Ordered nanopillars on a flat surface are demonstrated to generate and steer extremely high-speed electrons under irradiation by ultrahigh intensity, femtosecond laser pulses of light. The authors demonstrate that mere adjustments in the spacing of the nanosteps and the incident angle of the laser, can provide a high degree of directionality and beaming of these fast electrons. This is yet another example where tiny, nanoscale structures on a surface can provide a high degree of control in a physical process, with potential applications in material science, chemistry and biology where such directional, narrow electron beams can be used for lithography, microscopy, imaging or cancer therapy.

The study conducted in Beijing highlights a significant association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and the incidence of gynecologic cancer; and identifies sulfate (SO₄²⁻) and carbon black (BC) as the key constituents contributing to the association.

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionised treatment for patients, whereby the body’s own immune system is harnessed to destroy cancer cells. 

Typically, several molecules restrain the ability of T cells to target cancer cells and developing approaches to limit this restraining effect can lead to improved effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.  

Research published in Science Immunology has determined the structure of how an inhibitory molecule, LAG3, interacts with its main ligand and provides a new targeted approach to improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy for certain forms of cancer.