Kletter et al. show that cell state-specific cytoplasmic density controls spindle architecture and scaling in neural differentiation, suggesting that the physical properties of the cytoplasm are a determinant in organelle size control.

Nature Cell Biology - Lu et al. report that biomolecular condensation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 is regulated by HSPB1 to maintain its droplets in liquid and not gel/solid structures and that HSPB1 is...

Villeneuve et al. report coordination of contractile forces during mammalian hair follicle development, with actomyosin contractility and mechanical forces from the epidermis and underlying tissue regulating placode invagination and Sox9 expression.

Intellectual freedom for scientists, unconstrained by commercial interests and direct application, fuels unexpected discoveries. Curiosity-driven, basic science has yielded a deeper understanding of how life forms develop and function in their environment and has had wide implications for health and our planet. Investing in this is vital for scientific progress and is worth protecting in a democracy.

Women and gender minorities make defining contributions to science. Despite increased representation of women across the scientific career ladder, institutions routinely fail to support their career advancement or value their input. For an equitable and intersectional future faculty, definitions of excellence must evolve to better value women’s contributions.

Nature Cell Biology publishes peer-reviewed original research of the highest quality in all areas of cell biology with an emphasis on studies that provide ...