DNA carries the instructions for life, but additional molecular systems help determine how those instructions are used. New research in a sea anemone reveals an unexpected role for one of these systems. DNA is often described as the blueprint of life, but a blueprint is only useful if someone knows how to read it. Across [...]

Nature, Published online: 10 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10632-2

Near-infrared fluorescent carbon nanotubes exhibit light-induced quantum friction in water, in which exciton interactions slow nanoscale motion and enable optical control of diffusion and fluid dynamics.