
DNA and COVID-19: What’s the connection?
Moving from medical liaison to medical lead

News and Ideas

A celebration of our other genome: Mitochondrial DNA
The genes in human mtDNA encode some essential components of the electron transport chain, as well as a set of tRNAs and ribosomal RNAs necessary for protein synthesis.

Eternal memories and an overdue tribute — storing digital data in DNA
Researchers crowdsourced 10,000 images, stored them on synthetic DNA and then used them to create a portrait of Rosalind Franklin, an often overlooked star of DNA discovery.

Genetic research in the midst of a pandemic
A study in the United Kingdom has identified four novel genetic variants associated with critical illness in patients with COVID-19.

Hanawalt, Nagata and Regev named AACR fellows
The American Association for Cancer Research Academy recognizes scientists whose contributions have led to progress against cancer.

In memoriam: Robert Baldwin
“His research sped a shift in many biologists’ attention from organismic biology, the study of creatures great and small, to molecular biology"

Scientists unmask a virus that mimicked human RNA and hit on a potential vaccine
Human metapneumovirus is a molecular mimic, sneaking past immune systems to cause cold symptoms

Calendar of events, awards and opportunities
Happening this week: Free webinars on building relationships, telling your science story and biological aging.

Synthesis of potent antibiotic follows unusual chemical pathway
Images of a protein involved in creating a potent antibiotic reveal the unusual first steps of the antibiotic's synthesis.

Hidden talents
Witty drawings by ASBMB staff member Vic De Luz are a bonus feature of our April focus on science and art.
Meet Our Contributors

Rajini Rao

Bill Sullivan

Beronda L. Montgomery

Peter Kennelly
Use the mic!
Rajini Rao
Professor
Rajini Rao writes that up to 20% of the population has some hearing loss, so when you don’t use the microphone at a meeting, you are projecting your ableism, not your voice. Read More
Grant-writing tips for beginners
Bill Sullivan
Showalter Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Bill Sullivan, a study section veteran, shares eight important lessons he’s learned for writing a winning grant application. Read More
To support or to deny: mentoring or gatekeeping?
Beronda L. Montgomery
MSU Foundation Professor
Beronda Montgomery posted on Twitter: “What’s a thing that you were ‘mentored’ not to do, but you pursued it & it’s worked out well?” She shares what she learned from the responses. Read More
What would Julia Child do?
Peter Kennelly
Professor
Pete Kennelly proposes that online labs should be designed with an eye to enhancing student participation and maintaining causal connections. Read More
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