Two commonly encountered bottlenecks in the structure determination of a protein by X-ray crystallography are screening for conditions that give high-quality crystals and, in the case of novel structures, finding derivatization conditions for experimental phasing. In this study, the phasing molecule 5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (I3C) was added to a random microseed matrix screen to generate high-quality crystals derivatized with I3C in a single optimization experiment. I3C, often referred to as the magic triangle, contains an aromatic ring scaffold with three bound I atoms. This approach was applied to efficiently phase the structures of hen egg-white lysozyme and the N-terminal domain of the Orf11 protein from Staphylococcus phage P68 (Orf11 NTD) using SAD phasing. The structure of Orf11 NTD suggests that it may play a role as a virion-associated lysin or endolysin.

For the extraction of the best possible X-ray diffraction data from macromolecular crystals, accurate positioning of the crystals with respect to the X-ray beam is crucial. In addition, information about the shape and internal defects of crystals allows the optimization of data-collection strategies. Here, it is demonstrated that the X-ray beam available on the macromolecular crystallo­graphy beamline P14 at the high-brilliance synchrotron-radiation source PETRA III at DESY, Hamburg, Germany can be used for high-energy phase-contrast microtomography of protein crystals mounted in an optically opaque lipidic cubic phase matrix. Three-dimensional tomograms have been obtained at X-ray doses that are substantially smaller and on time scales that are substantially shorter than those used for diffraction-scanning approaches that display protein crystals at micrometre resolution. Adding a compound refractive lens as an objective to the imaging setup, two-dimensional imaging at sub-micrometre resolution has been achieved. All experiments were performed on a standard macromolecular crystallography beamline and are compatible with standard diffraction data-collection workflows and apparatus. Phase-contrast X-ray imaging of macromolecular crystals could find wide application at existing and upcoming low-emittance synchrotron-radiation sources.

Different approaches of 2D lens arrays as Shack–Hartmann sensors for hard X-rays are compared. For the first time, a combination of Shack–Hartmann sensors for hard X-rays (SHSX) with a super-resolution imaging approach to perform multi-contrast imaging is demonstrated. A diamond lens is employed as a well known test object. The interleaving approach has great potential to overcome the 2D lens array limitation given by the two-photon polymerization lithography. Finally, the radiation damage induced by continuous exposure of an SHSX prototype with a white beam was studied showing a good performance of several hours. The shape modification and influence in the final image quality are presented.

A lipid droplet (LD) core of a cell consists mainly of neutral lipids, triacylglycerols and/or steryl esters (SEs). The structuration of these lipids inside the core is still under debate. Lipid segregation inside LDs has been observed but is sometimes suggested to be an artefact of LD isolation and chemical fixation. LD imaging in their native state and in unaltered cellular environments appears essential to overcome these possible technical pitfalls. Here, imaging techniques for ultrastructural study of native LDs in cellulo are provided and it is shown that LDs are organized structures. Cryo soft X-ray tomography and deep-ultraviolet (DUV) transmittance imaging are showing a partitioning of SEs at the periphery of the LD core. Furthermore, DUV transmittance and tryptophan/tyrosine auto-fluorescence imaging on living cells are combined to obtain complementary information on cell chemical contents. This multimodal approach paves the way for a new label-free organelle imaging technique in living cells.

Anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria play a key role in the global nitrogen cycle and in nitrogenous wastewater treatment. The anammox bacteria ultrastructure is unique and distinctly different from that of other prokaryotic cells. The morphological structure of an organism is related to its function; however, research on the ultrastructure of intact anammox bacteria is lacking. In this study, in situ three-dimensional nondestructive ultrastructure imaging of a whole anammox cell was performed using synchrotron soft X-ray tomography (SXT) and the total variation-based simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (TV-SART). Statistical and quantitative analyses of the intact anammox bacteria were performed. High soft X-ray absorption composition inside anammoxosome was detected and verified to be relevant to iron-binding protein. On this basis, the shape adaptation of the anammox bacteria response to iron was explored.

The laser annealing process for AuNi nanoparticles has been visualized using coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (CXDI). AuNi bimetallic alloy nanoparticles, originally phase separated due to the miscibility gap, transform to metastable mixed alloy particles with rounded surface as they are irradiated by laser pulses. A three-dimensional CXDI shows that the internal part of the AuNi particles is in the mixed phase with preferred compositions at ∼29 at% of Au and ∼90 at% of Au.

A dedicated X-ray imaging detector for 200 keV high-energy X-ray microtomography was developed to realize high-efficiency high-resolution imaging while keeping the field of view wide.

BEATRIX, is a new tool for performing data analysis of energy-resolved neutron-imaging experiments involving intense fitting procedures of multi-channel spectra. The use of BEATRIX is illustrated for a test specimen, providing spatially resolved 2D maps for residual strains and Bragg edge heights.

Described here are instructions for building and using an inexpensive automated microscope (AMi) that has been specifically designed for viewing and imaging the contents of multi-well plates. The X, Y, Z translation stage is controlled through dedicated software (AMiGUI) that is being made freely available. Movements are controlled by an Arduino-based board running grbl, and the graphical user interface and image acquisition are controlled via a Raspberry Pi microcomputer running Python. Images can be written to the Raspberry Pi or to a remote disk. Plates with multiple sample wells at each row/column position are supported, and a script file for automated z-stack depth-of-field enhancement is written along with the images. The graphical user interface and real-time imaging also make it easy to manually inspect and capture images of individual samples.

The Sun’s Active Region 1429 has been shooting off flares and coronal mass ejections since it rotated into Earth’s view on March 2, 2012. Two X-class flares have been released overnight, an X1.3 and an X5.4.

The post X-Class flares released by the Sun, March 6, captured by Atmospheric Imaging Assembly appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

The only explanation for such symmetry across these vast distances, explains Smithsonian anthropologist Dennis Stanford, is that the method of creating the points was handed down from person to person.

The post 3-D imaging adds remarkable new understanding of North America’s mysterious Clovis people appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

Magnetic field measurement techniques have long enabled scientists to probe the internal structure of biological and material samples. For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides […]

The post Magnetic Imaging of Living Cells appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

On June 7 the Sun unleashed an spectacular solar flare with a substantial coronal mass ejection. A large cloud of plasma mushroomed up, and while some parts fell back into the Sun, most rushed off into space. The first two segments of this video are seen through the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly aboard NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The AIA was developed by Smithsonian scientists.

The post Spectacular June 7 solar flare seen through the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly aboard Solar Dynamics Observatory appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

The Smithsonian has launched an ambitious project to scan millions of items and make them available to the world on a searchable database. CBS reporter […]

The post 3-D imaging takes Smithsonian from Washington to the world appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

To answer significant questions about planetary systems, such as whether our solar system is a rare phenomenon or if life exists on planets other than Earth, NASA should lead a large direct imaging mission – an advanced space telescope – capable of studying Earth-like exoplanets orbiting stars similar to the sun, says a new congressionally mandated report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Researchers from the University of Oxford's Bodleian Libraries and from universities in the Netherlands have used high-tech imaging to uncover the details of a rare Mexican codex dating from before the colonization of the Americas. The newly revealed codex, or book, has been hidden from view for almost 500 years, concealed beneath a layer of plaster and chalk on the back of a later manuscript known as the Codex Selden, which is housed at the Bodleian Libraries. Scientists have used hyperspectral imaging to reveal pictographic scenes from this remarkable document and have published their findings in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

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Nearly 85% of residents in central Dublin, Ireland, could be exposed to damaging levels of night-time traffic noise, according to a recent study. The researchers explain how they assessed population exposure to noise and calculate the impacts of several noise reduction measures, providing information that could help EU Member States meet the Environmental Noise Directive’s requirements.

As electronics manufacturers are set to resume operations in India, it is apparent that in the short term there is no alternative to sourcing from China, as urgent replenishment of inventories clearly implies continued dependence on it.

Trefil, James, 1938- author

In conversation with ETCIO, Subodh Kumar, CTO, Magicbricks, shares how data comprising 75 attributes has helped the company generate 60% more quality leads

Milder winters under climate change could increase the extent of alder tree (Alnus glutinosa) decline in Europe due to the increased spread of the pathogen Phytophthora alni, a recent study has found. However, this may be offset by hotter summers, which reduce the severity of the disease.

Combinations of antibiotics have been found in high enough concentrations to pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, in a recent Spanish study. Antibiotics can have toxic effects on the bacteria and algae that form the basis of aquatic ecosystems.

Tiny polyester fibres, which are washed into rivers, lakes and seas every time we do our laundry could cause more harm to animals than plastic microbeads, finds a new study. The researchers looked at the effect of microbeads and fibres on a small crustacean called Ceriodaphnia dubia, which lives in freshwater lakes. They found that although both types of plastic were toxic, microfibres caused more harm. Both microplastics stunted the growth of the animals, and reduced their ability to have offspring; microfibres, however, did this to a greater degree, and also caused noticeable deformities in the crustacean’s body and antennae.

According to new research, emissions of anthropogenic nitrous oxide (N2O) are now causing more damage to the ozone layer than those of any controlled ozone depleting substance and this is projected to remain the case for the rest of this century. The study suggests that limiting N2O emissions could help both the recovery of the ozone layer and tackle climate change.

000
WTNT64 KNHC 110400
TCUAT4

Tropical Storm Michael Tropical Cyclone Update
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142018
1200 AM EDT Thu Oct 11 2018

...12 AM EDT POSITION UPDATE...
...MICHAEL WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM OVER CENTRAL GEORGIA...
...DAMAGING WINDS STILL OCCURRING INLAND...

NOAA Doppler weather radar data indicate that the center of Michael
is now moving into south-central Georgia. Tropical storm-force
winds continue over central and southern Georgia, and are spreading
across the coast of southeastern Georgia.

This will be the last hourly position update issued by the National
Hurricane Center on Michael. The next intermediate advisory will be
issued at 2 AM EDT...0600 UTC.


SUMMARY OF 1200 AM EDT...0400 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...32.3N 83.6W
ABOUT 30 MI...45 KM SSW OF MACON GEORGIA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...70 MPH...115 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 40 DEGREES AT 17 MPH...28 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...975 MB...28.79 INCHES

$$
Forecaster Beven

...

NTU Singapore, the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) have launched a joint laboratory that will develop advanced eye imaging technologies and drug delivery systems....

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Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed the prototype of a handheld medical imaging device that can produce images down to resolutions of 1 to 2 micrometres. This is detailed enough to spot the first signs of tumours in specific cells and is about 100 times higher resolution than what X-Ray, computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines can provide....

Study finds that only 17 percent of children create deep imaginary worlds but they also exhibit higher levels of creativity.

Thanks to our oil addiction, such a world would include rolling blackouts, minimal transportation, dwindling food supplies and possibly war.

Follow architecture grad Hank Butitta as he traverses the country in one heck of a Craigslist find: A $3,000 school bus transformed into a mobile tiny home.

An art student inspired by "clean eating" creates ephemeral fruit mandalas that are as tasty as they are beautiful.

The spells are written in a mysterious language, but a few names of demons could be deciphered.

The Abbey Road Farm Bed & Breakfast gives new meaning to the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.”

Denver and Oakland vote to decriminalize magic mushrooms, showing support for psychedelic drug psilocybin. Other cities have similar laws on tap.

Dulse, a succulent red marine alga, is highly nutritious, fast-growing — and supposedly tastes like bacon when fried. The Internet weighs in...

Pluto's moons are even stranger and more intriguing than scientists imagined, a new study reveals.

Here are 7 before-and-after images of cities, as seen from space, showing the impact humans have had on the surrounding environment.

Botanophobics may want to avert their eyes.

The Swirl Faucet also saves water, so long as you aren't completely beguiled by its beauty.

Cancer patients given psilocybin experienced reduced depression and existential distress, even at the end of life.

Honestly, it would be a touch difficult to hit the books on a campus this wildly verdant.

Thierry Cohen's artwork reveals the cosmic wonders hidden beneath the light pollution that masks the world's biggest cities.

Team Green World creates catchy tunes with an eco-savvy theme.

Let these disaster movie-esque GIFs of four major cities being swallowed up by rising sea levels serve as your motivation to help combat climate change.

For most cities, the biggest areas of public space are streets. But are we using them to our full potential?