‘Beautiful Mind’ mathematician John Nash, wife killed in car crash (CNN May 25, 2015):”John Forbes Nash Jr., the Princeton University mathematician whose life inspired the film “A Beautiful Mind,” and his wife died in a car crash Saturday, according to New Jersey State Police.”
John F. Nash Jr., Math Genius Defined by a ‘Beautiful Mind,’ Dies at 86 (New York Times, MAY 24, 2015):”John F. Nash Jr., a mathematician who shared a Nobel Prize in 1994 for work that greatly extended the reach and power of modern economic theory and whose long descent into severe mental illness and eventual recovery were the subject of a book and a film, both titled “A Beautiful Mind,” was killed, along with his wife, in a car crash on Saturday in New Jersey. He was 86.”
‘A Beautiful Mind’ mathematician John Nash killed in taxi crash (7online.com):”The Nobel Prize-winning mathematician whose struggle with schizophrenia was chronicled in the 2001 movie “A Beautiful Mind” has died in a taxi crash along with his wife in New Jersey. “
John F. Nash, Jr. and Louis Nirenberg share the Abel Prize (THE ABEL PRIZE):”The Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters has decided to award the Abel Prize for 2015 to the American mathematicians John F. Nash, Jr. and Louis Nirenberg “for striking and seminal contributions to the theory of nonlinear partial differential equations and its applications to geometric analysis.” The President of the Academy, Kirsti Strøm Bull, announced the new laureates today 25 March. They will receive the Abel Prize from His Majesty King Harald at a ceremony in Oslo on 19 May.”
John F. Nash, Jr. and his wife Alicia killed in car accident (THE ABEL PRIZE):”John F. Nash, Jr., who together with Louis Nirenberg received the Abel Prize on Tuesday 19 May, was killed in a taxi accident on the New Jersey Turnpike on Saturday afternoon local time. Nash (86) and his wife Alicia (82) were on their way home after a week of Abel celebrations in Oslo and Bergen when they were both killed in the car crash.”
There are many texts on the philosophy of science and scientific method that deal extensively with the hypothesis but, in short, we can describe it as ‘a reasonable scientific proposal’. It is not a statement of fact but a statement that takes us just beyond known information and anticipates the next logical step in a sequence of supportable precepts. The hypothesis has to have two attributes to be useful in scientific investigation: it must fit the known information and it must be testable. To comply with the first attribute, you the scientist have to read and understand the literature. To comply with the second, you have to do an experiments. In essence, the paper you are about to write concerns nothing other than those two things. You can see why the hypothesis is so central to scientific writing. (強調のため一部太字 引用元：David Lindsay, Scientific Writing = Thinking in Words, page 7)
Neuronal oscillations have been hypothesized to play an important role in cognition and its ensuing behavior, but evidence that links a specific neuronal oscillation to a discrete cognitive event is largely lacking. We measured neuronal activity in the entorhinal-hippocampal circuit while mice performed a reward-based spatial working memory task. During the memory retention period, a transient burst of high gamma synchronization preceded an animal’s correct choice in both prospective planning and retrospective mistake correction, but not an animal’s incorrect choice. Optogenetic inhibition of the circuit targeted to the choice point area resulted in a coordinated reduction in both high gamma synchrony and correct execution of a working-memory-guided behavior. These findings suggest that transient high gamma synchrony contributes to the successful execution of spatial working memory. Furthermore, our data are consistent with an association between transient high gamma synchrony and explicit awareness of the working memory content. (強調のため一部太字 引用元：Cell 157(4):845-857の要旨)
Given that LPA is known to activate cortical contractility via the Rho/Rock pathway, we hypothesized that a mechanical polarization mechanism of the cell cortex could trigger the transformation of progenitor cells into stable-bleb cells (Carvalho et al., 2013). To test this hypothesis, we treated stable-bleb cells with the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 or the myosin-II inhibitor Blebbistatin (Figure 2C). Treated cells lost their characteristic polarization, supporting a critical role for Rho/Rock-mediated cortical contractility in driving stable-bleb cell transformation. (強調のため一部太字 引用元：Cell 160(4):673-685のResultsセクションの一部)
Since computational modeling suggests that a failure to segregate protein damage may result in a reduced fitness (Erjavec et al., 2008) and functions crucial for cellular fitness are often performed by parallel partly redundant pathways, we hypothesized that machineries involved in the partitioning of protein aggregates could be identified by systematically screening for genetic interactions between SIR2 and nonessential and essential genes using synthetic genetic arrays (SGA) analysis ( Tong et al., 2001 and Tong et al., 2004). Using this approach, we found that cells lacking Sir2p share many genetic interactions with the conditional actin mutant, which is a result of sir2Δ cells showing a defect in CCT-chaperonin-dependent folding of actin. （強調のため一部太字 引用元：Cell 140(2):257-267 イントロダクション）
Given the potential for nutrients to stimulate inflammatory pathways and the importance of keeping these pathways in check, we hypothesized that previously unrecognized counterregulatory mechanisms might exist to protect cells from activation of inflammatory pathways during physiological fluctuations in nutrient exposure or in nutrient-rich conditions. We reasoned that a factor participating in such a coordinating mechanism between nutrient and inflammatory responses would be expected to meet several criteria: (1) the gene product should be present in tissue types responsible for nutrient clearance from blood, such as adipose tissue; (2)expression or activity should be regulated by both nutritional and inflammatory stimuli; (3) the factor should regulate inflammatory signaling components and/or gene expression (cells or tissues lacking such a factor would then exhibit excess or prolonged inflammation in response to challenges by both nutrients and inflammatory mediators); (4) the factor should regulate cellular metabolism, and its absence should result in impaired cellular metabolic function; and (5) through regulation of metabolic function in particular cell types and organs, the factor should also impact systemic metabolism. In this study, we identify six-transmembrane protein of prostate 2 (STAMP2) as a factor meeting these criteria. （強調のため一部太字 引用元：Cell 129(3):537-548 イントロダクション）
…At present, two theories attempt to link airway epithelial ion transport to lung defense and predict how mutations in CFTR adversely affect these relationships. One theory, the “hypotonic (low salt) ASL/defensin” hypothesis, postulates that normal airway epithelia are covered by an ASL with a [NaCl] sufficiently low (≤ 50 mM NaCl) to activate defensins and create an antimicrobial “shield” on airway surfaces (31, 38 and 10). Generation of a low [NaCl], hypotonic ASL reflects selective transepithelial absorption of salt but not water from ASL, presumably a consequence of putative airway epithelial water impermeability or surface forces (31, 44 and 46). Defensin inactivation by iso- or hypertonic ASL (i.e., [NaCl] > 100 mM) in CF is postulated to reflect the Cl− impermeability of CF epithelial cells (38 and 10). The second theory, the “isotonic volume transport/mucus clearance hypothesis,” predicts that airway epithelia regulate the volume (height) of ASL by isotonic ion and water transport to optimize mucus clearance (Boucher 1994a). In CF, the rate of isotonic ion and water (volume) transport is abnormally high, which is predicted to reduce ASL volume, concentrate mucus, and lead to abnormal mucus transport and retention of tenacious mucus masses (plaques) in airways that serve as the nidus of infection (14 and 5).
… By measuring ASL ion composition, we tested key predictions of the hypotonic (low salt) ASL/defensin hypothesis: (1) that normal airway epithelia generate and maintain hypotonic (or low salt) solutions on airway surfaces, and (2) that CF airway surface liquid is isotonic (Joris et al. 1993) or hypertonic (with excess salt) (Gilljam et al. 1989). A second series of experiments tested key aspects of the isotonic hypothesis: (1) that normal airway epithelia are isotonic volume-absorbing epithelia that produce an isotonic ASL; (2) that CF airway epithelia absorb volume isotonically at abnormally high rates; and (3) that mucus transport is deranged by depletion of the ASL through excessive isotonic volume absorption. （強調のため一部太字 引用元：Cell 95(7):1005-1015のイントロダクションの一部を抜粋）
Good science would pit theory A against theories B, C, D and E with an experiment where each theory gave different predictions. （引用元：Nakagawa and Cuthill. Effect size, confidence interval and statistical significance: a practical guide for biologists. Biol. Rev. (2007), 82, pp. 591–605. doi:10.1111/j.1469-185X.2007.00027.x）
当初は仮説Aを検証すべく始めた研究だが、実際のデータを眺めてみると、仮説Bのほうがよりよく説明できるようだ――仮にこうなってしまっても、心配はい らない。すべての事項を書き出し、仮説・目的・データの最適たるコンビネーションを選びとればよい。完成した論文上での研究目的と、仕事に取り掛かる理由 付けとしての研究目的は、往々にして異なるものだ。良質な科学といえども、大抵は日和見主義的・修正主義的なものだ。(Whitesides’ Group: Writing a paper 化学者のつぶやき Chemi-station)
「新種トップ10」は、米ニューヨーク州立大の国際生物種探査研究所(State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF))が毎年選び、分類学の父と呼ばれる植物学者リンネの誕生日5月23日に合わせて発表しているものです。
ESF: Top 10 New Species for 2015
Pufferfish: ‘Crop Circles’ under the Sea Torquigener albomaculosus Location: Japan
How it made the Top 10: Scientists recently solved a 20-year-old mystery under the sea and discovered a new fish. Intricate circles with geometric designs about six feet (2 meters) in diameter, found on the seafloor off the coast of Amami-Ōshima Island, were as weird and unexplained as crop circles. They turn out to be the work of a new species of pufferfish, Torquigener albomaculosus. Males construct these circles as spawning nests by swimming and wriggling in the seafloor sand. The nests, used only once, are made to attract females. The nests have double edges and radiating troughs in a spoke-like geometry. The design isn’t just for show. Scientists discovered the ridges and grooves of the circle serve to minimize ocean current at the center of the nest. This protects the eggs from the turbulent waters and possibly predators too. Yoji Okata, an underwater photographer, first observed the artistic behavior. Subsequently, a team of ichthyologists and a television crew carried out an expedition to record the phenomenon.
Japanese Pufferfish Masterpiece – BBC Life story David Attenborough （7分17秒）
Attracting attention is an essential part of winning a mate. The world’s oceans are filled with brilliant colours,…all designed to make their wearers conspicuous. Unfortunately this small, Japanese puffer fish is dull,…almost to the point of invisibility but to compensate,…he is probably nature’s greatest artist. To grab a female’s attention, he creates …something that almost defies belief. His only tools are his fins. In his head, a plan of mathematical perfection. He ploughs the sand, breaking it up into the finest of particles. These shells aren’t just rubbish to be removed,…he uses them to decorate the bridges of his construction. He can’t rest for more than a moment, but must work 24 hours…a day for a week, or the current will destroy his creation. A final tidy up and his masterpiece is complete. Nowhere else in nature does an animal construct something…as complex and perfect as this. If this doesn’t get him noticed, nothing will. Now it’s ready for inspection. A female, swollen with eggs. To make sure she gets the best view, he encourages her into the centre. Inspection over,…she withdraws to await the final stage of the process. By the next morning all the softest sand is now in the middle. The centre of the arena has been flattened. Right on cue here she is. This is what she wanted. It’s a perfect bed for her eggs. The male now grasps her cheek and then fertilises her miniscule eggs. And with a quick flick of his fins, he buries them. They carry on like this until she has finished laying. An hour of his rough affection leaves a love bite on her cheek. Finally, she leaves. He stays to fan the eggs until they hatch,…while his extraordinary work of art fades away around him. (転載元Transcript)
ESF: Top 10 New Species for 2015 On the list: agile spider, North American dinosaur and fish that makes circles in the sand (ESF, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 5/21/2015)
See the top 10 new species of 2015 – in pictures (The Guardian 21 May 2015):”A cartwheeling spider and a dinosaur dubbed the ‘chicken from hell’ are among the 10 most amazing creatures chosen by scientists from over 18,000 species new to science in the last year. Find out more on the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry website”
オスプレイ開発が始まったきっかけ、開発における相次ぐ事故、初の戦闘までを描いたドキュメンタリー番組「FLIGHT OF THE V-22 OSPREY (THE MILITARY CHANNEL)」。
V22 Osprey Documentary (44：53）
参考
1 killed, 21 injured in Osprey crash at Bellows Air Force Station (HAWAII NEWS NOW, May 18, 2015):”According to the military, an MV-22 Osprey from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit experienced a “hard landing” while conducting training at the Marine Corps Training Area at Bellows.The aircraft had 22 people on board when it went down around 11:40 a.m. According to the military, one Marine died and 21 were transported to local hospitals for assessment and treatment. On Monday morning, one Marine remained in critical condition, and three others were still hospitalized, but stable, officials said. The remaining Marines were treated and released.”
2015年5月5日に太田朋子博士がストックホルムのスウェーデン王立科学アカデミーで行った講演の動画。
Genotype to phenotype link and nearneutrality in evolution
0：07- Staffan Normark氏（Permanent Secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences）の開催の挨拶
4：26- Hans Ellegren氏（the Crafoord Prize Committee）による紹介
12:45- 太田朋子博士の講演
Crafoord Days 2015 (The Crafoord Prize公式ウェブサイト)：シンポジウムなどのレクチャー動画が視聴できます。
Crafoord Days 2015, 5–7 May in Stockholm and Lund, Sweden(プログラム冊子ＰＤＦ 20ページ）
The Crafoord Prize in Biosciences 2015 (The Crafoord Prize プレスリリース 2015-01-15）：”The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2015 Crafoord Prize in Biosciences to Richard Lewontin, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA, and Tomoko Ohta, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan “for their pioneering analyses and fundamental contributions to the understanding of genetic polymorphism”.”
Tomoko Ohta Current Biology Volume 22, Issue 16, 21 August 2012, Pages R618–R619
（カレントバイオロジー誌に掲載されたインタビュー記事）What turned you on to biology and to your particular field of study?
TOMOKO OHTA (Profiles, Perspectives on molecular evolution, caltech.edu)
Professor Richard Lewontin awarded the 2015 Crafoord Prize in Biosciences (Harvard gazette January 15, 2015):”Until the 1960s, biologists believed that most individuals in a population were fairly similar, genetically speaking. But Richard Lewontin made the revolutionary discovery that genetic variation between individuals in a population was actually very different, and that the variation was many times greater thane expected. The results were published in Genetics in 1966 and aroused a great deal of attention.”
今回紹介する文献“Whitesides’ Group: Writing a Paper”では、世界一線級の化学者であるGeorge M. Whitesides教授が自ら、優れた論文執筆法を解説しています。具体的には『アウトライン法』――すなわち、始めに論文の枠組み(アウトライン)を作り、研究データの蓄積と同時並行して何度も修正を加えてゆく、実験データはその時々で補完、図表重視のアピールを心がけ、テキストを書くのは一番最後、という論文作成法――の提唱を通じ、研究のプロダクティビティ・時間効率の向上に効果的たる仕事術にも触れています。（http://www.chem-station.com/blog/2009/12/whitesides_group_writing_a_pa.html）
Professor Simon Peyton Jones (Computer Scientist)
How to Write a Great Research Paper
00:20 #1 Don’t wait: write
04:13 #2 Identify your key idea
07:18 #3 Tell a story
09:34 #4 Nail your contributions
16:44 #5 Related work: later
23:47 #6 Put your readers first
28:40 #7 Listen to your readers
（34:19 トークの終わり。この動画ではなぜか、再び繰り返しになっているようです。）
ABSTRACT Genome editing tools such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated system (Cas) have been widely used to modify genes in model systems including animal zygotes and human cells, and hold tremendous promise for both basic research and clinical applications. To date, a serious knowledge gap remains in our understanding of DNA repair mechanisms in human early embryos, and in the efficiency and potential off-target effects of using technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 in human pre-implantation embryos. In this report, we used tripronuclear (3PN) zygotes to further investigate CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in human cells. We found that CRISPR/Cas9 could effectively cleave the endogenous β-globin gene (HBB). However, the efficiency of homologous recombination directed repair (HDR) of HBB was low and the edited embryos were mosaic. Off-target cleavage was also apparent in these 3PN zygotes as revealed by the T7E1 assay and whole-exome sequencing. Furthermore, the endogenous delta-globin gene (HBD), which is homologous to HBB, competed with exogenous donor oligos to act as the repair template, leading to untoward mutations. Our data also indicated that repair of the HBB locus in these embryos occurred preferentially through the non-crossover HDR pathway. Taken together, our work highlights the pressing need to further improve the fidelity and specificity of the CRISPR/Cas9 platform, a prerequisite for any clinical applications of CRSIPR/Cas9-mediated editing. （http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13238-015-0153-5/fulltext.html）
PROTEIN & CELL誌を発行しているのはシュプリンガー(Springer)社ですが、チーフエディターが中国の人で、他のエディターも5人中4人が中国、ボードメンバーも66人中26人が中国の人です。また、この雑誌は通常の学術論文を掲載するだけでなく、特に、
Presents research highlights, news and views, and commentaries covering research policies and funding trends in China （http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/biochemistry+%26+biophysics/journal/13238）
中国の研究動向を取り上げる方針を持っており、さらに、オープンアクセスのための論文掲載費用は、
Protein & Cellis a peer-reviewed open access journal published monthly. The open access fees (article-processing charges) for this journal are kindly sponsored by Higher Education Press, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Biophysical Society of China. Authors can publish in the journal without any additional charges.（http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/biochemistry+%26+biophysics/journal/13238）
First experiment ‘editing’ human embryos ignites ethical furor (Reuters Apr 23, 2015):”Biologists in China reported carrying out the first experiment to alter the DNA of human embryos, igniting an outcry from scientists who warn against altering the human genome in a way that could last for generations.”
「コンピュータチップに集積されるトランジスターの数は2年ごとに倍に増えるだろう」（The number of transistors incorporated on a computer chip will double every 2 years. ）という経験則、いわゆる「ムーアの法則」が1965年に提唱されてから、今年で50周年になります。
提唱者であるゴードン・ムーアさんが振り返る50年のテクノロジーの進歩。
Intel celebrates 50th Anniversary of Moore’s Law w. Gordon Moore
ムーアの法則が終焉する理由をDerek McAuley教授が解説。
Is it the End for Moore’s Law? – Computerphile
ムーアの法則が成りたたなくなる理由をSciShowが一般向けに解説。
Moore’s Law and The Secret World Of Ones And Zeroes
参考
Moore’s law is the observation that, over the history of computing hardware, the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years. (Wikipedia)
Today, 16 April 2015, WikiLeaks publishes an analysis and search system for The Sony Archives: 30,287 documents from Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) and 173,132 emails, to and from more than 2,200 SPE email addresses. (https://wikileaks.org/sony/press/)
