Invisible Forces: The Molecular Drama of Life

The recent pandemic made mRNA a household name, but the story of how it's actually made inside our bodies is even more captivating! Our DNA holds life's instruction manual, yet deciding which parts to read isn't a simple flick of a switch. Imagine a constant, microscopic 'tug-of-war' in which powerful molecular machines and tiny regulators are locked in a struggle for control over our genes. Join us to pull back the curtain on this intricate molecular drama, discovering how these hidden battles dictate which vital mRNA messages get created, ultimately shaping everything from individual cell behavior to our complete health.

High levels of Cr(VI) are incompatible with most life. However, some bacteria are able to not only survive in its presence, but also reduce it to a much less hazardous form, Cr(III). A sort of biological "detox" if you will. Learn how we are unraveling the metabolic enzyme adaptations enabling this in order to help advance the use of these microbes for environmental clean-up and/or sustainable biotechnology.