I was one of the outside readers1 for a volume in Cambridge University Press’s enormous “Elements” series, The New Witches of the West, by Ethan Doyle White. (Link is to Amazon US) To find that title, go to the main … Continue reading →

An anti-corruption charity finds significant concerns in £15.3bn worth of contracts awarded during the pandemic.

The bacterial enhancer-binding protein (bEBP) FlrC, controls motility and colonization of Vibrio cholerae by regulating the transcription of class-III flagellar genes in σ54-dependent manner. However, the mechanism by which FlrC regulates transcription is not fully elucidated. Although, most bEBPs require nucleotides to stimulate the oligomerization necessary for function, our previous study showed that the central domain of FlrC (FlrCC) forms heptamer in a nucleotide-independent manner. Furthermore, heptameric FlrCC binds ATP in “cis-mediated” style without any contribution from sensor I motif 285REDXXYR291 of the trans protomer. This atypical ATP binding raises the question of whether heptamerization of FlrC is solely required for transcription regulation, or if it is also critical for ATPase activity. ATPase assays and size exclusion chromatography of the trans-variants FlrCC-Y290A and FlrCC-R291A showed destabilization of heptameric assembly with concomitant abrogation of ATPase activity. Crystal structures showed that in the cis-variant FlrCC-R349A drastic shift of Walker A encroached ATP-binding site, whereas the site remained occupied by ADP in FlrCC-Y290A. We postulated that FlrCC heptamerizes through concentration-dependent cooperativity for maximal ATPase activity and upon heptamerization, packing of trans-acting Tyr290 against cis-acting Arg349 compels Arg349 to maintain proper conformation of Walker A. Finally, a Trp quenching study revealed binding of cyclic-di-GMP with FlrCC. Excess cyclic-di-GMP repressed ATPase activity of FlrCC through destabilization of heptameric assembly, especially at low concentration of protein. Systematic phylogenetic analysis allowed us to propose similar regulatory mechanisms for FlrCs of several Vibrio species and a set of monotrichous Gram-negative bacteria.

Help shape FAO’s digital publishing programme by answering a 5-minute survey on the The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) and Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA).

The survey seeks to gather [...]

In 2020, FAO’s flagship ‘The State of the World’ collection was released in a new easy-to-read digital format, providing audiences with a responsive reading experience to discover FAO’s work and [...]

Credit: David Marshall, University of Bristol

Artist Abbot Thayer illustrated the prevalence of camouflage in the animal world and advocated using it as a military tactic

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has established a non-urgent text line for transit users to signal security issues in the Metro network.

Shares of Bidcorp, the food services giant founded by Brian Joffe, jumped almost 5% on Tuesday after it reported a record revenue performance for the four months to end October, including an "excellent" result from SA.

OpenAI is rumoured to be working on the next generation of its flagship large language model (LLM), however, it might have hit a bottleneck. As per a report, the San Francisco-based AI firm is struggling to considerably upgrade the capabilities of its next AI model, internally codenamed Orion. The model is said to be outperforming older models when it comes to language-based tasks but is underwhelming in certain tasks such as coding.

Friday, May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day. On this day we pay tribute to peace officers across our country who have died, or who have been disabled in the line of duty. In accordance with federal law (36 U.S.C. 175) and a proclamation issued by President Trump, Governor Carney requests that the Delaware and […]

On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those fallen heroes who have died while protecting our country. To honor the dedication and service of all of our service members Governor Carney requests that the proper protocol for the U.S. Flag Code be followed this Memorial Day. Flags are to be lowered to half-staff on Monday […]

With the passing of former State Representative Donald Clark on June 24, 2020 Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff Friday, July 10 as a mark of respect for Mr. Clark and his service to Delaware. Mr. Clark was first elected to the […]

President Trump today ordered United States flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff immediately in memory of Representative John Lewis of Georgia. In concurrence with the President’s order, Gov. Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings also be flown at half-staff. Flags are to be […]

Governor John Carney has ordered the Delaware state flag at State facilities be lowered to half staff on Monday, August 31 in observance of Overdose Awareness Day. The Governor’s order only applies to State facilities, however local governments, businesses and Delawareans flying the Delaware state flag are encouraged to participate as well. The Delaware state […]

Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered September 9, 2020 to honor the many years of public service of former Milford mayor Joseph Ronald “Ronnie” Rogers who passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2020. Mr. Rogers began his political career in Milford by running for city council representing the 1st ward in […]

By a joint resolution approved by Congress on 12/18/2001, (Public Law 107-89) September 11th of each year has been designated as “Patriot Day”. This law also directs flags be lowered to half-staff on September 11th. In concurrence with this joint resolution, Governor Carney has ordered the U. S. and Delaware flags be flown at half-staff […]

Title 29, Section 408 of the Delaware Code requires Delaware State agencies, including all public schools, to display a POW/MIA flag on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the third Friday in September. Section 408 reads as follows: “§408 Display of POW/MIA flag. State agencies, including all public schools, shall cause a POW/MIA flag to be displayed […]

Per US flag Code, both the US and Delaware flags are to be lowered to half staff due to the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The US Flag Code requires flags to remain at half-staff until the day of Justice Ginsburg’s interment. As that date has not yet been determined, subsequent […]

Please note the following update regarding the current flag lowering for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The interment for Justice Ginsburg is scheduled for tomorrow, September 29. Accordingly, all flags are to be returned to full staff at the close of business tomorrow, September 29.

Everyday across Delaware, thousands of firefighters serve their communities and protect the public by responding to not only fires but almost any emergency situation. Sunday, October 4 has been recognized by Congress as the day US and State flags are to be flown at half-staff in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. Governor […]

Monday, December 7, 2020 marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year, on December 7 we honor the over 2,400 men and women who lost their lives for our country on this day in 1941. Public Law 103-308 requests the President to issue a proclamation requesting flags be lowered to half staff each December 7. […]

This afternoon President Trump ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on January 13, 2021 as a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across […]

President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on February 26, 2021 in memory of the more than 500,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and […]

President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 22, 2021 in honor and remembrance of the victims of the shooting in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state […]

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2021, in Boulder, Colorado, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 27, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both […]

As sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the victims of the attack at the United States Capitol on Friday, April 2, 2021, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on April 6, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney […]

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2021, in Indianapolis, Indiana, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on April 20, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both […]

As a mark of respect for Vice President Walter F. Mondale and his life of service to our Nation, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.  In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. […]

Please note the following update regarding flag lowering for fallen Delmar Police Corporal Keith Heacook. A service in honor of Corporal Heacook’s memory is scheduled for Monday, May 10, followed by his interment. Accordingly, all flags should be returned to full staff at the close of business that day, Monday, May 10.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 26, 2021, in San Jose, California, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 30, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered […]

In recognition of Memorial Day, President Biden has proclaimed May 31, 2021, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and designated the hour of 11:00 AM as a time when we might collectively unite in prayer and reflection. President Biden has also asked that all Americans observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at […]

Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared through his signing of SJR4. We encourage local governments, businesses and Delawareans to do the same to promote awareness of overdose prevention and acknowledge all who have suffered the […]

By a joint resolution approved by Congress on 12/18/2001, (Public Law 107-89) September 11th of each year has been designated as “Patriot Day.” This law also directs flags be lowered to half-staff on September 11th. In concurrence with this joint resolution, Governor Carney has ordered the U. S. and Delaware flags be flown at half-staff […]

In observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a time to honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world, Governor Carney in conjunction with President Biden, has ordered both […]

In conjunction with President Biden, Governor Carney has extended the order lowering both the American and Delaware flags to half-staff at all State buildings and facilities until sunset on Saturday, December 11, 2021 as a mark of respect for the passing of former U.S. Senator Robert Joseph Dole.

In recognition of the passing of former State Senator Robert “Bob” L. Venables, Sr. and former State Senator and Representative Winifred Theodora “Winnie” Spence, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff through Sunday, January 2 as a mark of respect for their service to the State […]

In recognition of Chief Pridemore’s service to the State of Delaware, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 15, 2022.

President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 16, 2022 in memory of the more than 1 million Americans who have died from COVID-19.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of gun violence perpetrated on July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois, President Biden has ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 9, 2022.    In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 9, 2022. 

Flag Lowering for International Overdose Awareness Day Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from sunrise to sunset, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared by Senate Joint Resolution 6. We encourage local governments, businesses and Delawareans to do the same to promote […]

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year on December 7, we honor the over 2,400 men and women who lost their lives for our country on this day in 1941.

With the passing of former State Senator J. Donald Isaacs on April 28, 2023, Governor John Carney has ordered the Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Monday, May 8, 2023, as a mark of respect for Mr. Isaacs and his service to Delaware.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas, and in concurrence with the President Biden’s order, Governor John Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 11, 2023.

Governor John Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from sunrise to sunset, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared by Senate Joint Resolution 2.

Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 until sunset on Friday, October 13, 2023 to honor those who have lost their lives due to recent violence in Israel

Flags are ordered to fly half-staff until sunset on May 15th.

DOVER, Del. – President Biden has proclaimed Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and designated the hour of 11 a.m. as a time to collectively unite in prayer and reflection. President Biden also has asked all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m., and has […]

Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Monday, June 3, 2024, to honor former Speaker of the House and President of Delaware Technical Community College, Orlando “Lonnie” George, on the day of his interment.