RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT 29 May 2026 Analysis reveals the enzyme that allows some microorganisms to anchor their outer membrane to their cell wall. Some bacteria (artist’s illustration) enclose their watery interiors with a tough, multi-layered envelope. Credit: Tumeggy/Science Photo Library Researchers have identified the molecular machinery used by a common bacterium to fasten its outer membrane to its cell wall 1 . Access options Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription $32.99 / 30 days cancel any time Subscribe to this journal Receive 52 print issues and online access $199.00 per year only $3.83 per issue Rent or buy this article Prices vary by article type from $1.95 to $39.95 Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Additional access options: Log in Learn about institutional subscriptions Read our FAQs Contact customer support doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-01668-5 References Subjects Latest…