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Articles by Ben Title
Artificial selection for adult predation survival affects life history and morphology in guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Abstract Predation is a major evolutionary driver of life history and morphology. However, whether these traits evolve directly via predation or indirect effects is largely unresolved. We used artificial selection to experimentally test the impact of adult predation on the evolution of life history and morphology in guppies (Poecilia reticulata). We found that, compared to control fish, predation-selected fish produced larger offspring and larger broods early in life.
Memristive floating-point Fourier neural operator network for efficient scientific modeling
Abstract Emerging artificial intelligence for science (AI-for-Science) algorithms, such as the Fourier neural operator (FNO), enabled fast and efficient scientific simulation. However, extensive data transfers and intensive high-precision computing are necessary for network training, which challenges conventional digital computing platforms. Here, we demonstrated the potential of a heterogeneous computing-in-memristor (CIM) system to accelerate the FNO for scientific modeling tasks.
IL-17 links the tumor suppressor LKB1 to gastrointestinal inflammation and polyposis
Abstract Mutations in the tumor suppressor liver kinase B1 (LKB1) promote the development of gastrointestinal (GI) polyps of unknown etiology. Here, we identify IL-17 as a novel driver of LKB1-dependent polyp growth. GI tumors from mice bearing heterozygous mutations in Stk11 (which encodes LKB1) display signatures of pathogenic IL-17–producing CD4+ T helper 17 (TH17) cells.
A stress-sensing circuit signals to the central pacemaker to reprogram circadian rhythms
Abstract The circadian system provides a temporal framework for animals to anticipate environmental events, including threats. However, the effects of stressors on the circadian system remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that, in mice, stressors shift the phase of the central pacemaker, housed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), through glutamatergic inputs from the anterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (aPVT).
Room-temperature high-purity single-photon emission from carbon-doped boron nitride thin films
Abstract Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has emerged as a promising platform for generating room temperature single photons exhibiting high brightness and spin-photon entanglement. However, improving emitter purity, stability, and scalability remains a challenge for quantum technologies. Here, we demonstrate highly pure and stable single-photon emitters (SPEs) in h-BN by directly growing carbon-doped, centimeter-scale h-BN thin films using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method.
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the FimH adhesin protect against uropathogenic E. coli UTI
Abstract As antimicrobial resistance increases, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are expected to pose an increased burden in morbidity and expense on the health care system, increasing the need for alternative antibiotic-sparing treatments. Most UTIs are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), whereas Klebsiella pneumoniae causes a large portion of non-UPEC UTIs. Both bacteria express type 1 pili tipped with the mannose-binding FimH adhesin critical for UTI pathogenesis.
Concentric ice-templating of ultracompressible tough hydrogels with bioinspired circumferentially aligned architecture
Abstract Materials with circumferentially aligned fibers, such as intervertebral discs and arteries, are abundant in nature but challenging to replicate artificially, despite their mechanical advantages. Although ice-templating can create bioinspired materials, the achievable structures remain limited to simple forms, such as honeycomb, lamellar, and radial structures.
Dynamical renormalization of the magnetic excitation spectrum via high-momentum nonlinear magnonics
Abstract Sustaining the growth of the data volume generated by artificial intelligence and the internet of things demands to develop schemes for data storage and processing operating at terahertz frequencies, unrestrained by thermal throttling. The optical drive of coherent magnetic collective excitations, namely magnons, represents a promising route. The ability to arbitrarily and nonthermally increase the magnon frequencies with laser pulses could enable this progress.
Erratum for the Research Article “Targeting and arginine-driven synergizing photodynamic therapy with nutritional immunotherapy nanosystems for combating MRSA biofilms” by A. Zhang et al.
Skip to main content Main content starts here The original version of the Research Article “Targeting and arginine-driven synergizing photodynamic therapy with nutritional immunotherapy nanosystems for combating MRSA biofilms” by A. Zhang et al. three errors in the figures. Figure 3J had a typo in the color scale due to a software error, Figure 7I had a typo on the y-axis label, and the authors inadvertently duplicated an antimicrobial activity dataset in Figure 7H.
sp2/sp3-Hybridized nitrogen-mediated electrochemical CO2 capture and utilization
Abstract Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and utilization, powered by renewable energy, are essential to achieving net-zero emissions and CO2 valorization.
Global cooling drove diversification and warming caused extinction among Carboniferous-Permian fusuline foraminifera
Abstract The fossil record provides the only direct evidence of changes in biodiversity over time. Patterns in more inclusive taxonomic levels (e.g., families and orders) often become more complex because of interactions between biological traits and environmental conditions across different evolutionary lineages.
TGFβ-dependent signaling drives tumor growth and aberrant extracellular matrix dynamics in NF1-associated plexiform neurofibroma
Abstract Plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) are benign tumors of the peripheral nervous system that represent a major source of morbidity in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). A substantial proportion of patients do not respond to current therapies or experience intolerable side effects.
Humidity drives spontaneous OH oxidation of organic particles
Abstract We report evidence that organic aerosols containing carboxylic acids can be spontaneously oxidized in the dark under normal atmospheric conditions due to interfacial hydroxyl radical production. Product formation is negligible under dry conditions and increases with increasing relative humidity. In a dioxygen-free environment, the oxidation efficiency is substantially decreased.
Single organic electrochemical neuron capable of anticoincidence detection
Abstract Emulating complex neural computations like solving linearly inseparable tasks within single artificial neurons has remained an elusive goal in neuromorphic engineering. Here, we report a dendritic organic electrochemical neuron (d-OECN) capable of achieving anticoincidence detection by classifying the exclusive-OR (XOR) problem—a quintessential linearly inseparable task—within an individual neuron.
Autoinducing peptides regulate antibiotic production to potentially shape root microbiome
Abstract Microbes use signaling molecules to regulate multiple physiological processes and mediate chemical interactions. Decoding these chemical languages is instrumental in comprehending microbial regulatory mechanisms within complex microbiota.
Tuning collagen nonlinear mechanics with interpenetrating networks drives adaptive cellular phenotypes in three dimensions
Abstract In living tissues, collagen networks rarely exist alone because they are embedded within other biological matrices. When combined, collagen networks rigidify via synergistic mechanical interactions and stiffen only with higher mechanical loads. However, how cells respond to the nonlinear elasticity of collagen in hybrid networks remains largely unknown.
Instant and secure fixation of e-PTFE medical implants in surgery by designing a bioadhesive interface
Abstract Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) is extensively used in medical implants for its excellent bioinertness. Existing methods to fix e-PTFE implants on host tissues mainly use invasive anchorage such as sutures, spiral tacks, or metal skeletons, which has limitations such as being time-consuming and causing leakage and tissue damage. To overcome these limitations, we introduce a bioadhesive interface to realize the adhering fixation of e-PTFE implants.
Fundamentally unchanged northwestern African rainfall regimes across the Plio-Pleistocene transition
Abstract Northern African climate is characterized by strongly contrasting wet summers and dry winters. Dust exported by the northeasterly trade (Harmattan) winds creates marine sedimentary records that have been long interpreted to show that northern African climate became drier and more variable across the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary [2.58 million years ago (Ma)], when global climate cooled and high-latitude glacial-interglacial cycles intensified.
Plagioclase under compression: A path to diaplectic glass and maskelynite
Abstract Diaplectic glass and maskelynite in shocked plagioclase serve as key diagnostic features for high level of shock metamorphism in impact craters and meteorites. However, their formation mechanisms remain unclear and have long been argued, mainly due to the lack of phase diagram for plagioclase with extended pressure-temperature conditions. We report the stabilities of labradorite and anorthite at pressure up to 65 gigapascals and temperature up to 4000 kelvin.
Identification of key steps in the evolution of anaerobic methanotrophy in Candidatus Methanovorans (ANME-3) archaea
Abstract Despite their large environmental impact and multiple independent emergences, the processes leading to the evolution of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) remain unclear. This work uses comparative metagenomics of a recently evolved but understudied ANME group, “Candidatus Methanovorans” (ANME-3), to identify evolutionary processes and innovations at work in ANME, which may be obscured in earlier evolved lineages.
Senataxin and DNA-PKcs redundantly promote non-homologous end joining repair of DNA double strand breaks during V(D)J recombination
Abstract Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is required for repairing DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) generated by the RAG endonuclease during lymphocyte antigen receptor gene assembly by V(D)J recombination. The ataxia telangiectasia–mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) kinases regulate functionally redundant pathways required for NHEJ. Here, we report that loss of the senataxin helicase leads to a strong defect in RAG DSB repair upon inactivation of DNA-PKcs.
Regulation of MORC-1 is key to the CSR-1-mediated germline gene licensing mechanism in C. elegans
Abstract The Argonaute CSR-1 is essential for germline development in C. elegans. Loss of CSR-1 leads to the down-regulation of thousands of germline-expressed genes, supporting a model in which CSR-1 “licenses” gene expression via a poorly understood mechanism. In contrast, a small subset of genes is up-regulated in csr-1 mutants, including morc-1, which encodes a conserved GHKL-type ATPase.
Structures of vertebrate R2 retrotransposon complexes during target-primed reverse transcription and after second-strand nicking
Abstract R2 retrotransposons are site-specific eukaryotic non–long terminal repeat retrotransposons that copy and paste into gene loci encoding ribosomal RNAs. Recently, we demonstrated that avian A-clade R2 proteins achieve efficient and precise insertion of transgenes into their native safe-harbor loci in human cells. The features of A-clade R2 proteins that support gene insertion are not well characterized.
Opposite regulation of medullary pain-related projection neuron excitability in acute and chronic pain Original
Abstract Pain hypersensitivity is associated with increased activity of peripheral and central neurons along the pain neuroaxis. We show that at the peak of acute inflammatory pain, superficial medullary dorsal horn projection neurons (PNs) that relay nociceptive information to the parabrachial nucleus reduce their intrinsic excitability and, consequently, action potential firing. When pain resolves, the excitability of these neurons returns to baseline.
Thermodynamic phase transitions of nematic order in magnetic helices
Abstract A nematic phase lacks translation order but has orientational order. Nematic phases have been discovered in a variety of systems, including liquid crystals, correlated materials, and superconductors. Here, we report on a magnetic nematic phase, where the basis components are composed of magnetic helices.
Metabolically driven flows enable exponential growth in macroscopic multicellular yeast
Abstract The ecological and evolutionary success of multicellular lineages stems substantially from their increased size relative to unicellular ancestors. However, large size poses biophysical challenges, especially regarding nutrient transport: These constraints are typically overcome through multicellular innovations.
Gaia: An AI-enabled genomic context-aware platform for protein sequence annotation
Abstract Protein sequence similarity search is fundamental to biology research, but current methods are typically not able to consider crucial genomic context information indicative of protein function, especially in microbial systems. Here, we present Gaia (Genomic AI Annotator), a sequence annotation platform that enables rapid, context-aware protein sequence search across genomic datasets.
Adaptation of pain-related projection neurons in acute but not chronic pain
Abstract Pain hypersensitivity is associated with increased activity of peripheral and central neurons along the pain neuroaxis. On the other hand, in other neuronal systems, increased activity leads to adaptive reduction of neuronal excitability to maintain homeostasis. Projection neurons (PNs) of spinal and medullary dorsal horns summate the activity of primary nociceptive and local central interneurons and convey it to higher centers.
Author Correction: Pogz deficiency leads to transcription dysregulation and impaired cerebellar activity underlying autism-like behavior in mice
Correction to: Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19577-0, published online 17 November 2020. The original version of the Supplementary Information associated with this Article omitted Table S3 and Table S4 due to a technical error. The HTML has been updated to include Table S3 and Table S4 as Supplementary Data associated with this Correction. Author information Author notes These authors contributed equally: Reut Suliman-Lavie, Ben Title.
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