Biosciences News

X-ray solution scattering is a routine biophysical technique used to determine structure and dynamics of macromolecules in solution. When solution scattering data is interpreted, often with the aid of known atomic models, an improved understanding of the macromolecule’s biological function and properties emerges.

Artificial photosynthesis is achieved by using light to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Recently, researchers at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP), utilizing three of the National User Facilities at Berkeley Lab, were able to address one of the major challenges in artificial photosynthesis – the stabilization of semiconductor materials under the harsh conditions required for water splitting.

Cytokines are small proteins, e.g. growth hormone, that induce “signals” inside cells when they bind cell-surface receptors. Many cytokine-induced signals pass through members of the Janus kinase (JAK) family. Mutations in JAK proteins that cause blood cancers were identified a decade ago, but it has not been determined exactly how they do so.

John Kuriyan, Senior Faculty Scientist in the Physical Biosciences Division and Chancellor’s Professor in the Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry at the University of California-Berkeley, gave the inaugural talk of the National Energy Research Super Computing (NERSC) Center’s Nobel Lunchtime Lecture Series.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) CEO Jay Keasling announced that Blake Simmons would be stepping into the role of Chief Science and Technology Officer (CSTO). Simmons, who joined JBEI in 2006 as Vice President for one of its divisions, continues to be Senior Manager of the Biofuels & Biomaterials Science and Technology Department at Sandia National Laboratories.