Surface Functionalization of Surfactant-Free Particles: A Strategy to Tailor the Properties of Nanocomposites for Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance.

The broad implementation of thermoelectricity requires high-performance and low-cost materials. One possibility is employing surfactant-free solution synthesis to produce nanopowders. We propose the strategy of functionalizing "naked" particles' surface by inorganic molecules to control the nanostructure and, consequently, thermoelectric performance.

Root Growth Adaptation is Mediated by PYLs ABA Receptor-PP2A Protein Phosphatase Complex.

Plant root architecture dynamically adapts to various environmental conditions, such as salt-containing soil. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is involved among others also in these developmental adaptations, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, a novel branch of the ABA signaling pathway in involving PYR/PYL/RCAR (abbreviated as PYLs) receptor-protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) complex that acts in parallel to the canonical PYLs-protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) mechanism is identified.