METTL14 regulates chromatin bivalent domains in mouse embryonic stem cells.

METTL14 (methyltransferase-like 14) is an RNA-binding protein that partners with METTL3 to mediate N-methyladenosine (mA) methylation. Recent studies identified a function for METTL3 in heterochromatin in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), but the molecular function of METTL14 on chromatin in mESCs remains unclear. Here, we show that METTL14 specifically binds and regulates bivalent domains, which are marked by trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and lysine 4 (H3K4me3).

Circular Upcycling of Bottlebrush Thermosets.

The inability to re-process thermosets hinders their utility and sustainability. An ideal material should combine closed-loop recycling and upcycling capabilities. This trait is realized in polydimethylsiloxane bottlebrush networks using thermoreversible Diels-Alder cycloadditions to enable both reversible disassembly into a polymer melt and on-demand reconfiguration to an elastomer of either lower or higher stiffness.

HS aids osmotic stress resistance by S-sulfhydration of melatonin production-related enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Hydrogen sulfide closed Arabidopsis thaliana stomata by increasing the transcription of melatonin-producing enzymes and the post-translational modification levels to combat osmotic stress. Hydrogen sulfide (HS) and melatonin (MEL) reportedly have similar functions in many aspects of plant growth, development and stress response. They regulate stomatal movement and enhance drought resistance.

Tissue-Adaptive Materials with Independently Regulated Modulus and Transition Temperature.

The ability of living species to transition between rigid and flexible shapes represents one of their survival mechanisms, which has been adopted by various human technologies. Such transition is especially desired in medical devices as rigidity facilitates the implantation process, while flexibility and softness favor biocompatibility with surrounding tissue. Traditional thermoplastics cannot match soft tissue mechanics, while gels leach into the body and alter their properties over time.

Cooling-Triggered Shapeshifting Hydrogels with Multi-Shape Memory Performance.

Heating-triggered shape actuation is vital for biomedical applications. The likely overheating and subsequent damage of surrounding tissue, however, severely limit its utilization in vivo. Herein, cooling-triggered shapeshifting is achieved by designing dual-network hydrogels that integrate a permanent network for elastic energy storage and a reversible network of hydrophobic crosslinks for "freezing" temporary shapes when heated.