Visualizing the Submolecular Organization of αβ-Tubulin Subunits on the Microtubule Inner Surface Using Atomic Force Microscopy.

Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic cytoskeletal polymers essential for mediating fundamental cellular processes, including cell division, intracellular transport, and cell shape maintenance. Understanding the arrangement of tubulin heterodimers within MTs is key to their function. Using frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) and simulations, we revealed the submolecular arrangement of α- and β-tubulin subunits on the inner MT surface.

Dual Plasmons with Bioinspired 3D Network Structure Enabling Ultrahigh Efficient Solar Steam Generation.

Plasmonic nanomaterials such as Au, Ag, and Cu are widely recognized for their strong light-matter interactions, making them promising photothermal materials for solar steam generation. However, their practical use in water evaporation is significantly limited by the trade-off between high costs and poor stability. In this regard, we introduce a novel, nonmetallic dual plasmonic TiN/MoO composite.

Characterizing Chemical, Environmental, and Stimulated Subcellular Physical Characteristics of Size-Fractionated PMs Down to PM.

Air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM), is a significant environmental pollution worldwide. Studying the chemical, environmental, and life-related cellular physical characteristics of size-fractionated PMs is important because of their different degrees of harmful effects on human respiratory tracts and organ systems, causing severe diseases. This study evaluates the chemical components of size-fractionated PMs down to PM collected during a biomass-burning episode, including elemental/organic carbon and trace elements.

The magnitude of the testing effect is independent of retrieval practice performance.

Practicing retrieval is a potent learning enhancer. Theoretical accounts of the testing effect generally suggest that the magnitude of the testing effect is dependent on retrieval practice performance, such that conditions that promote better retrieval practice performance should result in a greater testing effect. Empirical evidence, however, has been mixed.

Two-Dimensional Layered Nanomaterials Steering Self-Assembly of Dodecapeptides with Three Building Blocks.

Self-assembly of peptides on layered nanomaterials such as graphite and MoS in the formation of long-range ordered two-dimensional nanocrystal patterns leading to its potential applications for biosensing and bioelectronics has attracted significant interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology. However, controlling the self-assembly of peptides on nanomaterials is still challenging due to the unclear role of nanomaterials in steering self-assembly. Here, we used the AFM technique to capture different changes of peptide coverage as well as lengthening and widening rates depending on peptide concentrations, show the distinct boundary dynamics of two stabilized peptide domains, and resolve the molecular resolution structural differences and specific orientation of peptide on both nanomaterials.