pic Synthesis, detailed geometric analysis and bond-valence method evaluation of the strength of π-arene bonding of two isotypic cationic prehnitene tin(II) complexes: [{1,2,3,4-(CH3)4C6H2}2Sn2Cl2][MCl4]2 (M = Al and Ga) By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2019-06-25 From solutions of prehnitene and the ternary halides (SnCl)[MCl4] (M = Al, Ga) in chlorobenzene, the new cationic SnII–π-arene complexes catena-poly[[chloridoaluminate(III)]-tri-μ-chlorido-4':1κ2Cl,1:2κ4Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-2:3κ4Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-3:4κ4Cl-[chloridoaluminate(III)]-μ-chlorido-4:1'κ2Cl], [Al2Sn2Cl10(C10H14)2]n, (1) and catena-poly[[chloridogallate(III)]-tri-μ-chlorido-4':1κ2Cl,1:2κ4Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-2:3κ4Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-3:4κ4Cl-[chloridogallate(III)]-μ-chlorido-4:1'κ2Cl], [Ga2Sn2Cl10(C10H14)2]n, (2), were isolated. In these first main-group metal–prehnitene complexes, the distorted η6 arene π-bonding to the tin atoms of the Sn2Cl22+ moieties in the centre of [{1,2,3,4-(CH3)4C6H2}2Sn2Cl2][MCl4]2 repeating units (site symmetry overline{1}) is characterized by: (i) a significant ring slippage of ca 0.4 Å indicated by the dispersion of Sn—C distances [1: 2.881 (2)–3.216 (2) Å; 2: 2.891 (3)–3.214 (3) Å]; (ii) the non-methyl-substituted arene C atoms positioned closest to the SnII central atom; (iii) a pronounced tilt of the plane of the arene ligand against the plane of the central (Sn2Cl2)2+ four-membered ring species [1: 15.59 (11)°, 2: 15.69 (9)°]; (iv) metal–arene bonding of medium strength as illustrated by application of the bond-valence method in an indirect manner, defining the π-arene bonding interaction of the SnII central atoms as s(SnII—arene) = 2 − Σs(SnII—Cl), that gives s(SnII—arene) = 0.37 and 0.38 valence units for the aluminate and the gallate, respectively, indicating that comparatively strong main-group metal–arene bonding is present and in line with the expectation that [AlCl4]− is the slightly weaker coordinating anion as compared to [GaCl4]−. Full Article text
pic Crystal structure, spectroscopic characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of trans-diaqua[2,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole]dithiocyanatonickel(II) By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2019-06-21 The reaction of 2,5-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (4-pox) and thiocyanate ions, used as co-ligand with nickel salt NiCl2·6H2O, produced the title complex, [Ni(NCS)2(C12H8N4O)2(H2O)2]. The NiII atom is located on an inversion centre and is octahedrally coordinated by four N atoms from two ligands and two pseudohalide ions, forming the equatorial plane. The axial positions are occupied by two O atoms of coordinated water molecules. In the crystal, the molecules are linked into a three-dimensional network through strong O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to investigate the intermolecular interactions in the crystal packing. Full Article text
pic Crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of the two isotypic compounds (E)-1-(4-bromophenyl)-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl]diazene and (E)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-ni By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2019-07-19 In the two isotypic title compounds, C14H8BrCl2N3O2, (I), and C14H8Cl3N3O2, (II), the substitution of one of the phenyl rings is different [Br for (I) and Cl for (II)]. Aromatic rings form dihedral angles of 60.9 (2) and 64.1 (2)°, respectively. Molecules are linked through weak X⋯Cl contacts [X = Br for (I) and Cl for (II)], C—H⋯Cl and C—Cl⋯π interactions into sheets parallel to the ab plane. Additional van der Waals interactions consolidate the three-dimensional packing. Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structures indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing for (I) are from C⋯H/H⋯C (16.1%), O⋯H/H⋯O (13.1%), Cl⋯H/H⋯Cl (12.7%), H⋯H (11.4%), Br⋯H/H⋯Br (8.9%), N⋯H/H⋯N (6.9%) and Cl⋯C/C⋯Cl (6.6%) interactions, and for (II), from Cl⋯H / H⋯Cl (21.9%), C⋯H/H⋯C (15.3%), O⋯H/H⋯O (13.4%), H⋯H (11.5%), Cl⋯C/C⋯Cl (8.3%), N⋯H/H⋯N (7.0%) and Cl⋯Cl (5.9%) interactions. The crystal of (I) studied was refined as an inversion twin, the ratio of components being 0.9917 (12):0.0083 (12). Full Article text
pic The crystal structures of {LnCu5}3+ (Ln = Gd, Dy and Ho) 15-metallacrown-5 complexes and a reevaluation of the isotypic EuIII analogue By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2019-07-19 Three new isotypic heteropolynuclear complexes, namely pentaaquacarbonatopentakis(glycinehydroxamato)nitratopentacopper(II)lanthanide(III) x-hydrate, [LnCu5(GlyHA)5(CO3)(NO3)(H2O)5]·xH2O (GlyHA2− is glycinehydroxamate, N-hydroxyglycinamidate or aminoacetohydroxamate, C2H4N2O22−), with lanthanide(III) (LnIII) = gadolinium (Gd, 1, x = 3.5), dysprosium (Dy, 2, x = 3.28) and holmium (Ho, 3, x = 3.445), within a 15-metallacrown-5 class were obtained on reaction of lanthanide(III) nitrate, copper(II) acetate and sodium glycinehydroxamate. Complexes 1–3 contain five copper(II) ions and five bridging GlyHA2− anions, forming a [CuGlyHA]5 metallamacrocyclic core. The LnIII ions are coordinated to the metallamacrocycle through five O-donor hydroxamates. The electroneutrality of complexes 1–3 is achieved by a bidentate carbonate anion coordinated to the LnIII ion and a monodentate nitrate anion coordinated apically to one of the copper(II) ions of the metallamacrocycle. The lattice parameters of complexes 1–3 are similar to those previously reported for an EuIII–CuII 15-metallacrown-5 complex with glycinehydroxamate of proposed composition [EuCu5(GlyHA)5(OH)(NO3)2(H2O)4]·3.5H2O [Stemmler et al. (1999). Inorg. Chem. 38, 2807–2817]. High-quality X-ray data obtained for 1–3 have allowed a re-evaluation of the X-ray data solution proposed earlier for the EuCu5 complex and suggest that the formula is actually [EuCu5(GlyHA)5(CO3)(NO3)(H2O)5]·3.5H2O. Full Article text
pic Crystal structures, syntheses, and spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements of two push–pull chromophores: 2-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene]-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione and (E)-2-{3-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2019-10-03 The title pull–push chromophores, 2-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene]-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione, C18H15NO2 (ID[1]) and (E)-2-{3-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]allylidene}-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione, C20H17NO2 (ID[2]), have donor–π-bridge–acceptor structures. The molecule with the short π-bridge, ID[1], is almost planar while for the molecule with a longer bridge, ID[2], is less planar. The benzene ring is inclined to the mean plane of the 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene unit by 3.19 (4)° in ID[1] and 13.06 (8)° in ID[2]. The structures of three polymorphs of compound ID[1] have been reported: the α-polymorph [space group P21/c; Magomedova & Zvonkova (1978). Kristallografiya, 23, 281–288], the β-polymorph [space group P21/c; Magomedova & Zvonkova (1980). Kristallografiya, 25 1183–1187] and the γ-polymorph [space group Pna21; Magomedova, Neigauz, Zvonkova & Novakovskaya (1980). Kristallografiya, 25, 400–402]. The molecular packing in ID[1] studied here is centrosymmetric (space group P21/c) and corresponds to the β-polymorph structure. The molecular packing in ID[2] is non-centrosymmetric (space group P21), which suggests potential NLO properties for this crystalline material. In both compounds, there is short intramolecular C—H⋯O contact present, enclosing an S(7) ring motif. In the crystal of ID[1], molecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and C—H⋯π interactions, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. In the crystal of ID[2], molecules are liked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form 21 helices propagating along the b-axis direction. The molecules in the helix are linked by offset π–π interactions with, for example, a centroid–centroid distance of 3.9664 (13) Å (= b axis) separating the indene rings, and an offset of 1.869 Å. Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements show the ability of these compounds to easily transfer electrons through the π-conjugated chain. Full Article text
pic Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-oxoethyl picolinate By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2019-10-29 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-oxoethyl picolinate, C14H10N2O5, was synthesized under mild conditions. The chemical and molecular structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecules are linked by inversion into centrosymmetric dimers via weak intermolecular C—H⋯O interactions, forming R22(10) ring motifs, and further strengthened by weak π–π interactions. Hirshfeld surface analyses, the dnorm surfaces, electrostatic potential and two-dimensional fingerprint (FP) plots were used to verify the contributions of the different intermolecular interactions within the supramolecular structure. The shape-index surface shows that two sides of the molecules are involved with the same contacts in neighbouring molecules and curvedness plots show flat surface patches that are characteristic of planar stacking. Full Article text
pic Crystal structure, spectroscopic characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of aquadichlorido{N-[(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]aniline}copper(II) monohydrate By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2020-01-07 The reaction of N-phenyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)methanimine with copper chloride dihydrate produced the title neutral complex, [CuCl2(C12H10N2)(H2O)]·H2O. The CuII ion is five-coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry, in which the two N atoms of the bidentate Schiff base, as well as one chloro and a water molecule, form the irregular base of the pyramidal structure. Meanwhile, the apical chloride ligand interacts through a strong hydrogen bond with a water molecule of crystallization. In the crystal, molecules are arranged in pairs, forming a stacking of symmetrical cyclic dimers that interact in turn through strong hydrogen bonds between the chloride ligands and both the coordinated and the crystallization water molecules. The molecular and electronic structures of the complex were also studied in detail using EPR (continuous and pulsed), FT–IR and Raman spectroscopy, as well as magnetization measurements. Likewise, Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to investigate the intermolecular interactions in the crystal packing. Full Article text
pic Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2020-01-21 The title compound, C8H7NO5, is planar with an r.m.s. deviation for all non-hydrogen atoms of 0.018 Å. An intramolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond involving the adjacent hydroxy and nitro groups forms an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the b-axis direction. The chains are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. The layers are linked by a further C—H⋯O hydrogen bond, forming slabs, which are linked by C=O⋯π interactions, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to investigate intermolecular interactions in the solid state. The molecule was also characterized spectroscopically and its thermal stability investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and by thermogravimetric analysis. Full Article text
pic Ni3Te2O2(PO4)2(OH)4, an open-framework structure isotypic with Co3Te2O2(PO4)2(OH)4 By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2020-04-03 Single crystals of Ni3(TeO(OH)2)2(PO4)2, trinickel(II) bis[(oxidodihydoxidotellurate(IV)] bis(phosphate),were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis at 483 K, starting from NiCO3·2Ni(OH)2, TeO2 and H3PO4 in a molar ratio of 1:2:2. The crystal structure of Ni3Te2O2(PO4)2(OH)4 is isotypic with that of Co3Te2O2(PO4)2(OH)4 [Zimmermann et al. (2011). J. Solid State Chem. 184, 3080–3084]. The asymmetric unit comprises two Ni (site symmetries overline{1}, 2/m) one Te (m), one P (m), five O (three m, two 1) and one H (1) sites. The tellurium(IV) atom shows a coordination number of five, with the corresponding [TeO3(OH)2] polyhedron having a distorted square-pyramidal shape. The two NiII atoms are both octahedrally coordinated but form different structural elements: one constitutes chains made up from edge-sharing [NiO6] octahedra extending parallel to [010], and the other isolated [NiO2(OH)4] octahedra. The two kinds of nickel/oxygen octahedra are connected by the [TeO3(OH)2] pyramids and the [PO4] tetrahedra through edge- and corner-sharing into a three-dimensional framework structure with channels extending parallel to [010]. Hydrogen bonds of medium strength between the hydroxy groups and one of the phosphate O atoms consolidate the packing. A quantitative structure comparison between Ni3Te2O2(PO4)2(OH)4 and Co3Te2O2(PO4)2(OH)4 is made. Full Article text
pic Extraordinary anisotropic thermal expansion in photosalient crystals By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2020-01-01 Although a plethora of metal complexes have been characterized, those having multifunctional properties are very rare. This article reports three isotypical complexes, namely [Cu(benzoate)L2], where L = 4-styrylpyridine (4spy) (1), 2'-fluoro-4-styrylpyridine (2F-4spy) (2) and 3'-fluoro-4-styrylpyridine (3F-4spy) (3), which show photosalient behavior (photoinduced crystal mobility) while they undergo [2+2] cycloaddition. These crystals also exhibit anisotropic thermal expansion when heated from room temperature to 200°C. The overall thermal expansion of the crystals is impressive, with the largest volumetric thermal expansion coefficients for 1, 2 and 3 of 241.8, 233.1 and 285.7 × 10−6 K−1, respectively, values that are comparable to only a handful of other reported materials known to undergo colossal thermal expansion. As a result of the expansion, their single crystals occasionally move by rolling. Altogether, these materials exhibit unusual and hitherto untapped solid-state properties. Full Article text
pic Estimation of high-order aberrations and anisotropic magnification from cryo-EM data sets in RELION-3.1 By scripts.iucr.org Published On :: 2020-02-11 Methods are presented that detect three types of aberrations in single-particle cryo-EM data sets: symmetrical and antisymmetrical optical aberrations and magnification anisotropy. Because these methods only depend on the availability of a preliminary 3D reconstruction from the data, they can be used to correct for these aberrations for any given cryo-EM data set, a posteriori. Using five publicly available data sets, it is shown that considering these aberrations improves the resolution of the 3D reconstruction when these effects are present. The methods are implemented in version 3.1 of the open-source software package RELION. Full Article text
pic Synthesis and crystallographic, spectroscopic and computational characterization of the effects of O—R substituents on the torsional[torsion] angle of 3,3',4,4'-substituted biphenyls By journals.iucr.org Published On :: The synthesis, characterization and study of structures from a series of biphenyls substituted at positions 3, 3', 4 and 4' with groups connected to the biphenyl core through oxygen atoms are presented here. The molecular conformation is extensively studied both in the solid as well as in the liquid state, and the effect of different actors (such as packing and chain length) on the torsion angle between aromatic rings is analyzed. Full Article text
pic Synthesis, crystal structure, polymorphism and microscopic luminescence properties of anthracene derivative compounds By journals.iucr.org Published On :: Crystal structure and microscopic optical properties of anthracene derivative compounds have been investigated by single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction, laser confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Full Article text
pic Structure of the 4-hydroxy-tetrahydrodipicolinate synthase from the thermoacidophilic methanotroph Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV and the phylogeny of the aminotransferase pathway By journals.iucr.org Published On :: Insights were obtained into the structure of the 4-hydroxy-tetrahydrodipicolinate synthase from the thermoacidophilic methanotroph Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV and the phylogeny of the aminotransferase pathway for the biosynthesis of lysine. Full Article text
pic Research collection of pollen grains given to Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute By insider.si.edu Published On :: Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:42:58 +0000 The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama was recently given a collection of more than 25,000 different pollen grains and spores, each mounted on a microscope slide and labeled according to the plant that produced it. “The collection is worldwide in coverage with an emphasis on plants of the Americas,” explains collection donor Alan Graham, professor emeritus at Kent State University and curator at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The post Research collection of pollen grains given to Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Dinosaurs & Fossils Research News Science & Nature biodiversity conservation biology new acquisitions Tropical Research Institute
pic Tiny, new brains prove just as adept as large, mature brains among tropical orb-web spiders By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:18:24 +0000 When it comes to brains, is bigger better? Can the tiny brain of a newly hatched spiderling handle problems as adeptly as the brain of a larger adult spider? The post Tiny, new brains prove just as adept as large, mature brains among tropical orb-web spiders appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Research News Science & Nature insects spiders Tropical Research Institute
pic New online video series to feature Tropical Research Institute scientists By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:03:31 +0000 Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute community ecologist Sunshine Van Bael primarily examines the relationship between leaf cutter ants–the world’s first farmers–and the fungi that they cultivate. The post New online video series to feature Tropical Research Institute scientists appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Research News Science & Nature fungi
pic New online video series to feature Tropical Research Institute scientists By insider.si.edu Published On :: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:02:10 +0000 Office of Public Affairs videographers Johnny Gibbons and Brian Ireley recently headed down to the Punta Culebra Nature Center on the edge of Panama City […] The post New online video series to feature Tropical Research Institute scientists appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Research News Science & Nature biodiversity invasive species Tropical Research Institute
pic Whale sharks featured in award-winning documentary following the work of Tropical Research Institute’s Héctor Guzman By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:10:06 +0000 The awarded film features STRI marine biologist Héctor M. Guzman diving with a group of five whale sharks while traveling in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. In the video, Guzmán tags a radiotransmitter to one of the sharks in order to follow its voyages. The post Whale sharks featured in award-winning documentary following the work of Tropical Research Institute’s Héctor Guzman appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Marine Science Research News Science & Nature conservation conservation biology endangered species Tropical Research Institute
pic Ancient bond between humans and dogs revealed in isotopic signatures of their bones By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:48:03 +0000 In recent research on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Southern California, isotope readings of carbon and nitrogen found in the bones of Chumash Indians and domestic dogs excavated from archaeological sites show that both humans and dogs have nearly identical signatures of stable isotopes. The post Ancient bond between humans and dogs revealed in isotopic signatures of their bones appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Anthropology Dinosaurs & Fossils Research News Science & Nature mammals National Museum of Natural History prehistoric
pic Don’t pick a fight with a eunuch spider. It has nothing to lose By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:27:31 +0000 In a recent study of the mating behavior of these Asian spiders, researchers found that 87.5 percent of males had both palps amputated during copulation. The post Don’t pick a fight with a eunuch spider. It has nothing to lose appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Research News Science & Nature biodiversity insects National Museum of Natural History spiders
pic Manakins, birds of tropical forests, form alliances for common good By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:37:36 +0000 Some--birds called wire-tailed manakins, residents of tropical forests in the Americas--are cooperators as well as competitors. They cooperate, forming alliances for a common cause. The post Manakins, birds of tropical forests, form alliances for common good appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Research News Science & Nature birds Ecuador Migratory Bird Center Smithsonian's National Zoo South America spiders
pic Unlocking the mysteries of Jefferson’s bible with high-tech analysis and microscopic testing By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:27:23 +0000 The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, more commonly known as the Jefferson bible, is a volume created by Thomas Jefferson containing passages he […] The post Unlocking the mysteries of Jefferson’s bible with high-tech analysis and microscopic testing appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Science & Nature Spotlight conservation materials science National Museum of American History
pic Ability to raft with flotsam and use non-reef habitats helps tropical fish journey to new places, study finds By insider.si.edu Published On :: Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:44:36 +0000 Depending on where the fish disperse from, the use of ‘stepping stones', flotsam or simply being an adult can help in the journey to find a new home. The post Ability to raft with flotsam and use non-reef habitats helps tropical fish journey to new places, study finds appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Marine Science Research News Science & Nature biodiversity conservation conservation biology endangered species fishes Tropical Research Institute
pic Reptiles may be spreading deadly amphibian disease in the tropics By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:24:30 +0000 Reptiles that live near and feed upon amphibians in the tropics may be spreading the deadly amphibian disease Chytridiomycosis (caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dedrobatidis), holding and transporting reservoirs of the fungus on their skin. The post Reptiles may be spreading deadly amphibian disease in the tropics appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Science & Nature amphibian chytrid fungus conservation biology endangered species Tropical Research Institute
pic First fish App from the Smithsonian free on iTunes. “The Smithsonian Guide to the Shore Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific” By insider.si.edu Published On :: Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:22:34 +0000 The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has released the first completely portable bilingual species identification guide for the shore fishes of the tropical Eastern Pacific as a free iPhone application. The post First fish App from the Smithsonian free on iTunes. “The Smithsonian Guide to the Shore Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific” appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Marine Science Science & Nature conservation biology Ecuador extinction fishes Smithsonian Environmental Research Center South America technology
pic Report paints a new picture of early human impact on the Amazon River Basin By insider.si.edu Published On :: Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:28:21 +0000 The newly reported reconstruction of Amazonian prehistory by a Smithsonian scientist, Dolores R. Piperno, and her colleagues suggests that large areas of western Amazonia were sparsely inhabited. The post Report paints a new picture of early human impact on the Amazon River Basin appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Anthropology Dinosaurs & Fossils Research News Science & Nature biodiversity National Museum of Natural History Peru South America Tropical Research Institute
pic With picky eating, bats avoid poison prey By insider.si.edu Published On :: Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:12:41 +0000 The loud love calls of tiny túngara frogs (Physalaemus pustulosus) that reverberate through the nighttime jungles of Panama are bold advertisements for a suitable mate. […] The post With picky eating, bats avoid poison prey appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Research News Science & Nature amphibian bats frogs Tropical Research Institute
pic Thieving rodents hiding seeds drives continual rejuvination of tropical forests By insider.si.edu Published On :: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:01:22 +0000 By attaching tiny radio transmitters to more than 400 seeds, Patrick Jansen, scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Wageningen University, and his colleagues found that 85 percent of the seeds were buried in caches by agoutis, common, house cat-sized rodents in tropical lowlands. The post Thieving rodents hiding seeds drives continual rejuvination of tropical forests appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Science & Nature conservation biology extinction
pic Tropical arks reach tipping point By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:44:45 +0000 Almost half of the tropical forest reserves examined in a new study are ineffective, researchers say. The post Tropical arks reach tipping point appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Science & Nature biodiversity carbon dioxide climate change conservation conservation biology endangered species Peru South America Tropical Research Institute
pic Common tropical bat uses echolocation with precision previously considered impossible, new experiments reveal By insider.si.edu Published On :: Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:33:07 +0000 Using echolocation alone the bats found, identified and captured insects perched motionless and silent on the leaves of plants. The post Common tropical bat uses echolocation with precision previously considered impossible, new experiments reveal appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Science & Nature animal flight bats insects mammals Tropical Research Institute
pic Yellow pigment in penguin feathers is chemically distinct, spectroscopic studies reveal By insider.si.edu Published On :: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:06:25 +0000 Recent spectroscopic analysis of macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) crest feathers and king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) neck feathers have shown they contain a yellow pigment that […] The post Yellow pigment in penguin feathers is chemically distinct, spectroscopic studies reveal appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Marine Science Research News Science & Nature birds chromatics materials science
pic Feathers yield mysteries of pigment chemistry to spectroscopic analysis By insider.si.edu Published On :: Fri, 30 May 2014 18:37:21 +0000 A research team from the Smithsonian and Arizona State University have developed a new, non-destructive method using spectroscopic analysis to help unravel the complex chemistry […] The post Feathers yield mysteries of pigment chemistry to spectroscopic analysis appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Research News Science & Nature birds chromatics endangered species materials science National Museum of Natural History
pic Smithsonian scientists discover tropical tree microbiome in Panama By insider.si.edu Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:05:57 +0000 Human skin and gut microbes influence processes from digestion to disease resistance. Despite the fact that tropical forests are the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems on […] The post Smithsonian scientists discover tropical tree microbiome in Panama appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Research News Science & Nature Center for Tropical Forest Science conservation biology Forest Global Earth Observatory
pic What is that?! Five Amazing Microscopic Images By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:00:09 +0000 From bizarre bugs to penis spines on bats, our world is infinitely expanded when we look down the microscope! Check out the stories behind these […] The post What is that?! Five Amazing Microscopic Images appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Science & Nature ants bats fungi insects spiders
pic Fossils help scientists build a picture of the past—and present By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 08 Oct 2015 23:13:20 +0000 A word to the wise: don’t ask a paleontologist to pick a favorite fossil. It’s like asking your mother which child she loves most, or […] The post Fossils help scientists build a picture of the past—and present appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Dinosaurs & Fossils Marine Science Science & Nature biodiversity carbon dioxide climate change conservation extinction fossils geology National Museum of Natural History
pic Study determines microscopic water bears will be Earth’s last survivors By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 19 Jul 2017 16:53:32 +0000 The world’s most indestructible species, the tardigrade, an eight-legged micro-animal, also known as the water bear, will survive until the Sun dies, according to a […] The post Study determines microscopic water bears will be Earth’s last survivors appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Marine Science Research News Science & Nature Space Spotlight asteroids astronomy astrophysics Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian extinction Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
pic New Book: “Only the Wing: Reimar Horten’s Epic Quest to Stabilize and Control the All-Wing Aircraft” By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:09:53 +0000 Only the Wing is a new book by Russell Lee that recounts Horten's epic quest to stabalize and control the all-wing aircraft. The post New Book: “Only the Wing: Reimar Horten’s Epic Quest to Stabilize and Control the All-Wing Aircraft” appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Book Review aeronautics National Air and Space Museum
pic F-BAR domain protein Syndapin regulates actomyosin dynamics during apical cap remodeling in syncytial Drosophila embryos [SHORT REPORT] By jcs.biologists.org Published On :: 2020-04-23T01:49:49-07:00 Aparna Sherlekar, Gayatri Mundhe, Prachi Richa, Bipasha Dey, Swati Sharma, and Richa RikhyBranched actin networks driven by Arp2/3 collaborate with actomyosin filaments in processes such as cell migration. The syncytial Drosophila blastoderm embryo also shows expansion of apical caps by Arp2/3 driven actin polymerization in interphase and buckling at contact edges by MyosinII to form furrows in metaphase. Here we study the role of Syndapin (Synd), an F-BAR domain containing protein in apical cap remodelling prior to furrow extension. synd depletion showed larger apical caps. STED super-resolution and TIRF microscopy showed long apical actin protrusions in caps in interphase and short protrusions in metaphase in control embryos. synd depletion led to sustained long protrusions even in metaphase. Loss of Arp2/3 function in synd mutants partly reverted defects in apical cap expansion and protrusion remodelling. MyosinII levels were decreased in synd mutants and MyosinII mutant embryos have been previously reported to have expanded caps. We propose that Syndapin function limits branching activity during cap expansion and affects MyosinII distribution in order to shift actin remodeling from apical cap expansion to favor lateral furrow extension. Full Article
pic Meet Our Scientist: Stefan Schnitzer – Tropical Vine Science By insider.si.edu Published On :: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:39:51 +0000 Smithsonian Tropical Research Center Botanist Stefan Schnitzer talks about his work studying lianas (woody vines) in the jungles of Panama. These hardy vines compete with trees for water and nutrients and also act as highways for jungle animals moving through the forest canopy. The post Meet Our Scientist: Stefan Schnitzer – Tropical Vine Science appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Meet Our People Research News Science & Nature Video conservation biology Tropical Research Institute
pic Meet Our Scientist: Helene Muller Landau – Tropical Forest Science By insider.si.edu Published On :: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:44:27 +0000 What determines the variety of trees in a tropical forest? Is it the seed size? Perhaps seed-hungry animals? And what happens to forests that are being drastically changed by humans? Smithsonian Tropical Research Center Botanist, Helene Muller Landau, talks about her attempt to find answers to these questions. The post Meet Our Scientist: Helene Muller Landau – Tropical Forest Science appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Meet Our People Research News Science & Nature Video conservation biology Tropical Research Institute
pic Invasive Caribbean lionfish under scrutiny by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute intern By insider.si.edu Published On :: Sat, 02 Apr 2011 21:32:39 +0000 The post Invasive Caribbean lionfish under scrutiny by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute intern appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Marine Science Research News Science & Nature Video biodiversity Caribbean conservation biology fishes invasive species Tropical Research Institute
pic Tropical Research Institute entomologist David Roubik talks about his life as a scientist based in Panama By insider.si.edu Published On :: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:53:52 +0000 "I'm getting paid to do what I like doing," says entomologist David Roubik. He loved nature and being outdoors when he was a kid, and now he does fieldwork in the tropical forests of Panama. He loves to travel, and his research takes him around the world. Can his work, then, be called a job? The post Tropical Research Institute entomologist David Roubik talks about his life as a scientist based in Panama appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Meet Our People Video insects Tropical Research Institute
pic Long-term killer bee study in tropics yields unexpected discovery: invasive killer bees are good for the native bees By insider.si.edu Published On :: Fri, 13 May 2011 13:09:12 +0000 As enjoyable as scientific work can be, says entomologist Dave Roubik, its greatest satisfactions are often long delayed. He gives the best example from his career: a seventeen-year study that finally helped to change our understanding of the notorious "killer bees." The post Long-term killer bee study in tropics yields unexpected discovery: invasive killer bees are good for the native bees appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Research News Science & Nature Video bees conservation biology insects Tropical Research Institute
pic Meet Our Scientist: Justin Touchon, Frog Follower at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama By insider.si.edu Published On :: Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:52:07 +0000 Meet Smithsonian scientist Justin Touchon, a National Science Foundation (NSF) postdoctoral researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. Justin's work focuses on developmental ecology and reproductive plasticity of the hourglass treefrog (Dendropsophus ebraccatus) and red-eyed treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas). Justin and his advisor, Karen Warkentin, were the first to have witnessed the frogs laying eggs in water, in addition to doing so on land -- something with major implications for the evolutionary biology of similar creatures. The post Meet Our Scientist: Justin Touchon, Frog Follower at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Meet Our People Science & Nature Video amphibian conservation biology frogs Tropical Research Institute
pic Join the longest conversation in tropical biology By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 01:37:55 +0000 The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute The post Join the longest conversation in tropical biology appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Animals Marine Science Research News Science & Nature Video biodiversity climate change conservation conservation biology endangered species fishes Tropical Research Institute
pic Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge at the Hirshhorn Museum By insider.si.edu Published On :: Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:34:39 +0000 Internationally renowned artist Mark Bradford will debut one of his largest works to date with “Pickett’s Charge,” a monumental new commission that spans nearly 400 […] The post Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge at the Hirshhorn Museum appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Art History & Culture Video Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
pic How To Change Which Application Opens Your Pictures By www.bleepingcomputer.com Published On :: 2006-01-11T11:27:14-05:00 Full Article
pic Tropical tree study shows interactions with neighbors plays an important role in tree survival By insider.si.edu Published On :: Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:29:16 +0000 New results from a massive study at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute show that interactions among community members play an important role in determining which organisms thrive. The post Tropical tree study shows interactions with neighbors plays an important role in tree survival appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Plants Research News Science & Nature biodiversity Center for Tropical Forest Science conservation conservation biology extinction frogs Tropical Research Institute
pic Center for Tropical Forest Science receives grant to study diversity of tree communities By insider.si.edu Published On :: Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:59:25 +0000 The Center for Tropical Forest Science, which manages a global network of temperate and tropical forest research plots, will utilize the funds to conduct workshops in the Americas and Asia to investigate how taxonomic, functional, and genetic dimensions of diversity affect tree communities and their resilience to global change. The post Center for Tropical Forest Science receives grant to study diversity of tree communities appeared first on Smithsonian Insider. Full Article Plants Research News Science & Nature biodiversity Center for Tropical Forest Science conservation conservation biology Tropical Research Institute