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<jats:p> Amylin receptors (AMYRs) are heterodimers of the calcitonin (CT) receptor (CTR) and one of three receptor activity–modifying proteins (RAMPs), AMY <jats:sub>1</jats:sub> R, AMY <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> R, and AMY <jats:sub>3</jats:sub> R. Selective AMYR agonists and dual AMYR/CTR agonists are being developed as obesity treatments; however, the molecular basis for peptide binding and selectivity is unknown. We determined the structure and dynamics of active AMYRs with amylin, AMY <jats:sub>1</jats:sub> R with salmon CT (sCT), AMY <jats:sub>2</jats:sub> R with sCT or human CT (hCT), and CTR with amylin, sCT, or hCT. The conformation of amylin-bound complexes was similar for all AMYRs, constrained by the RAMP, and an ordered midpeptide motif that we call the bypass motif. The CT-bound AMYR complexes were distinct, overlapping the CT-bound CTR complexes. Our findings indicate that activation of AMYRs by CT-based peptides is distinct from their activation by amylin-based peptides. This has important implications for the development of AMYR therapeutics. </jats:p>

<jats:p> A better understanding of the extent of convergent selection among crops could greatly improve breeding programs. We found that the quantitative trait locus <jats:italic>KRN2</jats:italic> in maize and its rice ortholog, <jats:italic>OsKRN2</jats:italic> , experienced convergent selection. These orthologs encode WD40 proteins and interact with a gene of unknown function, DUF1644, to negatively regulate grain number in both crops. Knockout of <jats:italic>KRN2</jats:italic> in maize or <jats:italic>OsKRN2</jats:italic> in rice increased grain yield by ~10% and ~8%, respectively, with no apparent trade-offs in other agronomic traits. Furthermore, genome-wide scans identified 490 pairs of orthologous genes that underwent convergent selection during maize and rice evolution, and these were enriched for two shared molecular pathways. <jats:italic>KRN2</jats:italic> , together with other convergently selected genes, provides an excellent target for future crop improvement. </jats:p>

<jats:p> Jeon <jats:italic>et al</jats:italic> . (Reports, 29 January 2021, p. 498) reported reversible fluctuations between disordered and crystalline states during nucleation. We argue that the adoption of “magic numbers” for separation of the size range into three parts is misleading when using the sigmoid functions and that their figure 3B was wrongly illustrated. The crystal shape effect was neglected during theoretical analysis. </jats:p>

<jats:p>The rapid development of highly effective vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was a monumental achievement, yet a large fraction of the public rejected this means of defense, resulting in far too many preventable deaths. This response reflects a shocking failure of science to produce citizens who understand and respect scientific evidence, and it demands a rethinking of science education goals.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Seafloor topography plays outsize role in currents that sequester carbon and heat</jats:p>

<jats:p>Migrants from the south may have helped spread early farming in Central America, ancient DNA suggests</jats:p>

<jats:p>As space station antenna goes silent, ICARUS seeks new ways to collect animal GPS data</jats:p>

<jats:p>Despite complete paralysis from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, person used neural signals to spell out thoughts</jats:p>

<jats:p>He Jiankui’s expected release finds a field still wrestling with scientific and ethical challenges</jats:p>