Molecular studies of tunicate development show that genetic programmes for early embryonic patterning can change radically during evolution, without completely disrupting the basic chordate body plan.

A distant planet traversing its orbit shows variations in its infrared brightness, providing the first map of its climate. These variations paint a picture of a dynamic world, with efficient redistribution of stellar heat.

The spins of a layer of manganese atoms on a tungsten surface form a spiral pattern with a unique turning sense. Such 'chiral magnetic order' might exist in other, similar contexts, and could have many useful applications.