When AI replaces confidence in the classroom
“Hi, profe!” How I learned to connect with my students

News and Ideas

Light-activated small molecule could transform eye infection treatment
Contact lenses raise the risk of infectious keratitis, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. A biotech company is commercializing a light-activated therapy using a ROS-generating molecule to rapidly kill microbes in the cornea to preserve vision.

Luger wins Vilcek Prize
The $100,000 award honors an immigrant scientist in the U.S. whose research has had a significant impact and who demonstrates exceptional leadership in advancing biomedical science.

In memoriam: Simon H. Chang
He was the first to crystallize a mammalian phosphofructokinase molecule and had been an ASBMB member since 1975.

Teaching an evolving field: Lessons from mosquitos
Professor explores how adapting teaching to new technologies and student needs can deepen learning.

Flipping the script to build student confidence through empathy
Educator reexamines her approach to an introductory biochemistry course, showing how affirmation and intentional support reshaped student engagement and persistence.

The molecular orchestra of memory
Calcium, calmodulin and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II form a molecular axis that turns fleeting neural activity into lasting memories. New research shows how memories are stabilized, and possibly even protected or repaired.
Upcoming opportunities
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is accepting applications for the Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship for Undergraduates. Apply by April 30, 2026.

When biochemistry stopped being scary
Professor challenges the idea that biochemistry must feel abstract by designing hands-on models and games that turn fear into curiosity, transforming classrooms across Pakistan into spaces for experimentation and shared discovery.

Differences in pili structure modulate bacterial behavior
Researchers demonstrate how small changes in the structure of hair-like protein appendages can affect the behavior of Acinetobacter bacteria.
Meet Our Contributors
Jay Thakkar
Courtney Chandler
Jessica Desamero
Poornima Sankar
Computational biosciences illuminate how molecular condensates form
Rohit Pappu will receive the 2025 DeLano Award for Computational Biosciences at the ASBMB Annual Meeting, April 12-15 in Chicago. Read More
Who decides when a grad student graduates?
Courtney Chandler
Careers Columnist
Ph.D. programs often don’t have a set timeline. Students continue with their research until their thesis is done, which is where variability comes into play. Read More
Beyond the bench: On a mission to build an inclusive scientific community
Benjamin Garcia will receive the ASBMB Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award at the ASBMB Annual meeting, April 12–15 in Chicago. Read More
Quantifying how proteins in microbe and host interact
“To develop better vaccines, we need new methods and a better understanding of the antibody responses that develop in immune individuals,” author Johan Malmström said. Read More
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