Communicating through humour: A project of stand-up comedy about science

A study of a project on science stand-up comedy developed in Portugal between 2009 and 2013 is presented, in which thirteen scientists, coordinated by a science communicator and a professional actor, created and presented comedy acts. Eleven of these scientists were asked about their motivations to participate, the process of performance development and the perceived value of the project. Personal motivations were highly important, but professional reasons were also mentioned. Working in a group with the guidance of coordinators, testing and re-writing the texts and gradually gaining confidence on stage were considered fundamental in the development of the shows. Additionally, a questionnaire revealed that the audience, most of whom were young adults, and held a higher education degree, were satisfied with the show. Overall, both participating scientists and audience members considered that stand-up comedy has potential for science communication.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of a glycerol dehydrogenase from the human pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Glycerol dehydrogenase (GldA) encoded by the STM4108 gene (gldA) has been related to the synthesis of HilA, a major transcriptional regulator that is responsible for the expression of invasion genes in the human pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Single colourless crystals were obtained from a recombinant preparation of GldA overexpressed in Escherichia coli. They belonged to space group P222(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 127.0, b = 160.1, c = 665.2 A. The crystals contained a very large number of molecules in the asymmetric unit, probably 30-35. Diffraction data were collected to 3.5 A resolution using synchrotron radiation at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Overexpression, purification and crystallization of the tetrameric form of SorC sorbitol operon regulator

The sorbitol operon regulator (SorC) regulates the metabolism of L-sorbose in Klebsiella pneumonia. SorC was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified, and crystals were obtained of a tetrameric form. A single crystal showed X-ray diffraction to 3.20 A. The crystal belongs to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 91.6, b = 113.3, c = 184.1 A. Analysis of the molecular-replacement solution indicates the presence of four SorC molecules in the asymmetric unit.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of 1,3-propanediol dehydrogenase from the human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae

1,3-Propanediol dehydrogenase (1,3-PD-DH), encoded by the dhaT gene, is a key enzyme in the dissimilation process for converting glycerol to 1,3-propanediol in the human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. Single colourless crystals were obtained from a recombinant preparation of 1,3-propanediol dehydrogenase overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The crystals belong to space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 91.9, b = 226.6, c = 232.6 A, beta = 92.9 degrees. The crystals probably contain two decamers in the asymmetric unit, with a V(M) value of 3.07 A3 Da(-1) and an estimated solvent content of 59%. Diffraction data were collected to 2.7 A resolution using synchrotron radiation at the ID14-4 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Substrate and dioxygen binding to the endospore coat laccase from Bacillus subtilis

The CotA laccase from the endospore coat of Bacillus subtilis has been crystallized in the presence of the non-catalytic co-oxidant 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), and the structure was determined using synchrotron radiation. The binding site for this adduct is well defined and indicates how ABTS, in conjunction with laccases, could act as an oxidative mediator toward non-phenolic moieties. In addition, a dioxygen moiety is clearly defined within the solvent channel oriented toward one of the T3 copper atoms in the trinuclear center.

Sigmoidal curve-fitting of baroreceptor sensitivity in renovascular 2K1C hypertensive rats

The time course of changes in baroreceptor reflex sensitivity in Goldblatt two-kidney one clip (2K1C) hypertension was studied 3, 7 and 30 days after renal artery clipping by means of a sigmoidal curve-fitting analysis. Experiments were performed in 54 adult male Wistar rats (N = 9 per group) weighing 200-300 g. The reflex heart rate responses were elicited by alternate intravenous bolus injections of phenylephrine (delta +5 to +50 mmHg) and sodium nitroprusside (delta -5 to -50 mmHg). A clear upper and lower plateau (reflex tachycardia and bradycardia, respectively) was noted in both sham and hypertensive groups. Although the resting mean arterial pressure was significantly increased in all hypertensive groups (131 +/- 3, 149 +/- 7 and 168 +/- 11 mmHg, respectively, 3, 7 and 30 days after clipping), when compared to the sham group (108 +/- 2 mmHg), significant changes in baroreceptor reflex function were observed only in 7- and 30-day groups. Baroreflex sensitivity was markedly reduced in these hypertensive rats (2.3 +/- 0.3 and 1.9 +/- 0.3 bpm/mmHg, respectively) compared to the sham group (4.2 +/- 0.3 bpm/mmHg). In addition, a reduced baroreflex heart rate range was observed in these groups (117 +/- 12 and 107 +/- 10 bpm, respectively) compared to the sham group (165 +/- 11 bpm). These data indicate an impairment of baroreflex function in conscious 2K1C hypertensive rats which seems to be secondary to arterial hypertension.