A new study reclassifies Cretaceous zhelestid mammals as zalambdalestoids, resolving a long-standing taxonomic debate. This finding reshapes our understanding of early mammal evolution and their ecological roles during the Cretaceous period.

Scientists have determined the in situ structures of plant photosystem supercomplexes, showing how these molecular machines are organized in their native cellular context. The findings provide new insights into the efficiency of light capture and energy conversion in photosynthesis, which could inform efforts to improve crop productivity and bioenergy.

Scientists have developed a two-dimensional polymer that utilizes out-of-plane carrier flow to improve photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production. This design enhances charge separation and utilization efficiency. The advance could lead to more sustainable solar fuel generation.

Researchers have developed a cobalt oxide (Co3O4) catalyst with octahedral coordination that efficiently drives water electrolysis in acidic conditions. This advance could lower the cost of producing green hydrogen by replacing expensive precious metal catalysts.

Researchers developed a method to rationally design intrinsically disordered proteins, allowing systematic investigation of how sequence influences function. This approach overcomes previous limitations in studying these flexible proteins, which are common in biology and linked to diseases. The work advances understanding of protein sequence-function relationships.

Scientists have determined the in situ structure of the portal complex of poxviruses, a key component for viral DNA packaging. This finding provides insights into the assembly of these viruses, which include smallpox, and could aid in developing antiviral therapeutics.

Researchers have produced the first comprehensive analysis of variation in human centromeres, the chromosome regions essential for cell division. By studying centromere sequences across diverse populations, the study uncovers patterns of diversity and evolutionary change. This work deepens our understanding of genome structure and may inform future research on chromosome-related diseases.

Researchers have developed a quantum processing unit in silicon that uses digital control instead of analog methods. This design improves accuracy and makes the system easier to integrate with existing semiconductor technology, moving practical quantum computing closer to realization.

Researchers discovered that enzymatic glycosylation and amidation can significantly alter the bioactivity of polyene compounds, which are important antifungal agents. This process reshapes how these molecules interact with their targets, potentially leading to the development of more effective drugs. The findings offer new insights into engineering polyene biosynthesis for therapeutic applications.