Biophysics

eLife Assessment

This important study combines microfluidic experiments with mathematical modeling to elucidate the reciprocal interplay between flow dynamics and biofilm growth and detachment. Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a model organism, the authors identify several key regimes and stages of biofilm development. Overall, the comparison between experimental observations of biofilm behavior under varying flow conditions and corresponding theoretical predictions forms a compelling understanding of the processes involved in biofilm dynamics. The results will be of interest to researchers studying biofilms and their technological and biological applications.

eLife Assessment

This important study introduces a pulsed laser phase plate that generates stable phase contrast in electron microscopy, offering a practical alternative to continuous-wave designs that suffer from optical instabilities and diffraction artifacts. The experimental results demonstrate a controllable and stable electron phase shift, and the evidence supporting the feasibility of this approach for phase-contrast electron microscopy is convincing. Clarifying the agreement between experiment and theory and further elaborating on possible applications would strengthen the manuscript.

eLife Assessment

This study makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of how the lipase regulator ABHD5 may control lipase activity through interactions with lipid droplets and cellular membranes. By combining multiscale molecular dynamics simulations with experimental approaches, the authors provide novel molecular insights into this membrane-protein interaction and present evidence suggesting that the regulatory mechanism depends on protein conformational changes and local membrane remodeling. While much of the evidence supporting the main conclusions is convincing, several aspects of the analysis, interpretation, and discussion remain incomplete. Overall, this work will be of interest to structural and molecular biologists working on lipid metabolism and membrane biophysics.