Pipettes and Politics

Early-career faculty experiences in mentorship and lab leadership by ASBMB

In conversation with Tara Davis, a structural biologist, protein biochemist and scientific consultant, discusses her path from academia in structural biology to a career in scientific consulting supporting biotech and pharmaceutical companies. She reflects on how following her interest in protein structure influenced her career trajectory and shares advice for navigating non-linear paths in scienc...

Shagha Ostadjoo discusses her transition from fungal enzyme research in academia to leading an assay development team at New England Biolabs. She shares insights on moving into management, navigating career transitions, and advice for international scientists seeking industry opportunities. ASBMB's interview series features engaging discussions with biological and life sciences professionals about...

In conversation with... Carter Palmer by ASBMB

Malaria exerts a devastating impact on communities in the Global South, with upwards of 600,000 deaths yearly, primarily young African children. Using genetic approaches, we have explored the molecular basis of Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial drug resistance, which poses a constant threat to malaria treatment and control efforts. Using a genetic cross, we earlier identified that mutations in Pf...

In conversation with... Betsy Martinez–Vaz by ASBMB

This episode features Dr. Sarah Smaga and covers what science policy roles look like in practice, as well as opportunities for scientists interested in advocacy and government engagement.

In conversation with... Sannie Culbertson by ASBMB

In conversation with... Chris Heinen by ASBMB

The first growth factors identified and studied during the early 1970s were Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). It was soon demonstrated that EGF and NGF mediate their cellular and physiological effects by binding to specific cell membrane receptors: the EGF receptor (EGFR) and the NGF receptor (NGFR), respectively. The mechanisms of activation and signaling of these recep...

The joy of teaching lies not only in helping students surpass their own expectations but in the collaborative process that makes learning a shared journey. In my approach, fostering a love for science and learning happens through meaningful collaboration—with students, colleagues, and the broader academic community. I believe that when we embrace collaboration, we empower students to actively enga...

The study of DNA damage has broad relevance to human pathophysiology with its involvement in birth defects, cancer, premature aging syndromes, and certain neurologic disorders. Single strand breaks (SSBs) are among the most common form of endogenous DNA damage. Here we will describe mechanisms by which SSBs threaten genome integrity in mitotic and post-mitotic cells. If they are not resolved in a...

Science is not performed in a vacuum, and scientists do not make strides without other who have helped them along the way. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have had many mentors who have been instrumental in my scientific journey. Now with a career in academia, I have worked hard to improve academia for scientists at all levels, especially those that have been historically marginaliz...

A multitude of hydrophobic lipids are present within the cell. Their distribution between the aqueous milieu of the cytosol and amphipathic membranes, and between different organellar membranes, is remarkably variant. In addition to their direct involvement as substrates and intermediates for energy storage and utilization, lipids play key roles in determining membrane physical-chemical properties...

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the fastest-growing etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This work identifies novel gene and lipid associations in human MASLD-driven HCC that may be exploited for therapeutic benefit. Methods: Human HCC tumor (n=8) and adjacent non-tumor samples (n=8) were obtained from the Biospecimen Procurement and Translati...

Keynote presented by Rohit V. Pappu, Washington University in St. Louis, recipient of the 2025 ASBMB DeLano Award for Computational Biosciences. The ASBMB DeLano Award for Computational Biosciences is given to a scientist for accessible and innovative developments or applications of computation to enhance research in the life sciences at the molecular or cellular level.

My laboratory has made major contributions to our understanding of non-canonical functions for protein kinases by discovering diverse and unanticipated biochemical activities that are performed by this protein superfamily. Protein kinases have been studied for decades and play important roles in many physiological and pathological processes. The textbook view is that these enzymes transfer phospha...

Success in poker requires taking risks based on incomplete information, reassessing as new information emerges, perseverance in the face of adversity, and a healthy dose of luck. The same is true in scientific research. I will speak to how persistence and serendipity helped define my career and why understanding poker fundamentals can up your scientific game.

The rationale, design, and mechanism of GABA aminotransferase and ornithine aminotransferase inactivators will be presented as well as in vitro and in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetic results, toxicology studies, and a clinical trial with one of the inactivators.

In conversation with... Lou Stancato by ASBMB

In conversation with... Cindy Khuu by ASBMB

In conversation with... Nisha Cavanaugh by ASBMB

In conversation with... Shy Brown by ASBMB

In conversation with... Tom Kiselak by ASBMB

Introduction to In conversation with... by ASBMB