This Review discusses strategies for the design of cell–drug conjugates, the techniques for their preparation, and their translational applications, particularly for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases.

This Perspective examines how metal ions modulate the immune system and host–microbiota interactions, and proposes strategies for the development of metal-ion-based immunotherapies.

A patient-centred system that leverages the analysis of sweat via wearable sensors may better support the management of patients with substance-use disorders.

Generalist large language models can elevate the quality and efficiency of academic writing.

Human B cells can be edited to produce custom heavy-chain antibodies while allowing the cells to respond to immunization with a matched antigen.

Platinum-based chemotherapeutics can be locally released in tumours by leveraging the radiation-induced reduction of platinum prodrugs.

The efficacy of a B-cell-lymphoma-2-homology-3 mimetic can be predicted by profiling the rewired status of the network of interactions among proteins of the B-cell-lymphoma-2 family via single-molecule pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation.

A systematic implementation of six efficiency optimizations for prime editing led to high levels of functional correction, in airway epithelial cells, of the predominant mutation that causes cystic fibrosis.

The clinical detection of fluorescent protoporphyrin IX during glioma-resection surgery can be improved via a microscope that pairs stimulated Raman histology and two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy.

Desired cell-state transitions can be guided via the activation of gene expression through a constitutively expressed endoribonuclease whose translation is regulated by endogenous cell-state-specific miRNAs.

The Internet didn’t disrupt academic publishing. Audiovisual generative AI might do.

The widening range of strategies to alter the phenotypes and functions of mammalian cells is a boon for their biomedical applications.

Applied biomedical research needs more of them to be more broadly useful, reproducible and robust.

A patient-centred system that leverages the analysis of sweat via wearable sensors may better support the management of patients with substance-use disorders.

Generalist large language models can elevate the quality and efficiency of academic writing.

Appealing against an editor’s negative decision is likely to be more fruitful when considering the basis of the editorial assessment and offering ways forward.