Biosciences News

The thirdhand smoke (THS) research group in Biosciences’ Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division contributed to three recently-published studies that further underscore the harms of exposure to the lingering toxic residues from tobacco smoke.

Paul Adams, Director of the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, has announced that Katy Christiansen will assume the role of Interim Area Deputy while he is serving as Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for the next year. Effective August 23, Christiansen will work with Adams to support the Area’s scientific mission and be responsible for helping to plan and execute the long-range strategy of the Biosciences Area.

As instruments in large-scale user facilities are becoming more powerful, the volume of data and its complexity also grow. To leverage these heightened capabilities and accelerate scientific discoveries, a field known as autonomous discovery has emerged. It uses algorithms to learn from a comparatively little amount of input data and determine the best next experimental steps — all with minimal human intervention.

Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division Director Susannah Tringe was quoted in a Discover magazine feature on harnessing bacteria’s knack for breaking down material that other organisms can’t to clean up tricky messes—from oil spills to plastic waste to corpse-stained marble.

Mary Maxon, Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Biosciences, has been granted a one-year leave of absence to help advance science and technology opportunities for engineering biology and the U.S. bioeconomy. Beginning August 23, Maxon will work on temporary assignment with Schmidt Futures, a philanthropic initiative founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, as they launch a significant effort to seed the next wave of engineering biology and bioeconomy innovation. 

Paul Adams, Director of the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) Division, has been asked by Lab Director Mike Witherell to serve as the ALD for Biosciences over the coming year. While Adams is serving as Biosciences ALD, MBIB Deputy for Science Junko Yano will take on the role of Interim MBIB Division Director; Greg Hura has agreed to step into the role of Interim MBIB Science Deputy; and Susan Tsutakawa will be the Interim Head of the Structural Biology Department for the coming year.