Shapeshifting gates guard the cell nucleus An international study led by the University of Basel has discovered that nuclear pore complexes – tiny gate- ways in the nuclear membrane – are not rigid or gel-like as once thought. Their interiors are dynamically orga- nized, constantly moving and rearranging. The findings reshape our understanding of a vital transport process in cells and have implications for diseases and potential therapies. SNI post Original publication In situ model of the nuclear pore complex transport barrier. Tethered within the pore are highly dynamic protein threads termed FG Nups (green). Under living conditions, cargo-carrying transport factors (pink) interact with the FG Nups, loosely forming a central plug that helps organize a dynamic transport barrier. Selective transport may proceed preferentially through the surrounding region. For clarity, cargoes are omitted and FG-Nup density is reduced. (Ani- mation: Enrique Sahagun, Scixel) The YQuantum founding team consists of Prof. em. Christian Schönenberger (Scientific Advisor), Dr Johannes Herrmann (CTO) and Dr Christian Jünger (CEO), (from left to right). Quantum startup YQuantum receives seed funding The startup YQuantum aims to develop miniaturized hardware components for next-generation quantum computers. The company has now received CHF 150,000 in startup funding from the Venture Kick ini- tiative. SNI post based on a post from Venture Kick 35 SNI INSight December 2025