Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation for the preparation of α-substituted propionic acids
A novel method for synthesizing α-substituted propionic acids through Ni-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation has been reported. This work provides an efficient access to synthesizing important pharmaceutical active compounds and elaborates on the catalytic process involved in the reaction.
Site-specific optimal air temperature for vegetation photosynthesis across the globe
Increasing air temperature enhances photosynthesis but can reduce it at high levels. Using MODIS-EVI and ERA5 data, we estimated Topt-site globally at 500m resolution, revealing significant within-biome variation. This dataset can improve GPP simulations in ecosystem models.
They shoot eyes in... Switzerland?
How a part-time mum came to write a paper on eye injuries by rubber scattershot after decades of private practice
Finding the microbial heroes: Identifying the smallest groups of microbes, capable of executing a desired function, from a large microbial community
Given a large co-operative microbial community, an algorithm to identify the smallest subsets of that community capable of a desired functionality is presented. These subsets, called minimal microbiomes, will contain the keystone species that achieve the required purpose.
How large language models can help scale citizen science in chronic disease research
We have observed a consistent desire among persons with chronic diseases to tell their story and be heard. Engaging them more in health research may demand new ways for capturing and analyzing such free-text narratives. Large language models can streamline the analysis and lead to novel insights.
Co-evolutionary dynamics of mammalian brain and body size
How do brain and body size co-evolve, and what does this reveal about the human brain? We conducted a re-analysis using advanced phylogenetic computational methods and a large data set for over 1500 species of mammals - with some surprising results
RECORD: A novel behavioral task battery to study complex decision-making in rodents
The complexity of behavioral decision making and the influence of various factors, such as stress and environment, make it difficult to draw parallels between rodent decision-making and other species without the development of novel task batteries. Described here as RECORD.
