Three experts explain how to use design principles to better communicate scientific data.

Nature highlights three key graphics from the week in science and research.

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an adaptor protein in innate immunity against DNA viruses or bacteria1-5. STING-mediated immunity could be exploited in the development of vaccines or cancer immunotherapies. STING is a transmembrane dimeric protein that is located in the endoplasmic reticulum or in the Golgi apparatus. STING is activated by the binding of its cytoplasmic ligand-binding domain

Mammalian embryogenesis requires rapid growth and proper metabolic regulation1. Midgestation features increasing oxygen and nutrient availability concomitant with fetal organ development2,3. Understanding how metabolism supports development requires approaches to observe metabolism directly in model organisms in utero. Here we used isotope tracing and metabolomics to identify evolving metabolic programmes

Horizontal gene transfer can trigger rapid shifts in bacterial evolution. Driven by a variety of mobile genetic elements-in particular bacteriophages and plasmids-the ability to share genes within and across species underpins the exceptional adaptability of bacteria. Nevertheless, invasive mobile genetic elements can also present grave risks to the host; bacteria have therefore evolved a vast array

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria has an external leaflet that is largely composed of lipopolysaccharide, which provides a selective permeation barrier, particularly against antimicrobials1. The final and crucial step in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide is the addition of a species-dependent O-antigen to the lipid A core oligosaccharide, which is catalysed by the O-antigen ligase WaaL2

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell-surface receptors that respond to various stimuli to induce signalling pathways across cell membranes. Recent progress has yielded atomic structures of key intermediates1,2 and roles for lipids in signalling3,4. However, capturing signalling events of a wild-type receptor in real time, across a native membrane to its downstream effectors, has remained elusive

Biology operates through autonomous chemically fuelled molecular machinery1, including rotary motors such as adenosine triphosphate synthase2 and the bacterial flagellar motor3. Chemists have long sought to create analogous molecular structures with chemically powered, directionally rotating, components4-17. However, synthetic motor molecules capable of autonomous 360° directional rotation about a

Chiral amine diastereomers are ubiquitous in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals1, yet their preparation often relies on low-efficiency multi-step synthesis2. These valuable compounds must be manufactured asymmetrically, as their biochemical properties can differ based on the chirality of the molecule. Herein we characterize a multifunctional biocatalyst for amine synthesis, which operates using a mechanism

The possibility that neutrinos may be their own antiparticles, unique among the known fundamental particles, arises from the symmetric theory of fermions proposed by Ettore Majorana in 19371. Given the profound consequences of such Majorana neutrinos, among which is a potential explanation for the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe via leptogenesis2, the Majorana nature of neutrinos commands

SARS-CoV-2 can cause acute respiratory distress and death in some patients1. Although severe COVID-19 disease is linked to exuberant inflammation, how SARS-CoV-2 triggers inflammation is not understood2. Monocytes and macrophages are sentinel cells that sense invasive infection to form inflammasomes that activate caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD), leading to inflammatory death (pyroptosis) and release

Immune cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 can trigger a massive inflammatory response that could cause severe COVID-19. Plus, the risks of Russia using chemical weapons in Ukraine and an ancient migration that was the fastest long-distance movement in human history.

Bacteria harbour two previously unknown anti-plasmid systems.

PIEZO channels respond to piconewton-scale forces to mediate critical physiological and pathophysiological processes1,2,3,4,5. Detergent-solubilized PIEZO channels form bowl-shaped trimers comprising a central ion-conducting pore with an extracellular cap and three curved and non-planar blades with intracellular beams6,7,8,9,10, which may undergo force-induced deformation within lipid membranes11.

Hear the biggest stories from the world of science | 06 April 2022

Comprehensive genome annotation is essential to understand the impact of clinically relevant variants. However, the absence of a standard for clinical reporting and browser display complicates the process of consistent interpretation and reporting. To address these challenges, Ensembl/GENCODE1 and RefSeq2 launched a joint initiative, the Matched Annotation from NCBI and EMBL-EBI (MANE) collaboration

Over the past few decades, neuroimaging has become a ubiquitous tool in basic research and clinical studies of the human brain. However, no reference standards currently exist to quantify individual differences in neuroimaging metrics over time, in contrast to growth charts for anthropometric traits such as height and weight1. Here we assemble an interactive open resource to benchmark brain morphology

Aerosols have been found to be nearly ubiquitous in substellar atmospheres1,2,3. The precise temperature at which these aerosols begin to form in exoplanets has yet to be observationally constrained. Theoretical models and observations of muted spectral features indicate that silicate clouds play an important role in exoplanets between at least 950 and 2,100?K (ref. 4). Some giant planets, however

The brain consists of thousands of?neuronal types that are generated by stem cells producing different neuronal types as they age. In Drosophila, this temporal patterning is driven by the successive expression of temporal transcription factors (tTFs)1,2,3,4,5,6. Here we used single-cell mRNA sequencing to identify the complete series of tTFs that specify most Drosophila optic lobe neurons. We verify

With the scaling of lateral dimensions in advanced transistors, an increased gate capacitance is desirable both to retain the control of the gate electrode over the channel and to reduce the operating voltage1. This led to a fundamental change?in the gate stack in 2008,?the incorporation of high-dielectric-constant HfO2?(ref.?2), which remains the material of choice?to date. Here we report HfO2–ZrO2

Findings from Brazil, Sweden and the United Kingdom show that before the advent of Omicron, vaccination benefited even those who had had a bout of COVID-19.

The open data revolution won’t happen unless the research system values the sharing of data as much as authorship on papers.

Many Western nations are severing scientific links — but it’s a different story in China, India and South Africa.

An explosion of interest in the workings of the gut microbiome is fuelling career and funding opportunities in a wide array of fields.

SignificanceWe provide transcriptomic insights into differences between pediatric and adult T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients through an international collaborative effort integrating RNA-sequencing data of 707 patients. Ten subtypes were identified, each characterized by distinct gene mutation profiles and dysregulated expression signatures of leukemogenic factors, and associated

SignificanceExcitation of molecules by an ultrashort laser pulse creates rotational wave packets that lead to transient alignment of the molecules along the laser polarization direction. Here, we show that a train of ultrashort laser pulses can be used to enhance the degree of alignment to a high level such that the diffraction from precisely timed ultrashort electron beams may be used to reconstruct

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 triggering the COVID-19 pandemic ranks as arguably the greatest medical emergency of the last century. COVID-19 has highlighted health disparities both within and between countries and will leave a lasting impact on global society. Nonetheless, substantial investment in life sciences over recent decades has facilitated a rapid scientific response with innovations in viral

SignificanceEbola virus (EBOV) infection is a severe, often fatal disease with poorly understood pathophysiology. Here, we performed [18F]-DPA-714 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in a macaque model of EBOV infection to longitudinally track and quantify the translocator protein (TSPO), an immune cell marker. The imaging findings, along with immunohistology and other disease markers, showed increasing

SignificanceBacterial adaptation to the presence of an antibiotic often involves evolutionary trade-offs, such as increased susceptibility to other drugs (collateral sensitivity). Its exploitation to design improved therapeutic strategies is only feasible if collateral sensitivity is robust, reproducible, and emerges in resistant mutants; these issues are rarely addressed in available publications

SignificanceAtomic defects in solid-state materials are promising candidates as quantum bits, or qubits. New materials are actively being investigated as hosts for new defect qubits; however, there are no unifying guidelines that can quantitatively predict qubit performance in a new material. One of the most critical property of qubits is their quantum coherence. While cluster correlation expansion

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 119, Issue 16, April 2022.

The idea of sustainable cities and communities is a collective goal that runs across intergovernmental programs, like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Agenda 2063 strategic framework. However, with several communities in sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia having no access to electricity, this objective is still a “mirage”. Developing a resilient energy system

Cross-coupling between two similar or identical functional groups to form a new C–C bond is a powerful tool to rapidly assemble complex molecules from readily available building units, as seen with olefin cross-metathesis or various types of cross-electrophile couplings1,2 The Kolbe electrolysis involves the oxidative electrochemical decarboxylation of alkyl carboxylic acids to their corresponding

Air-flow analysis reveals ideal configuration for a ‘telescoping’ box.

The barriers that shield the city of canals from rising sea levels have knock-on effects for local marshes.

Snippets from Nature’s past.

Displaced children and adults can wait decades to return home or resettle — research and policy must catch up.

Analysts explain why some fear that the Russian military will use chemical weapons — and how the world would know if it did.

Theories about how carbon is sequestered in seawater could influence the development of capture and storage systems.

For vaccine dosing decisions, past experience and best guesses won the day in the mad rush to beat back the pandemic. Modelling tools might have made a difference.

Senior academics offer tips to develop world-class research programmes and train successful protégés.

Data on green technologies show China is working towards a greener world — but that it has a long way to go to become carbon neutral.

Nations that relinquish reliance on Russia’s fossil fuels should quickly transition to clean energy.

Radical emissions cuts combined with some atmospheric carbon removal are the only hope to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, scientists warn.

Fresh formats showcase researchers’ work more effectively.

Chemist Jie Zeng hopes his research will contribute to tackling climate change.

Russia’s invasion has caused a short-term spike in prices, but could prompt a long-term shift towards sustainability.

Campaign to ‘nudge’ people in Singapore to save water failed, but bathroom upgrades succeeded.

Biophysicist He Jiankui is out of jail following controversial research in 2018. Plus, nine research priorities to tame crypto chaos and mathematical models to optimize vaccine doses.