The process of SUMOylation affects various cellular events by modifying the proteins involved. In neurons, it controls receptor numbers on the cell surface, thereby regulating neuronal communication.

In flowering plants, viable seeds result even without two of the mechanisms that normally operate during embryogenesis. This finding illuminates the interplay of male and female factors in the process.

Two modelling studies provide complementary descriptions of how gravitational forces might help to form the plumes of water vapour that spout from cracks in Enceladus, one of Saturn's icy moons.