The region of the human genome that harbours genes encoding amylase enzymes, which are crucial for starch digestion, shows extensive structural diversity. Amylase genes have been duplicated and deleted several times in human history, and structures that contain duplicated versions of the genes were favoured by natural selection after the advent of agriculture.

Machine learning has been used to turn a survey of local waste-management practices into a global inventory of plastic emissions. The data show that tackling plastic pollution will require reduced production and consumption.

What drives sex biases in the immune system? Examining how gender-affirming therapy affects the molecular profiles of immune cells of trans men reveals how hormones underpin immune responses.

The direct recovery of microbial genomes from complex environments is now routine. Going from environmental genomes to laboratory experiments is rare, but the tide is turning.