© Pint of Science, 2024. All rights reserved.
Join us during our last Pint of Science evening for a scientific exploration, starting from tiny electrons and journeying towards complex living beings. Begin by witnessing the fascinating dance of electrons in graphene, where they transform and promise revolutionary applications. Next, have a closer look at the hidden world beneath our feet, where plant roots and soil microbes form essential partnerships shaping plant vitality. Finally, explore the large array of model organisms, crucial for understanding complex biological systems.
The dance of drunk and sober graphene
Ananya Singh
(PhD Student, Department of Physics, RWTH Aachen University)
Electrons are great dancers, and my research essentially aims to apply music to them, giving them a stage, and reporting to the world about how they dance. The music we apply is electromagnetic, and the stage is set on 2D materials. I will focus on graphene, whose drunk and sober dances are very distinguishable. Counterintuitively, during their dance, they can also transform themselves and become a whole other kind of particle. Fortunately, this dance is not only fun to witness but also holds promising applications that can drastically change our future. Come witness the dance of electrons, and maybe you and I can mimic their
moves in the end.
moves in the end.
© Ananya Singh
Plant roots and their friends
Swati Mahiwal
(PhD Student, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research)
Let's have a look at the hidden world beneath our feet, where plant roots form partnerships with soil microbes. Some boost growth, while others present challenges. Yet, certain microbes join forces with plant roots, offering shelter and mutual benefits. Consider the classic example of biological nitrogen fixation, seen vividly in legume plants like peas. Within their roots, microbes create nodules, where they harness atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into a form usable by plants. Explore with me these essential partnerships shaping plant vitality.
© Swati Mahiwal
Finding the right one: The diverse world of model organisms
Sadig Niftullayev
(PhD student, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing)
Ever wondered about the mannequins in shop windows or the dummies in first aid classes? They're essentially models, helping us visualize ideas, practice skills, and assess risks before real-world application. Similarly, scientists rely on models in their research endeavors, particularly when tackling complex systems. In this talk, we delve into the realm of model organisms used by scientists to experiment, innovate, and understand biology better. Join us as we explore the diverse array of model organisms, understand how they're chosen, and explore why they're essential for scientific progress.
© Sadig Niftullayev
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