Integrated Calendar

Spintronics is a key technology in the 21st century. Although bulk magnets composed of transition metals are normally used, in our study, we use Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) to overcome “Moore`s Limitation”. For realizing the single-molecule memory device by using spin-polarized STM, we have succeeded to write and read the spin orientations of TbPc2 as up and down, respectively. For realizing the quantum computer, the spin Qubits and coherence at room temperature are very important. For this purpose, we synthesized monomer-Porphyrin V(IV) complex (0D) and MOF-Porphyrin V(IV) complexes (3D). The 3D complex shows Rabi nutation even at room temperature due to the rigid lattice of MOF. We have succceded the encapsulation of Metal Fulleren SMMs into SWCNT, which is new spintronics.

Zoom lecture

https://weizmann.zoom.us/j/96236417861


Mechanical sensing in cell fate decision making: from nuclei to embryos.
Cells constantly probe extracellular mechanics by assessing the resistance to applied forces via
adhesion, cytoskeletal, and nuclear mechanotransducers and the emerging signals direct cell-fate
decisions during development and regenerative processes. The conversion of forces into
biochemical cues depends on the rheological properties of subcellular elements and multicellular
systems, which have been optimized during metazoan evolution. In my talk, I will present
micropipette nuclear aspiration measurements of cells that express or lack the expression of
different combinations of A- and B-type lamin proteins. By evaluating the mechanical
contributions of assembled and disassembled lamin filamentous, and the interactions with
stabilized condensed chromatin, we propose a nuclear viscoelastic model that supports a shockabsorbing response for protecting the genetic material from instantaneousimpact and a viscoelastic
regime that permits slow dissipation under constant load. In a living organism, the genetic material
is also protected by a physical decoupling mechanisms of the cell nucleus, which is affected by
nuclear stiffening during ageing. If time permits, I will also discuss the development in situ
rheological systems for performing non-invasive measurements of oocytes and embryos during
preimplantation development. We combine rheology of the whole oocyte and the internal
cytoplasmic mass. These stress-strain relationships are correlated with oocyte fertilization
capacity, where negative outcome is underlined by impaired cytoskeletal organization.

Respiratory viruses such as coronavirus spread from person to person through droplets of saliva or mucus. Face masks decrease the dissemination of such droplets and thereby minimize viral propagation from someone who may be contagious. Mucus did not evolve, though, to help pathogens spread. Quite the opposite.
Mucus arose early in the evolution of multicellular animals to exclude undesirable bacteria from body tissues, a primitive type of immunity. The cooperation between cilia* and mucus also helped prevent aquatic organisms from being smothered by sediments and enabled them to clean or collect particulate matter from their exteriors. Producing mucus was likely a prerequisite for evolution of the gut and of the types of respiratory organs necessary for terrestrial life. Today, mucus protects the large, exposed interior surfaces of our respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical/physical hazards.
But what material is mucus? Mucus is a hydrogel made of heavily glycosylated protein molecules called “mucins,” each of which is nearly 3 megadaltons in size. Individual giant mucin molecules are disulfide bonded to one another, generating an extended mesh. Using cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, we have discovered the three-dimensional structure of mucins and gained insight into the mechanism by which they assemble step-wise into hydrogels.
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* cell-surface, rope-like structures that beat in coordinated waves

TBA