Chris J Fisher
@c-j-fisher.bsky.social
Ph.D. Chemical Biologist & Scientific Communicator 🧬
Digging on Science in Society 🥼
Consumer of Science Facts & Science Fiction 📚
Digging on Science in Society 🥼
Consumer of Science Facts & Science Fiction 📚
Anyway, please join me in thanking my cat, Marten, for so graciously donating his whisker for this scientific explanation!
Disclaimer: This probably goes without saying, but NEVER pluck a whisker, even for science!
(8/8) 🧪
Disclaimer: This probably goes without saying, but NEVER pluck a whisker, even for science!
(8/8) 🧪
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Anyway, please join me in thanking my cat, Marten, for so graciously donating his whisker for this scientific explanation!
Disclaimer: This probably goes without saying, but NEVER pluck a whisker, even for science!
(8/8) 🧪
Disclaimer: This probably goes without saying, but NEVER pluck a whisker, even for science!
(8/8) 🧪
It's one of my favorite examples of how old & bizarre techniques still hold relevance in modern research.
Apparently, science has yet to create a readily available synthetic material that replicates the performance of whiskers, whether from cats or rabbits.
If you know more, please share!
(7/8) 🧪
Apparently, science has yet to create a readily available synthetic material that replicates the performance of whiskers, whether from cats or rabbits.
If you know more, please share!
(7/8) 🧪
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
It's one of my favorite examples of how old & bizarre techniques still hold relevance in modern research.
Apparently, science has yet to create a readily available synthetic material that replicates the performance of whiskers, whether from cats or rabbits.
If you know more, please share!
(7/8) 🧪
Apparently, science has yet to create a readily available synthetic material that replicates the performance of whiskers, whether from cats or rabbits.
If you know more, please share!
(7/8) 🧪
Researchers use the whisker to scoop up microseeds from one protein solution and draw them through another, a process known as "streak seeding."
The whisker leaves a trail of microseeds in the new solution that encourages the formation of larger crystals.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
(6/8) 🧪
The whisker leaves a trail of microseeds in the new solution that encourages the formation of larger crystals.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
(6/8) 🧪
www.bbc.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Researchers use the whisker to scoop up microseeds from one protein solution and draw them through another, a process known as "streak seeding."
The whisker leaves a trail of microseeds in the new solution that encourages the formation of larger crystals.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
(6/8) 🧪
The whisker leaves a trail of microseeds in the new solution that encourages the formation of larger crystals.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
(6/8) 🧪
A microseed serves as a starting point that can drastically improve crystal formation.
But, how do whiskers help?
The microscopic roughened surface of a whisker does a good job of capturing microseeds, and whiskers are stiff enough for precise control.
www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/la...
(5/8) 🧪
But, how do whiskers help?
The microscopic roughened surface of a whisker does a good job of capturing microseeds, and whiskers are stiff enough for precise control.
www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/la...
(5/8) 🧪
www.mdc-berlin.de
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
A microseed serves as a starting point that can drastically improve crystal formation.
But, how do whiskers help?
The microscopic roughened surface of a whisker does a good job of capturing microseeds, and whiskers are stiff enough for precise control.
www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/la...
(5/8) 🧪
But, how do whiskers help?
The microscopic roughened surface of a whisker does a good job of capturing microseeds, and whiskers are stiff enough for precise control.
www.mdc-berlin.de/news/news/la...
(5/8) 🧪
To improve the process, crystallographers can use techniques to stimulate and control the nucleation of new crystals.
For example, microseeding is a technique where crystal particles too small for structural studies are used to encourage the growth of larger ones.
(4/8) 🧪
For example, microseeding is a technique where crystal particles too small for structural studies are used to encourage the growth of larger ones.
(4/8) 🧪
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
To improve the process, crystallographers can use techniques to stimulate and control the nucleation of new crystals.
For example, microseeding is a technique where crystal particles too small for structural studies are used to encourage the growth of larger ones.
(4/8) 🧪
For example, microseeding is a technique where crystal particles too small for structural studies are used to encourage the growth of larger ones.
(4/8) 🧪
Knowing precise structures helps researchers identify molecules that can interact with the target protein to evoke a biological effect and fine-tune their potency.
But, as any crystallographer will tell you, getting a good crystal is often not a trivial task.
(3/8) 🧪
But, as any crystallographer will tell you, getting a good crystal is often not a trivial task.
(3/8) 🧪
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Knowing precise structures helps researchers identify molecules that can interact with the target protein to evoke a biological effect and fine-tune their potency.
But, as any crystallographer will tell you, getting a good crystal is often not a trivial task.
(3/8) 🧪
But, as any crystallographer will tell you, getting a good crystal is often not a trivial task.
(3/8) 🧪
#Crystallography serves a crucial role in determining molecular structures, helping to resolve functional activities.
So-called structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies play a key part in understanding protein function and how to target them in #DrugDiscovery & #MedicinalChemistry.
(2/8) 🧪
So-called structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies play a key part in understanding protein function and how to target them in #DrugDiscovery & #MedicinalChemistry.
(2/8) 🧪
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
#Crystallography serves a crucial role in determining molecular structures, helping to resolve functional activities.
So-called structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies play a key part in understanding protein function and how to target them in #DrugDiscovery & #MedicinalChemistry.
(2/8) 🧪
So-called structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies play a key part in understanding protein function and how to target them in #DrugDiscovery & #MedicinalChemistry.
(2/8) 🧪
All in all, it was such a warm and welcoming event, despite being held in Chicago in November and, frankly, the current climate around US science.
The group energy was kind, palpable, and contagious.
I can't wait to go again! Maybe I'll even see you at the next one.
(8/8) 🧪
The group energy was kind, palpable, and contagious.
I can't wait to go again! Maybe I'll even see you at the next one.
(8/8) 🧪
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
All in all, it was such a warm and welcoming event, despite being held in Chicago in November and, frankly, the current climate around US science.
The group energy was kind, palpable, and contagious.
I can't wait to go again! Maybe I'll even see you at the next one.
(8/8) 🧪
The group energy was kind, palpable, and contagious.
I can't wait to go again! Maybe I'll even see you at the next one.
(8/8) 🧪
P.S. I did not contribute to the board, mainly because my handwriting would be almost entirely illegible!
(7/8) 🧪
(7/8) 🧪
a black and white photo of a person 's hand writing on a white board .
ALT: a black and white photo of a person 's hand writing on a white board .
media.tenor.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
P.S. I did not contribute to the board, mainly because my handwriting would be almost entirely illegible!
(7/8) 🧪
(7/8) 🧪
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Four large easels stood outside the seminar rooms. These giant note pads solicited crowd-sourced entries about helpful and frustrating behaviors of #ScienceWriters and #Editors.
Pretty fun, right?
For those who missed out, I thought you all might appreciate these Do's and Don'ts!
(2/8) 🧪
Pretty fun, right?
For those who missed out, I thought you all might appreciate these Do's and Don'ts!
(2/8) 🧪
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Four large easels stood outside the seminar rooms. These giant note pads solicited crowd-sourced entries about helpful and frustrating behaviors of #ScienceWriters and #Editors.
Pretty fun, right?
For those who missed out, I thought you all might appreciate these Do's and Don'ts!
(2/8) 🧪
Pretty fun, right?
For those who missed out, I thought you all might appreciate these Do's and Don'ts!
(2/8) 🧪
Right?? It’s an incredible move.
November 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Right?? It’s an incredible move.
I've missed reading Begley's work, so finding this piece felt like finding buried treasure. Her writing was always such a treat.
Need proof? Check out the closing clip from the piece.
Yeah. It's that good. Go read it
🧪 (5/5)
Need proof? Check out the closing clip from the piece.
Yeah. It's that good. Go read it
🧪 (5/5)
November 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
I've missed reading Begley's work, so finding this piece felt like finding buried treasure. Her writing was always such a treat.
Need proof? Check out the closing clip from the piece.
Yeah. It's that good. Go read it
🧪 (5/5)
Need proof? Check out the closing clip from the piece.
Yeah. It's that good. Go read it
🧪 (5/5)
For those who don't know, the Nobel laureate had a long history of truly vile remarks. In fact, he seemed to revel in his status as an unapologetic bigot.
Rather than glaze him for his extensive contributions to science, Begley presents a complete picture of a controversial figure.
🧪 (4/5)
Rather than glaze him for his extensive contributions to science, Begley presents a complete picture of a controversial figure.
🧪 (4/5)
November 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
For those who don't know, the Nobel laureate had a long history of truly vile remarks. In fact, he seemed to revel in his status as an unapologetic bigot.
Rather than glaze him for his extensive contributions to science, Begley presents a complete picture of a controversial figure.
🧪 (4/5)
Rather than glaze him for his extensive contributions to science, Begley presents a complete picture of a controversial figure.
🧪 (4/5)
In addition, it couldn't be more timely, as #ScienceWriters2025 is happening right now (hosted by @sciencewriting.bsky.social and @sciencewriters.org in Chicago).
Discussing Begley's article with fellow #ScienceWriters here has been a special surprise.
🧪 (3/5)
Discussing Begley's article with fellow #ScienceWriters here has been a special surprise.
🧪 (3/5)
November 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
In addition, it couldn't be more timely, as #ScienceWriters2025 is happening right now (hosted by @sciencewriting.bsky.social and @sciencewriters.org in Chicago).
Discussing Begley's article with fellow #ScienceWriters here has been a special surprise.
🧪 (3/5)
Discussing Begley's article with fellow #ScienceWriters here has been a special surprise.
🧪 (3/5)
Apparently, Begley wrote this piece in preparation for Watson's eventual death.
That's a legendary move, especially since the piece succinctly encapsulates the complicated legacy of an icon in #MolecularBiology.
🧪 (2/5)
That's a legendary move, especially since the piece succinctly encapsulates the complicated legacy of an icon in #MolecularBiology.
🧪 (2/5)
November 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Apparently, Begley wrote this piece in preparation for Watson's eventual death.
That's a legendary move, especially since the piece succinctly encapsulates the complicated legacy of an icon in #MolecularBiology.
🧪 (2/5)
That's a legendary move, especially since the piece succinctly encapsulates the complicated legacy of an icon in #MolecularBiology.
🧪 (2/5)