Yearly Archives: 2025

Guelph artist’s first book stitches science from A to Z

With a desire to bring together her love for art and science, Guelph textile artist Lauren Wright Vartanian offers a colourful and informative introduction to science with the release of her first book, Stitching Science: Exploring Science from A – Z. 

“It’s really about education and offering an exciting way to educate people about science,” Wright Vartanian said. 

Stitching Science is an alphabet book for anyone who has an interest in art, science and how the two intersect.

“I think that everyone can enjoy it. You can start off really basic and explain it to younger kids. But it really is for all ages” 

Published by Firefly Books, Wright Vartanian said the goal is to grow enthusiasm for science in school-aged kids, and to rekindle a passion for learning in adults. 

“The art I have created for this book is meant to be approachable and intriguing but also didactic and sophisticated. My hope is that many people will appreciate it as an art book as well as an entry level science reference book,” she said. 

“It has little bits of humour and it’s conversational. And I do like that anyone interested in textiles can pick it up and appreciate it at the same time.”

Wright Vartanian operates her own business, Neurons and Nebulas. Her ‘diagrammatic’ brooches, magnets and framed pieces resemble textbook images recreated in felt. 

Each hand sewn and embroidered piece is influenced by anatomy, astronomy, biology, math or physics and are often seen displayed in offices of medical professionals. 

As for her newest passion project, Wright Vartanian said Stitching Science had been on her mind since 2016, when her daughter was still an infant. 

“The book stemmed from my business. I was already making all these art pieces and selling them at markets. When COVID hit in 2020, all the markets were cancelled, so I had the time to get started on this idea.”

Wright Vartanian began to work on the pieces in alphabetical order over the span of three years, teaching herself new techniques along the way.“This originally started out as a project for my daughter, and it grew as she did. She’s eight now but it started when she was four,” Wright Vartanian  said. 

“It started out fairly basic but then it got more complicated in theme and technique as I went along. Some pieces are more three dimensional.” 

What started off as a simple cloth book for ‘babies’, soon became a more complex educational book for older kids or just for anyone who, Wright Vartanian said, thinks ‘science is cool.’

“What I love about this art form is how immediate and tactile it is. It started when my daughter was an infant so it was easy to just pick up and put down,” Wright Vartanian said. 

“I’ve always loved working with my hands. I love the immediacy and the skill of it.”

Released in October, Stitching Science explores subjects that range from atom to zenith in physics, biology, chemistry, astronomy and mathematics. 

“The topics were ones that I was really interested in or really wanted to tackle. I found myself excited to get to the next one,” Wright Vartanian said. 

“There were a few that were crowd sourced within the Instagram community. They voted, and so I picked the ones that sparked something and that I could see coming about.”

Born and raised in Guelph, Wright Vartanian attended John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute before heading off to Toronto to study at the Ontario College of Art & Design.

Her love for both art and science began at a young age. 

“I think I’ve always been sort of a science nerd or enthusiast. I always wanted to go into the sciences but I was also very much into art,” Wright Vartanian said. 

“It was always my favourite subject in school, and maybe biology, but my math grades were terrible. Once I got further into high school, chemistry started involving math, and I thought oh no!”

It wasn’t until near the end of her studies that Wright Vartanian became interested in blending art with science. 

“My major was drawing and painting. Textiles were completely different and something that I began, basically, after school,” she said. 

“I grew up with Bill Nye, my hero, so the whole ‘science communicator’ thing, that was my goal.” 

A member of Society for Embroidered Work, (SEW) Wright Vartanian is most active on Instagram. Older works can be seen on laurenwright.ca.

“I had a steady following on Instagram as I was doing the project. They kept me going and cheered me on. I received lots of encouragement,” she said. 

“People from B.C., Philadelphia, all over, have said that they have my book. That really is amazing. I am so pleased by the response to my work.”

On Jan. 9, in partnership with Royal City Science and The Bookshelf, Wright Vartanian will celebrate the official book launch of Stitching Science at Royal City Brewing. 

The family event will include a presentation from author and former editor of OWL Magazine, Keltie Thomas, who contributed to the book. 

There will be a hands-on, friendly competition with an activity that combines crafting, math and physics as well as a chance to win trivia game prizes.  

The Bookshelf will be on hand selling copies of the book. With every book sale, a donation will be made to Royal City Science’s fund towards the building of a science centre.

“It should be a lot of fun. I’m so happy that The Bookshelf and Royal City Science is involved. Everyone is coming together for this event,”  Wright Vartanian said. 

“It really feels like the community is behind me.” 

Tickets are available through the Eventbrite page. 

The book is also available online and in stores through all major and independent retailers. 

Stitching Science has been nominated for an award from the the Science Writers and  Communicators of Canada. 

Wright Vartanian is already beginning to brainstorm a second book.  

“This one includes the alphabet. The next one will be numbers, including equations, and I will try to explain them,” she said. 

The original artworks used in Stitching Science can be viewed at the Idea Exchange library (old post office) in Cambridge until March 30.  

“What I have loved about this whole process is the feeling of accomplishment,” Wright Vartanian said. 

“It feels so great to be recognized.”

Breakthrough Discovery: Scientists Reveal Crucial Mechanism in Nitrogen Fixation by Diazotrophs

Nitrogen is a fundamental element necessary for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids, which are vital for the growth and functioning of living cells. Predominantly present in the atmosphere as dinitrogen (N₂), this inert form of nitrogen poses a significant challenge for most organisms, as it is not readily usable. To harness nitrogen from the atmosphere, it must first undergo a process called nitrogen fixation, whereby it is transformed into a more accessible form, most commonly ammonia. Through this bioconversion, plants and other organisms can utilize nitrogen for their metabolic needs. Despite the plentiful availability of nitrogen in the air, the biological fixation of this element occurs primarily through two well-defined pathways: one is industrial, exemplified by the Haber-Bosch process, and the other is biological, executed by specialized microorganisms known as diazotrophs. Aiming to unravel a crucial aspect of the biological fixation pathway, researchers from the University of California San Diego, led by Professor Akif Tezcan and Assistant Professor Mark Herzik, have published their findings in the esteemed journal Nature. The Haber-Bosch process, widely adopted in the early 20th century, revolutionized agriculture by facilitating the large-scale synthesis of fertilizers. Not only did this innovation drive agricultural productivity to unprecedented heights, but it also contributed significantly to the rapid increase in the global population. However, the process is labor-intensive and energy-consuming, typically requiring extreme temperatures and pressures, alongside copious amounts of hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. As a consequence, it has raised substantial environmental concerns due to the greenhouse gas emissions it generates. Conversely, nitrogen fixation in nature is accomplished by diazotrophs, a group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that harbor an enzyme known as nitrogenase. This remarkable enzyme operates efficiently at ambient conditions, freeing it from the energy restraints imposed by high pressures and temperatures characteristic of industrial methods. More importantly, nitrogenase does not produce greenhouse gases, rendering it a far more sustainable alternative for nitrogen fixation in ecosystems. Nonetheless, while nitrogenase has evolved to facilitate the conversion of nitrogen, it is notably sensitive to oxygen, posing a challenge for diazotrophs that require oxygen for the ATP production necessary to fuel their metabolic processes. The conundrum lies in the requirement for diazotrophs to produce energy while simultaneously safeguarding nitrogenase from oxidative damage. This paradox has intrigued scientists for years, raising questions about the protective mechanisms employed by these microorganisms to shield nitrogenase from oxygen. Diazotrophs have developed various protective strategies to counteract the detrimental impacts of oxygen, although some oxygen infiltration into their cells is inevitable during their metabolic activities. In moments of heightened oxygen presence, certain diazotrophs activate a unique strategy dubbed the “conformational protection mechanism.” This innovative mechanism employs an iron-sulfur protein named FeSII, which plays a crucial role in sensing oxygen levels within the cell. When oxygen concentrations rise, FeSII binds to the nitrogenase enzyme complex, effectively shielding it from damage. This binding not only protects nitrogenase but also halts ammonia production until oxygen levels decrease again, at which point FeSII disengages, reactivating nitrogenase and resuming ammonia synthesis. While previous studies recognized the existence of FeSII, the precise molecular interactions governing its protective role remained a mystery until now. The collaborative research initiative led by Tezcan and Herzik employed an array of advanced techniques to elucidate the underlying mechanism of FeSII’s protective action. First author Sarah Narehood characterized the complex interplay of nitrogenase dynamics while simultaneously leveraging advancements in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM). Through a sophisticated method known as single-particle reconstruction, the team achieved near-atomic resolution imaging of the nitrogenase-FeSII complex. This novel approach allowed them to visualize how FeSII effectively “sandwiches” nitrogenase proteins, forming filamentous structures that obstruct oxygen from accessing the reactive metal cofactors essential for nitrogenase’s catalytic function. This structural insight brought clarity to the manner in which FeSII provides conformational protection, yet questions lingered about its sensing capabilities. To address this, the researchers turned to small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), a technique that provides insights into protein dynamics in solution. SAXS experiments revealed that FeSII exhibits significant conformational changes in response to oxygen levels; in an oxygen-rich environment, FeSII adopts a compact shape, intimately fitting between nitrogenase proteins and facilitating their assembly into protective filaments. Conversely, under reduced oxygen conditions, FeSII reverts to a more relaxed structure, leading to the disassembly of these filaments and the restoration of nitrogenase function. Further validation of their findings was achieved through the use of an analytical ultracentrifuge—a high-velocity spinning device that enables the precise measurement of protein sedimentation based on mass. This analysis confirmed that under increased oxygen exposure, FeSII effectively facilitates the aggregation of nitrogenase proteins into larger filamentous assemblies, thereby providing insights into the mechanisms of oxygen sensing and protection. Having successfully deciphered the mechanism by which FeSII protects nitrogenase from oxidative damage, the research team is now poised to explore this protective activity in living bacterial cells. Their goal is to utilize cryoEM tomography to visualize the complete 3D architecture of diazotrophic cells actively facilitating nitrogen fixation in real time. This ambitious goal aims to elucidate the in vivo operation of FeSII and its protective functions, potentially unveiling even more intricate details about nitrogenase biology. Despite nitrogenase’s crucial role in the biosphere and its continuing importance in agricultural contexts, a comprehensive understanding of its operational mechanics remains elusive. The insights garnered regarding the conformational protection mechanism have unveiled a pivotal aspect of the nitrogen fixation puzzle. Moreover, the implications of this research extend beyond theoretical interest; harnessing the nitrogenase pathway within plant systems could reduce humanity’s reliance on synthetic fertilizers, mitigating environmental impacts while sustaining agricultural productivity in a world grappling with population growth and ecological challenges. In summary, the collaboration between chemists and biochemists at UC San Diego has brought forth a remarkable scientific breakthrough. By determining the structural and functional dynamics of the conformational protection mechanism involving FeSII and nitrogenase, they have unveiled an essential protein interaction that not only enhances our understanding of nitrogen fixation but also has the potential to significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Subject of Research: The mechanism of nitrogenase protection from oxygen damage by FeSII proteinsArticle Title: Structural basis for the conformational protection of nitrogenase from O2News Publication Date: 8-Jan-2025Web References: Nature ArticleReferences: doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08311-1Image Credits: Credit: Brian Cook and Sarah Narehood / UC San Diego Keywords Nitrogen fixation, nitrogenase, FeSII protein, cryogenic electron microscopy, oxygen protection, diazotrophs, amino acids, sustainable agriculture, environmental impact, biochemical pathways, enzymatic mechanisms, protein interactions.

Scientists Achieve Atomic Precision in Tuning Active Sites of Bimetallic Catalysts

A groundbreaking achievement in the field of catalysis has emerged from a collaborative study led by Professors SHEN Wenjie and LI Yong from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, under the auspices of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their research has unveiled a new methodology for precisely tuning the active sites of bimetallic catalysts at the atomic level. This innovative approach addresses the long-standing challenge of enhancing both the activity and selectivity in catalyzing chemical reactions, particularly notable in hydrogenation processes. Bimetallic catalysts, which consist of both a noble metal and a base metal, are recognized for their exceptional catalytic efficiency, especially in selective hydrogenation reactions. The unique catalytic properties of these particles arise from their varied electronic and geometric structures. When it comes to molecular interactions, achieving the desired level of selectivity during hydrogenation necessitates precise site-specific interactions. Such interactions allow the active atoms within the catalyst to selectively interact with the functional groups present in the reactants. This selectivity is key to enhancing reaction efficiency and product yields. To explore this concept further, the researchers found that reducing bimetallic particles to nanoscale atomic clusters significantly improves the surface dispersion of the noble metal atoms. This increase in surface area directly correlates with a heightened utilization of these valuable noble metal resources. Furthermore, nanoscale dimensions alter the electronic properties of the catalyst, leading to modifications in the intrinsic catalytic activity. With meticulous tuning of bonding structures, the electronic properties of single noble metal atoms bonded to their base metal counterparts can be optimized. Such precision allows for flexible accommodation of reactants and fosters an environment conducive to activating specific functional groups. Despite its promise, achieving atomic precision in the fabrication of these active sites has proven to be a formidable challenge. However, the latest work spearheaded by the team from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics marks a significant step forward in this area. Their study, recently published in the esteemed journal Chem, presents a method that not only successfully regulates the atomic structure of the catalyst active sites but also demonstrates a clear advancement in hydrogenation selectivity. The researchers devised a novel technique that enables the dense population and exact positioning of isolated platinum (Pt) atoms in the form of Pt-Fe-Pt heterotrimers on α-Fe nanoparticles. This heterotrimer structure was synthesized through an innovative hydrogen (H2) reduction process involving a precursor of a Pt-Fe2O3 particle pair. By reducing iron oxides to iron, the researchers facilitated the dispersion of Pt atoms into the desired trimer form. The resulting Pt-Fe-Pt structure plays a pivotal role in enhancing the catalytic activity of the iron nanoparticle platform. Within the context of hydrogenation reactions, particularly involving crotonaldehyde, the newly developed Pt-Fe-Pt heterotrimer displayed a remarkable preference for hydrogenating the carbon-oxygen (C=O) bond. This selectivity effectively led to the production of crotyl alcohol over the more typically unsaturated carbon-carbon (C=C) bond transformation. The researchers’ findings indicate a staggering 35-fold increase in the intrinsic hydrogenation rate associated with this reaction, directly addressing the prevalent activity-selectivity trade-off that conventionally plagues bimetallic catalysts. Moreover, the team employed advanced characterization techniques to elucidate the formation pathway and coordination environment surrounding the Pt-Fe-Pt heterotrimers. They identified a distinct site-bond recognition pattern, wherein the left-end Pt atom was shown to anchor the C=C bond, while concurrently, the central Fe atom activated the C=O bond. This strategic arrangement allowed for efficient hydrogenation through additional H atoms, which were adsorbed onto the right-end Pt atom. Such detailed molecular understanding could lead to further optimization of catalytic processes in industrial applications. The implications of this research extend well beyond fundamental science. With the ability to tailor active sites on bimetallic catalysts with atomic precision, the potential for practical applications in chemical manufacturing and pharmaceuticals is substantial. By improving selectivity and efficiency in hydrogenation processes, industries can expect enhanced yield outcomes, reduced costs, and minimized environmental impacts, aligning with the global push towards sustainable practices. Professors SHEN and LI express optimism about the future of catalytic science, emphasizing that their work quantifies catalytic surface reactions at a molecular level. This foundational understanding paves the way for the next generation of catalysts with highly customized properties aimed at tackling complex chemical challenges. As researchers continue to unlock the secrets behind bimetallic catalysts, we may soon witness innovative solutions in fields ranging from renewable energy to fine chemical synthesis. Importantly, the findings and methodologies presented in their study could spark significant advancements in the realms of catalysis research and application. As more scientists delve into the potential of atomic precision in designing catalytic systems, the horizon of what is achievable in chemical transformations expands exponentially. In conclusion, the integration of atomic precision in the development of bimetallic catalysts represents a pivotal leap forward in chemistry. The work conducted by the team from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics sets a new standard for catalyst development and offers a framework for future studies to build upon. With the catalytic landscape ever-changing, the steadfast pursuit of innovation will undoubtedly yield remarkable breakthroughs in the coming years. Subject of Research: The research focuses on the atomic precision tuning of bimetallic catalyst active sites for enhanced selective hydrogenation processes. Article Title: Fine-tuned coordination environment of Pt-Fe-Pt active site for selective heterogeneous hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde. News Publication Date: 3-Jan-2025. Web References: DOI link, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics References: Not applicable. Image Credits: Credit: DICP. Keywords Hydrogenation, Catalysis, Bimetallic catalysts, Active sites, Molecular interactions, Selective reactions, Electronic structure, Surface alloying, Chemical transformations, Sustainable practices.

Elcella: London scientists develop ‘all-natural’ alternative to weight loss jabs like Ozempic

London scientists have developed a ‘natural alternative’ to weight loss jabs (Photo: Adobe)