Physiology

Bacterial architects build the biofilm structures – Nature.com

Bacterial biofilms are multicellular structures that are encased in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances and that have been linked to chronic infections in clinical settings. Previous studies have suggested that the distinct anatomy of biofilms affects the access for individual cells to resources, which in turn influences metabolic activity and survival within biofilms. In addition, the biofilm anatomy has been linked to antimicrobial susceptibility. However, how cells are arranged within biofilm structures, the genetic determinants of this arrangement and physiological importance of such patterns have not been well understood. In this study, Dietrich, Dayton and colleagues report that Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells form striations that are packed lengthwise across the biofilm and that this physical arrangement affects substrate uptake and distribution across the biofilm, as well as susceptibility to antimicrobial treatment.

Next, the authors carried out experiments to uncover the genetic determinants of the cellular arrangements within a biofilm at the microscale. To this end, they screened mutants that lacked crucial regulators of biofilm formation and physiology. Microscopy images of mixed biofilms of each mutant revealed that the vast majority of the mutants exhibited the striated cellular arrangement phenotype similar to that of the wild type. However, the analysis also showed that some biofilms had alterations to this lengthwise packing phenotype, and the authors found three additional phenotypes bundled, disordered and clustered. Specifically, cells defective in the production and function of the type IV pilus formed bundled biofilms, which suggests that an extendable and retractable pilus is required for the formation of the striations seen for wild-type biofilms. Moreover, cells lacking certain global gene expression regulators or cells with defects in O-antigen biosynthesis gave rise to the disordered phenotype. Finally, mutant cells that produced lipopolysaccharide without the O-antigen attached produced the clustered phenotype.

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Bacterial architects build the biofilm structures - Nature.com

Physiology

Understanding how natural genetic variation contributes to adaptive responses to low oxygen – News-Medical.Net

Humans are still evolving, and Tatum Simonson, PhD, founder and co-director of the Center for Physiological Genomics of Low Oxygen at University of California School of Medicine, plans to use evolution to improve healthcare for all.

Her latest research, which was published February 9, 2024 in Science Advances, reveals that a gene variant in some Andean people is associated with reduced red blood cell count at high altitude, enabling them to safely live high in the mountains in low-oxygen conditions. Simonson's UC San Diego lab is applying those findings toward understanding whether there may be a genetic component to why some people with sleep apnea or pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fare better than others.

There are people with COPD who breathe a lot and maintain a higher oxygen saturation. Others with the same disease don't breathe as much, and their oxygen saturation is low. Researchers suspect there may be genetic differences underlying this variation, similar to the variation we find in pathways important for oxygen sensing and responses underlying natural selection at high altitude."

Tatum Simonson, PhD, founder and co-director of the Center for Physiological Genomics of Low Oxygen at University of California School of Medicine

Our cells need oxygen to survive. When there isn't enough in the environment, our bodies produce extra red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Too many red blood cells, however, create a dangerous condition called excessive erythrocytosis (EE), which makes the blood viscous, which could lead to stroke or heart failure.

Her previous research showed that many mountain-dwelling Tibetans exposed to low-oxygen situations are born with innate mechanisms that protect them from poor outcomes at high altitude, including the overproduction of red blood cells. Part of this is due to changes in the regulation of the EPAS1 gene, which lowers hemoglobin concentrations by regulating the pathway that responds to changing oxygen levels. Advances in genetics have shown that modern Tibetans received this genetic advantage from their ancestors who mixed with archaic humans living in Asia tens of thousands of years ago-;a unique evolutionary history confined to this population.

For her latest research, Dr. Simonson, who is also the John B. West Endowed Chair in Respiratory Physiology and associate professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine & Physiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, zoomed in on the EPAS1 region of the genome. She and her team focused on a mutation in the gene that is present in some people living in the Andes but is absent in all other human populations. When they scanned whole Andean genomes, they found a pattern surrounding this variant suggesting that the genetic change, which alters only a single amino acid in the protein product, happened by chance, relatively recently (from 9,000 to 13,000 years ago), and spread very quickly through hundreds of generations within the Andean population.

Similar to Tibetans, the EPAS1 gene is associated with lower red blood cell count in Andeans who possess it. However, the researchers were surprised to find that the variant works in a completely different way from the Tibetan version of the gene; rather than regulating its levels, the Andean variant changes the genetic makeup of the protein, altering the DNA in every single cell.

"Tibetans have, in general, an average lower hemoglobin concentration, and their physiology deals with low oxygen in a way that doesn't increase their red blood cells to excessively high levels. Now we have the first signs of evidence that Andeans are also going down that path, involving the same gene, but with a protein-coding change. Evolution has worked in these two populations, on the same gene, but in different ways," said Simonson.

This study exemplifies a current approach in research that connects genetic targets of natural selection with complex disease genes-;understanding, for example, how natural genetic variation contributes to adaptive and maladaptive responses to low oxygen, as this study reveals.

In Simonson's lab, that means figuring out what downstream target genes are being turned on in response to low oxygen, among other things. Said Simonson, "This paper shows one gene associated with one particular phenotype, but we think there are many different genes and components of oxygen transport involved. It's just one piece of that puzzle, and could provide researchers with information relevant to other populations."

Simonson and her team are working with Latino populations in San Diego and El Centro, California, as well as Tijuana and Ensenada, Mexico, taking them to high altitudes and recording their breathing while awake and asleep. They're cross-referencing their findings with publicly available databases to determine whether the findings they've made in Andeans are also found in local Latinos who may share some genetic variants with the Andeans.

"In precision medicine, it's important to recognize variation in genetic backgrounds, specifically in historically understudied populations," Simonson said. "If we can find some shared genetic factors in populations in an extreme environment, that may help us understand aspects of health and disease in that group and groups more locally. In that way, this study aims to push research forward, and towards comprehensive personalized medicine approaches in clinics here in San Diego."

Co-authors of the study include: Elijah S. Lawrence, Wanjun Gu, James J. Yu, Erica C. Heinrich, Katie A. O'Brien, Carlos A. Vasquez, Quinn T. Cowan , Patrick T. Bruck , Kysha Mercader, Mona Alotaibi, Tao Long, James E. Hall, Esteban A. Moya, Marco A. Bauk, Jennifer J. Reeves, Mitchell C. Kong, Rany M. Salem, Keolu P. Fox, Atul Malhotra, Frank L. Powel, Mohit Jain and Alexis C. Komor at UC San Diego, Ryan J. Bohlender, Hao Hu and Chad D. Huff at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cecilia Anza-Ramirez, Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo , Jose-Luis Macarlupu , Rmulo Figueroa-Mujca, Daniela Bermudez, Noemi Corante and Francisco C. Villafuerte at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Eduardo Gaio at Universidad de Braslia, Veikko Salomaa and Aki S. Havulinna at Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and Andrew J. Murray at Cambridge University and Gianpiero L. Cavalleri at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

This study was funded, in part, by the National Institutes of Health (Grants R01HL145470 [TSS] and T32HL134632 [JEH]), Geographic Society Explorer Award, and John B West Endowment in Respiratory Physiology (TSS), Wellcome Trust Award 107544/Z/15/Z (FCV), Marie Skodowska-Curie grant agreement No 890768 (KAO), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Ford Foundation Fellowship (CAV), National Science Foundation Grant No DGE-2038238 (PTB), Research Corporation for Science Advancement through Cottrell Scholar Award 27502 (ACK), Science Foundation Ireland 12/IP/1727 (GLC), Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research and Juho Vainio Foundation (VS), and Academy of Finland (ASH).

Source:

Journal reference:

Lawrence, E. S., et al. (2024). FunctionalEPAS1/HIF2Amissense variant is associated with hematocrit in Andean highlanders.Science Advances. doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj5661.

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Understanding how natural genetic variation contributes to adaptive responses to low oxygen - News-Medical.Net

Physiology

I’m a professor of physiology – here are 15 ways cyclists can avoid winter illness – CyclingWeekly

There are certain nagging questions in cycling that have a tendency to generate conflicting opinions and a confusing array of different views. In this ASK THE EXPERT series from Cycling Weeklys print edition, we seek to clear up confusion by seeking out the experts best qualified to provide, if not the final word, then at least authoritative advice supported by verified expertise.

Neil Walsh, a professor of physiology at Liverpool John Moores University, has been researching strategies to avoid immune suppression and infection among athletes for the past two decades. In this feature he answers our questions about immune health, how to avoid illness and how to stay healthy.

Firstly, what do we mean by immune health?

We would typically talk about resistance to infections how likely you are to pick up common colds and flu. What underpins this is immune defence, the barriers your body puts up, from your skin, to antibodies in your saliva and tears, which provide the first line of defence. The second line of defence are immune cells; and the third line of defence is the acquired immune system, which produces antibodies, responding to infectious organisms youve contracted before.

Does training hard compromise your immune system?

Interestingly, if youd asked me that question 10 years ago, Id have given you a different answer. We used to think that heavy exercise zapped the immune system and that the few hours after exercise were an open window for infections to get a foothold. But in the last 10 years, weve come around to the thinking that endurance athletes generally have very good immune systems. They have three common colds a year on average, which is very normal, and there is scant evidence that they are ever clinically immune-suppressed.

Is it OK to train with a cold?

Cyclists should employ common sense around this question. I still recommend the neck check: if you get up in the morning and have below-the-neck symptoms fatigue, inflammation, soreness, cough, etc you should not exercise until you feel better. There is good evidence that if you exercise with systemic symptoms below the neck, you are liable to protract the infection and make it worse.

1. Try to avoid sick people, e.g. crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

2. Ensure good hand hygiene and get vaccinated.

3. Avoid self-inoculation try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

4. Do not train or compete with below-the-neck symptoms.

5. Monitor and manage both physical and psychosocial stresses.

6. Carefully calibrate training stress by increasing it in increments.

7. Avoid very long rides in favour of higher intensity.

8. Plan recovery or adaptation week every second or third week.

9. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night.

10. Eat a well-balanced diet and be sure to avoid chronic low energy availability.

11. Match energy intake to expenditure; avoid crash dieting.

12. Ensure adequate protein intake (1.21.6g/kg body mass/day).

13. Take 1,000IU/day vitamin D3 from autumn to spring.

14. At the onset of a cold, take zinc acetate lozenges (75mg/day).

15 Consider taking a daily probiotic.

Source: Recommendations to maintain immune health in Athletes by Neil P. Walsh, European Journal of Sport Science

If exercise doesnt suppress the immune system, what does?

We know now that the things that make athletes more susceptible to infection are largely the same as in non-athletes. These include psychological stress, high levels of anxiety, poor sleep, poor hygiene, and long-haul travel. Autumn is the peak period for colds, while January is peak flu season. Riders need to think about their lifestyle in a holistic way, limiting their exposure to pathogens.

What practical steps can riders take to avoid illness?

Stop touching your nose, your eyes and your mouth something Ive said to the best cycling teams in the world. Get the basics right: good hygiene, not training when youre sick, and not returning to training until youve been free of symptoms for a day or two.

Hygiene includes regularly disinfecting bidons, right?

Yes, thats a really good point. Bottle hygiene is well worth considering. A poorly cleaned bottle is a really great place to grow pathogens! Wash them thoroughly after every use, and soak in a weak disinfectant solution such as Milton sterilising fluid from time to time.

Does exercise help maintain the immune system?

Yes, when you exercise regularly, you create an anti-inflammatory environment. Of course, sometimes you need inflammation for example, a runny nose or cough are signs of the immune system doing its job but you need a balance between the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory sides of the immune system. Cyclists tend to have less body fat, and thats good news because some of the immune cells in fat produce inflammatory cytokines. Individuals with excess fat are more pro-inflammatory, which is implicated in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. Having better fitness and less fat means less inflammation.

Is eating too little or being too thin also a risk to immune health?

This is an extremely complicated area, with a really weird paradox. Patients with anorexia nervosa seem to be protected from infections until they get to the advanced stages of the condition as though the immune system is protected. Its an area that requires more research, but it is not clear-cut that limiting caloric intake harms the immune system in the short term.

What are the key nutritional considerations? Should we be taking any supplements?

The key thing is to ensure youre eating enough protein. This isnt usually an issue provided youre eating a mixed, balanced diet. In the winter, when we cant produce enough vitamin D from sunlight, taking a supplement is strongly advised. At the first sign of a common cold, zinc lozenges seem to shorten the period of symptoms, as well as their severity. Dont take zinc longer-term, though, unless you have a deficiency. There is some evidence that daily probiotics can have an immune benefit, while echinacea can be effective in people with weakened immune systems.

What have we learnt from Covid, in terms of social distancing and mask wearing?

Its difficult knowing where to draw the line. Avoiding being around sick people helps to reduce transmission. Hand-washing, not touching your face again, these basics are definitely worthwhile. We know that athletes are vulnerable to picking up illnesses during long-haul travel, which is mostly down to exposure. Masks seem to be more effective at preventing you from passing on a virus, rather than the other way around.

The full version of this article was published in the 18th January 2024 print edition of Cycling Weekly magazine. Subscribe online and get the magazine delivered to your door every week.

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I'm a professor of physiology - here are 15 ways cyclists can avoid winter illness - CyclingWeekly

Physiology

‘From slow visual feedback to real-time plant physiology’ – Verticalfarmdaily.com: global indoor farming news

Visual feedback of the plant structure is too slow for real-time optimization of the growing climate. Gardin measures photosynthesis, the most fundamental physiological process in the plant that is directly related to the assimilation of sugars for growth says Julian Godding, Lead data scientist at Gardin, a UK agritech.

Measuring photosynthesis in growing environments Growers are constantly trying to understand how the environment affects their plants and respond quickly to mitigate variability and achieve production targets. However, visual feedback from plants is slow - taking days or even weeks to materialize. This severely limits the potential for data-driven growing since several variables may impact the crop within that period. Chlorophyll fluorescence monitors the photosynthetic activity of the plant and is a powerful technique that has been used in plant research for decades.

However, deployment in commercial farms has been limited because of high costs, a lack of automation and a gap in technical knowledge. It is well known that photosynthesis is the fundamental process in plant growth, making the technique a good indicator of how the growing environment is impacting plant productivity. Gardins novel chlorophyll fluorescence sensor is designed for use in commercial farms. It uses advanced optical engineering to autonomously measure hundreds of plants throughout the day and employs algorithms to deliver interpretable insights to growers.

Real-time plant feedback Over the past two years, Gardin has been undertaking research funded by InnovateUK in partnership with the Advanced Plant Centre, hosted at the James Hutton Institute, and Intelligent Growth Solutions. The project explored the potential for chlorophyll fluorescence to be used as a technique for plant-driven optimization in CEA.

Whether due to the outdoor climate in a greenhouse or the impact of microclimates in indoor farms, growth environments for food production are constantly changing. Small changes in temperature and humidity can have a significant impact on plant outcomes, affecting yield and quality; and making it harder for growers to meet their targets Tevan et al, 2021 - The left side image shows an RGB capture of the plant canopy, right side image shows a thermal capture of the same plants. The brighter color indicates a higher temperature.

For the first time, Gardins sensors have enabled us to remotely explore plant activity in an industrial setting. This invention has been a significant milestone in our quest to optimize recipe development and is crucial for creating the optimal plant environment, says Csaba Hornyik, Senior Plant Scientist at Intelligent Growth Solutions.

Until now, growers could not measure the effect of the climate on plant physiology in real-time and at scale using cost-effective sensors, instead having to rely on visual parameters such as height, with limited resolution and flexibility.

Gardin's technology gives growers access to quantified measurements of plant photosynthesis, enabling a new method of growing that uses plant-driven insights to achieve better results. Julian explains that in most other industries, there is an obsession with measuring product quality. However, in agriculture, growers often rely on indirect indicators like temperature and humidity, as plant physiology is hard to measure accurately at scale. Gardin aims to bridge this gap and establish a growth method based on direct feedback from the plants."

Moustakas et al, 2022

By linking the climate to the plants, Gardin aims to consolidate all environmental variables into simple plant insights that enable rapid optimization of the growing environment and validating this approach was one of the key aims of the research. To achieve this, the photosynthetic activity of several species was measured in a controlled indoor growth environment with artificial lighting.

More than fifty batches of plants were grown with different light intensities while maintaining the same overall climate but with the presence of microclimates. The fertigation strategy was adjusted at one point, and there were variations in germination density. This reflects the reality of production environments - continuous improvement was a great test for the ability of chlorophyll fluorescence to flexibly monitor plants under different conditions and clearly distinguish their photosynthetic performance.

The results showed Gardins measurements of photosynthetic efficiency correlating well with the fresh weight (kg/m2/annum) and productivity (kg/m2/kWh) of each batch of plants. In other words, Gardin's photosynthesis measurements could effectively explain 50% of the variability in productivity across hundreds of kilos of plant product using a simple metric that is generalizable for any cultivar. This capability to directly measure plant productivity is a step change in agriculture, accelerating the grower feedback loop from weeks to mere minutes. Moreover, Gardin's capacity to measure across a broad canopy area assures growers that they are optimizing their entire farm's productivity and quality.

In addition, the James Hutton Institute conducted a nutritional analysis to study the impact on food quality. In an exciting development, it was discovered that basil plants with lower stress levels, as measured by the Gardin sensor, had lower concentrations of estragole - a carcinogenic and genotoxic compound that causes an unfavorable aniseed taste.

These exciting findings underscore the significance of reducing plant stress events in growing environments to the benefit of consumers. The project is an elegant illustration of what can be achieved by using Gardins real-time metrics as an optimization parameter - were very excited to see more and more growers adopt them to improve the productivity of their farm. The James Hutton brings experience to the complex task of plant nutritional analysis and allowed us to make novel discoveries linking the growing environment to the nutritional content of leafy greens. notes Fabrizio Ticchiarelli, Lead Biologist at Gardin.

Plant driven growing Gardin Pulse is a farm management product designed for commercial growers. It serves as a tool for rapidly optimizing growing environments with confidence. Proprietary analytics provide instant insight into farm performance, visualizing the impact of a changing environment and enabling rapid testing of different climate strategies to achieve the best results. With energy prices currently a key concern of growers, Gardin Pulse offers a solution for growers to determine energy savings strategies with optimal lighting and heating control for the plants.

Julian Godding, Lead data scientist at Gardin will be presenting 'Plant Computer: the next generation of greenhouse cultivation' at the Startup Arena Hall 5.1 at the Fruit Logistica this week.

For more information: Gardin http://www.gardin.co.uk

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Physiology

The Future of Space Biology, Physiology, and Medicine: Exploring the Effects of Gravity on Human Cells – Medriva

Understanding the Effects of Gravity on Human Cells

Space biology, space physiology, and space medicine are rapidly evolving fields that hold the key to our future in space. As we dream of establishing human colonies on the Moon and Mars, it is crucial to understand how the human body adapts to different levels of gravity. The proposed research activities aim to fill the gaps in our knowledge of how cells adapt to microgravity, partial gravity (on the Moon and Mars), and hypergravity.

The research involves studying mechano-biological coupling mechanisms and exploring tissue-like responses to gravity alterations using 3D models. The effects of gravity on cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and stress response are also areas of focus. A key aspect of the research is investigating the interplay between altered gravity and space radiation. The studies will be conducted using various platforms such as the International Space Station (ISS), parabolic flights, centrifuges, and on-ground systems.

One of the challenges in space medicine is the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during spaceflight. A study highlighted in Nature discusses the use of ultrasound for venous assessment and venous thrombosis screening in spaceflight. The study emphasizes the need to establish the validity of venous ultrasound for the diagnosis of DVT during spaceflight and the challenges in diagnostic accuracy and management studies.

Microgravity related changes may confound the diagnosis of DVT, and the effect of venous interventions to reverse them needs to be identified. The study calls for future research to account for microgravity related changes, evaluate the individual effect of venous interventions, and adopt Earth-based venous ultrasound standards.

A similar study published in the National Library of Medicine also highlights the challenges of diagnosing and managing DVT in space. The study developed an appropriateness tool following expert panel discussions but found that spaceflight venous ultrasound did not meet all appropriateness criteria compared to terrestrial standards.

The Human Biology News page on ScienceDaily provides updates on the latest research activities and findings in human biology, including space physiology, space medicine, and space biology. Following such resources can help us stay updated with the progress in this field.

As we move closer to becoming a multi-planetary species, understanding the effects of altered gravity on human biology, physiology, and medicine is crucial. The proposed research activities aim to add to our knowledge in these areas and help us prepare for a future in space. The challenges in diagnosing and managing health conditions in space underline the need for continued research and development in space medicine.

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The Future of Space Biology, Physiology, and Medicine: Exploring the Effects of Gravity on Human Cells - Medriva

Biochemistry

Commonwealth University biochemistry and pre-medicine concentrations accredited – Lock Haven Express

PHOTO PROVIDED Michael Borland, biochemistry and chemistry professor and ASBMB Education Fellow, is pictured teaching in a lab.

LOCK HAVEN Commonwealth University of Pennsylvanias Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics (BiCEP) has earned accreditation from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) for two Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree concentrations: biochemistry and pre-medicine.

The seven-year full accreditation applies across the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield campuses in recognition of their excellence in curriculum, institutional characteristics and faculty qualifications. The accreditation enables graduating seniors to take the national ASBMB accreditation exam and demonstrate their proficiency in biochemistry and molecular biology on a national stage.

The ASBMB applauded our efforts to engage students in research/internship, use of active/experiential learning opportunities and program assessment, said Michael Borland, biochemistry and chemistry professor and ASBMB Education Fellow. Borland (Bloomsburg) led Commonwealths accreditation effort with departmental colleagues Toni Bell (Bloomsburg), Maegen Borzok (Mansfield), Kyle Root (Lock Haven) and Jackie Dumm (Lock Haven).

Borland also emphasized that this accreditation strengthens the Commonwealth University academic array and prepares students for industry positions, graduate school or professional schools such as in medicine or dentistry. We are excited about the opportunities our updated curriculum provides to create well-rounded, literate and competent scientists and/or medical professionals. Our curriculum, with professors teaching all lecture and lab courses, is grounded in best practices; it provides high-impact experiential laboratory learning and a learning community/network to help students attain their professional aspirations, said Borland.

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Borland and his colleagues in Commonwealth Universitys chemistry, biochemistry and pre-medicine programs for earning ASBMB accreditation. This achievement will provide important opportunities for our current and future students, and I thank our faculty for their work to enhance our students experience, said Bashar W. Hanna, president.

The ASBMB is the premier professional organization in biochemistry and molecular biology and provides national, independent and outcomes-based evaluations of institutions and programs. To date, just over 100 B.A. and B.S. programs nationwide have earned accreditation since inception in 2013. Bloomsburg campus was accredited by ASBMB in 2014 and was the first Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution to earn this distinction. Accreditation by independent professional organizations assists biochemistry and molecular biology educators in meeting the growing demand from collegiate accrediting bodies, university administrators, and other stakeholders for regular outcomes assessment.

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Biochemistry

What Casual Sex, Pigeon Relationships, Bioluminescence and a Drug for Broken Hearts can Tell us About the … – Nautilus

Learning that romantic feelings, the fireworks of joy and transcendence, are ignited by nothing but biochemistry is a total downer. Or so it might seem. But we bet you will come away from reading these Nautilus articles on love, compiled for Valentines Day, feeling like researcher Anna Machin, who says the more she studies love, the more in awe I am of its complexity in the human species.

You will learn how biochemistry, concocted by evolution, binds us to others. And those others are not just humans. The same natural potions of love bind animals, too. But the science of love is not as reductive as you might imagine. It also takes the air out of culturally conservative views about sex. Only love can break your heart, Neil Young sang, but in the brave new science of love, chemistry can repair it, too.

Love Is Biological Bribery

In an episode of the satirical comedy The Great, the reign of the reason-and-science-loving Russian empress Catherine nearly collapses when her husband Peter, the deposed emperor, storms into her private quarters, determined to imprison her. But seeing her tearful and in despair, he forgets his vindictiveness and hugs her. Later, he tells her, I wanted your happiness more than my own. Wow, she responds. Indeed, Peter says. Love has done a strange thing to me. I wonder if you cut a man who has loved fiercely, you will see a different-shaped heart from a man who has not?

Read on.

Casual Sex Is Improving Americas Marriages

An American man and a French woman meet on a train in Eastern Europe. They live on different continents. But before the sun comes up, they have spent the night together. What happens next?

Read on.

What Pigeons Teach Us About Love

Last spring I came to know a pair of pigeons. Id been putting out neighborly sunflower seeds for them and my local Brooklyn house sparrows; typically I left them undisturbed while feeding, but every so often Id want to water my plants or lie in the sun. This would scatter the flockall, that is, except for these two.

Read on.

Your Romantic Ideals Dont Predict Who Your Future Partner Will Be

Last year, I briefly ran an analogue dating service. Ill never know what inspired me to start itmaybe my stable relationship had me missing the excitement of single lifebut I loved the simplicity of it. There were no questionnaires, no algorithms, no thoughtful matchmaking. Instead, I collected phone numbers from singles I met at bars, soccer games, and dinner parties, and arbitrarily set them up with each other.

Read on.

Bioluminescence Is Natures Love Light

Imagine being a 22-year-old woman, wondering where new species come from. Imagine this question, burning brightly in your mind, has drawn you to the Florida Keys. One night, you pile into a boat with your graduate school advisor and some labmates, head for open water, and cut the lights. You adjust your snorkel mask, tip your face into the Caribbean Sea, and stare downward.

Read on.

This Drug Can Mend a Broken Heart

On Valentines Day in 2016, Anne Lantoine received not flowers, but divorce papers. In the months preceding, she had been preparing for her familys move from France to Canadaor so she thought.

Read on.

Lead image: pogonici / Shutterstock

Posted on February 12, 2024

Kevin Berger is the editor of Nautilus.

Cutting-edge science, unraveled by the very brightest living thinkers.

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Biochemistry

$2.4 Million in Funding Awarded to Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty | CSUF News – CSUF News

In 2023, eight faculty members in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry received more than $2.4 million in external funding to support research with Cal State Fullerton students.

National Science Foundation:

U.S. Department of Energy:

National Institutes of Health:

U.S. Department of Defense:

American Chemical Society:

Social Science Research Council:

Scott-Jewett Fund for Innovation and Student Success

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$2.4 Million in Funding Awarded to Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty | CSUF News - CSUF News

Biochemistry

Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Director of NIH-Funded COBRE job with UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE … – Nature.com

Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Director of NIH-Funded COBRE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

Posting Number PF0847FY24

Quick Link to Posting https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/59245

Summary of Position The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences (MCBS), College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) invites applications for a full-time (9-month) tenure-trackAssociate Professor of Biochemistry. The faculty member hired will also serve as Director of theNIHfunded Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE): Center of Integrated Biomedical and Bioengineering Research (CIBBR).

We seek an engaged faculty member who is an established biomedical scientist with a nationally recognized, externally funded research program employing experimental biochemical and biophysical approaches to advance the field of protein biochemistry, structural biology, signal transduction, developmental biology, cancer biology, cell/gene therapy and/or other related fields. The successful candidate must have prior administrative experience to leadCIBBRin meeting its goals. A demonstrated commitment to mentoring early-stage investigators, building research infrastructure, enhancement of diversity and inclusion, as well as teaching and service is also required.

For the successful candidate, the above activities will be bolstered via interactions with severalUNHCenters of Excellence. These includeCIBBRand its Molecular & Cellular Phenotyping and Data Science Cores; theHubbard Center for Genome Studies; theUniversity Instrumentation Center(housing state-of-the-art imaging and spectrometry instrumentation); and theNew Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station. Graduate student training opportunities are provided through affiliation with graduate programs in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and/or Molecular & Evolutionary Systems Biology.

The primary responsibilities of this position are: 1) Maintain and grow a high-impact, externally funded research program; 2) Serve as Principal Investigator and Administrative Core Lead ofCIBBR(currently in early Phase II); 3) Provide high quality instruction in biochemistry as well as molecular and cellular biology courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels; 4) Contribute meaningfully to service at the Department, College, and University levels.

Additional Job Information Application Instructions:Applications will be reviewed beginning on April 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. A start date of January 2025 is anticipated. Applicants must apply online athttps://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/59245.

The following application materials are required: 1) cover letter that includes a description of administrative and mentoring experience relevant to leadingCIBBR; 2) curriculum vitae including the names of three professional references; 3) research statement (maximum five pages) describing currently active areas of research and long-term goals; 4) statement of teaching interests and philosophy (maximum two pages); 5) a diversity statement (maximum two pages) that articulates previous experience and future vision of fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment, and 6) anNIHBiosketch.

For administrative questions related to application submission, please contact Matthew James (matthew.james@unh.edu). For scientific and related questions, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Krisztina Varga (krisztina.varga@unh.edu).

AboutUNHandMCBS:The University of New Hampshire is a Carnegie Research 1 (highest research activity)-designated, Land, Sea & Space Grant University. The Durham campus of the University of New Hampshire is the States flagship public university and home to a vibrant campus community that prides itself on sustainability. NH is consistently voted among the nations top states in which to reside, with theUNHcampus located near the seacoast and in proximity to the Gulf of Maine, the White Mountains, and Boston (with on-campus rail transportation available).

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences (MCBS) is an energetic and growing department with six recent tenure-track faculty hires and a history of productive inter-disciplinary collaborations with faculty in the life sciences, chemistry, and bioengineering disciplines atUNH.MCBSoffers degrees at the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral levels. Faculty and graduate students additionally participate in university-wide interdisciplinary graduate programs that foster cross-disciplinary and integrative approaches to research and teaching. Undergraduate programs focus on preparing students for careers in the life science industries, graduate schools and/or professional health programs. For more information aboutMCBS, please visithttps://colsa.unh.edu/mcbs/.

Diversity and Inclusion:AtUNH, diversity among administrators, faculty, staff, and students also drives excellence. We therefore are committed to enhancing and sustaining an educational and working community that is inclusive and equitable. These values are cherished and are inextricably linked to our core mission. We are a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal employment and educational opportunity for all qualified persons, and our non-discrimination policies extend and apply to admission, access to, treatment within, or employment inUNHprograms or activities. The University is committed to excellence through diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff, and students and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Acceptable Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:1) a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, biophysical chemistry, or related field; 2) current rank at the Associate Professor level; 3) serve as the PI of at least one active, majorNIHresearch grant whose scientific theme is related to theCIBBR; 4) prior experience with academic and/or research administration; and 5) demonstrated commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.

This position is responsible for the supervision of

Professional, Administrative, and Technical , Students

Special Requirements

A background check will be required as a condition of employment.

EEO Statement The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Institution Information The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction.UNHis located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshires lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

TheUNHDiversity Resource Guide with information and programming available in the seacoast area, New Hampshire, and the region can be found here:https://www.unh.edu/hr/diversity-resource-guide

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Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Director of NIH-Funded COBRE job with UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ... - Nature.com