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<jats:title>Defenses against SARS-CoV-2 variants</jats:title> <jats:p> Our key defense against the COVID-19 pandemic is neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus elicited by natural infection or vaccination. Recent emerging viral variants have raised concern because of their potential to escape antibody neutralization. Wang <jats:italic>et al</jats:italic> . identified four antibodies from early-outbreak convalescent donors that are potent against 23 variants, including variants of concern, and characterized their binding to the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Yuan <jats:italic>et al</jats:italic> . examined the impact of emerging mutations in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein on binding to the host receptor ACE2 and to a range of antibodies. These studies may be helpful for developing more broadly effective vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. —VV </jats:p>

<jats:title>Spying on microbial communities, cell by cell</jats:title> <jats:p> Within any community of organisms, gene expression is heterogeneous, which can manifest in genetically identical individuals having a different phenotype. One has to look at individuals in context and analyze patterns in both space and time to see the full picture. Aiming to fill a gap in current methods, Dar <jats:italic>et al</jats:italic> . developed a transcriptome-imaging method named parallel sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (par-seqFISH). They applied this technique to the opportunistic pathogen <jats:italic>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</jats:italic> , focusing on biofilms where growth conditions can change at microscopic scale. Development of these communities, as revealed by mRNA composition, were followed in space and time. The results revealed a heterogeneous phenotypic landscape, with oxygen availability shaping the metabolism at a spatial scale of microns within a single contiguous biofilm segment. This tool should be applicable to complex microbial communities in the environment and the human microbiome. —MAF </jats:p>

<jats:title>Accessory proteins and nicotinic receptors</jats:title> <jats:p> Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter identified, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were the first neurotransmitter receptors isolated. Recent studies have identified a multitude of molecules and mechanisms that regulate nAChRs in different tissues. In a review, Matta <jats:italic>et al</jats:italic> . discuss these discoveries and their implications for the cell biology and medicinal pharmacology of nACHRs. Many accessory factors promote the assembly and function of diverse nAChRs. Some factors are small molecules, some are proteins, some control receptor biogenesis, and some regulate channel gating. These protein chaperones and auxiliary subunits elucidate the pharmacological and physiological processes regulated by acetylcholine. —PRS </jats:p>

<jats:p>Unprecedented flooding, searing temperatures, and raging fires across Europe, Asia, and North America this summer have created a stark backdrop for this week's release of the sixth physical science assessment report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). These reports, initiated in 1990, arrive about every 7 years at the request of the countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. They form the basis for UN discussions and have become a crucial means to take stock of the latest scientific developments. The reports' future projections about climate change have remained fairly stable over the years and have, sadly, proven quite accurate. So, what does the new report add?</jats:p>

<jats:p>IPCC science analysis concludes human role ‘unequivocal’ and impact ‘unprecedented’</jats:p>

<jats:p>Analysis of intermittent U.S. waterways finds many are shriveling earlier and remaining dry for much longer</jats:p>

<jats:p>A microbiology team regroups, with a more virtual lab and a bigger focus on mental health</jats:p>

<jats:p>But hub model for bridging basic and applied research lives on</jats:p>

<jats:p>Questions about consent and potential for abuse trigger investigations</jats:p>