Tags: Analytical Seminar

Single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) produces 3D structures of macromolecules by combining many EM images of particles embedded in a thin layer of vitreous ice.  A new generation of direct electron detectors has enabled the production of atomic-resolution structures of biomolecules.1  Despite the impressive gains in resolution, structural determination by cryo-EM remains a slow process involving considerable trial and…
Early detection of infectious diseases with point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is vital to provide proper treatment for patients especially in developing countries.1 Point-of-care (POC)  diagnostics are generally in vitro diagnostic tests that can be carried out without the need of trained personnel and facilities. Samples of blood, urine, saliva or other bodily fluids are tested to detect targets that will be able to provide us with rapid…
Immunostasis is maintained by tolerance mechanisms like the programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint.  With the immunostasis, the immune system is able to defend against infections and cancer without causing autoimmune disorders. However, immune stimulation signals override the PD-1 immune checkpoint in autoimmune diseases, and the checkpoint is no longer able to sustain immunostasis.  What drives Dr. Chen’s research is to improve…
Lignin is the third most abundant biopolymer and the only one with a large aromatic network. 50 million tons of it are produced annually.1 Lignin is synthesized inside the plant by the radical polymerization of phenol groups and makes up to forty percent of the dry weight of plants.2 Lignin is produced as a waste by-product from the paper making industry. Most of the lignin produced by these processes are burned as fuel. Recently, rising…
My laboratory has been investigating subtle and sometimes not so subtle structural and functional consequences of DNA damage and modifications. A major focus of this presentation will be on single ribonucleotide intrusions in DNA. These represent the most common non-standard nucleotide in genomic DNA, yet little is known of their structural impact. This lesion incurs genomic instability in addition to affecting the physical properties of the DNA…
Over the past two decades, active learning strategies have been incorporated into general and organic chemistry classrooms to replace the long-held tradition of “sage on the stage” lectures.1 These active learning strategies have included, but are not limited to, classroom response systems (“clickers”), think-pair-share, discovery-based activities, and peer teaching.2-3 When used correctly, these strategies enforce meaningful learning, which is…