Reviews & Analysis

α-Helix-mediated protein–protein interactions (PPIs) play a key role in the development of numerous infection and disease states. Modulating such interactions offers considerable therapeutic potential, however, identifying suitable inhibitors has proved challenging. This Review highlights recent and generic approaches for designing inhibitors of helix-mediated PPIs.

A new biocompatible near-infrared fluorescent probe enables super-resolution imaging of cellular proteins in live cells using a range of different labelling techniques.

Creating useful feedstocks from methane is impeded by over-oxidation when O₂ is used as the oxidant. Now, gaseous sulfur has been shown to be a promising 'soft' oxidant for the selective conversion of methane to ethylene.

No longer held in Bürgenstock or the preserve of stereochemists, the Bürgenstock conference on stereochemistry is much more than its name suggests. The diverse range of subjects discussed at the meeting highlights the fundamental importance of chemistry in other scientific disciplines ranging from molecular biology to materials science.

It is well known that donation of electron density from a metal atom back into an empty orbital on a coordinating ligand, such as an alkene, weakens the π bond. Now, it has been shown that in a metal–diborene complex, π-backdonation involves bonding π-orbitals on the ligand and leads to B–B bond strengthening.

The ability of the water surface to donate or accept protons critically influences vital processes in chemistry and biology, but intense disagreement persists regarding this property. Researchers show new evidence that the air side of the air/water interface is more basic than the aqueous one.

Selective gas uptake in zeolites often relies on size — hosts accommodate guests that are small enough to fit into their pores. Now, a zeolite containing cations that function as molecular trapdoors allows guest-selective, size-inverse separations that could help with carbon capture and hydrogen purification.