Highlights
DNA
Reading the genome through a sharper lens
19 July 2016A neglected histone modification has unexpected implications for gene activity
Animals
Evolutionary thread underlies filament divergence
12 July 2016Genetic comparisons provide insight into the evolution of a crucial filament protein in animals, plants and bacteria
Phase-change Material
Light-modified material modifies light
12 July 2016A material whose optical properties can be
modified on a small scale by laser light promises a wide range of applications
Internet
Taking control back from the cloud
12 July 2016A user-controlled file security scheme makes it possible to instantly revoke access to files hosted on internet cloud servers
Resistive Random Access Memory
Perfectly formed memory
12 July 2016Resistive random-access memory that avoids an initial forming process improves fabrication methods and reliability
Anapole
Invisible particles ‘seen’ for the first time
12 July 2016A mysterious effect in which particles do not
scatter light has been observed at optical wavelengths for the first time
Simulation
Predicting the pattern
12 July 2016A model that predicts the radiation pattern from patch antennas in real installations could take the guesswork out of communication device development
Robotics
Design tool beefs up artificial muscles
28 June 2016Polymeric materials that stretch out when electrically stimulated can benefit from realistic numerical simulations
Biofouling
Getting a grip on mussel adhesion
28 June 2016Fibrous mussel ‘beards’ secrete sticky protein primers to cling to wet surfaces
Nanowires
Charging ahead with magnesium batteries
28 June 2016Tired of running out of charge on your smartphone? The hunt is on for a longer-lasting battery
Hard Disk
Staying on track
28 June 2016A combination of advanced signal processing and magnetic layer stacking promises to increase hard drive capacity and reliability
Perovskite
Perovskite promise
28 June 2016Computer model fills fundamental knowledge gaps of a high performance solar material
Amylase
Chew slowly and chomp less
28 June 2016Chewing habits determine blood sugar levels after a carbohydrate-rich meal
