Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Programming Bacterial Communication for Teamwork in a Test Tube
Building bacterial communities that work together, like a team of specialists, is a promising way to create advanced biological computers. In this study, we combine a phage-based messaging system with CRISPR gene regulation, allowing Escherichia coli bacteria to process information collectively.
Pyroptosis as a Central Mechanism in Multisystem Toxicities Triggered by Environmental Pollutants
Pollution is bad for our health, but how exactly? Research says that one mechanism of cell death, pyroptosis, could be an important clue. Activated by pollutants, it leads to inflammation and damage to organs. To understand it can help us counteract pollution's long-term harm.
The memory of salt: searching for ancient microbial life biosignatures on Earth and Mars
Salt: both friend and foe. On Earth and Mars, some brines may preserve traces of ancient microbial life, others may destroy them. Using dead halophile cell envelope extracts, we show that UV and salt composition together control biosignature preservation. To get there, we had to tame salt in the lab
The Crystallizing Teacher
I want teacher professional development to be done differently. I argue for a process of crystallizing conscientização that looks beyond incremental proficiency ratings of teacher micro-skills, and that restores agency to teachers. (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-57750-5)
