Podcasts about surface science

Dr. Sanna Virtanen, Chair of Surface Science and Corrosion in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Germany's Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, is the 2024 recipient of AMPP's prestigious Willis Whitney Technical Achievement Award. In this roundtable conversation also featuring Raul Rebak of GE Global Research and Dr. John Scully of the University of Virginia, Dr. Virtanen shares highlights from her distinguished career and lessons learned for the next generation, along with insight on what the Whitney Award means to her career. Rebak and Dr. Scully — who currently serve as AMPP's Program Committee Chair and Task Force Chair, respectively — add perspective on the AMPP Awards process and the ways in which winners will be honored and celebrated at the 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in March.

Xiabing Lyu: Exosomes to regulate the human immune system (Kanazawa/ Recorded in June 2023)  Xiabing Lyu is an Assistant Professor at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University. Here, she describes her research on engineering exosomes that regulate anti-viral and anti-tumor immune system responses.  Details here: https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/about/members/life-science/ The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University. The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. Further information WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/NanoLSI Podcast website

Dr. Christy Haynes is the Elmore H. Northey Professor of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. In Christy's research group, they are working to develop new methods to monitor small quantities of important chemicals in complex environments. Their research also aims to develop new, safe nanomaterials for applications in human health and sustainable energy. When she's not at work, Christy loves to go for a run around the lakes of Minneapolis and spend time with her spouse and two kids. Her son has an analytic mind and is interested in competitive sports, while her daughter enjoys art and music. She completed her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Macalester College and received her MS and PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern University. Next, Christy was awarded a National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award Post-Doctoral Fellowship to conduct research at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 2005. Christy has received many awards and honors for her research, including the Sara Evans Faculty Woman Scholar/Leader Award, the Taylor Award for Distinguished Research from the University of Minnesota, the Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader in Chemistry Lectureship, the Pittsburgh Conference Achievement Award, the Joseph Black Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry, an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, the Arthur F. Findeis Award for Achievements by a Young Analytical Scientist from the American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry, the Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry Young Investigator Award, the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, the NIH New Innovator Award, the NSF CAREER Award, and the Victor K. LaMer Award from the American Chemical Society Division of Colloid and Surface Science. In addition, Christy has been recognized for her excellence in mentoring through receipt of the Advising and Mentoring Award and the Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor Award both from the University of Minnesota. She has also been listed among the Top 100 Inspiring Women in STEM from Insight into Diversity magazine, the Analytical Scientist's “Top 40 Under 40” Power List, and one of the “Brilliant 10” chosen by Popular Science magazine. Christy is with us today to share stories from her journey through life and science.

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast:Scanning probe simultaneously captures structural and ion concentration changesTranscript of this podcast Hello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research led by Yasufumi Takahashi and Takeshi Fukuma at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the Journal of the American Chemistry Society Au in February 2023 Kanazawa University NanoLSI websitehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/Scanning probe simultaneously captures structural and ion concentration changesResearchers at Kanazawa University report in the Journal of the American Chemistry Society Gold how they have developed operando  scanning ion conductance microscopy to allow simultaneous measurements of changes in the anode surface topography of a lithium ion battery during use, as well as the varying ion concentration with depth. Combining both types of information should help researchers evaluate the correlation between the two to design better batteriesLithium ion batteries dominate the energy storage sector from the scale of small portable devices to electric vehicles and even grid-scale electricity suppliers. Research is constantly ongoing to improve their energy density, charging speed, lifetime and safety, among other attributes. Here an understanding of not just the changes that go on in lithium ion batteries but how different parameters might interact can be extremely advantageous. Now researchers led by Yasufumi Takahashi and Takeshi Fukuma at Kanazawa University in Japan report simultaneous measurements of topography and ion concentration profiles by developing their operando scanning ion conductance microscopy (operando SICM). The combined data they retrieve can enable evaluation of correlations between the two parameters for improving future battery performance.So what sorts of processes in batteries might we want to shed light on?As Takahashi and Fukuma list in their report on the work, several processes are involved in the charging and discharging of lithium batteries, including the transport, solvation or desolvation, and intercalation of lithium ions, as well as structural changes and expansion in the electrodes, and the formation and deposition of by-products. These all occur out of equilibrium under applied electric potentials. “Capturing such multi-step and time-dependent changes with a relevant spatiotemporal resolution enables optimizing the operating conditions,” they point out highlighting design features that might benefit such as the structure of electrodes and separator, and tailoring additives to ensure proper solid−electrolyte interphase formation. As a result, numerous techniques have been used to investigate how both the surface topography and the ion concentration of the anode or cathode change during charging or discharging, all with different limitations.A key advantage of scanning ion conductance microscopy is that it can measure surface morphology and properties, including changes in ion concentration with depth in the electrolyte. Until now, however, no-one had retrieved simultaneous topographical and ion concentration data of a battery during charging and discharging.So how does scanning ion conductance microscopy work anyway, and how did the researchers get it take both types of data simultaneously?Scanning ion conductance microscopy uses a nanopipette containing an ionic solution as the scanning probe. The nanopipette acts as a probe and monitors changes in ion current from which it is possible to visualise ion concentrations as well as the distance to a surface. To take both measurements simultaneously, the researcNanoLSI Podcast website

Kien Xuan NGO: Interdisciplinary research to address important problems in modern biologyAssistant Professor Kien Xuan Ngo is member of Toshio Ando's Nanometrology group at the Kanazawa NanoLSI. In this podcast is describes his research on structural biology for clarifying the functions of cytoskeletal proteins—such as actin and microtubules—and so-called ‘ABC transporters'. He is combining his expertise in biochemistry, biophysics, and mathematical simulations to address important problems in modern biology. The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University.The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.Further informationWPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University websitehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/NanoLSI Podcast website

Holger Flechsig: Computational biophysics to visualize the dynamics of proteins  Assistant Professor Holger Flechsig is a member of the Computational Molecular Physics group at the NanoLSI WPI Kanazawa University.  Here he describes his research on answering the questions, “How do proteins work.” Specially, on molecular machines and motors, protein allostery, proteins interactions and cellular scale phenomena using multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations that enable us to produce molecular movies to visualize the dynamic motion of proteins. The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University. The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. Further information WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University websitehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/NanoLSI Podcast website

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast: The offshoot of cells visualized in real timeTranscript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Richard Wong and colleagues at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, in November 2022 Kanazawa University NanoLSI website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/The offshoot of cells visualized in real timeIn a study recently published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, researchers from Kanazawa University use high-speed microscopy to capture the dynamics of nanosized sacs released from cells.Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are tiny sacs released by cells to deliver chemical messengers to other cells. Since sEVs are compatible with biological tissue they are being investigated as carriers for nanodrugs. However, the impact of physiological stress—such as changes in temperature—on the structure of sEVs is obscure. A research team led by Richard Wong and Keesiang Lim at Kanazawa University has now used an advanced form of microscopy to elucidate these changes in real time.The temperature, acid, and salt levels in our bodies can fluctuate with factors such as disease. Thus, research on sEVs for drug development requires a deeper understanding of how stressful environments affect the vesicles' structure. For their study, the team first isolated sEVs from cells. Next, using a technique known as high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) the structure of sEVs was revealed to be either spherical or ellipsoidal in shape. HS-AFM also enabled the researchers to accurately measure the sizes of sEVs without rupturing or damaging the vesicular membranes.The effect of varying temperatures on sEVs was the first parameter assessed. At temperatures higher than normal (37°C) body temperature the vesicles showed deformations in shape coupled with a loss of elasticity of their membranes. On the other hand, sEVs in cold conditions (4°C) had a reduced ability to release any internal material effectively.The researchers then studied the effects of pH (acid levels) on sEVs. The physiological pH of the bloodstream is 7.4. A pH less than 7 indicates acidic conditions and anything more than that is termed alkaline. The sEVs seemed to maintain their shape in acidic conditions (pH 4) but in alkaline conditions (pH 10) they were deformed. However, at a pH of 4 the sEVs were smaller in size suggesting their internal contents had been lost.Now, salt levels (known as osmotic pressure) at a concentration of 0.15 M are healthy. However, changes in osmotic pressure can have detrimental effects on cells. As conditions were gradually changed it was found that the spherical nature of sEVs decreased at high salt concentrations (1.8 M) but seemed to remain intact at low concentrations (0 M). After a while, vesicles in high osmotic conditions showed ruptured membranes.An understanding of these dynamics is imperative to formulating sEVs as pharmaceutical aids in different disease conditions. This study established HS-AFM as a useful tool to depict changes in sEVs under various physiological conditions in real time. “In summary, our study demonstrates the feasibility of HS-AFM for structural characterization and assessment of nanoparticles,” concludes the team.ReferenceElma Sakinatus Sajidah, Keesiang Lim, Tomoyoshi Yamano, Goro Nishide, Yujia Qiu, Takeshi Yoshida, Hanbo Wang, Akiko Kobayashi, Masaharu Hazawa, Firli Dewi, Rikinari Hanayama, Toshio Ando, Richard Wong. Spatiotemporal tracking of small extracellular vesicle nanotopology in response to physicochemical strNanoLSI Podcast website

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast: Biological lasso: Enhanced drug delivery to the brainTranscript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Kunio Matsumoto and colleagues at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering in November 2022 Kanazawa University NanoLSI website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/Biological lasso: Enhanced drug delivery to the brainIn a study recently published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, researchers from Kanazawa University use a method called “lasso-grafting” to design therapeutics with enhanced longevity and brain penetration. Cell growth and repair are stimulated by biomolecules known as cytokines and growth factors. Unfortunately, delivering adequate concentrations of these molecules to the brain for treating neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease is challenging as they are either cleared out of the blood very quickly or do not penetrate neural tissue effectively. A research team led by Kunio Matsumoto and Katsuya Sakai at Kanazawa University in collaboration with Junichi Takagi, Osaka University and Hiroaki Suga, the University of Tokyo has now used a technique called “lasso-grafting” to design molecules that replicate growth factors with longer retention in the body and brain penetration.The team synthesized a molecular entity comprising two components: macrocyclic peptides inserted into antibody fragments (known as Fc). Macrocyclic peptides are truncated proteins which can be engineered to resemble growth factors. Using lasso-grafting, a method previously developed by the researchers, the selected peptides were inserted into loops found on Fc. Now, lasso-grafting ensures that the macrocyclic peptides are easily exposed while keeping the structural integrity and function of both the peptide and Fc intact. Fc was used for this purpose as it remains in the body long enough and can easily add functionality of the Fab of choice.Using this process, a designer molecule replicating the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was first created. HGF binds a docking protein known as Met on the surface of cells to initiate signaling for cell growth and survival. Thus, aMD4 and aMD5, two macrocyclic peptides that can also bind to Met were first identified. They were then grafted into various sites on Fc until optimum insertion sites were found. When exposed to cells, Fc(aMD4) and Fc(aMD5) indeed latched onto Met receptors and initiated cellular signaling akin to HGF (Fig. 1b). Next, the longevity of Fc(aMD4) compared to Fc and HGF alone, was examined. When administered to mice, concentrations of HGF dwindled significantly after an hour while Fc(aMD4) persisted at levels enough to activate Met, for up to 200 hours. Markers for cellular replication were also active in these mice. Fc(aMD4) thus showed longevity and bioactivity.  The final step was to determine the brain penetration of these designer molecules. For this purpose, aMD4 was inserted into an Fc of anti-transferrin receptor (TfR) antibody which accumulates in the mouse brain after peripheral administration (Fig. 1c). Indeed, TfR(aMD4) showed high accumulation and retention within the brain tissues of mice compared to Fc(aMD4) alone.This study depicts a novel strategy of inducing the effects of growth factors and cytokines with enhanced retention in brain tissues. What's more, based on the macrocyclic peptides and antibodies selected, this technique can be applied to imitate several growth factors. “Thus, lasso-grafting enables the design of protein therapeutics with thNanoLSI Podcast website

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast: Chemists uncover cracks in the amour of cellulose nanocrystalsTranscript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Takeshi Fukuma and colleagues at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the journal Science Advances in October 2022Kanazawa University NanoLSI website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/Chemists uncover cracks in the amour of cellulose nanocrystalsChemists in Japan, Canada and Europe have uncovered flaws in the surface structure of cellulose nanocrystals—an important step toward deconstructing cellulose to produce renewable nano-materials relevant to biochemical products, energy solutions, and biofuels.The findings—published in Science Advances—are the most detailed look yet at the surface chemistry and structure of individual cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles.The team, led by researchers at Kanazawa University, applied three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) and molecular dynamics simulations to individual CNC fibres in water. The high-resolution scanning revealed new details of the cellulose chain arrangements on the CNCs surfaces.“This is an essential step towards understanding the mechanisms of CNC degradation, which is crucial for biomass conversion, with relevance to renewable nanomaterials and chemical production,” said Professor Takeshi Fukuma, Director of the Nano Life Science Institute at Kanazawa University.For the most part, the structure of a single CNC fibre showed honeycomb or zigzag chain arrangements on crystalline portions, interspersed with disordered, non-crystalline regions at irregular intervals. The researchers uncovered structural defects associated with the non-crystalline regions of the surface.“This is a great example of an international collaboration developed at the Nano Life Science Institute at Kanazawa University,” said University of British Columbia Professor Mark MacLachlan, Canada Research Chair in Supramolecular Materials and co-author on the paper. “It is important to visualize the surface and defects in these natural structures in order to advance their applications.”Chemists with Professor MacLachlan's lab at UBC helped devise the experiment, and synthesized and purified the cellulose nanocrystals for the project. Computational studies and modeling were undertaken by a team from Finland, led by Professor Adam Foster.The study also modelled the three-dimensional arrangement of water molecules near the CNC surface—which might offer material scientists additional clues to how the CNC surface might respond to molecular adsorption, diffusion and chemical reactions.ReferenceAyhan Yurtsever*, Pei-Xi Wang, Fabio Priante, Ygor Morais Jaques, Keisuke Miyazawa, Mark J. MacLachlan, Adam S. Foster, Takeshi Fukuma*. Molecular insights on the crystalline cellulose-water interfaces via three-dimensional atomic force microscopy. Science Advances 8, eabq0160 (2022).https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abq0160Original release by UBC  https://science.ubc.ca/news/chemists-uncover-cracks-amour-cellulose-nanocrystals NanoLSI Podcast website

How important is it to be productive to succeed in academia? And what about being creative?In this episode, we once again have the pleasure talking to Prof. Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano and Biophysics, at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of technology. Prof. Hook was our guest in episode 29. Then we had an interesting conversation around several aspects related to research and life in science. At the end of the session, there were still lots of questions that I was curious to ask, and fortunately, Prof. Hook kindly agreed to continue the discussion in an additional episode. This time, we talk about some of the challenges of an academic career path and how to strategically relate to these. We pick up the conversation essentially where we left it - Prof. Hook had just mentioned that he decided to go for a career in science despite all the risks and uncertainties involved. We talk about what those uncertainties are, and how they can be addressed and related to. We also discuss the potential need for a backup plan, the role productivity, inspiration, and if it is important to be creative to succeed with an academic career. Prof. Hook shares his best advice to those of you that dream about pursuing a career in science but who hesitate, or think it seems too risky. He also shares his view on what personal qualities that are needed to be successful in academia. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog 

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast: Simulating 3D-AFM images for systems not in equilibriumTranscript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Takeshi Fukuma and his co-researchers at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters in June 2022Learn more about their research at the WPI Kanazawa Nano Life Science Institutehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/ Simulating 3D-AFM images for systems not in equilibriumResearchers at Kanazawa University report in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters how to simulate 3D atomic force microscopy images of out-of-equilibrium systems involving biomolecules.  The approach makes use of a celebrated equation from thermodynamics applicable to non-equilibrium situations.Three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) is a technique used for probing the distribution of solvent molecules at solid–liquid interfaces.  Initially applied for studying situations where the solvent is water, the method is now also being used for other molecules.  A recent development is to use 3D-AFM for resolving the organization of biopolymers such as chromosomes or proteins within cells.  Due to the complexity of such systems, however, simulations of the 3D-AFM imaging process are needed to assist with its interpretation.  Simulation methods developed so far have assumed that the probed system is in equilibrium during the AFM scan cycle.  This limits their validity to situations where the solvent molecules move much faster than the scanning probe.  Now, Takeshi Fukuma from Kanazawa University NanoLSI and colleagues have developed a 3D-AFM simulation approach that works for non-equilibrium systems, making it applicable to measurements where molecular motion happens on timescales comparable to or larger than that of the AFM probing cycle.The basic principle of AFM is to make a very small tip, attached to a cantilever, scan a sample's surface.  The tip's response to height differences in the scanned surface provides structural information of the sample.  In 3D-AFM, the tip is made to penetrate the sample, and the force experienced by the tip is the result of interactions with nearby (parts of) molecules.  For a given horizontal (xy) position of the tip, the dependence of the force F on the tip's vertical (z) position as it penetrates into the sample is captured in a force–distance (F versus z) curve.  Combining all force–distance curves obtained during the xy scans gives the 3D-AFM image.Fukuma and colleagues considered the situation where an AFM tip probes a globular biopolymer, and modeled both tip and molecule as beads connected by springs (2000 beads for the molecule, 50 beads for the tip).  They calculated the force–distance curves by using the so-called Jarzynski equality, an equation that relates the free energy difference between two states of a system to the work (proportional to the force) required to go from one state to the other.  Importantly, the equality holds for non-equilibrium situations.The researchers were able to show that the simulations reproduced the internal structure of the biopolymer, with some fiber features being clearly observable.  They also looked at how the scanning velocity affects the simulation results, and found that there is an optimum velocity range for the vertical (z) scan.  Finally, Fukuma and colleagues simulated 3D-AFM images of cytoskeleton fibers for which experimentally obtained 3D-AFM images exist, and found that the simulations agree well with the expeNanoLSI Podcast website

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast: Elucidating the structure of nanomaterials found in crustaceansTranscript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Ayhan Yurtsever and Takeshi Fukuma at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the journal Small Methods in June 2022Kanazawa University NanoLSI website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/Elucidating the structure of nanomaterials found in crustaceansIn a study recently published in the journal Small Methods, researchers from Kanazawa University used 3D atomic force microscopy to reveal the structural chemistry of chitin, a nanosized biomolecule derived from certain crustaceans.What do crabs, shrimps, and fungi have in common? Besides being culinary delicacies, they all contain a biomolecule called chitin on their external coating. Attributed to its strength and non-toxic nature, chitin is gaining popularity in bioengineering applications such as drug delivery systems. However, scientists are still uncertain about the exact structure of chitin and its interactions with water—a medium that it frequently comes in contact with during chemical processes. Now, a research team led by Ayhan Yurtsever and Takeshi Fukuma at Kanazawa University NanoLSI has used a form of high-resolution microscopy to understand the chemical nature of chitin's surface and its reaction patterns with water.The researchers first isolated chitin from shrimp shells for their experiments. Its surface was then scrutinized using 3D atomic force microscopy (AFM) in addition to a traditional electron microscope. Both these techniques revealed a homogenous layer of highly organized needle-shaped crystals on the surface. The researchers took a closer look at  the crystals—the primary points of interaction with water molecules. They saw that in addition to their highly crystalline nature, the crystals were surprisingly devoid of any structural disarray. This led the group to conclude that hydrochloric acid (which aided in the extraction of chitin from shrimp cells) was indeed successful in removing all other particles from the chitin surface, keeping only the crystals intact. The structural integrity of chitin was not compromised.Finally, the team used simulations to observe the chemistry between the chitin and water molecules and found that the latter formed well-organized layers encapsulating the chitin surface. A closer analysis of their interface revealed robust chemical bonds between the two molecules. However, the water layer had a heterogeneous appearance with sporadic absences of water molecules. This pattern led the team to believe that the chitin surface consisted of two types of molecular groups: those that interacted with water and those that did not. Knowledge of this pattern is useful in formulating future chemical reactions with chitin.“These findings provide important insights into chitin NC structures at the molecular level, which is critical for developing the properties of chitin-based nanomaterials,” concludes the team. The chemical treatment of chitin, which is often a prerequisite for formulating functional nanomaterials, can be developed better with the structural knowledge of chitin nanocrystals in mind.BackgroundChitin: Chitin is a naturally occurring polymer found in the shells of crustaceans and the outer wall of fungi. It is responsible for providing strength to these external coatings of organisms.In recent years, chitin has been used as a nanomaterial across engineering and medical fields. It has been used as reinforcement material, for water purificatiNanoLSI Podcast website

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast: Chemical fixation causes aggregation artefactTranscript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Takehiko Ichikawa and his co-researchers at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the journal Communications Biology, in May 2022.Learn more about their research here: WPI Kanazawa Nano Life Science Institutehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/Original article Takehiko Ichikawa, Dong Wang, Keisuke Miyazawa, Kazuki Miyata, Masanobu Oshima, and Takeshi Fukuma.  Chemical fixation creates nanoscale clusters on the cell surface by aggregating membrane proteins, Communications Biology 5, 487 (2022).DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03437-2URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-022-03437-2Chemical fixation causes aggregation artefactResearchers at Kanazawa University report in Communications Biology that using common chemicals for fixing living cell samples for microscopy studies causes membrane proteins to aggregate.For histological investigations of biological tissues, i.e. anatomical studies under the microscope, samples are usually fixated to prevent them from decaying. Fixation is typically done by immersing or perfusing the sample in a chemical — aldehydes and alcohols are common fixatives. It has been speculated that membrane proteins moving to some extent on a cell membrane can form aggregates during fixation. Yet, detailed cell surface studies with nanometer-scale resolution are necessary to obtain definitive insights into this potential issue. Now, Takehiko Ichikawa and colleagues at the NanoLSI at Kanazawa University have performed atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies of living mammalian cell surfaces. By comparing non-fixated and fixated samples, they found that fixation indeed leads to structural changes.The researchers developed a method of using microporous silicon nitride membranes (MPM)—that are widely used in transmission electron microscopy—for AFM imaging. Importantly, microporous silicon nitride membranes can make the cell surface flat and prevent fluctuations by supporting the area outside the observation area.  In AFM images of the surfaces of the cultured colon cancer cells on microporous silicon nitride membranes, biomolecular structures on the cell membranes showed up as protrusions, with a typical size of a few nanometers. When the cells were treated with commonly used fixatives such as paraformaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and methanol, a few nanometer structures disappeared, and only large protrusions with diameters ranging from 20 to 100 nanometers were observed (Figure 2). The researchers performed several fluorescence experiments and concluded that large protrusions observed after fixation were formed by the aggregation of membrane proteins.The study demonstrates that the observed aggregates are artefacts resulting from the fixation process. This should call for caution among the community of researchers working with chemical fixatives. Quoting Ichikawa and colleagues: “Researchers who observe nanoscale clusters also should be careful in interpreting their experimental results when using fixed cells. We recommend that researchers use living cells as much as possible to avoid the effect of fixation when investigating nanoscale clusters […].” NanoLSI Podcast websitehttps://nanNanoLSI Podcast website

Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast: Heat and manipulate, one cell at a timeTranscript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Satoshi Arai and his co-researchers at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI. The research described in this podcast was published in the journal ACS Nano, in June 2022Learn more about their research here: WPI Kanazawa Nano Life Science Institutehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/ Original article Ferdinandus, Madoka Suzuki, Cong Quang Vu, Yoshie Harada, Satya Ranjan Sarker, Shin'ichi Ishiwata, Tetsuya Kitaguchi, and Satoshi Arai.  Modulation of Local Cellular Activities using a Photothermal Dye-Based Subcellular-Sized Heat Spot, ACS Nano 16, 9004–9018 (2022).DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00285URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.2c00285 Heat and manipulate, one cell at a timeResearchers at NanoLSI at Kanazawa University report in ACS Nano the development of a nanoparticle that acts as both a heater and a thermometer.  Inserting the nanoparticle in living cells results in a heat spot that, by switching it on and off, enables the controlled modulation of local cellular activities. Being able to heat nano-sized regions in biological tissues is key for several biomedical applications.  Indeed, many biological processes are temperature-sensitive, and the ability to locally modify temperature provides a way to manipulate cellular activity.  A notable application is the destruction of cancer cells by heating them.  In addition to the need for an in-tissue local heating mechanism, it also important to be able to instantaneously measure the generated temperature.  Satoshi Arai from NanoLSI at Kanazawa University and colleagues have now engineered a nanoparticle that is both a nanoheater and a nanothermometer at the same time.  They successfully showed that the insertion of a single, controllable heat spot in tissue can be very effective in modifying cellular function.The nanoparticle, called “nanoHT” by the scientists — an abbreviation of “nanoheater-thermometer” — is essentially a polymer matrix embedding a dye molecule used for sensing temperature, and another dye molecule  for releasing heat.  The latter happens through the conversion of light into thermal energy. That is, shining a near-infrared laser (with a wavelength of 808 nanometer) onto heat-releasing dye molecule results in fast heating, with a stronger increase in temperature for higher laser power.Temperature sensing is based on the thermal fluorescence effect of the dye molecule used for sensing temperature.  When irradiated with light of one wavelength, the molecule emits light at another wavelength — fluorescence.  The higher the temperature, the less intense the fluorescence becomes.  This inverse relationship can be used to measure temperature.  Arai and colleagues tested the performance of nanoHT as a thermometer, and established that it can determine temperatures with a resolution of 0.8 °C and less.The researchers then performed experiments with human cells called HeLa cells.  They looked at the effect of heating through nanoHT, and found that at a temperature increment of about 11.4 °C, the heated HeLa cells died within a few seconds.  This finding suggests that nanoHT could be used to induce cell death in cancer cells.Arai and colleagues also studied how nanoHT can be used to affect the behavior of muscles.  They introduced the nanoparticle into myotube, a type of fiber present in muscle tissue.  UpNanoLSI Podcast website

 Hanae Sato is an Associate Professor at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University. Here, she describes her research on molecular biology and clarifying cellular quality control mechanisms of nonsense-mediated messenger RNA decay and potential therapeutic applications.Details here: https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/hanae-sato/The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University.The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.Further informationWPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University websitehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/NanoLSI Podcast website

What is an initial value problem? And why do many of us find mathematical modelling so challenging? In this episode, we again have the honor of talking to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology. This is the third time Prof. Axelson-Fisk is a guest in Science on Surfaces – tips, tricks and tools, and this time she shares some of her vast knowledge on mathematical modelling and how this is used in science. As always, we started with the basics and Prof. Axelson-Fisk explained what mathematical modelling is, when it is typically used, and what is important to consider when doing this type of analysis. Prof. Axelson-Fisk also described a few examples of common models and their characteristics, how to improve a model and how to find the set of parameter values that best fit the data. We also talked about assumptions, limitations, and validation, as well as challenges encountered when modelling, and pitfalls to avoid. She also shared her thoughts are on why so many of us find modelling so challenging and how this limiting barrier can be addressed. This episode really is packed with information.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Transcript of this podcast Hello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Madhu Biyani from the Kanazawa University NanoLSI and her colleagues. The research described in this podcast was published in the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, in April 2022.Learn more about their research here: WPI Kanazawa Nano Life Science Institutehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/Original article Madhu Biyani etal Novel DNA Aptamer for CYP24A1 Inhibition with Enhanced Antiproliferative Activity in Cancer Cells, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 14, 18064-18078 (2022).DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22965Original article:  https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsami.1c22965Promising anticancer molecule identifiedResearchers at Kanazawa University in collaboration with a team of scientists from Toyama Prefectural University and BioSeeds Corporation report in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces the identification of a molecule with enhanced antiproliferative activity in cancer cells.  The underlying biomolecular mechanism is the inhibition of an enzyme that is overproduced in several types of cancer.Vitamin D3 has important biological functions, including maintaining bone mineral density, which minimizes the risk of bone fracture.  But vitamin D3 is also believed to have anticancer activity, as low vitamin D3 levels and the associated overproduction of an enzyme called CYP24 are linked to a poor prognosis for cancer patients.  Molecules that limit or inhibit the action of CYP24 and molecules that mimic the function of vitamin D3 are nowadays highly researched as potential antiproliferative agents for cancer treatment.  But many of the inhibitors and D3 analogs synthesized so far have shown insufficient clinical response, as well as undesired side effects.  Now, Madhu Biyani from Kanazawa University and colleagues have identified a DNA-derived molecule that binds to and inhibits the function of CYP24 and shows promising antiproliferative activity.  The research team also provides detailed insights into the relevant molecular processes at play.The scientists screened a large number of DNA aptamers — pieces of single-stranded DNA with particular three-dimensional structures that can bind to specific target molecules and have a functional effect upon binding.  They looked for DNA aptamers that bind to CYP24 but not to the similar enzyme CYP271B, which is responsible for the synthesis of vitamin D3.An initial longlist of 18 aptamer candidates was reduced to 11 representatives with specific molecular structures.  The researchers checked the CYP24 inhibition activity of the 11 representative aptamers in vitro.  Four candidates resulting in the inhibition of CYP24 but not in the inhibition of CYP27B1 remained, of which one (Apt-7) was retained for further study.Biyani and colleagues performed simulations of Apt-7 binding to CYP24.  A molecular docking scenario was obtained, which they checked experimentally by comparing the behavior of a mixture of vitamin D3 and CYP24 with and without Apt-7.  The simulations and the experiments showed that Apt-7 results in the inhibition of CYP24 activity, and that what happens is that the aptamer likely interferes with the enzyme's active site.  The researchers also performed high-speed atomic force microscopy on the binding of CYP24 and Apt-7 in real time, confirming the molecular docking scenario obtained from simulations.Finally, the research team studied the effect of Apt-7 at the cellular level by introducing the molecule to cancer cells.  They observed significant CYP24 inhibition for a cancer cell line known to overexpress the CYP24 enzyme, thus showing antiproliferative activity.

Transcript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we feature the latest research by Rikinari Hanayama from the Kanazawa University NanoLSI and colleagues. The research described in this podcast was published in the Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences in March 2022.Learn more about their research here: WPI Kanazawa Nano Life Science Institutehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/ReferenceHiroki Yamaguchi, Hironori Kawahara, Noriyuki Kodera, Ayanori Kumaki, Yasutake Tada, Zixin Tang, Kenji Sakai, Kenjiro Ono, Masahito Yamada, and Rikinari Hanayama.Extracellular Vesicles Contribute to the Metabolism of Transthyretin Amyloid in Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis, Front. Mol. Biosci. 9, 839917 (2022).DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.839917URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2022.839917 Biomolecular insights into protein-insolubility-related diseaseResearchers at Kanazawa University elucidate how small bio-containers enclosed by membranes are involved in a disease called ATTRv amyloidosis.  Amyloidosis is the collective name for a group of diseases characterized by the deposition of amyloids — insoluble proteins that form due to the misfolding and aggregation of soluble proteins — outside of cells.  Such depositions lead to cellular dysfunctions, and take place in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and dementia.  In the disease called hereditary (variant) transthyretin amyloidosis (abbreviated ATTRv amyloidosis), variants of the transthyretin (TTR) gene lead to TTR amyloid deposits in several organs, with symptoms including muscle weakness and cardiac failure.  It is known that the removal of amyloid proteins is promoted by so-called extracellular vesicles (EVs) — small ‘biocontainers' enclosed by a membrane — but what is unclear is whether EVs are involved in the formation and subsequent deposition of TTR amyloids in the context of ATTRv amyloidosis.  Rikinari Hanayama and colleagues from Kanazawa University have now studied the relationship between ATTRv amyloidosis and EVs, and confirm that the latter play an important role in the aggregation and deposition of TTR amyloids.The researchers first analyzed the serum of ATTRv amyloidosis patients for traces of TTR amyloid.  (Serum is blood without the clotting factors.)  They found that TTR is present in EVs derived from serum, and that the so-called V30M mutation variant of TTR aggregates at the membranes of serum-derived EVs.Hanayama and colleagues then looked at what happened when V30M-TTR amyloids were added to cell cultures, with and without serum-derived EVs.  They found that V30M-TTR amyloid aggregates are deposited on cells in a much more pronounced way when serum-derived EVs are present, indicating that serum-derived EVs promote the aggregation of V30M-TTR and their deposition on cells.From a comparison between ATTRv amyloidosis patients and healthy individuals, the scientists found that ATTRv amyloidosis is associated with a lower amount of TTR aggregates in serum-derived EVs.  The hypothesis that emerges from the experiments is that in ATTRv amyloidosis patients, the presence of V30M-TTR and EVs leads to a self-enhancing uptake of EVs; this then leads to an enhanced deposition of TTR aggregates in tissue, resulting in a decrease of TTR aggregates in serum.The findings of Hanayama and colleagues suggest that TTR in serum-derived EVs is a potential target for both ATTRv amyloidosis diagnosis and therapy.  The researchers also point to the relevance of their results on our understanding of Alzheimer's disease because TTR inhibits the nucleation of amyloid-β aggregation and its aggregation is

What is life in research like? How ambitious and performance-oriented do you have to be to do a PhD? And - what is the difference between Food science and Food engineering?I this episode, we talk to Dr. Holly Huellemeier, Graduate Research Assistant at the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at the Ohio State University, to learn more about what it is like to spend years in research to earn a doctoral degree.At the time of the recording, Dr. Huellemeier had just graduated and was preparing to take on a postdoc overseas. With the experience fresh in mind, she generously shared some of her insights and perspectives on her years as a PhD student. We talked about why she decided to go for a career in science, what a typical day looked like, what aspects she enjoyed the most and what she found challenging. We also talked about her research project which was on the mechanisms of fouling and cleaning during thermal milk processing, and she also explained what the difference between food science and food engineering is. Finally, Dr. Huellemeier shared some advice to those of you who are considering doing a Ph.D.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

 Revealing atomistic structures behind AFM imaginghttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/achievements/revealing-atomistic-structures-behind-afm-imaging/Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables the visualization of the dynamics of single biomolecules during their functional activity. However, all observations are restricted to regions that are accessible by a fairly big probing tip during scanning. Hence, the AFM only records images of biomolecular surfaces with limited spatial resolution, thereby missing important information that is required for a detailed understanding of the observed phenomena.To facilitate the interpretation of experimental imaging, Romain Amyot and Holger Flechsig from the Kanazawa NanoLSI have developed the mathematical framework and computational methods to reconstruct 3D atomistic structures from AFM surface scans. ==Transcript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. In this episode we feature the latest research published by Romain Amyot and Holger Flechsig of the Computational Science group at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI.The research described in this podcast was published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology in March 2022. Revealing atomistic structures behind AFM imaginghttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/achievements/revealing-atomistic-structures-behind-afm-imaging/Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables the visualization of the dynamics of single biomolecules during their functional activity. However, all observations are restricted to regions that are accessible by a fairly big probing tip during scanning. Hence, the AFM only records images of biomolecular surfaces with limited spatial resolution, thereby missing important information that is required for a detailed understanding of the observed phenomena.To facilitate the interpretation of experimental imaging, Romain Amyot and Holger Flechsig from the Kanazawa NanoLSI have developed the mathematical framework and computational methods to reconstruct 3D atomistic structures from AFM surface scans. In this paper they describe applications for high-speed AFM imaging ranging from single molecular machines, protein filaments, to even large-scale assemblies of protein lattices, and demonstrate how the full atomistic information advances the molecular understanding beyond topographic images.Their approach employs simulation AFM, which was previously established by Amyot and Flechsig and distributed within the free BioAFMviewer software package. Simulation AFM computationally emulates experimental scanning of biomolecules to translate structural data into simulation AFM topographic images that can be compared to real AFM images. The researchers implemented a procedure of automated fitting to identify the high-resolution molecular structure behind a limited-resolution experimental AFM image. It is therefore possible to retrieve full 3D atomistic information from just a scan of the protein surface obtained under AFM observations. To illustrate the potential of this achievement, Flechsig says: “Imagine that instead of just seeing the tip of an iceberg, you are now able to see everything hidden under the sea, to the extent that you can even detect impurities or density differences within its structure, helping you to explain the icebergs' coloration.”To share these developments with the global Bio-AFM community, all computational methods are embedded within the user-friendly BioAFMviewer interactive software interface. The new methods have already been applied in numerous interdisciplinary collaborations to understand expe

24 August 2022 Changing the handedness of molecules Researchers at Kanazawa University report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences a responsive molecular system that, inverses its chirality before becoming racemic through chemical reactions.Learn more about their research here: WPI Kanazawa Nano Life Science Institutehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/Transcript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. In this episode we will feature the latest research published by Shigehisa Akine a member of the Supramolecular Chemistry group at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI.The research described in this podcast was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in March 2022.  Changing the handedness of molecules https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/achievements/achievements-19316/Researchers at Kanazawa University report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences a responsive molecular system that, inverses its chirality before becoming racemic through chemical reactions.Molecules that can change their structure in response to a chemical or physical stimulus are called ‘responsive molecules'.  This type of molecule plays an important role in signal transduction at the nanoscale.  The typical time profile of a structural change of a responsive molecule follows an exponential relaxation.  However, molecular systems with non-typical time responses, such as e.g. chemical oscillators offer advanced functionalities and are also intensively investigated.  Shigehisa Akine and colleagues from Kanazawa University have now designed a particular responsive molecule in which the chirality (‘handedness') changes in a non-exponential fashion.  The achievement is a breakthrough in the field of responsive systems as the chirality change happens in a unimolecular system — and not as has often been the case before in supramolecular assemblies.The researchers' responsive molecule has six exchangeable sites and two forms, a ‘left-handed' and a ‘right-handed' version.  In solution, the two forms will occur in a given ratio.  Akine and colleagues started from the molecule with a particular chiral amine. They found that in a methanol solution the right-handed version was dominant.  The scientists then looked at what would happen when exchanging the so-called chiral A groups with piperidine (another form of amine).Because of the achirality of the piperidine groups, the resulting solution should become ‘racemic', which means that any effects of chirality are compensated.  This is indeed what happened, but the researchers discovered that before reaching the racemic state after two days, the solution first switched from originally P-dominant to M-dominant after 7 minutes, with maximum M-dominance after 60 – 120 minutes.  Remarkably, a similar transient chirality inversion was not observed for the reverse reaction for which the solution changed monotonically from racemic to P-dominant.Akine and colleagues note that their responsive molecule is the first unimolecular platform displaying a transient chirality inversion, and that the unique chirality change happens on the timescale of minutes to hours, which could be potentially useful for time-dependent functional materials related to human activity.  Quoting the scientists: “this result will provide an important insight into the science of autonomously driven materials.”ReferenceYoko Sakata, Shunsuke Chiba, and Shigehisa Akine, Transi

Data analysis basics and how to make the most of the collected dataHow do you maximize the information extraction from that data that you may have spent weeks collecting? And what is the difference between ‘precision' and ‘accuracy'? In this episode, we talk to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology about Data analysis, to learn more about how to make the most of the data that you have collected.In this informative conversation, Prof. Axelson-Fisk guides us through a range of different data analysis types such as exploratory-, descriptive-, and predictive analysis and explains when to use which method. We also talk about the data analysis process from start to end; how to handle the data before you analyze it, requirements on the data input, and how to assess the analysis output. We then move on to briefly discuss data modelling and key aspect related to this procedure. Prof Axelson-Fisk's explains key terminology such as repeatability, replicability and reproducibility. And, finally and once and for all, we get the difference between precision and accuracy explained. Last but not least, we talk about the main challenges with data analysis, what pitfalls to look out for, and we get a recommendation on data analysis software to use.  By the way, the English translation of ‘supraledare' is of course ‘superconductor' Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Kanazawa NanoLSI Research Podcast 26 May 2022 Small but mighty: Identifying nanosized molecules using atomic force microscopy In a recent study Mikihiro Shibata and Leonardo Puppulin at the WPI Nano Life Science Institute Kanazawa University (NanoLSI) used advanced atomic force microscopy to accurately recognize tiny cellular biomolecules. Learn more about their research here: WPI Kanazawa Nano Life Science Institutehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/researchers/Original article:  https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.1c17708Transcript of this podcastHello and welcome to the NanoLSI podcast. Thank you for joining us today. In this episode we will feature the latest research published by Mikihiro Shibata and Leonardo Puppulin. They are both members of the nanometrology group at the Kanazawa University NanoLSI.The research described in this podcast was published in the American Chemical Society, Applied Materials  Interfaces, in November 2021.  Small but mighty: Identifying nanosized molecules using atomic force microscopyIn a study recently published in the journal Applied Materials and Interfaces researchers from Kanazawa University use advanced atomic force microscopy to accurately recognize tiny cellular biomolecules. Biologists rely on a wide range of microscopy techniques to visualize biomolecules within biological cells. High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) is one such example in which a sharp tip attached to a sensor is used for visualizing cells. Specifically, as the AFM tip scans the surface of a molecule, the pattern of signals it generates enables researchers to visualize the molecule's topography. However, recognizing individual biomolecules using HS-AFM is still in its infancy. Now, researchers at Kanazawa University report on an innovative method to facilitate this by tweaking the structures of AFM tips.The research team, led by Mikihiro Shibata and Leonardo Puppulin at the WPI Nano Life Science Institute Kanazawa University (NanoLSI), characterized a protein found on human cells known as the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (hMET). The researchers first attached aMD4, a synthetic molecule that latches onto hMET, to the HS-AFM tip using different sized linkers. Patterns of connections between this modified tip and single molecules of hMET were subsequently investigated. When hMET on a mica surface (a material typically used in HS-AFM studies) was exposed to the tip, interactions between aMD4 and the external surface of hMET were indeed observed. However, when multiple molecules of aMD4 and hMET were used, it was found that shorter and more flexible linkers enabled aMD4 to interact with two adjacent hMET molecules bringing them closer together. This observation posits practical applications in the laboratory—biologists can potentially mimic the binding of two cell surface proteins together which often leads to the induction of cellular processes. Next, the specificity of this tip for molecule recognition was examined. hMET and its mouse form are very similar in structure. However, the mouse form does not bind to aMD4. Thus, when the aMD4-loaded tips were exposed to both forms of the protein, activity was observed only with the human form. This technique could therefore be useful in the selection of specific biomolecules from a heterogenous mix as is typically seen on the cell surface. Lastly, the modified HS-AFM technique was applied when hMET was bound to a lipid surface mimicking the structural composition of cell membranes (its natural home). Similar interactions were observed in this milieu suggesting

Kanazawa University research: Publication of an insightful reference book on high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) for in situ biological applications  Pioneering biophysicist Professor Toshio Ando of the NanoLSI publishes his new book on high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) for directly monitoring the dynamics of biomolecules. The book offers easy to understand descriptions of the basic technology and in situ biological applications of liquid HS-AFM. The book is ideal for students from multidisciplinary backgrounds interested in accelerating their research on high speed, in situ monitoring of biomolecules. NanoLSI Podcast where Professor Ando describes the background to the publication of the book and his thoughts about the future of HS-AFM.Link to Nano LSI Podcasthttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/announcements/nanolsipodcast/Professor Toshio Ando is internationally recognized as the pioneer of high speed atomic force microscopy for biological applications. “I first became aware of atomic force microscopy in the mid-eighties after I returned to Japan following several years in the USA,” says Ando. “I had just moved to Kanazawa University and was looking for new paths to explore. I was interested in directly observing the dynamics of proteins. This is when I decided to pursue research on the development of high speed liquid AFM (HS-AFM). Now, more than 30 years later, I want to share my experiences and insights into the technology and applications of HS-AFM. This book is my way of sharing my knowledge about this subject. It is the first book on this topic and hopefully it will inspire the development of the next generation of scanning probe microscopes for biology.” Professor Ando describes how he started his research on HS-AFMhttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/background-to-research-on-hs-afm.mp3Professor Ando describes why he decided to write this bookhttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/writing-the-book.mp3The future of high speed AFMProfessor Ando shares his views about the future of HS-AFMhttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/evolution-of-hs-afm.mp3Ando envisages continuous evolution in both the performance and applications of HS-AFM. “The scanning speed is an area of research being addressed by many groups globally,” says Ando. “In my group we are developing new methods, that is system operation procedures, and have achieved 40 frames per second (fps). Conventional systems enable around 10 fps. I expect advances in devices used for imaging will enable image rates of 100 fps within 3 to 4 years. So this area of research is still evolving.” Ando also foresees that many proteins that have been “untouched” to-date will be imaged by high performance HS-AFM systems. “I expect many more users of HS-AFM in the future,” says Ando. About the book Professor Ando describes the contents of the book https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/audience-and-contents.mp3‘High Speed Atomic Force Microscopy in Biology” is published by Springer and is available as an eBook or hard cover [1]. The book consists of 18 chapters and more than 300 pages that include practical hints about the preparation of cantilever tips and sample surfaces, for example, to enable first time users to succes

Professor Carsten Beta is an overseas-based principal investigator at the NanoLSI WPI Kanazawa University and faculty at the Universität Potsdam Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Germany. Here, he describes his research on biological physics on the scale of individual cells based on microscopic observations and manipulation and modelling using pattern formation in nonlinear systems.The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University.The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.Further informationWPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University websitehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Professor Shigehisa Akine is a principal investigator at the NanoLSI WPI Kanazawa University. Professor Mark MacLachlan is an overseas principal investigator at the NanoLSI WPI Kanazawa University and faculty at the University of British Columbia. In this episode of the NanoLSI Podcast they describe recent developments in their research on nanomolecular cages for biomolecular sensing and biocompatible AFM tips for chemically probing living cells, respectively.The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University for a global audience.The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.Further informationWPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University websitehttps://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Collecting quality data with QCM-D – what to consider and pitfalls to avoidHow do you maximize your chances of a measurement being successful? And which are the main pitfalls to avoid when planning and executing experiments?In this episode, we talk to Jennie Ringberg, Global Technical Product Manager for QSense at Biolin Scientific, to learn more about the practical aspects of data collection and experimental design with the ambition to maximize the data quality. The conversation focuses on the QCM-D measurements, but some of the principles discussed are relevant also for other types of analysis of surfaces and interfaces.In this educational conversation, Jennie takes us through the five main steps of preparing and running QCM-D measurements. One by one, we go through the steps and discuss what's important to consider for the measurement to be successful with the ambition to optimize the quality of the collected data. We talk about what aspects to pay particular attention to and why these are important for the result. We also cover common challenges, and what will be the consequence if important aspects are ignored.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Every artifact in the universe has a surface, and modifying that surface can endow an object with new and improved properties. Christopher Berndt, Distinguished Professor of Surface Science and Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology, describes the use of thermal spray technologies to coat surfaces, the challenges companies face implementing these technologies on an industrial scale, and what is in store for the future of this field.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestChristopher Berndt is Distinguished Professor of Surface Science and Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology and director of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials. He has conducted research in the field of surface engineering for close to 45 years, and specifically the application of coatings using thermal spray technologies (examples of recent papers on this topic here and here). He recently was awarded the 2021 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation in the Physical Sciences.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Why are surface analytical tools useful when scrutinizing virus infections and when trying to figure out ways to tackle them? And what makes research successful?In this episode, we talk to Prof. Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano and Biophysics, at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology, about his research and work related to biological nanoparticles, virus infections, and vaccine development.This inspiring and intriguing conversation covered multiple facets of academic life - from the bigger perspectives, drivers, and challenges of a career in science, to the quest for solutions to long-lasting problems and discussion on specific scientific detail. We talked about the ‘what', ‘why' and ‘how' of Prof. Hook's research and work, and what he and his team are striving to achieve. He also revealed a question that did keep him awake at night for decades, but to which he now finally found the answer. We talked about model systems and instrumentation, and what surface analytical tools they are using in their work. We also discussed more philosophical aspects of life in science, such as what makes research successful, and what pieces of the puzzle must come together for everything to fall into place.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Is it possible to be more time-efficient when planning, executing and evaluating experiments? And what do the latin squares have to do with it?In this episode, we talk to Prof. Marina Axelson-Fisk, Professor in Mathematical Statistics at Chalmers University of Technology about Design of Experiments, DoE, to learn more about how to efficiently plan your work and to make the most of the time spent in the lab.As always, we start with the basics, and Prof. Axelson-Fisk takes us through what DoE is, when it could be used and who will benefit from using this methodology. We then move on to talk about how DoE works in practice. Prof. Axelson-Fisk describes a few examples to demonstrate how this method to plan, execute and evaluate experiments could be used in real life. We talk about what challenges and difficulties that may arise, and what pitfalls to look out for. Finally, we get to learn about some key concepts in DoE, and Prof. Axelson-Fisk explains terminology such as analysis of variance - transformations, model validation and residual analysis; factorial design with fixed, random and mixed effects, latin squares and confounding, just to mention a few.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Phasing Out “Problematic” Plastics Plastic packaging is just about impossible to avoid. Getting takeout? You'll likely wind up with a plastic container, or cutlery. Grabbing a coffee? Plastic stirrers and straws are hard to evade. These items are tough to recycle, and most sanitation systems aren't equipped to process them. That means they go into the trash, or worse, waterways. Last week, the U.S. Plastics Pact released a much-anticipated list of “Problematic and Unnecessary Materials” that pact members should phase out by 2025. These items include cutlery, straws, and stirrers, as well as materials that include certain chemicals and pigments. The impact could be large: Pact members make up about third of America's plastic packaging producers. Members include companies that use a lot of packing, like Target, Walmart and Aldi, as well as those that make raw plastic materials. The goal of the U.S. Plastics Pact is to help make America's recycling system more circular, where materials in theory could be recycled in perpetuity. But some in the plastics industry say the timeline for phasing out these materials are too fast, or may cause a reliance on more carbon-intensive materials. Joining Ira to break down the potential impact of phasing out these materials is Emily Tipaldo, executive director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.   The Science Of Slip Versus Stick We've all had the experience of that uncomfortably sticky feeling of syrup or jam residue on the breakfast table. Or a wad of chewing gum binding our shoe to the sidewalk. But what's the science behind why some things stick, while other things slip? Many of the reasons come down to friction, says Laurie Winkless, a physicist and science writer based in New Zealand. Her new book, Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces, explores how different materials interact—from the toes of an acrobatic gecko scaling a sheer wall to the molecular magic inside the rapid fusion of super glue. Winkless joins SciFri's Charles Bergquist to talk about surface science, and what makes something slippery, including the question of how the famously non-stick Teflon manages to stick to your kitchen frying pan.   How Long Will California's Butterfly Boom Last? Like their brethren east of the Rocky Mountains, the western population of monarch butterflies has been declining steeply since the mid-1990s. Every November, volunteers set out through the mountains of California with one goal in mind: Count those western monarchs as they gather for winter hibernation. Unfortunately, the recent numbers have been bad news. Back in the 1990s, the western population numbered more than a million. But in 2018 and 2019, volunteers only counted about 20,000 and 30,000, respectively. In 2020, the count turned up a mere 2,000 butterflies. This year, though, the news was good: The 2021 Thanksgiving Count found nearly 250,000 butterflies in winter enclaves throughout California. How did the population bounce back so dramatically? And is this number a blip on the radar, or the start of better times for the beleaguered butterfly? Ira talks to UC-Davis entomologist Louie Yang about the intricate timing of milkweed and monarchs, and why ecologists remain uncertain about the fate of this charismatic insect.  

What is Quartz Crystal microbalance with Dissipation monitoring? And what's the deal with all the harmonics?In this episode, we talk to Fredrik Pettersson and Erik Nilebäck, both Senior Application Scientists at Biolin Scientific, about the QCM-D technology. Erik has a MSc in Engineering Biology and Devices and Materials in Medicine and a Ph.D. in Bioscience, and Fredrik has a MSc Biophysical engineering.Both Erik and Fredrik have extensive experience working with the QCM-D technology and in this episode, they share lots of useful information and insights that they have gathered over the years. The conversation starts with the basics, and we talk about what QCM-D technology is, what information it provides, and when it is typically used. We then move on to talk about different versions of QCM:s and their respective strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we go into how a QCM-D measurement is run in practice, and Erik and Fredrik share some useful tips and tricks on how to get the most out of this surface sensitive technology.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

How is the gut-microbiota related to human health? And why do some Lactobacillus strains show health-promoting properties?I this episode, we talk to Dr. Joana Ortega-Anaya, postdoc researcher at the Department of Food Science and technology, at the Ohio State University, to learn more about probiotics and how food can be used to support the symbiotic microbes in the gut microbiome. Dr.Ortega-Anaya specializes in the study of milk components and how they affect probiotics and human health. The conversation starts with Dr. Ortega-Anaya explaining what the microbiome is and what role it plays in the body. She describes the so-called “gut-brain axis” and how different lifestyle factors, such as stress and diet affect the composition of the microbiota – a composition which in turn affects our wellbeing. We then move on to talk about Dr.Ortega-Anaya's research. Using QCM-D technology and other methods, she has studied four different lactobacillus strains, and how the bacterial adhesion, one of the key aspects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria, was affected by the presence of milk fat.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

What analytical instrumentation should you have in your biointerfaces lab? And which equipment should you prioritize to invest in if the funding available for new instrument purchase is limited?I this episode, we talk to Dr. Jenny Malmstrom, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland to learn more about lab instrumentation and analysis methods. With a background in bioengineering and nanoscience, Dr. Malmström has long experience characterizing and understanding the interaction between biomolecules and surfaces. Today, her research is all about interfaces. In this episode, she shares her knowledge and expertise on which analytical methods are used in this field. Using her own research as a starting point, Dr. Malmström exemplifies what characterization that is needed to answer key questions, and describes some of the technologies used by her team. She also shares advice on what equipment to focus on if you are starting up a new lab and have limited funding available for investment, and how to handle a situation where your lab is not equipped with all the instrumentation that you need for your research.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How determined do you have to be to make a career as a scientist? Do all future positions have to be in the same field as the focus of your PhD research? And what's it like to transition from academia to industry?In this episode of Science on Surfaces, we take a different approach and dive into the mind of the scientist. We talk to Dr. Fredrik Andersson, Scientist and Project Leader at Agriculture and Food for Nouryon Performance formulations, about his career path, which started with a PhD in biochemistry, followed by a postdoc, from where he then moved on to jobs in industry.The conversation covers career plans, personal and professional drivers, and reflections on how determined you must be to pursue a career in science. We talk about Dr. Andersson's decision to do a PhD and what about science that inspires him. He also shares his story on why he decided to leave academia for industry, and how he experienced this transition. And not only did Dr. Andersson take the academia-industry leap, but he also changed research fields and moved from the area of biochemistry to that of surfactants, which is a topic that we of course also had to talk about. Finally, Dr. Andersson shares his thoughts on what's challenging and what's fun with his current position, and what career plans he has for the future.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Did you know that light can be manipulated at the nanoscale to control not only colors but also chemical reactions as well as what we see, or do not see?In this interesting and last episode of the season, we talk to Prof. Magnus Jonsson, Associate Professor and head of the Organic Photonics and Nano-Optics group at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at Linköping University in Sweden, about light-interaction with matter. Guiding us through the realm of different light-matter interaction phenomena, Prof. Jonsson touches upon optical concepts and terminology such as scattering, reflection, diffraction, refraction, interference, plasmons, Planck radiation, optical cavities, and radiative cooling. We are also introduced to fascinating research. Prof. Jonsson describes how he and his team manipulate light at the nanoscale in various fundamental and applied projects. For example, we get to hear about the paper-like displays - a type of display that is based on reflection rather than emission, which would be both energy efficient and work well outdoors on a sunny day. In another project, they use optical properties to cool objects using space as a heat sink; a solution that could be used to reduce the need for air conditioning in warmer regions. And of course, we had to talk about the intriguing concept of an invisibility cloak and reveal the mystery of how this could work.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Is it possible to map a specific taste experience without anyone tasting the actual product? And is it possible to prevent sensitive natural colorants from bleaching when used in acidic beverages?In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr. Younas Dadmohammadi, from the Abbaspourrad lab at Cornell University, about the discipline of food science. The conversation starts with Dr. Dadmohammadi explaining how this multidisciplinary area originated, and then he takes us through two of his most recent research projects. He guides us through two different challenges related to key aspects of food intake - food appearance and food taste, and how these were addressed in his lab. In the conversation we get to learn more about how the shelf-life stability of sensitive natural colorants can be enhanced, and that those nutritious, but off-flavor, food ingredients that we would like to consume due to their health promoting properties, are not doomed to ruin the eating experience.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog -  the Surface Science blog

Professor Alexander S. Mikhailov is an overseas Computational Science group of the WPI NanoLSI and a professor at the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Fritz Haber Institute, Berlin. Here, he describes his research on computational molecular biophysics as a powerful approach for simulating the dynamics of complex biological structures ranging from single molecules to the cell. The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University. The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. Further information WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Professor Adam Foster is an overseas PI at the WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) and leader of the Surface and Interfaces at the Nanoscale at Aalto University in Finland. Here, he describes his research on computational physics for modelling complex scanning probe images and the development of sophisticated machine learning software for running semi-autonomous SPM systems.  The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University. The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. Further information WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Professor Yuri Korchev is an overseas PI of the Nanometrology group of the WPI NanoLSI and a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London. Here, he describes his research on cutting-edge scanning ion conductance microscopy for the life sciences in particular the development of innovative non-invasive nanopipette nanoprobes for simultaneous acquisition of 3D topography and biochemical imaging of living cells. The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University. The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. Further information WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University website https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Professor Mark MacLachlan is an overseas-based principal investigator at the NanoLSI WPI Kanazawa University and faculty at the University of British Columbia. Here, he describes his research on the development of AFM tips functionalized with innovative cellulose nanocrystals for ultra-low invasive insights into the chemical composition of living cells. The Kanazawa University NanoLSI Podcast offers updates of the latest news and research at the WPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University. The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International (WPI) Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Researchers at the NanoLSI are combining their cutting-edge expertise in scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.Further informationWPI-NanoLSI Kanazawa University website  https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

How does a Li-ion battery differ from the ones you use in a torch? What makes it so special that its development even was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2019? And what’s the deal with the whiskers? In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to Prof. Erik Berg about the fascinating area of Li-ion batteries. Prof. Berg is Associate senior lecturer and Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, and Structural Chemistry at Uppsala University in Sweden. Prof. Berg takes us on an interesting and educational journey through area of batteries in general, and Li-ion batteries in particular. He teaches us about the five key aspects of battery performance - aspects that are more or less important depending on the intended battery application, but where no single battery type gets top score in all five areas. We also get to learn about the history of battery development - why and how they were invented, how the area has evolved over the years and how scientists have been scouting the periodic table to find suitable battery materials. Prof. Berg explains why the Li-ion battery is so special, and why dendrite formation, or whiskers as they are also called, are so problematic and certainly should be avoided in a battery. And – he shares the story of when he met one of the laureates who was awarded the Nobel prize for the development of this exceptional type of battery.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What are nanomedicines? And how are they different from traditional ones? In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to we talk to Dr. Gustav Emilsson about the fascinating area of nanomedicines. Dr. Emilsson is working as a Postdoc with nanomedicine development at the department of Advanced drug delivery in Pharmaceutical Science at AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company. We start out by talking about what nanomedicines are and how they work. Dr. Emilsson explains how intricate design of these minuscule drug carriers can help overcome challenges such as drug toxicity and solubility issues, and how nanomedicines can be used to control the drug release in the body. We also talk about a phenomenon that is very relevant in the context of nanomedicines - the formation of the so-called protein corona, which affects how the drug delivery vessel interacts with the body. And finally, Dr. Emilsson shares some thoughts on what the future looks like for this intriguing area.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How come egg and oil will turn into a nice emulsion called mayonnaise when mixed, while water and oil will unavoidably separate into two different phases no matter how vigorously you stir? And is there a way to predict the stability of such phase-mixtures?In this episode of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about interfacial rheology and how this can be used to predict emulsion and foam stability. Susanna did her Ph.D. on superhydrophobic surfaces and microfluidics and she is an expert on surface related phenomena, such as surface tension, wettability, adhesion and interfacial rheology. Susanna explains key terminology such as viscosity, stabilization of interfaces and surface-active molecules, which then leads us to the discussion of how emulsions and foams form. Susanna then moves on to explain in what situations, and why, it is important to be able to measure emulsion and foam stabilities and how this information can be used. She also describes how these measurements can be performed using either of the two approaches of shear- or dilatational methods. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Is it possible to learn a method that will help you get published in high-impact journals? And is there such a thing as a writer’s block? In this first episode of Season 3 of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr Anna Clemens, Scientific writing coach & editor, about the challenges of scientific writing. Dr. Clemens has a PhD in Chemistry and she is also a journalist. In her company “Scientists Who Write”, she helps scientists to improve their writing skills, to write more efficiently, and to get published in high-impact journals. In this episode, we really get to the bottom of the writing process and we get to reveal all the secrets of how to methodically, step-by-step, write a successful manuscript. Dr. Clemens starts by talking about the core of a good paper, which is also the key to success - the storytelling framework. She then guides us through the five step-process that will make sure all the bits and pieces are in place and that they all fit nicely together within the storytelling framework. Also, as we discussing the challenges of scientific writing, we of course had to bring up the phenomenon of the writer’s block – this unwelcome nuisance that most of us have experienced at one point or another in our lives, and which simply makes it impossible to get any words down on paper. Of course, Dr Clemens has reflected on this topic and shares her thoughts on how to address it.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog Episode linksBooks discussed in the episode Deep work, Cal Newport: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25744928-deep-workOn Writing Well, William Zinsser: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53343.On_Writing_WellWriting Science, Joshua Schimel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13122323-writing-scienceGet in touch with Dr Clemens Website: https://www.annaclemens.com/Blog: https://www.annaclemens.com/blog-overview (or navigate to Blog button) Work with Anna: https://www.annaclemens.com/work-with-me (or navigate to "Get Writing Support" button) Twitter: @scientistswriteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaclemens/

What makes a liquid droplet just roll off the surface of a lotus-leaf? And what does it take for us to mimic this extraordinary design by nature and to make self-cleaning surfaces?In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about superhydrophobic surfaces. Susanna did her Ph.D. on superhydrophobic surfaces and microfluidics and she is an expert on surface related phenomena, such as surface tension, wettability, adhesion and surface free energy. We start the conversation with Susanna describing how superhydrophobicity is defined and what properties that need to be fulfilled for a surface to qualify as superhydrophobic. She then explains how such surfaces can be manufactured and lists the many areas where these surfaces would be beneficial. We also talk about why, in spite the very useful qualities of hydrophobicity, there still are so few commercial products available in the market, and what the future holds for man-made mimics of this amazing design by nature. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What makes a liquid spread more on some surfaces than on others?In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about Surface Free Energy. Susanna did her Ph.D. on microfluidics and superhydrophobic surfaces and is an expert on surface related phenomena, such as surface tension, wettability, adhesion and surface free energy.Susanna describes how the surface free energy of a solid arises and how molecular interactions such as cohesive and adhesive forces are used to determine the value. She then explains how the surface free energy of a solid will determine for example how a liquid will behave when placed on top of it and how much the liquid will spread. We also get to learn more about why the surface free energy is not measured but calculated using Youngs equation and how this fairly complicated theory is made simple with existing software. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Which day-care center has the best air quality? And is this Li-ion battery approaching a catastrophic failure?These are questions that NPS technology could answer. In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr. Elin Langhammer about Nanoplasmonic sensing, also called NPS. Dr Langhammer is co-founder and technical director of Insplorion, a company that develops and manufactures NPS sensors for research and development instruments as well as large volume sensor applications.The conversation starts by Dr Langhammer describing how NPS technology works and how nanoparticles at a surface, illuminated by light, can reveal what happens in their surroundings. We then move on to talk about how this technology is used in diverse areas, both as a research tool and in large scale sensing applications, for example in measurements of air quality. We also talk about future applications and how NPS measurements can reveal the status and health of Li-ion batteries, information that could facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources, where batteries are an important component. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How come paint sticks to the wall? And what makes the ink, used to print logos and text on the milk carton, stay in place?In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about adhesion. Susanna did her Ph.D. on microfluidics and superhydrophobic surfaces and is an expert on surface related phenomena, such as surface tension, surface free energy, wettability, and adhesion.Susanna describes how adhesion is defined and talks about the three different components that, in combination, give rise to this phenomenon. We then move on to talk about in what areas adhesion is important and what different factors that affect it. We also get to learn more about what possibilities there are to predict the quality of the adhesion and how it can be tested. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

How come a water droplet spreads more on a clean glass surface than on a plastic one? And why does the nature of the water spread on the surface matter in a biomedical application?In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about contact angles, which is a measure of wettability of a surface. Susanna did her Ph.D. on microfluidics and superhydrophobic surfaces and is an expert on surface related phenomena, such as surface tension, adhesion, surface free energy and wettability.Susanna explains what factors affect the wettability and why the contact angle differs between different materials, making some materials hydrophilic and others hydrophobic. We also get to learn more about how the contact angle can be measured and how it can reveal whether a material will be suitable for a biomedical implant and if your paint will stick to the wall or not.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Why are so many scientists struggling with stress at work? And what can we do to improve the situation? In this episode, we talk to Dr Déborah Rupert, certified professional coach, about well-being and stress management for scientists. Dr Rupert, who has a background in science, today works to support science innovators with knowledge and tools designed to take care of their minds and protect them from burnout.In the conversation, we talk about the work-related stress experienced by many academia and what the root causes are. Dr Rupert then gives us some tips and shares some practical tools that can help us take care of our minds, reduce the stress levels and protect ourselves from burnout. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our blog – the Surface Science blog

Why is surface tension so important in nature, and even a requirement for life? And why are so many industries struggling to overcome its effects? In this episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Dr Susanna Lauren at Biolin Scientific about Surface Tension. Susanna did her Ph.D. on microfluidics and superhydrophobic surfaces and is an expert on surface-related phenomena, such as adhesion, wettability, surface free energy and – most importantly - surface tension, the topic of today’s conversation. Susanna explains why the surface of water behaves like an elastic sheet and how this phenomenon impacts several aspects of the world around us, from the ecosystems to laundry soil removal, and many other aspects of our lives. We also talk about how the surface tension can be measured, and what challenges that could be involved in such an analysis.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog

How does soil removal really work? And why is it so difficult to remove the sweaty smell from sportswear? In this first episode of Season 2 of Science on surfaces we talk to Lars Mathiesen, Global Marketing Manager at Novozymes and expert in soil removal. Lars has a background in biology and biology-technology and has been working with enzymes within cleaning solutions for more than 10 years. The conversation starts with an overview of the soil removal basics. Lars describes the different components included in a cleaning formulation, what their roles are, and why cleaning formulation design can be so challenging. We also talk about why some soil is particularly difficult to remove, and what cleaning solutions that we can expect to see in the future.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog

Viral outbreaks and cancer represent two of the world’s biggest health problems. Could a materials science and engineering approach be used to address these challenges in global health?In this last episode of Season 1, of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small, we talk to Prof. Nam-Joon Cho, Nanyang Associate Professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Prof. Cho is leading the Engineering in Translational Science group, where they apply engineering strategies to solve challenging biomedical problems and to combat e.g. infectious diseases.We start the conversation talking about the challenges of global health and Prof. Cho describes their surface science approach towards antiviral drug design, an approach which he believes could revolutionize antiviral drug development. He and his team have engineered an antiviral peptide that targets the Achilles heel of the Zika virus and other viral pathogens, such as hepatitis C, yellow fever and dengue. Prof. Cho talks about their published results on this drug candidate for therapeutic treatment of the Zika virus, as well as the work they are doing for early detection of circulating cancer tumor cells.If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

What is tissue engineering, can all tissue be engineered and what’s in a bioink?In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small we talk to Prof. Paul Gatenholm, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of technology and Director of 3D Bioprinting Center, BBV at Biotech Center. In the studio, we also have Prof. Bengt Kasemo, Chalmers University of technology, who has long experience in the area of biomaterials.We start with the basics and Paul tells us more about what tissue engineering is, how it works and what the engineered tissue can be used for. We also talk about where surfaces come into play, what challenges there are in terms of growing and using the tissue, and how vascularized organ tissue in the future could be sent into space to learn more about what negative effects deep space mission would have on humans.If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

Could CCS help us fight climate change? How much CO2 is it possible to capture? And what is the difference between CCS, BECCS and DAC?In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small we talk to Prof. Filip Johnson from the Division of Energy Technology at Chalmers University of technology, who’s research focuses on ways to reduce the negative impact of the energy system on the climate. In the studio, we also have Prof. Bengt Kasemo, Chalmers University of technology, who has worked a lot with sustainable energy and the energy system of the future. As always, we start with the basics and Filip tells us more about what CCS is, why it is needed and what negative emission means. We also talk about how CCS works in practice, from capture to storage, and what the captured CO2 can be used for. Finally, Filip shares his view on what challenges there are in terms of CCS implementation and what the future looks like.If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

With the overall global ambition to shift from fossil fuel-based energy sources to sustainable ones, such as wind and solar power, the need for energy storage will increase.In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small we talk to Prof. Bengt Kasemo about energy storage and how surface science matters for some of the important storage methods. Prof. Kasemo, who has long experience in surface science and who has worked a lot with sustainable energy and the energy system of the future, explains key concepts and terminology and shares some of his knowledge, thoughts, and ideas on the topic.As always, we start with the basics and talk about why energy storage is needed and what different ways there to store energy. We then dig deeper into the storage methods where surface processes are involved, such as batteries and super capacitors, and touch upon the related topic of fuel cells. We also talk about how the surface material properties and surface condition matters, what are the pros and cons of the respective method, including challenges and limitations, and what the future looks like for these methods.If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

Global warming is by definition a macroscopic phenomenon and its consequences will affect the entire planet. Even in a context of such a magnitude, surface science, and processes taking place at the nanoscale, have a role to play.In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small we talk to Prof. Bengt Kasemo about climate change, the energy system, and how surface science helps us in the endeavor towards sustainable energy solutions. Prof. Kasemo, who has long experience in surface science and the energy systems of the future, shares some of his knowledge and ideas on the topic.We start with the basics and talk about the greenhouse effect, the relation between the energy system and global warming and what possibilities there are to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. We also talk about sustainable energy and the fact that surface science plays an important part, both in the development of alternative solutions for energy production and for solutions that may help us reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

What makes an implant integrate into the surrounding tissue in our bodies, and how come some biomaterials stick while other materials can smoothly be removed from the body even after a longer period of contact or insertion?In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small we take a closer look at the interfacial boundary between a physical body and synthetic materials. We talk to two experts in the field; Prof. Bengt Kasemo, Chalmers University of Technology, who has long experience in the area of biomaterials, including working in the project which resulted in the Brånemark concept for titanium implants, and Dr. Åsa Westling, Senior R&D Scientist at Wellspect Health Care, a company that develops and produces medical devices .We talk about what happens at the interface between a biomaterial and the body when they meet, the concept of biocompatibility and what complications that can arise if the intended surface interactions do not take place. We also talk about how an understanding of the interfacial processes can be used to design products with certain functionality and what we can expect to see in the area of biomaterials in the future.If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

Nanotechnology has been around for decades, and today these minuscule entities enter into our everyday lives via products such as sunscreen, food, sports clothes and electronics. Why has ‘nano’ become so popular, and what are risks involved when we are exposed to these nanoengineered objects? In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small, we talk to Bengt Kasemo, Professor of physics at Chalmers University of Technology and a member of both the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. Prof. Kasemo has long experience in surface science, and he also works with nanotoxicology and nano-safety. We talk about how nanotechnology originated, what advantages this particular size range offers over others, and what makes nanotechnology so extremely attractive. We also talk about the risks involved and what safety challenges there are. Prof. Kasemo lists a range of unexplored opportunities which could be realized in the future.If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

Biolin ScientificWhat defines a surface? What kind of science is related to surfaces, and most importantly, does surface science really matter to, and have an impact on, our everyday lives?In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small, we talk to Prof. Bengt Kasemo, who is Professor of physics at Chalmers University of Technology. Prof. Kasemo has long experience in surface science and is a member of both the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. We start out with the surface science basics and talk about what defines a surface and what different types of surface-related science there is. We also talk about how, when and why this field of research started, why this kind of research is important, and what inventions, that impact our everyday lives, that originate in this area. If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!

Dr. Christy Haynes is the Elmore H. Northey Professor of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. She completed her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Macalester College and received her MS and PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern University. Next, Christy was awarded a National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award Post-Doctoral Fellowship to conduct research at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 2005. Christy has received many awards and honors for her research, including the Sara Evans Faculty Woman Scholar/Leader Award, the Taylor Award for Distinguished Research from the University of Minnesota, the Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader in Chemistry Lecturship, the Pittsburgh Conference Achievement Award, the Joseph Black Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry, an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, the Arthur F. Findeis Award for Achievements by a Young Analytical Scientist from the American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry, the Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry Young Investigator Award, the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, the NIH New Innovator Award, the NSF CAREER Award, and the Victor K. LaMer Award from the American Chemical Society Division of Colloid and Surface Science. In addition, Christy has been recognized for her excellence in mentoring through receipt of the Advising and Mentoring Award and the Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor Award both from the University of Minnesota. She has also been listed among the Top 100 Inspiring Women in STEM from Insight into Diversity magazine, the Analytical Scientist's “Top 40 Under 40” Power List, and one of the “Brilliant 10” chosen by Popular Science magazine. Christy is with us today to share stories from her journey through life and science.

The protection of metals and alloys against corrosion is a major issue in many respects including, but not limited to, scientific and technical aspects. In his lecture Philippe Marcus shows how a surface science approach contributes to provide a detailed understanding of corrosion at the nanoscale. The emphasis will be placed on the growth, structure and corrosion protection properties of ultrathin oxide layers formed on metals and alloys in aqueous solution.

This week, we're exploring the science of Smart Materials - we discover a Super-Non-Stick coating that even honey wont stick to and flexible plastic paper with E-Ink that we-writes itself on demand. We learn how potatoes could form the basis of future plastics and a new way to think about 'bone china', as ceramics and polymers could replace your broken bones. Also, we discover where sea turtles spend their childhood, how a microRNA gene switch could put the brakes on the spread of cancer and how thousands of cases of breast cancer could be avoided without medication. Plus, in Kitchen... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

This week, we're exploring the science of Smart Materials - we discover a Super-Non-Stick coating that even honey wont stick to and flexible plastic paper with E-Ink that we-writes itself on demand. We learn how potatoes could form the basis of future plastics and a new way to think about 'bone china', as ceramics and polymers could replace your broken bones. Also, we discover where sea turtles spend their childhood, how a microRNA gene switch could put the brakes on the spread of cancer and how thousands of cases of breast cancer could be avoided without medication. Plus, in Kitchen... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists