SCS Science Image Challenge Winners 2011

SCS Science Image Challenge Winners 2011
Tom Bassett, Amit Desai, Josh Tice, Kenis Research Group, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

An SEM of gold nanoparticles (seen around the outside of the image) on an aluminum filter. The distortion in the center of the image is a reflection of the pole piece inside the SEM.

Finalist
Christopher G. Mayne, Katzenellenbogen Laboratory, Department of Chemistry

An illustration of the various interaction sites targeted by Nuclear Receptor Alternative-Site Modulators (NRAMs) mapped onto a mixed modal rendering of a PPAR/RXR heterodimer bound to DNA. The individual sites are expanded to show detail and include (clockwise, from top right) the binding function-3 interaction site, coactivator binding groove, DNA-binding zinc-finger motifs, and the DNA response-element. Each site represents an alternative strategy to targeting the ligand binding pocket (top left) in modulating nuclear receptor function.

Finalist
Elijah Roberts, Luthey-Schulten Group, Department of Chemistry

Structures of the molecules in the E. coli lac operon. RNA polymerase and the lac repressor compete for the lac promoter site on the DNA. After RNAP binds it produces lac transcripts, which are then translated by the ribosome. Lactose permease inserts into the membrane and imports lactose for food.

Finalist
Bo Wang, Granick Lab, Department of Chemistry and Materials Sciences

The diffusion of nano-particles couples to the long-ranged fluctuations of phospholipid tubes to which the particles attaches or couples to the collective breathing modes of actin networks in which the particles are entrapped.

Finalist
Yujie Xia, Pack Lab, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

"Open It": Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microsphere cut open using Scanning Electron Microscopy.