that pulling it backwards may also be effective. See Article p.372
Two crystal structures reveal that the Vif and Vpx proteins of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses mediate evasion of host defences by reprogramming the cellular protein-degradation machinery. See Letters p.229 & p.234
In flow batteries, energy is produced by passing solutions of 'electroactive' materials — often, metal salts — through an electrochemical cell. A non-metallic electroactive material opens the way to large-scale energy storage. See Letter p.195
An analysis of data from forests across the planet reveals that the types of beneficial fungus with which tree roots associate determine the amount of carbon stored in soils. See Letter p.543
Patients differ in their requirement for, and response to, various drug doses. A general platform that allows continuous monitoring of drug levels in the blood of rats may open the door to patient-specific dosing.
The flat and featureless transmission spectra of two intermediate-sized extrasolar planets, observed during the planets' passage across their host stars, shed light on the properties of their atmospheres. See Letters p.66 & p.69
An evaluation of atmospheric convective mixing and low-level clouds in climate models suggests that Earth's climate will warm more than was thought in response to increasing levels of carbon dioxide. See Article p.37