scholarly journals Why Governments Should Invest More in Fundamental Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Venki Ramakrishnan ◽  
Mejd Alsari
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Nobel Prize ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Royal Society ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Group Leader ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Fundamental Research ◽  
And Function

Venkatraman ‘Venki’ Ramakrishnan is the President of The Royal Society and Group Leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. In 2009 he shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry ‘for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome’. In this interview he explains why governments should invest more in basic scientific research rather than simply on applied science and engineering. He also discusses interdisciplinarity, collaborations, and public engagement.

scholarly journals IX. On the structure and development of the liver

1849 ◽  
Vol 139 ◽  
pp. 109-137 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Royal Society ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Interesting Paper ◽  
Biliary Ducts ◽  
And Function ◽  
Do So

In venturing to offer a second communication to the Royal Society respecting the structure of the liver, I feel the rather anxious to do so, that I may have an opportunity of correcting an error and supplying a deficiency which existed in my previous paper. In the following observations I purpose to present some account of the structure of the liver examined in the ascending series of animals, and also to describe the several stages of its evolution in the embryo; in this way I trust I may be able to exhibit the characteristic structural features of the organ as it exists in Man and the higher animals, and also to determine the true place which ought to be assigned to it in a classification of the various glandular organs occurring in the same. I am not aware that any detailed account of the structure of the liver has been recently published, except that by M. Natalis Guillot, which however, so far as I comprehend it, does not seem to be one that can be readily accepted; the idea that the minute biliary ducts and lymphatics originate together in a common net-work, is à priori improbable, and entirely opposed to conclusive evidence (as I think), which will be subsequently adduced. A very interesting paper on the structure and function of the liver has also appeared in the 4th volume of the Guy’s Hospital Reports, from the pen of Dr. Williams; to his labours I shall several times have occasion to refer, but it will be seen that I differ from him in several particulars, especially respecting the importance of the basement or limitary membrane.

Mucin gene structure and expression: protection vs. adhesion

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (5) ◽  
pp. G613-G627 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Van Klinken ◽  
J. Dekker ◽  
H. A. Buller ◽  
A. W. Einerhand
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Gene Structure ◽  
Lymphocyte Activation ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Lymphocyte Homing ◽  
Major Step ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Gene Structure And Expression ◽  
And Function

The cloning of mucin cDNAs brought about by the application of molecular biology and molecular analyses constitutes a major step in understanding mucin structure and function. Here two classes of mucins are described: epithelium-associated and endothelium/leukocyte-associated mucins, which have thus far been described separately in the literature. The epithelial mucins are generally believed to play a role in cytoprotection. The endothelial and leukocyte class of mucins are adhesion molecules involved in lymphocyte homing and lymphocyte activation or are part of the adhesion cascade that plays a role in the initiation of inflammation. Mucins in general contain many threonine and serine residues, which are extensively O-glycosylated. Due to this profound glycosylation, mucins have a filamentous conformation. By virtue of their extended filamentous, and often negatively charged, structure, mucins can act as a barrier protecting the cell. However, when an opposing cell has specific receptors for mucins, adhesion can override the barrier function. Therefore, mucins may be powerful two-edged swords: they are both protective and adhesive.

scholarly journals Nobel work

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 46-47
Author(s):  
Clare Sansom
Keyword(s):  
Nobel Prize ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Molecular Machine ◽  
And Function

Serendipity. Not much in that for a Cyberbiochemist theme, I thought a fortnight ago. But then there came the announcement of the 2009 Chemistry Nobel Prize. The structure and function of the ribosome – the exquisite molecular machine that translates RNA into protein – makes an ideal subject for a Cyberbiochemist, and the timing of that announcement makes a perfect fit for this issue.

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