02 19 The Eppendorf – LifeScienceStyle Magazine

RESEARCH OF THE EXTREME KIND A number of scientists work in extremely remote places. What is it like?

FIGHT AGAINST CANCER How molecular biologist Georg Winter eliminates defective proteins

Dossier Driven by Curiosity presented by ISSN 2625-1116 CONTENTS EDITORIAL i

SUBSCRIPTION AND FEEDBACK Dear Reader, You want to make sure that you will continue 33 to receive­ future issues? Please visit the website www.eppendorf.com/abo_OTB Challenges abound in science – and subscribe to “Off the Bench“ for free. whether in the fields of medicine or environmental protection, or We look forward to your feedback, which will whether it concerns feeding the tell us whether we have indeed­ achieved our world’s population. Research is goal with this issue. We invite you to submit conducted worldwide in order to your suggestions for improvement: continue to provide new answers to humanity’s most pressing [email protected] questions. The driving force behind this effort is curiosity. It is a part of 6 human nature, and children are the best example. Their desire to discover something new every day, to understand the world, and to learn is irrepressible. Scientists are well aware: they, 26 too, are driven by curiosity – it makes them work tireless- ly and also helps them overcome setbacks. We asked three researchers from different disciplines about their own personal curiosity and which role it plays in their scientific work. You will find their answers in our new dossier – in fact, this issue’s dossier is entirely devot- ed to the phenomenon of curiosity. The dossier is one of the many new features of “Off the Bench”. Better orientation through tighter categories – and 38 therefore clearer organization of topics. This is clearly reflected in our new section “Inside Eppendorf”: in eight 44 concise pages, starting on page 25 of the magazine, you will find novel products and news by Eppendorf, as well as additional services for your demanding laboratory work. INSPIRING SCIENCE 20 Motivational Drive 36 From Microbe to Masterpiece The popular career portrait, which has always been Three researchers talk about their curiosity Talent agent: thanks to Erich Schopf, bacteria featured on our cover, continues to be a mainstay of the 4 News can create magnificent pieces of art magazine alongside the improvements. You can now find Science news 24 Choosing a Different Path it in the section “Clever Minds”. In this issue, we are in- Tips: how you can enhance your curiosity 38 Eccentric and Educational troducing Georg Winter, a molecular biologist who works Anti-Nobel Prize creator Marc Abrahams on the 6 Extreme Research tirelessly to eliminate cancer at its source. His ground- Up in space or deep down in the ocean: meaning of oddball science INSIDE EPPENDORF breaking research earned the Vienna-born biologist the fascinating science projects in remote places 2019 “Eppendorf Award for Young European Investiga- 26 Closing the Gap EXPLORING LIFE tors”- a success which can certainly be attributed in large 10 None Like any Other In addition to 15 mL and 50 mL, Eppendorf now part to his curiosity. Sand equals sand – not at all! Viewed through a 3D also offers conical tubes for volumes up to 25 mL 40 PhD – Now What?

microscope, each grain is a unique specimen Few graduates engage in founding start-up We hope you enjoy reading the magazine, 28 Distinctive ­companies. An initiative aims to change that 12 A Perfect Symbiosis By hand or via digital means: how to label your Chocolate with cauliflower? That works! Enjoy ­laboratory samples legibly and accurately 42 Safeguarding the Seeds ­harmonizing aromas through “Food Pairing” What will happen if crop plants become extinct? 30 Lab Lifestyle Nothing – if their seeds have been saved 14 Improve Your Efficiency Fun facts and a contest 44 Barcelona A popular way of thinking: “Computational Thinking” 32 In Short In the footsteps of the artist Antoni Gaudí Eva van Pelt – what it means and how you can benefit News from the world of Eppendorf products Member of the Management Board & 48 Recognizing Depression Chief Commercial Officer DOSSIER BRIGHT MINDS Guest contribution from “Science” magazine 16 Thirst for Knowledge 33 Proteins – Go Get ’em! 50 Capturing Movement PS You would like to experience “Off the Bench” in Understanding, learning and inventing: we are born Vienna-based molecular biologist Georg Winter Photographers of the Year 2019 digital format? Simply visit our website! ­curious. How it helps us. Aren’t you curious? wants to fight cancer at its point of origin 28 Masthead www.eppendorf.com/otb

ISSN 2625-1116 2 3 INSPIRING SCIENCE INSPIRING SCIENCE Science News !

3D printing instead of donor organs? A miniature heart – made from “real” materials Thoughts Speak for Themselves

Science is no stranger to mind reading. Ver- balizing thoughts in a comprehensible manner, however, is a milestone for the field of neuro- biology. Employing their brain-computer “Interface”, researchers at the University of California®, San Francisco translated thought currents into spoken language. Through a 100 decoder, the instrument specializes in utilizing kinematic and sound-based representations years will it take for all insects to that are required for speech: the control signals sent by the neurons from the brain are trans- become extinct – ­according to the ferred to a vocal tract which comprises the lips, tongue and larynx and which is beginning to Australian research team led by speak. In the future, this invention could significantly ease the lives of people with lim- ited ability to communicate. Francisco Sánchez-Bayo. They calculated this number based on the hypothesis that the insect Excising HIV mass will continue to decline by

American scientists have succeeded in remov- 2.5 percent annually – with devas- ing the HIV virus from live mice. How? The process is based on a combination of therapies: tating consequences for humans, using “Laser ART”, the researchers injected mice with a substance that represses the ac- animals and the environment. tivity of the HIV virus for several days. During this time window, “Crispr-Cas9” was deployed. The gene scissors removed the viral genetic A Heart Made from Bio-Ink material from the DNA of the affected cells. According to the team of scientists from Penn- For the first time, a research team from the Universi- ing of even smaller blood vessels. The scientists esti- sylvania and Nebraska, they have now come ty of Tel Aviv, led by biotechnologist Tal Dvir, has suc- mate that it will take another ten to 15 years until the closer to the goal of curing people suffering Creativity Knows No Age ceeded in manufacturing a heart using a 3D printer heart will be ready for organ donation. from AIDS. – complete with tissue, blood vessels and chambers. Meanwhile, the design studio “Nervous System”, Are we really more creative when we are younger? Researchers at The special feature: the printer ink is made from real with scientists Jordan Miller of Rice University and Ohio State University® and the University of Chicago have come to a adipose tissue and cells, which are then processed to Kelly Stevens of the University of Washington®, is work- different conclusion. In a study, they have identified two distinct groups hydrogels. The bio-ink has the advantage that the body ing towards the development of 3D networks of blood of creative people. “Experimental innovators” is the term for imagi- can accept it as autologous tissue, which could reduce vessels for printed organs. They constructed networks native and inventive people over 50. They use their vast life experience, the risk of transplant rejection. In a subsequent step, of vessels in the shape of a lung that could transport as well as “trial and error”, to arrive at creative solutions. They are the team will teach the heart to pump in a coordinated blood or air. This work promptly made the front cover different from “conceptual innovators” in their mid-twenties whose fashion, which necessitates the development and print- of the May 2019 issue of “Science®” Magazine. creativity is generally fueled by their youthful and carefree outlook on life. The conclusions drawn from this study are based on a com- prehensive analysis of the 31 most respected Nobel Laureates from the field of economics.

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! The Last Laboratory of its Kind

In the shallow waters off the coast of Flor- The scientific knowledge gained from be- ida, the Aquarius Reef Base has been in low the surface, however, makes the effort To the Limit existence since 1986. After numerous un- worthwhile: “We are in the process of col- derwater habitats had been released into lecting samples of sea sand for the purpose the ocean during the second half of the last of taking inventory of the living organisms century, the Aquarius base is now the last contained therein. Aquarius is ideally suit- Only approximately four percent of the land mass on Earth is habitable remaining active research laboratory. “The ed to such missions.” The 37 square meters running maintenance and operating costs provide enough space for up to six people. for us humans. Scientists, however, frequently push forward into the are tremendous; for example, two years During the missions, most of which last for most extreme corners of the planet and even into space. Four projects ago, the life-sustaining buoy of the platform ten days, the scientists remain permanent- was damaged. Repairs were incredibly ly inside the base. “You literally live under- illustrate how it is possible to work in such places – and endure. complex”, explains marine biologist Heath- water”, says Bracken-Grissom, and she er Bracken-Grissom of Florida ­International asks: “What could be cooler?” University which operates the laboratory.

! Alone in Eternal Ice

For the past ten years, the stakes of Neu- their research, in addition to the weather, mayer Station III have been protruding loneliness poses a real danger. “Isolation, from the ice at Atka Bay. Here, on the edge plus the eight weeks of continuous dark- of Antarctica, darkness, temperatures as ness of the polar winter, paired with low as minus 47 degrees Celsius and gale- ­everyday monotony, place an enormous force winds determine everyday life for amount of stress on the psyche”, says Tim the nine researchers of the Alfred-Wege- Heitland. As station head, the medical ner-Institute (AWI) in Bremerhaven, Ger- doctor himself spent 14 months at Neu- many, who reside at Neumayer III. They mayer III. Heitland conducted a study on are dedicated, among other pursuits, to the impact of the exceptional psycholog- the study of atmospheric chemistry, geo- ical and physical stress of isolation, which physics and meteorology. While Antarc- is meant to provide important insights into tica may offer the perfect conditions for space medicine.

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! Lofty Heights

High above the clouds, in the Bernese Alps, contribution to the CO2 levels in the atmo- it is not only the view that is breathtaking sphere, the terrestrial biosphere and the – so is the research. Just recently, “Platform oceans – knowledge crucial to our survival. Chemistry” honored the high alpine re- However, the exposed location itself poses search station “Jungfraujoch®” with the an immediate risk to the researchers. The “Chemical Landmark 2019” award for its station is subject to extreme weather con- role as a pioneering and historic research ditions year-round. Leuenberger: “With a station. Exactly what is the subject of study mean annual temperature of minus 7.2 de- at an altitude of 3,450 meters above sea grees Celsius, snowfall is a possibility at any level? “The station is predestined for atmo- time during the year. Add to this the strong spheric studies”, explains station director gusts of wind well above 200 kilometers per ! Microbes in Space Professor Markus Leuenberger. Current hour and, of course, the low air pressure projects calculate the percentage of human that quickly leads to shortness of breath. Is there life on other planets? With this Despite all this, the influx of researchers is question in mind, modern scientists focus considerable. “We are talking about up to their efforts on our neighboring planet, 1,000 overnight stays per year”, says Leuen- Mars. While the Mars Rover Curiosity tours from space as ‘survivors’.” Dr. Jean-Pierre berger. Up here at the Jungfraujoch, re- the surface of Mars searching for signs of Paul de Vera of the DLR® Institute of Plan- searchers have found their perfect extreme. life, a team of researchers from the BIO- etary Research in Berlin-Adlershof is im- MEX project have embarked on a detour: pressed. “Among other organisms, we have this project studies microbes in space. In studied Archaea – single-celled organisms 2014, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) that have existed on Earth in salty ocean had seeded bacteria, algae, lichen and fun- waters for more than three and a half billion gi onto an external platform of the Inter­ years.” Such unicellular organisms could national Space Station (ISS). The conclu- therefore be feasible candidates whose sion after 533 days: “Some of the organisms existence on Mars might be possible. “This have displayed remarkable resistance to does not mean, however, that life really cosmic radiation and have actually returned does exist on Mars”, cautions de Vera. “But the search for life is now, more than ever, the strongest driving force for the next generation of space missions to Mars.”

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Unique Interview Dr. Greenberg, why is it worth looking at sand through one of your 3D microscopes? With his microscope, biologist Gary Gary Greenberg: Conventional microscopes can only provide 2D images with extremly limited depth of focus. Greenberg discovers the world anew Only a very thin slice of the specimen can be seen in each day. His favorite object: sand. focus at one time. 3D microscopes automatically take a sequential series of photographs of the specimen at different focus levels. A software then combines the individual photographs to generate an image that is entirely in focus and that can be viewed in 3D on the screen. ary Greenberg was cleaning out of the Space Agency, which first provided his office when he came across him with samples and later with a grant Are there advantages to other areas? Ga film cannister full of sand. His brother to photograph the lunar sand. While the Greenberg: Yes, for investigations of objects that are David had sent it to him from Maui to freez- latter consists of the same minerals as naturally thick and complex. They are particularly use- ing Philadelphia. This was where Gary was those found in the Earth’s crust, its ap- ful in areas such as neurobiology, developmental biol- busy making accessory devices that con- pearance is vastly different: it is darker ogy, cancer biopsies, plant biology, geology and live- verted 2D microscopes into 3D micro- and is reminiscent of shimmering metal, cell tissue culture. scopes. On the brink of tossing out the can, instead of appearing glossy and resem- he suddenly thought, „I wonder what this bling precious stones, like most terrestri- Why? looks like in the microscope?“ al sand. This difference is rooted in their Greenberg: Because of the shallow depth of focus What he beheld through the eyepiece creation: “The lunar surface is continual- of 2D microscopes, microscopists usually prepare 5-mi- amazed him. How could each individual ly bombarded by meteors and microme- cron sections of their samples to eliminate the problem grain be so unique, so colorful, so beautiful teorites“, explains Greenberg. “so there of out-of-focus blur. This is problematic because the – and so different from what we, at first are darker glassy mineral sand grains average cell is between 10 and 30 microns. Examining glance, perceive to be mere sand? As a produced by the heat and pressure of 5-micron sections leads to under-sampling errors, re- scientist, he was not satisfied with a single these collisions.“ sulting in misinterpretation of the data. “sample”, and he asked a friend to send him sand from the Virgin Islands. It turned Microscopic improvements out to be astonishingly different. Each grain Earth itself still holds plenty of secrets, and brought Greenberg closer to the realization more laws of nature are waiting to be dis- that even seemingly banal items may har- covered. Long before sand, Greenberg had bor exceptional secrets – secrets that are been searching for the precise way to vi- BOOK SUGGESTION hidden from view. “I was hooked”, recounts sualize things. In the eighties, during his ! Greenberg. “I asked all my friends to send time as assistant professor at the Univer- me sand and started photographing these sity of Southern California®, he researched „The Secrets of Sand“ little jewels.“ the formation of birth defects by studying A new face of the world tissue. He regretted the lack of depth of is presented in the book Sand from the Moon the two-dimensional images that were gen- by Gary Greenberg, Carol­ For Greenberg, the physically loose sed- erated by the microscopes available to him. Kiely and Kate Clover. iments with a grain size of between 0.063 He began experimenting with their illumi- The microscopic images and 2 millimetres are unique gems. They nation system by changing the angle at of sand from the Earth to are formed when rocks weather physical- which the light hit the sample. Depth of the Moon convey not ly or chemically and occur to varying de- field improved dramatically. With this dis- only undiscovered beau- grees on the entire earth's surface. At covery, Greenberg initiated the develop- ty, but they also reveal Greenberg, for example, sand from Japan ment of his own 3D microscopy, for which new fascinating facts to Belgium was now also on the micro- he holds 20 US-patents today. His compa- about our planet. scope slide. ny, Edge-3D, equips industry and research Each particle is unique What fascinates the scientist most, how- with instruments that are used in such Visible under a 3D The Secrets of Sand, 128 pages, Publisher: microscope: no two ever, is a specimen from even further diverse areas as neuroscience, geology and grains of sand are alike Voyager Press, aprox. 18,99 Euros, away: moon sand, collected by NASA® pathology. They continue to uncover se- ISBN-13: 978-0760349441 during its "Apollo" missions. Greenberg’s crets that are right under your nose. All book on sand had come to the attention you have to do is look closely.

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A Different Kind AND TOMORROW? !

The taste of Big Data Roughly 10,000 flavoring agents contrast, rather than harmony. “The straw- will salvage the dish. In addition, the amount, are known to occur in nature; an of Harmony berry adds something to the pairing that as well as the presentation and delivery, will overwhelming place to start for the fish lacks: fruity aromas and sugars”, decide whether a combination can be con- possible pairings – and a spring- explains the researcher. To him, comple- sidered a success. One famous example is board for the tech industry. mentation is the key to a cuisine that con- the squeeze of lemon with fish. A pool of Bright minds combine the princi- tinues to amaze, as described in his book lemon juice will skew the proportions. ple of food pairing with the sys- Mussels and melons, coffee and carrots, blue cheese and “Foodpairing: Harmonie und Kontrast“. On Even though Blumenthal’s and Benzi’s tematization of large amounts of this note, he has something to add to the concept may be controversial, it has been data. The most important ingre- chocolate: those whose cooking adheres to the principle of above mentioned summer salad: “It is en- firmly established in the culinary world. dient: artificial intelligence. tirely devoid of contrast. Three spoonfuls Even the system-based restaurant chain The Belgian firm Foodpairing “food pairing” combine foods that share common aromas. in you will know exactly what to expect Vapiano began advertising food pairing NV has created one of the larg- What is the secret behind a dazzling flavor? from the fourth.” Thus, food pairing does specials at the beginning of the year. est food databases sorted by not automatically equal interesting. Thomas Vilgis welcomes more openness aroma. Their algorithm creates in the kitchen. Right now, he himself ex- ingredient pairings, even com- Nuance is key periments with Harzer cheese and fruit. plete recipes, for the gastro­ Vilgis advises concentrating first on flavor Ever the brave palate! nomy sector as well as for indus- – on the six qualities that our tongues will try. In collaboration with the Wasn’t he detecting an ever so slight whiff recognize: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami magazine Bon Appétit, IBM® of liver? The discovery was on his mind and fatty. If combinations are not balanced, and its artificial intelligence Wat- until, finally, he decided to incorporate jas- no chemically organized pairing of aromas son have created an app. The su- mine flowers in one of his liver pâtés – and percomputer analyzed 9,000 hit the culinary jackpot. The perfumer and recipes from the Bon Appétit in- food technologist was working for an aro- ventory in order to detect pat- magine a summer salad: “cucumber, ma and fragrance manufacturer, a position terns and recommend combina- olive oil, flaxseed, salmon …” This is that equipped him with the necessary tools tions. Will chefs be replaced by howI Professor Thomas Vilgis sends us on to study the unique pairing. Eventually, computers in the near future? “It our imaginary journey of flavors. “All these through his employer, he received a request ­depends on their eventual ability ingredients feature green, grassy, cucum- from the UK concerning caviar and choc- to learn”, says Thomas Vilgis. In ber-like aromas that make a wonderfully olate. This is how Blumenthal and Benzi the meantime, the best is still harmonious salad.” This imaginary meal met, and together, they continued to ana- Delicious combinations ­reserved for us humans: eating. embodies the central idea of food pairing. lyze different ingredients and combinations Dark chocolate, squid, pears and dried The hypothesis behind the culinary con- until they were certain that their novel hy- chamomile blossoms cept: ingredients go particularly well to- pothesis was correct. The principle of food gether if their predominant aromas are pairing was born. similar. The physicist at the Max Planck Institute® for Polymer Research in Mainz, Harmony versus contrast Germany, has extensively studied this The concept is based on the balance be- trend, which dates back to 1992. tween individual aromas. In this respect, British star chef Heston Blumenthal, foods are more compatible than meets the owner of the restaurant “The Fat Duck”, eye. A random example: strawberries and experimented to find out how to best com- pollock. Both contain fatty acids that form bine foods. The object of his studies: cav- during ripening or growth, respectively, in iar. He followed his intuition and sampled the cell membranes of the strawberry and it together with white chocolate – quite the in the muscle tissue of the pollock. “These contrast. However, the taste experience fatty components then give rise to identical tells a different story. The salty caviar is flavors”, explains physicist Thomas Vilgis. complemented superbly by the fatty sweet- “Since each food contains a certain pro- ness of the chocolate. The reason why cer- portion of fats, there will always be an tain foods are a perfect match still remained overlap between some of the molecules.” elusive. Is there a pattern, a system? Does this mean that anything goes? At approximately the same time, François According to Vilgis, there are definitely Benzi was intrigued by the scent of jasmine. differences; they are, however, rooted in

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f a child looks at a drawing of a fire Professor of Informatics at Columbia Uni- truck just once, she will immediately versity in New York and an advocate of Irecognize a real fire truck on the street. “computational thinking”. “It is a univer- Moving from the drawing, through lan- Step by step towards a solution sally employable attitude and ability that guage, to the real object, and back to lan- It is most likely the combination of com- everyone should learn and use, not only Thinking in guage, requires enormous transformation- puters and human intelligence that can computer scientists”, she started early on al power. In order to match a performance contribute to the goal-oriented solution in her article in the journal “Communica- of such magnitude, computers must be to problems. For this purpose, “computa- tions of the ACM”. fed vast amounts of information. tional thinking” – often described as “in- At the same time, Jeanette Wing dispers- Once equipped with that information, formatics thinking”, is the crucial tool. “It es a commonly held misconception: “com- they are capable of accomplishing remark- means that information is collected, sort- putational thinking” does not mean that able feats: for the very first time, a comput- ed, ordered and compared, that patterns humans should think like computers. In Algorithms er software program has been victorious are generated, simplified and converted fact, she assesses their abilities critically. more times than any one of the human into algorithms”, explains Wolfgang In her address on the occasion of the open- players during poker games with more than Müller, Scientific Director and Head of the ing of the Heidelberg Institute for Theo- one opponent. All in! HITS group Scientific Databases and Vi- retical Studies (HITS), Wing said: “Com- sualization at the Heidelberg Institute for puters are expressionless and boring; Theoretical Studies (HITS). It is an ap- humans are intelligent and innovative.” Computers can only do what we teach them – proach that computer scientists use to but what can we learn from them? Efficient develop a problem and subsequently con- problem solving is one example. However, “ vert into a computer program which, step Computational think- by step, leads to the solution. This way of computational thinking” is a learned skill. thinking always follows the same pattern, ing does not mean that and it can even be helpful in the resolution INFOBOX of everyday problems. ! humans should think Finding one’s own algorithm Computational thinking like computers.” Müller uses the following example to clar- in five steps Jeanette Wing ify: at a party, bottles are arranged on a table in multiple rows. The front row, close 1. Decomposition : a complex to the table’s edge, is at risk of falling. task is broken down into What to do? The host has the option of individual­ components. In order to allow “Pluribus” to rise to this moving every individual bottle back a bit. level of superiority, scientists at Carnegie It would take less effort, however, to sim- 2. Pattern recognition: the Mellon University® in Pittsburgh, USA, fed ply move all the bottles from the front row ­individual components are it millions of poker moves. With the variant directly to the back. The other bottles compared and searched for “No Limit Texas Hold’em”, the program could thus remain in place. possible relationships and eventually succeeded – a breakthrough The effort per bottle – gripping it, mov- emerging patterns. that is considered a milestone in the de- ing it and setting it down – is the same for velopment of artificial intelligence (AI). As both options, whereas the second solution 3. Abstraction: the detected such, “Pluribus” learned from humans, requires considerably less total effort. patterns are examined for through algorithms, how to solve certain Expressed in mathematical terms: the host general validity. problems. Can it work both ways? Are has developed an algorithm – an efficient humans, like computers, capable of learn- way of solving a problem in multiple steps, 4. Generalization: the task ing a more efficient way of thinking and using concrete instructions. For this rea- is completed in individual benefiting from it? son, “algorithmic thinking” has been used steps – algorithms. as an alternative term to “computational thinking”. 5. Evaluation: the results are It is, however, uncertain whether the reviewed with respect to host will immediately arrive at the solution scope and time expenditure. For more efficiency of grouping the front row bottles and mov- Problem-solving with ing them to the back. Computational think- no unnecessary detours – this is what ing must be learned – ideally in elemen- humans can learn tary school, suggests Jeanette Wing, from computers

14 15 DOSSIER DOSSIER Our Fascination with the Unknown

Curiosity helps children understand the world. Later in life, it is essential for successful learning. In the fields of science and economics, it drives innovation.

lbert Einstein explained the se- cret of his success thus: “I have Ano special talent. I am just passionately curious.” The very trait that the Physics Nobel Laureate praised as “the wellspring of all technological achievements” had been proclaimed a sin for centuries prior. The Roman philosopher Augustine count- ed curiosity among the major vices; in the biblical story of Genesis, Eve’s curiosity surrounding the forbidden fruit led to hu- mans being banished from paradise.

A peek through the keyhole No question – curiosity carries risks. How quickly one discovers the forbidden when peering through the keyhole in secret! Chil- dren don’t mind – their curiosity is inherent. They are magically attracted to new places, people and things. “Babies learn more during their first three months of life than students do in four years”, writes Alison Gopnik, Professor of Psychology at the University of California Berkeley in her re- nowned work “The Scientist in the Crib“. The things that two year-old children are already capable of sensing, perceiving

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tinct possibility. This constitutes a classic dilemma for science, as limitations. The temptation of the research almost always walks a forbidden seems simply overpow- tightrope between insatiable cu- all, the curiosity of its team mem- ering. It appears that the legend riosity and the ethical boundaries bers determines a company’s of the beautiful Pandora, who of society. ability to innovate. Among the opened the mysterious box be- most valued characteristics that longing to the father of the gods, Curiosity on Mars firms look for in their employees, Zeus, instead of keeping it secure- Despite all disagreement and con- curiosity ranks fifth – according ly closed and passing it down to tradiction, curiosity is now consid- and anticipating show the surpris- to the employer-branding special- the humans – thus unleashing ered to be the driving force behind ing precision that the marvel of ists Universum, based in Stock- unprecedented calamity upon the human development. There is a biology, our brain, utilizes to con- curiosity researcher Sophie von holm. For this reason, psycholo- world – has been all but forgotten. reason that the suggestion, brought quer the world. Parents whose Stumm of the University of York. gist von Stumm advises recruiters In their study entitled “The Pan- forth by a student, to name NASA®’s child has just asked for the hun- to pay special attention to a can- dora effect – The Power and Per- Mars Rover “Curiosity” was re- dredth time: “Why?” may take A sense of achievement didate’s curiosity. il of Curiosity”, the American ceived with such overwhelming solace in the fact that only those The neuropsychologist Michael They are not that easy to find. scientists Christopher K. Hsee enthusiasm. In a PR-video for the who ask are going to learn. Gruber, too, confirms that curiosity While every person is born with and Bowen Ruan demonstrated Mars mission, American cosmolo- Whereas childlike curiosity ta- assists in the learning process. He a certain degree of curiosity, this that humans are willing to re- gist Neil deGrasse Tyson says with pers off over time, many facts presented his test subjects at the trait is not at all evenly distributed. search new things, even if they justifiable pathos: “We didn‘t just speak in favor of continuing to University of California® Davis with How come? Twin studies provide can expect negative consequenc- send a robot to Mars. We sent the encourage the thirst for knowledge test questions. While they were some clues: evidently, genes are es. To give an example, test sub- most essential, the most valuable, in adolescents. Curiosity, after all, searching for answers, a functional responsible for roughly 60 to 70 jects voluntarily subjected them- the most human piece of ourselves: endows a person with many ad- magnetic resonance tomograph Inquiring, researching percent of a person’s curiosity. selves to electric shocks in order We sent our curiosity!” vantages in our knowledge-based recorded their brain activities. The and discovering will to satisfy their curiosity. “This society. A meta-analysis by psy- result: the more intent and curious Making room for new ideas research reveals the potential per- chologists from the UK and Swit- the participants were with respect become a part of the With all this in mind, the question verse side of curiosity, and is par- zerland demonstrates that curios- to a certain answer, the better they remains: how is curiosity best ticularly relevant to the current ity, as well as conscientiousness, remembered it later. “Satisfied cu- company culture.” awakened in a person? The Amer- epoch, the epoch of information, are just as important for the suc- riosity provides the brain with a ican psychologist Daniel E. Berlyne and to the scientific community, cess of students as intelligence. As sense of achievement”, concludes Carl Naughton defined four aspects that inspire a community with high curiosity“, GOOD TO KNOW such, even with a lower IQ, young Gruber. At the end of the day, curi- fascination with the unknown: nov- emphasize the authors. ! people who described themselves osity makes us smarter: in a state elty, complexity, surprise and con- Indeed, many scientific ques- as being curious achieved good of curiosity, the test subjects’ brains flict. In his study entitled “Curios- tions that stir curiosity and which Vice or virtue? marks that were comparable to were also better at retaining infor- ity Management – Fuel for promise groundbreaking, for- Curiosity killed the cat – such reads those of their higher-ranked fellow mation that was only casually ob- Innovation” Carl Naughton de- ward-thinking knowledge are an old English proverb from the students. “Teachers have a great tained. scribes how curiosity may be en- highly controversial. The results 16th century. And those who are opportunity to inspire curiosity in couraged in one’s fellow humans. are often unpredictable, and there not careful might just explode with their students, to make them en- Recruiters pay special atten- His tips: asking inspiring ques- is a likelihood that experiments curiosity. That being said, the thirst gaged and independent learners. tion to curiosity tions, making room for the devel- may run out of control. Progress for knowledge was not always con- That is very important”, concludes Even one’s career is bound to ben- opment of ideas and allowing for in the field of brain research, for sidered a vice. Plato considered efit from a cosmopolitan outlook the possibility of mistakes. “Inquir- example, evokes the hope for a “amazement” to be the beginning and a thirst for knowledge. After ing, researching and discovering cure for a number of hereditary of all philosophy. According to his will become a part of the company diseases. With the help of the so- pupil, Aristotle, curiosity is innate. culture”, says Naughton. called gene scissors (CRISPR- “All humans, by their very nature, Cas9), for example, perfect de- strive for knowledge”, he wrote. Pandora’s Box signer babies have become a dis- The world changer Galileo Galilei In order to discover new things, was convinced: “Curiosity lies at humans regularly surpass their the root of all problems that have a desire to be solved.” Today, curiosi- ty is synonymous with the ability to innovate as well as creativity.

18 19 DOSSIER Sophie von Stumm Professor of Psychology in the Department of Education at the University of York

“Thirst for knowledge” A Peek Curious about curiosity – this is how best to de- scribe Psychology Professor Sophie von Stumm at the University of York. Her research concen- trates on the question why, and in which way, people differ from one another. “I am particular- ly interested in differences in the ability to learn, which are crucial for success at school as well as for professional development”, says the psychol- Behind ogist. The ability to learn is strongly shaped by personality traits such as curiosity. “I have shown in my studies that curiosity is one of the most important indicators of success when it comes to learning”, says von Stumm.

Curiosity times three The researcher differentiates between three types the Scenes of curiosity: the hunger for knowledge (epistem- ic curiosity), as cultivated by scientists and book- worms; the hunger for experience, meaning a craving for adventure and the desire to experi- ment with the unknown; and the hunger for un- derstanding other people (social curiosity). “As a psychologist, it is the epistemic and social cu- riosities that lure me into the office. Personally, the hunger for adventure drives me into the the- ater, into a Nepalese restaurant and even to the occasional surf course.” According to von Stumm, curiosity plays a sig- nificant role in science: “Curiosity drives scien- tists to conduct research and to get to the bottom of questions.” At the same time, scientists must be tolerant of the unknown. “Oftentimes, our questions cannot be answered to our full satis- faction, or we must accept contradictory results”, says the psychologist.

The thirst for knowledge is a good thing “Today, knowledge is valued more highly than in earlier times”, says von Stumm. Whereas 100 years ago, fewer than ten percent of students They are enthralled by the unknown and by the applied to university, almost every other student does so today. As a result, personality traits that as-of-yet impossible: for scientists, curiosity and are conducive to learning have also experienced a boost in significance. Von Stumm is convinced: creativity are the driving forces that allow them “In today’s information age, you can’t be thirsty to think one step ahead and get to the bottom of enough for knowledge.” unanswered questions. Three scientists share how curiosity inspires their everyday research. One can learn anything – even the curiosity to learn.” Sophie von Stumm

20 21 DOSSIER DOSSIER

Carsten Robens Physicist at the Center for Ultracold Atoms at the A researcher dives deep Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge/Massachusetts Even as a child, the passionate diver and wind Scientific curiosity should be surfer Soeren Ahmerkamp wanted to know what supported – at every level. This is lies beneath the surface of the ocean – and made his passion for the ocean his profession. At the the only way in which the problems Max Planck Institute® for Marine Microbiology “Actually, why not?” in Bremen, Germany, he studies ripple marks – of the Anthropocene can be solved sandy elements on the ocean floor. “To me, sci- “Will we be able to do this too?” This question entific curiosity means observing nature closely in the long term.” motivates quantum researcher Carsten Robens and then seeking to understand the underlying Soeren Ahmerkamp of the Center for Ultracold Atoms at MIT in Cam- processes”, says the environmental scientist. bridge, USA, at work on a daily basis. In the lab- In Ahmerkamp’s opinion, curiosity is the life- oratory, the physicist researches ultracold atoms blood of a scientist which helps him get through that he and his colleagues cool to the lowest the occasional dry spell. “If you dedicate your temperatures known in the universe using laser life to science, you have to accept and live with beams. “Using such ultracold matter makes it a number of limitations: short-term contracts and possible to visualize and study in detail those constant uncertainty about the future”, says quantum mechanical effects that would not or- Ahmerkamp. That being said, he never once dinarily be accessible to us”, explains Robens. doubted his career choice. “It is such a privilege The dipolar molecules are possible future candi- to be able to follow one’s curiosity by conducting dates which may be considered for the hardware scientific research.” of a quantum computer.

Observing, questioning, researching Just like competitive sports Early on, the water sportsman noticed the patterns “Discovering and observing something that had on the ocean floor and on sand banks – ripples of hitherto been unknown to mankind is an unpar- a corrugated pattern that are formed by sediment alleled experience; particularly if a number of transport. From the observations arose questions: challenges had to be overcome that had until then how do these ripples come to be, and what is their been considered insurmountable”, elaborates the significance? This is how the sandy elements be- physicist. Robens draws a comparison with com- came one of the main foci of Ahmerkamp’s re- petitive sports: one is always trying to incremen- search. “Isn’t it fascinating that more than 50,000 tally best one’s own performance. bacteria, which one way or another have adapted How do high temperature supraconductors to very dynamic environmental conditions, live on actually work? Can we build a machine that shows a single grain of sand?” that quantum mechanics can compute faster than The time that the research diver spends on and a computer that follows the rules of classic New- under the surface of the ocean continues to spark tonian physics? “In order to answer such ques- his scientific curiosity. As a basic scientist, it is tions, we have to bring together a vast number important to him to be able to understand and of tiny puzzle pieces – which often requires new explain connections. Ahmerkamp considers the technologies”, explains the physicist. For Robens, support of basic science, independent of current curiosity and creativity are the driving forces “hot topics”, to be of extraordinary importance. behind the essential scientific question: “Actu- “It is the only way in which the problems of the ally – why not?” Anthropocene can be solved in the long term.” Last but not least: a question of ethics Are there boundaries? “Oftentimes, it turns out that game-changing discoveries are abused for the purpose of harming other people”, cautions Robens. While scientists should not suppress Discovering and observing something their research out of fear of negative conse- quences, they should always keep the question that had hitherto been unknown to in mind whether the research, in the end, will serve humanity. “This is why it is crucial mankind is an unparalleled experience; that everyone has access to our science”, particularly if a number of challenges Soeren Ahmerkamp demands the researcher. Environmental scientist at the Max Planck had to be overcome that had until then Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen been considered insurmountable.” Carsten Robens

22 23 DOSSIER INSIDE EPPENDORF

Failing with Grace The Irish writer Samuel Beckett (1906 – 1989) INSIDE wrote a declaration of love to failure: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” This quote can be found in count- less startups, on motivational postcards and on social media, and it makes a point: only detours, Eppendorf dead ands and failed attempts have led people all over the world to groundbreaking discover- ies. Those who, in everyday life, allow them- Playing Journalist selves to be wrong from time to time are more Even though it may sound contrived at first, de- Pure Eppendorf: on the following eight pages, we will focus courageous and more creative. Experiments clare yourself to be the researcher of a new top- are an experience – the only way to learn, ic that is completely foreign to you. While the on innovations, product news and other interesting laboratory and enjoy, new things. actual topic that you choose is not the deciding topics – including a contest. factor, it is important that you continually im- merse yourself over a period of a few days. How best to prepare the pasta classic Carbonara, or who is really behind the faces on your coins and banknotes? Alternatively, you could read the sec- tion of the newspaper that you normally put aside. Cover to cover. What catches your eye? Are there any topics about which you would like to learn more? Which detail surprises you?

Changing the Habits On your way home, take a different route. You will be surprised at all the Awake Your novel sights to see during one small detour. When we move through our en- vironment with an open mind, life is more interesting. Become an everyday Curiosity! explorer and focus on the details of your familiar environment – whether you are at the gym, on the subway or at the gro- Children know no censorship and no cery store. Simply turn your head, look up from your phone, and take it all in. taboos. These four tips can help you YOUR WISH IS activate your inborn urge to explore. OUR COMMAND Closing a gap: new conical tubes by Eppendorf for volumes up to 25 milliliters

SIMPLIFYING Asking Questions There are no stupid questions. It LABORATORY WORK is often surprising how different Unlabeled samples are not an the answer to a seemingly simple option. How to stay on top question may turn out once you actually dare ask it. Partners with simple measures or colleagues rarely feel im- posed upon – most will wel- come the interest.

24 25 INSIDE EPPENDORF INSIDE EPPENDORF The Next Level

How Eppendorf once again meets the needs of the user in the laboratory by introducing a new tube format and thereby changes the world of the classic “Conical Tubes”.

Lower height - improved safety - better sample availability The insertion depth of the any customers have asked us whether pipette into the tube is about Eppendorf has a solution for storage, 20 % shorter compared to Mcentrifugation and preparation of sample volumes 15 mL or 50 mL conical tubes between 15 and 25 milliliters. This volume range indeed presents a gap in the lineup of conical tubes. Classic conical tubes come in the 15 and 50 milliliter formats, and they are among the most commonly used plastic consumables in laboratories worldwide. Users must decide whether to continue processing a sample between 15 and 25 milliliters in volume a wide range of options, just like the screw cap lid, quality; no biocides, plasticizers or latex, nor lubri- using several 15 milliliter tubes or whether to choose a reliable seal at temperatures ranging between cants, are used during the manufacturing process. a 50 milliliter tube, which is clearly too large for the -86 and 100 degrees Celsius. Both variants of the Both variants are available in the purity grades volume at hand. Eppendorf Conical Tubes 25 mL can be safely cen- Eppendorf Quality, PCR clean and Sterile/pyrogen-free*/ trifuged at up to 17,000 g* and – another true inno- DNase-/RNase-/human and bacterial DNA-free*. We have listened to our customers vation – the Conical Tube 25 mL by Eppendorf with * The suffix/wording "-free" in the context of purity grades means that We were happy to take on the challenge of develop- SnapTec™ cap can even be autoclaved for 20 minutes the test showed conformity within the detection limits. ing a suitable tube format, and we were successful at 121 degrees Celsius. – not least due to our long-standing experience of The wide opening of the considerably shorter tube almost 60 years in the development of laboratory permits working with small-volume pipetting sys- MANY EXTRAS vessels. The result: two variants of conical tubes for tems. The sample at the bottom of the tube is always ! volumes of up to 25 milliliters. within reach, without running the risk of the pipette Throughout this process, it was not only import- cone touching the inner wall of the tube – a frequent Ample accessories ant to bring another tube of a different volume to source of contamination. Along with the new Conical Tubes 25 mL market – we intended to optimize tube handling and, come a few extras: to compensate for the most of all, provide our customers with the option Single-handed operation for swift height difference, the 50 milliliter centrifuge of integrating this new tube format seamlessly into and efficient work rotor can be easily equipped with adapters the environment of existing laboratory instruments. The SnapTec™ cap of the Eppendorf Conical Tube that accommodate the 25 milliliter SnapTec™ 25 mL can be opened and closed with one hand, cap tube, or the 25 milliliter screw cap tube, We care about the detail similar to the well-known Eppendorf Safe-Lock respectively, and which are easily inserted Both new 25 milliliter tubes have the same diameter Tubes. In this way, protocols which require frequent into the trough of the rotor. Adapters are also as a 50 milliliter conical tube, while being 20 percent opening and closing of the tube can be processed available for the 50 milliliter Eppendorf shorter. One tube features the characteristic Eppen- more efficiently. Since the lid is connected to the SmartBlock™, Eppendorf ThermoMixer® C dorf screw cap with flattened and grooved sides tube – which means that it does not have to be put and the Eppendorf ThermoStat™ C. The which prevent the lid from rolling off the laboratory down, as is the case for screw cap lids – the con- MixMate® Tube Holder is suitable for both bench. The second variant represents a true inno- tamination risk is also largely avoided. tube variants. For weighing a single 25 milli­ Two lid options vation that offers the clear advantage of single-hand- Like all Eppendorf Tubes®, tips and plates, the liter tube, a single tube stand is available, and Innovative SnapTec™ cap and ed secure opening and closing. This SnapTec™ cap, new Eppendorf Conical Tubes 25 mL are manufac- space-saving boxes made from polypropylene screw cap with flattened and newly developed and patented by Eppendorf, offers tured from pure polypropylene (PP) of the highest allow storage of more samples within the grooved sides same storage volume.

26 27 INSIDE EPPENDORF INSIDE EPPENDORF

ver many years you have col- lected hundreds, or even thou- Osands of samples – samples that are the result of years of hard work, samples of high value. Sample storage at –80 °C should be safe and reliable, but also allow samples to be easily identified by the label. “Stored samples must be labeled” – in principle, every lab member confirms this. In reality, you always find some (or even more) vessels in your ULT freezer without any labeling or with labeling based on hi- eroglyphs. No one can read what is in the vessel, when it was created and to whom it originally belonged. In many labs, there is a second rule: non-readable vessels are discarded as soon as they are found. Safe and reliable identification Barcodes on sample vessels supported by printed plain information How to improve? If you prefer handwriting, a simple piece No fun to identify of transparent tape improves the stability Handwritten, partly wiped and, ultimately, the readability of the writ- away vessels ing. Based on the ergonomic aspects of Today, many different barcodes are in use: easy reading, the contrast between letters • A classic “1D barcode” codes data by and label background should be maxi- varying the width of the parallel lines as mized. well as their spacing. 1D barcodes are Printed letters are easier to read com- based on different types (i.e. languages), pared to handwritten letters, independent e.g. type 128. Knowing of the author. Special adhesive labels • Two-dimensional codes (2D) are based based on water-resistant paper and wa- on specific geometric patterns. The ter-resistant printing are the next step. codes can handle far more information Labels should be attached to the side of on the same area compared to 1D bar- the tube; the lid surface is challenging due codes. These 2D codes have different DID YOU KNOW? to the small area. languages as well. ! What’s Whether they are hand-­labeled, When combining both aspects, a white • QR codes are commonly known from equipped with a barcode or labeled label with black printed letters on a vessel printed internet addresses which can be Sharing information and is recommended to make reading and sam- scanned by mobile devices to open the knowledge using a datamatrix-code: laboratory ple identification as easy as possible for related webpage. QR codes are easily Countless working hours of en- everyone. recognized by their three square spots gineers, chemists, molecular bi- samples must carry an ID. in the corners. Some people also use ologists, biotechnology experts, Inside Multiple barcodes in use them to code samples in the lab. and other colleagues flow into The best choice for safe sample identifi- • 2D datamatrix codes are based on a find- the development of Eppendorf cation is to use barcodes. A barcode is an er pattern that consists of two constant products – thus creating a large optical representation of data, which is (mainly black) lines at the left and at the pool of invaluable knowledge MASTHEAD machine-readable. This means it is read- bottom and an empty quiet zone sur- and experience in the fields of Published by: Eppendorf AG, Barkhausenweg 1, 22339 Hamburg, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] Editorial team: Julie Brahms, Florian Defren, Andreas Hochberger, able by a scanner – for example a hand- rounding this finder pattern. This area Liquid Handling, Cell Handling, Berrit Hoff, Ann-Katrin Kardinahl, Tanja Musiol, Svenja Sterneberg, Frank Thormählen, Thomas UschkureitProofreading: Editorial team Publisher: TEMPUS CORPORATE GmbH, held barcode-scanner such as the one we should be free of any black-white con- and Sample Handling. We are Helmut-Schmidt-Haus, Buceriusstraße, ­Eingang Speersort 1, 20095 Hamburg, Germany Management: Jan Hawerkamp Project lead: Jasmin Kistner Chief Editor: Natasa Ivakov- ic Authors: Ursula Barth-Modreker, Maren Beck, Andrea Hessler, Carola Hoffmeister, Susan Junghans-Knoll, Thomas Mertens, Luca Pot d’Or, Antonia WolframArt Director: encounter in the supermarket. The label trast. happy to share this expertise at Karin Mantel Layout: Lisa Natrup Photo editor: Katrin Dugaro Carrena Printed by: Dräger & Wullenwever print + media Lübeck GmbH & Co. KG Image references: Coverphoto may be limited to the pure barcode or www.eppendorf.com/han- Getty Images; p. 2-3 Eppendorf AG, iStock, Alfred-Wegener-Institut/Stefan Christmann, Christian Hofer; p. 4-5 Ilia Yefimovich/dpa, iStock, p. 6 Alfred-Wegener-Institut/Stefan barcode plus plain writing for human A simple lesson: proper labeling of sample dling-solutions. One of the latest Christmann; p.7 Getty Images; p. 8 Getty Images; p. 9 Jungfrau.ch; p.10-11 sandgrains.com; p. 12-13 iStock, Ivan Raga Foto; p. 14-15 Stocksy; p. 16-19 Getty Images; p. 20-23 Julian Rentzsch; p. 24 Getty Images, iStock; p. 25-28 Eppendorf AG; p. 29 Shutterstock; p. 30-32 iStock, Eppendorf AG, www.scienceslam.de; p. 33-35 Christian Hofer; p. 36-37 Erich readability. The barcode can be printed vessels, combined with organized sample additions includes contributions Schopf; p. 38-39 Improbable Research; p. 40 NRW Bank; p. 42-43 The Crop Trust; p. 44-47 iStock, Getty Images ; p. 48-49 iStock; p. 50-51 Eppendorf AG Trademark references: on adhesive labels or directly printed/ management software for reliable sample about sample storage at –80 °C. All external trademarks and brands can be found on our website web.eppendorf.com/off-the-bench/assets/trademarks.pdf. Eppendorf®, the Eppendorf Brand Design, VisoNize®, CryoCube®, epPoints®, CellXpert®, CCCadvanced® FN1 motifs, epT.I.P.S.®, PhysioCare Concept®, Eppendorf Thermomixer®, MixMate®, Eppendorf Tubes® and QuickLock® are lasered on vessels. management, is crucial for safe results. registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG, Germany. New BrunswickTM,Eppendorf SmartBlockTM, Eppendorf ThermoStatTM and SnapTecTM is a trademark of Eppendorf AG, Germany.

28 29 INSIDE EPPENDORF INSIDE EPPENDORF 3 Lab Lifestyle Pictures That Speak 1 The glossy images created by photographer Nick Mann in the third volume of “Reactions” offer insight into the deep chemistry of structural forms and atom- ic models, which author Theodore Gray explains in a comprehsenible fashion. 1 2 “Reactions”, 244 pages, approx. 20 euros, Black Dog & Leventhal Favorite Science Slam Science, Panic, Slam The “Übel & Gefährlich”, a popular club in Ham- 3 burg –mostly known for its concerts and parties My heart is hammering in my calms as I continue speaking. – is also a regular “Science Slam” venue. The idea chest, my mouth feels dry. My I make my first joke, people is inspired by the popular “Poetry Slams”: Each brain keeps repeating Eminem grin and laugh, I start to relax. “science slammer” has ten minutes to explain his lyrics: “His palms are sweaty, Half of my talk is already done, or her current research topic as illustratively and knees weak, arms are heavy, I feel more comfortable on entertainingly as possible. Afterwards, the audi- There’s vomit on his sweater stage now and almost forget ence debates and decides, and finally selects the already, mom’s spaghetti.” Well that there are hundreds of peo- winner for the evening. good thing there was no spa- ple looking at me who have Science slams are very popular around the ghetti on my menu today. Those paid money for this. world. Which one do you like the most? Share lyrics have never been more “… and now you know why your thoughts with other science slam enthusi- relatable to me. I try to breathe blood vessels are bad for the asts from all over the world on Eppendorf’s Face- slowly as panic rises in me and cornea and next time you are book® page! I wonder if anyone would notice on a train maybe think of me!” if I just ran out. I get mad at my- I finish my science slam. Ap- www.facebook.com/eppendorf self for signing up to this. Why plause – I smile awkwardly, give 2 in the world did I decide I want a half-bow and quickly flee the to get up on a stage in a club to stage. I sit back down next to talk about my research? the other science slammers. ! “Next up: Dr. Ann-Charlott Still with shaking hands, I LOTTERY from the University of Co- smile, this time relieved. “Why logne”. I guess people would was I so nervous? This is an Win a Snuggle-Cell! notice if I ran now, so instead I excuse to talk about my re- get up, I walk towards the steps search, what can be better than Brain cells and red blood cells: they’re microscopic and full of that lead up to the small stage. this?” And already I am plan- secrets. For those who don’t wish to explore them, but want I smile nervously, I grab the ning to sign up for a science to cuddle with them right away, you can win one of these microphone and look out into slam again. And then I will be fluffy specimens. To do so, just visit the Eppendorf website the spotlight. I cannot see the right back where I started. https://bit.ly/2Yfrpow and answer the following question: faces hidden in the dark, but I know they are expecting me Ann-Charlott Salabarria, recent What is so special about the filter caps of the Eppendorf to be funny, to entertain them PhD graduate from Cologne Cell Culture Flasks with regard to protection against and to teach them something University (Germany), now im- ­mycoplasma? about my research. I open my munology postdoctoral scientist mouth “So my research is in San Diego (USA), lover of Send us an e-mail to [email protected] or register as about the cornea, more specif- books and the beach, passion- a subscriber and leave us a message with the correct answer. ically why blood vessels are ate about science and talking Please find the terms and conditions on our website. terrible for the cornea”, I say about science and Faith. way too fast into the micro- www.eppendorf.com/otb phone. But my breathing https://bit.ly/2GIcFnA

30 31 INSIDE EPPENDORF BRIGHT MINDS

Increase and Expand

New rotor FA-6x250 extends application range of large benchtop Centrifuges 5910 R and 5920 R. This includes har- vesting of bacteria, algae and yeast, as News well as mammalian cells in vessels up to Tireless 250 mL. Its qualities:

• High speed: 15,054 × g (10,100 rpm) • Simple and fast handling: Eppendorf QuickLock® lid in Brief • Stress-free work: low weight of only 5,450 kg

What are the talking points at A broad selection of 12 different adapters minimizes the need for cumbersome ro- Eppendorf? Innovation news tor exchanges during the workflow. This from the company for the lab simplifies handling and saves time. www.eppendorf.com/next-benchmark world – at a glance.

You and Your Lab

Nothing has moving forward with fast- pace so much then digitalization. We ex- perience digitalization in everyday life and are impressed by its benefits. The conve- nience and efficiency of interoperability is also within reach for our customers. VisioNize® is moving now into your lab- oratory. Using our smart digital companion VisioNize, you can confidently guide your lab toward a smarter future. It offers you the possibility to remotely monitor your freezer and gives you the op- portunity to set customizable notifications to meet your and your lab’s needs. Leverage the built-in capabilities of your Eppendorf lab instruments by subscribing for our Vi- sioNize services for free. www.eppendorf.com/visionize

Sustainable Work

epT.I.P.S.® pipette tips are known for their outstanding quality. To be able to guarantee this quality at all times, in par- ticular for applications that require ster- ile work, Eppendorf has comprehensively renewed their process for producing sin- gle-use racks for use with sterile pipette tips and filter tips. The result is a modern rack design that, depending on its size, Vienna-based molecular biologist Georg Winter intends to eliminate reduces the amount of high-purity poly- cancer-causing proteins on the spot. To this end, he pursues a novel propylene required by up to 40 percent and also significantly improves handling. approach to “waste disposal” in the human body.

32 33 BRIGHT MINDS

and some of the disease-relevant Sciences. His subsequent move application, Georg Winter has proteins will slip through the to the renowned Harvard Univer- already been recognized and cracks of the self-cleaning pro- sity® happened by “planned coin- awarded a number of prizes – gram because they are not discov- cidence”, as Winter describes it. most recently the Eppendorf ered and they are therefore not By chance, he met his future men- Award for Young European Inves- identified as harmful. This is tor, head of a laboratory at the tigators 2019. where Dr. Georg Winter enters the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at stage of the cellular waste man- Harvard Medical School, at a con- The starting signal agement operation and engages ference in Boston. And – equally The basis of the active therapeu- in systematic clean-up. by chance – Georg Winter started tic agent is a substance that was his three-year postdoc in Boston at the root of the largest scandal Action on the spot not long after. He was at the right in the history of medicine: thalid- A discovery in the How? By blazing new trails as a place at exactly the right time. omide. The tranquilizer was pre- researcher. “The basic problem is With his research group, situ- scribed to pregnant women be- lab is like landing that by using conventional thera- Scientist at work ated at the intersection between tween 1957 and 1961 to treat peutics, we are able to block only Upper left picture: Dr. Winter is gene regulation, cancer develop- morning sickness – with tragic ­transferring one of the chemical on the Moon.” about twenty percent of all dis- degrader substances ment and chemical biology, he consequences: the babies were ease-relevant proteins”, explains Upper right picture: Cancer cells that developed a new type of thera- born with severe malformations. Georg Winter the molecular biologist who, for were engineered to test novel degraders peutic agent that breaks down A dangerous drug as a new hope at high-throughput the past two and a half years, has Lower picture: The scientist assesses cancer-relevant proteins. For his for modern cancer research? been spearheading a research the anti-cancer activity of novel drug pioneering work which, back in “Thalidomide is one of the sad- team of six at the Research Center substances by ­microscopy Austria at the CeMM, he is in the dest chapters in pharmaceutical for Molecular Medicine (CeMM) been able to explain!” He laughs, process of adapting to general research” regrets Georg Winter. of the Austrian Academy of Sci- and he adds: “This is incredibly “However, in the 1990s it was dis- ences (ÖAW) in Vienna. Accord- motivating.” covered that thalidomide deriva- ing to Winter, the problem is root- tives were capable of eliminating ed in the way that we look at The tireless scientist cancer cells.” The mechanism of medication: “Medication is de- Georg Winter is a doer, an energy action was not discovered until 20 fined as a chemical substance that person, a solution-nerd. When the years later: inside the cell, the n our bodies, waste disposal binds to a biochemical activity unknown calls, he does not hesi- substances bind to ubiquitin li- occurs strictly according to within a protein by docking direct- tate. “I like being hands-on – just gase which regulates protein deg- Iplan: the garbage is collected on ly into a ‘pocket’”. Many dis- trying things out and not spending radation. “That was the starting a regular basis; it is sorted, recy- ease-relevant proteins, however, too much time fretting in advance signal for our research!” cled or incinerated. What hap- do not possess such a pocket. The why it may not work”, says the Georg Winter has a vision: to pens, though, if waste collection Austrian therefore pursues a dif- 33-year-old who does not lose develop a drug that “makes a dif- goes on strike? The entire process ferent strategy. He wants to not sleep if an experiment fails. “I’ll ference in patients’ lives” – that will grind to a halt: mountains of only block the faulty proteins, but just try again – and again – until paves the way to good health. For waste will pile up outside our he wants to make short work of it works.” the scientist, this would be his own door; they will attract rats and them right then and there. To this Research electrifies the micro- personal jackpot. And those who mice – reminiscent of those con- end, he is attempting to repro- biologist, and he knows exactly know Georg Winter, his compe- ditions that in the late Middle gram the body’s own protein deg- how it works: “You need dialogue, tence, his team spirit, his ambition, Ages led to outbreaks of the radation machinery using novel not isolation.” The team player has his curiosity and his patience, will plague. agents. his best ideas during discussions have no doubt that he will win. Just like a metropolis, every The main actors on Winter’s with his students and colleagues. single cell in the human body pos- disposal team are enzymes called “I love collaborating, brainstorm- sesses a perfectly orchestrated ubiquitin ligases. “We have devel- ing and developing new concepts THERE’S MORE: system for waste removal. It trans- oped molecules which ensure that together with others.” To Winter, ports defective proteins that come disease-causing proteins dock thinking outside the box is not a „nature“ – podcast off the conveyor belts of the cel- directly onto those ligases. In this voluntary exercise; it is a duty: with Georg Winter! lular protein factories to the cell’s way, they are labeled and elimi- “Research needs lateral thinkers proteasome, where they are nated within minutes.” Bingo! and boundary pushers.” https://go.nature.com/2lGpln5 shredded. Georg Winter has achieved his Following his bachelor studies This process is of crucial impor- goal – this discovery has afforded of molecular biotechnology at the Visit the tance to the organism, as these him his own personal moon land- FH Campus Vienna, he earned his website faulty proteins contribute to the ing. “This is the exact feeling I doctorate from the CeMM Re- development of cancer. However: have when I discover something search Center for Molecular Med- each system has its weaknesses, that nobody else in the world has icine of the Austrian Academy of https://cemm.at/research/groups/

34 35 BRIGHT MINDS BRIGHT MINDS

“The bacterium from which this stunning starfish grew after three Bacteria Paint Pictures weeks at 24 degrees Celsius had led an insignificant existence until I caught it in the Herfatz tunnel in the Allgäu”, says Schopf For the past 20 years, Erich Schopf has collected single-celled organisms that are invisible to the naked eye. The inventor of “Bacteriography” ensures their transformation into visible art.

icrobes play an important role in our bodies – of the room. His testing method for color: 100 degrees Celsius and Erich Schopf has discovered their hidden in the oven, for two weeks. Every bacterial pigment that with- Mtalent. Bacteria and fungi are their most common represen- stood the heat has entered his collection, which is stored at “The portrait of the famous tatives – and they can paint. It may sound distasteful to some, minus 80 degrees Celsius. bacteriologist Louis Pasteur but it is fascinating to the painter without paint. The Vienna­- Schopf then conducts scientific hierarchy studies. He learns took me 17 hours to complete -based chemist takes advantage of the fact that bacteria use which bacteria get along and which are capable of producing because the blueprint was so complicated”, remembers pigment to protect themselves from UV radiation, and he certain effects. Equipped with this knowledge, he plans each Schopf utilizes the phenomenon to create art. “I am merely set de- art piece. One bacterium may cover an entire legal sized page signer and director – the bacteria are my actors”, says Erich in 24 hours or only move a centimeter – it depends on the growth Schopf. “My ensemble includes 80 bacterial strains that I medium. And on what other bacteria join in at what time. apply to a special nutrient surface using a brush.” Some microorganisms produce an antibiotic that suppress- es the growth of other microbes. If used From microbe to masterpiece in a targeted fashion, white areas will For the past 20 years, the 65-year-old has arise inside the painting. “My bacteria been collecting bacteria from all over the engage in power struggles, and certain world. His casting occurs in petri dishes primadonna members of the cast will not with growth medium that he always carries assume the desired color”, says Schopf. with him. Whether through an open car window or in the grout of a 5-Star hotel Painting with invisible paint bathroom: Schopf has found single-celled Painting with microbes is particularly organisms in the air, while swimming in difficult because bacterial suspensions various bodies of water, and while digging are colorless: Schopf’s paints are invisi- in the earth. In Iceland, he discovered an ble. He follows the blueprint he copied orange-colored bacterium. “I call it Snorri-­ onto the nutrient medium. Prior to that, orange for its place of origin and in honor his studio is sterilized by exposure to UV of Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson”, says radiation. Plus, the artist himself needs Schopf. He explains: “Everywhere I go, I to be as germ-free as possible. Painting Biologist and artist like to visit churches. Holy water is partic- Erich Schopf has been collect- while wearing a hazmat suit? “No, I show- ularly exciting because bacteria like to ing bacteria for more than er, and I paint wearing swim trunks”, colonize it – just like subway hand-holds 20 years whenever the oppor- explains Schopf. After all, additional tunity arises – and uses them and children’s car seats.” to create pictures with unique germs could destroy his art. “In order to paint Falco, I had been conducting It is, however, a far cry from captured color compositions Next, the painting needs to rest. For prior studies with purple bacteria. I sold this bacterium to completed picture. It has two to four days, it is kept in an incuba- piece to a huge Falco fan”, says Schopf taken the chemist eight years, while working full-time at the tor at 24 degrees. The bacteria propagate slowly on their “The first bacteriographic images are color Institute for Meat Hygiene at the Veterinary Hospital in Vi- nutrient surface while producing pigment. The painting compositions. Over the course of the enna, to develop his technique of “Bacteriography”. “9,000 grows. Finally, to kill the bacteria, Schopf transfers the paint- studies, the hierarchical structure of the samples are discarded every year because many bacteria are ing to an oven at 100 degrees Celsius. It takes about ten bacteria became evident.”, explains Schopf not suitable”, says Schopf. hours to fix the painting in this way. The enzymes are de- Bacteria synthesize pigments like carotenoids only under stroyed, rendering the painting stable. By the way: his art certain environmental conditions. Schopf explains: “The bac- is for sale, and it contains only harmless bacteria. Dangerous teria have to make an effort.” However, in addition to the pathogens, such as those that cause typhoid fever or chol- culture medium, the scientist, who also considers himself an era, are of no interest to the chemist. Schopf: “Most patho- artist, must tightly control the temperature and the climate gens are colorless.”

36 37 BRIGHT MINDS BRIGHT MINDS

Prize winners are announced in Stock- orientation, by the way, is north-south. make their own decisions, irrespective of But Seriously, holm, you honor the winners of the An- Do you select your award winners by tak- whether important people tell them that ti-Nobel Prize in a flamboyant ceremony ing into consideration whether you have something is good or bad. I have spoken which takes place at the elite Harvard asked yourself the same scientific ques- with many great scientists who have con- University. This year marks the 29th cer- tion in your daily life? fided in me that in the beginning, nobody emony. What are some of the things that Abrahams: We had a dog for the longest believed in their idea. Just because some- have changed over the years? time, but unfortunately he passed away. thing sounds silly or funny, it does not mean it’s Science Abrahams: In the beginning, we did not The thing that fascinates me the most about that it is useless – quite the opposite. The actually invite the winners; we did not expect many of the research questions is their best example: in 2015, we bestowed the Ig them to want to attend. You should know applicability to everyday life. But that is not Nobel Prize on Australian researchers who that we do not cover the cost of travel and necessarily a prerequisite for being award- had discovered how to return a hard-boiled that there is no monetary prize. Neverthe- ed the Ig Nobel Prize. The science may be egg to its soft state. At the current time, funny, even crazy, but it must always in- they are conducting research on how to spire one to think. use this knowledge to manufacture expen- sive pharmaceutical products in a much Are there researchers who decline more cost-effective manner. the prize? Abrahams: Yes, but not many, and of course we accept that. Some are afraid to The thing that damage their reputation, especially at the start of their careers. Our only exception fascinates me the most has been the case of the VW software de- about many of the velopers whom we wanted to recognize for their solution to the exhaust problem. research questions is We did award the prize, even though the ! company was obviously not very keen to their applicability to accept it.

everyday life.” What do you tell critics who feel that you Marc Abrahams ridicule science? Abrahams: I do not ridicule – I report facts and research that really exist. During presentations about the Ig Nobel Prize I less, the prize has quickly gained in popu- continually have to assure the audience that Scientific curiosity The inventor of larity. Many of the scientists are not aware I do not tell jokes, but that in fact the sci- the Ig Nobel prize: that their subject of study is funny until we ence itself is humorous. This is why I show For off-the-wall science that at first strikes you as Marc Abrahams celebrate them. Currently, we receive rough- pictures that prove that the science is real. ly 10,000 nominations a year. Ten to twenty Everyone is then free to decide for them- funny, Marc Abrahams has invented the Ig Nobel percent of those nominations come from selves whether it is crazy or funny, or Prize, the Anti-Nobel prize. At Harvard University®, researchers who nominate themselves. whether it is wonderful and important. Marc Abrahams The 63-year-old is himself a Harvard alumnus from the Abrahams celebrates the winners in a flamboyant Are there any honorees that you distinct- One person who received the Ig Nobel field of applied mathematics. Abra- ly remember? Prize from you was later awarded the real hams, however, did not embark on ceremony. Why? Abrahams: Oh yes, quite a few, actually. Nobel Prize. a scientific career;Fluorescence instead, staining he de- of a typical colony of I was especially fascinated by the Blonskys Abrahams: Yes, in 2000, we honored the cided to write aboutinduced it. He pluripotent founded who intended to help pregnant women by physicist Andre Geim. Together with his the satirical journalstem “Annals cells (iPS of cells). Im- Mr. Abrahams, those who discover how it can’t get any more fascinating. Later, as constructing a birthing table. The woman colleague Michael Berry and the use of probable Research” and, in 1991, he to quickly turn a bra into a face mask or a science editor, I noticed most scientists about to give birth is fixed to the table; the magnets, he succeeded in making a live invented the Ig Nobel Prize to rec- how long a cow will, on average, remain who conduct funny research will never be table rotates, and the resulting centrifugal frog hover. Ten years later, Geim was ognize quirky and bizarre research. recumbent after initially lying down, will heard from. What a shame. So we founded forces are expected to assist in the birth. awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for his In April, Abrahams presented his Ig receive your award. How did you come the satirical magazine “Annals of Improb- It is believed that the couple had been in- studies of graphene. Nobel Prize show in Germany for up with the idea of the Ig Nobel Prize? able Research” and invented the Ig Nobel spired by a lady elephant at the zoo that the first time. Together with Mark Marc Abrahams: Ever since I was a child, Prize in order to honor those very research- turned and turned in order to expedite the What would you like to see at the 30th Benecke, Germany’s famous crimi- I have been fascinated by everything that ers. Right away, in 1991, it was a success birthing process. birthday of the Ig Nobel Prize next year? nal biologist, he first made the au- was funny, bizarre or unexpected. Crazy – four Nobel Laureates came and present- Or those researchers who were awarded Abrahams: I would like to see more and dience laugh – then think. news from around the world was my favo­ ed the prizes. the Ig Nobel Prize for Biology because they more people become curious – about sci- rite newspaper column – I used to collect discovered that dogs like to align them- ence and about other people, and that we the articles. For example: “Man flushes Ig stands for “ignoble”. Every year in selves with the Earth’s magnetic field when may contribute to this development through toilet – house explodes!” For a ten-year-old, September, shortly before the Nobel conducting their business. The preferred our prize. I wish to see young people dare

38 39 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE

All over the world, doctoral students are working on Start-up innovative technologies. Perfect conditions for setting up companies. With biodegradable adhesive that In Berlin, Jürgen Mlynek has launched Marius Rosenberg is convinced that it is has the potential to stop life- “Young Entrepreneurs in Science”, a work- always a good idea to set up a company Athreatening bleeding during surgery? shop format for students of all disciplines. during one’s doctorate. “The doctorate When his supervisor told Marius Rosenberg “What if I had to make a living from my provides uncomplicated access to technol- about this invention by two chemists from dissertation? How much start-up is there ogy and research and a network of scien- the university environment, the former in my doctorate? These are the questions tists. In addition, most students don’t have Courage paramedic was immediately fascinated. “An that academics will have to deal with for to look after a family or pay a mortgage ingenious idea. It was clear to us that we four days, accompanied by coaching by during their doctoral thesis. Perfect con- wanted to make something out of it”, recalls successful founders”, reports the physicist. ditions for taking the plunge into the cold Marius Rosenberg, who at the time was “The students include lawyers, agricultur- waters of a start-up.” coaching young start-up entrepreneurs at al scientists, computer scientists, business the RWTH Aachen Start-Up Center and economists and doctors. The project start- also working on a B2B trading platform for ed in 2017 and is now active at over 30 materials. “So the two scientists, my super- locations. I am eagerly awaiting to see the visor and I, wrote a business plan, set up a first new company that will emerge from company with the help of private investors our workshops.” BACKGROUNDS and further developed the adhesive.” What Jürgen Mlynek has in mind with ! In Germany and England, there are about his platform for science start-ups is nothing 25,000 doctoral students per year, in Amer- less than to initiate a cultural change in Young Entrepreneurs in Science is ica there are about twice as many. The Germany towards more decision-making an initiative by the non-profit Falling doctoral students write about topics with and a greater interest for entrepreneurship Walls Foundation which is supported a huge amount of creative potential that among young scientists. by the Federal Ministry of Education promise future-oriented products and in- and Research as well as private or- novative business models. However, espe- Silicon Valley as a model ganizations. With its programs and cially in Europe, scientific findings rarely Looking to the US can be an incentive for formats, the Falling Walls Foundation leave the ivory tower of the university. this. California’s Silicon Valley in the south- builds bridges between science and “Unfortunately”, says Jürgen Mlyenk, for- ern part of the San Francisco Bay Area is society. Drawing inspiration from the mer President of the Humboldt University considered a Mecca for the start-up scene. fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the and President of the Helmholtz Association There is a lively exchange with the US elite events and formats are dedicated to of German Research Centers. “This means universities Stanford and Berkley. Marius current scientific breakthroughs and that valuable resources are lost.” Rosenberg, who expanded into the states show which walls in science, politics with his company, after winning half a mil- and society will fall next. At Falling Awakening the entrepreneurial spirit lion dollars at the world’s largest business Walls Venture, start-up entrepre- To awaken an entrepreneurial spirit among plan competition in Texas, is there regu- neurs from all over the world present doctoral students, many universities in Ger- larly. “When you stroll across the Stanford their scientific ideas that have the many, Sweden, France and England are set- campus and listen to the students, you potential to change the world. Mar- ting up start-up centers that support students notice that every freshman wants to start ius Rosenberg won Falling Walls on their way to self-employment. The KTH a business. This means that science start- Venture with his company Adhesys Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm ups as a topic are present there from the Medical in 2015. now even offers a master’s program in En- very beginning. The infrastructure at the trepreneurship and Innovation Management. universities covering patent utilization, In Estonia, the Estonian Entrepreneurship legal departments and financial consulting www.falling-walls.com/venture University of Applied Sciences is participat- is accordingly structured under one roof. young-entrepreneurs-in-science.de ing in an inter-university training program That’s where we need to be in Europe in for entrepreneurship initiative. the long term.” A scientist with entrepreneurial spirit Marius Rosenberg’s start-up success

40 41 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE

INFOBOX !

The Crop Trust finances and supports a glob- Noah’s Ark for Plants al network of seed banks. Since many of these are not safe from disaster, they send duplicates of their samples to Spitzbergen – The threat of environmental disasters and wars surrounds us, and crop the icy vault thus serves as a second backup. Two-thirds of its stock originates from re- plants disappear. Seed banks promise a solution – a backup for eternity? search centers of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). In 1984, the Nordic Gene Bank (today: Nord- Gen) opened their first storage area in the former coal mine. The ice vault has existed in he salvation of humanity resem- corn on ceiling-high shelves. Also, seeds Every ten years, the scientists in Berlin test its present state since 2008: it accommodates bles an ancient wartime bunker. from potatoes and vegetables such as to- the state of their samples and, if necessary, 4.5 million samples of species, each contain- TOn its roof, glass ornaments glisten in the matoes and beans are stored here to secure establish fresh cultures. Is it worth the effort? ing 500 seeds – resulting in a total capacity of night. Carved deep into the snow-covered food for humans in the event of a crisis. “We have no choice; species die out due to 2.25 billion. At this time, 984,000 samples Platåberget, the entrance to the concrete Research institutes are the main suppliers changes in land use, due to nutrient influx, rest on the shelves at -18 ºC. The majority of monstrosity emerges from the permafrost of samples that are sent to northern Norway: through the use of pesticides and through stored samples comprise wheat and rice of the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsber- bananas from Belgium, potatoes from Peru, overbuilding”, says Zippel. “We may be able (150,000 samples each), barley (80,000 sam- gen, with the icy polar sea below. The Sval- and rice from the Philippines. to freeze seed, but we cannot freeze entire ples) and millet (50,000 samples). bard Global Seed Vault is located on the ecosystems.” Protection of natural habitats 78th parallel; approximately 1,300 kilome- should therefore take priority. ters from the North Pole. This frosty vault harbors seeds from more than 984,000 Syrian seeds lost crop plants and their wild relatives – more It seems ironic that the icy vault experi- than anywhere else in the world. Tightly We may be able enced the very catastrophe that it was ex- packed in aluminum bags and crates and pected to withstand: global warming. The loaded onto rolling containers, the seeds to freeze seed, but we Arctic is melting. In May 2017, melt water are pushed deep into the vault by blue-hel- flooded the 100 meter long access tunnel meted workers. cannot freeze our and seeped through the walls. Exception- Collecting seeds is not unusual. All over ecosystem.” ally high temperatures led to the melting the world, seed banks shelter plant seeds of the permafrost. According to the Crop – mostly in locations much less glamorous. Elke Zippel Trust, the seed samples were not in any Since 2008, the icy vault has served as a danger, and the entrance has since been common backup. According to the Global reinforced. Crop Diversity Endowment Fund, Crop The idea has its limitations: stored in Withdrawals have already been made Trust for short, its location makes the North permafrost, the seeds will not retain their from the bank in the not-so-permanent Pole bunker particularly safe: the seeds are ability to germinate forever. Whereas peas frost. Fighting in Syria cut off the Aleppo meant to survive not only a refrigeration are estimated to remain viable for more Seed Bank from the outside world. Farm- breakdown, but also earthquakes, climate than 10,000 years, sunflowers and radish- ers, growers and researchers ran out of change, wars, fallout and epidemics. Nor- es lose their germination capacity in as seed. Fortunately, staff had managed to way seems ideal: it is peaceful, and it does little as 55 to 80 years. For this reason, ship samples to Norway even in times of not operate nuclear power plants. The de- samples must be continually replaced. conflict. In 2015, the International Center militarized zone of Spitsbergen is located “Certain species cannot be frozen at all”, for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas at the northernmost place on earth that is explains Elke Zippel. The botanist, head of (ICARDA) in Beirut ordered a substantial accessible via commercial aircraft. the Dahlem Seed Bank of the Botanical portion of the crates filled with chick peas, Garden in Berlin, is dedicated to the pro- lentils and wheat back from Spitsbergen. Samples from around the world tection of wild plants. “The ability of a seed Seed banks work best as parts of a network. As a UN organization, the Crop Trust man- to tolerate dry conditions is crucial. If the They are already standing the test of time. ages the backup of the most critical of the water content is too high, ice crystals may world’s roughly 1,750 seed banks. The destroy the tissue during freezing”, says seemingly apocalyptic project is, in fact, Zippel. Dehydrating small seeds of cruci- visionary: it does not require a global ca- ferous plants such as Brussels sprouts and tastrophe – even today, industrial monocul- turnips is easy; large seeds from mangoes ture causes the loss of crop varieties. The and avocadoes, however, would dry out. stores are meant to secure the rehabilitation Wild plants, too, are at risk of extinction. Concrete protector Almost 500 million agricultural of agriculture. At -18 ºC, the North Pole vault Many regions have witnessed the loss of crop seeds are stored in the harbors mainly varieties of grain, rice and varieties, among them species of gentian. Svalbard Global Seed Vault

42 43 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE Beauty By the Sea

Those who think of Barcelona will think of Antoni Gaudí, he Sagrada Família in the middle of central Barcelona, a petrified the Catalan architect of buildings covered in colorful Tforest of turrets and towers, colorful tiles. These buildings liken Barcelona to a fabulous dreamy windows and stone curlicues: An- toni Gaudí commissioned the mighty ca- creature of art that continues to grow. thedral, which is visited by more than four million people a year, in 1882. Construction has not been completed to this day. “My client is in no rush”, was Gaudí’s alleged response to the question of when the Ro- man Catholic Basilica would finally be com- pleted. The client to whom Gaudí referred was God himself – and he will now have to be patient until at least 2026. This is when the church is expected to be completed. As such, building and construction have been ongoing for the past 130 years in Bar- celona. The landmark is a work in progress, and it experiences the changes within a cosmopolitan metropolis; the joy of becom- ing and a relaxed approach to time. These developments are perfectly complemented by the sea. Sometimes lively and exuberant, at other times slow and languid, the water laps at Barceloneta, the peninsula to the South-East. It promises happy times to those who walk, run or picnic along its shores. The sand was introduced in 1992 for the Summer Olympics, and ever since then, there is hardly a tourist who can resist immersing their feet in the water for at least a little while.

A salamander and a mansion in the park The Park Güell is considered Barcelona’s second largest attraction, after the Sagra- da Família. Here, too, Antoni Gaudí and the Spanish Art Nouveau are omnipresent. By the main entrance, two gate houses with sweeping roofs are reminiscent of sugary cupcakes, and a huge Salamander with a carapace of colorful mosaic stones is sun- ning itself – Barcelona experiences only 90 days of rain in a year. Next to the amphib- ian, an open staircase leads to a tiled ter- race that invites one to take a break and rest, and enjoy the view across the rooftops. Colorful, playful, unmistakable Beginning in 1900, Antoni Gaudí de- Park Güell with Barcelona in the background 44 45 EXPLORING LIFE LET’S GO! signed the garden for the industrial tycoon Mercat de la Boqueria, prawns glow pink or Crema Catalana. The moment one sens- Eusebi Güell, and he lived there for almost through the ice. Bunches of pepperoni and es the hearty, savory taste of the rice dish Art and architecture in Barcelona – give me more! 20 years. Today, furniture designed by him garlic dangle like braids from the ceiling, in one’s mouth or the sweetness of a des- is on display in his turreted mansion. and oranges, lemons and plums are piled sert covered in caramel, one will feel at By the Boulevard of Splendor, Passeig up in delicious pyramids. The scent of ba- home in Barcelona, Catalonia’s colorful de Gràcia, in Barcelona’s largest neighbor- sil and mint fills the air. The fresh food beauty by the Mediterranean Sea. In 1895, Pablo Picasso moved to Barcelona with his hood L’ Eixample, looms Gaudí’s Casa Bat- market, with its overflowing wares, resem- family, where, barely 14 years old, he succeeded in lló. Its ceramic roof tiles glisten green and bles a still life from the Baroque era. At the passing the entrance exam of the Academy of Arts. blue, and they resemble the scales of a same time, it is Barcelona’s tourist attrac- Today, a number of travel agencies offer tours of his dragon. A gallery on the second floor rep- tion that is most closely interwoven with favorite spots in Barcelona; for example, the artists’ resents the mouth of the beast. On April the everyday lives of the local population. Picturesque café Els Quatre Gats (The four cats) – the venue of 23rd, when all of Barcelona celebrates its This is where the Spanish shop for spices, Casa Batlló also bears the Picasso’s first solo exhibit. Another stop is the Patron Saint, St. George, who slayed the meat and vegetables, while tourists try hallmarks of Antoni Gaudí Museu Picasso, which resides in five contiguous dragon and freed a princess and a village Paella, the national dish of the East Coast, gothic city palaces dating as far back as the 13th to from its tyranny, the inhabitants of Casa 15th centuries. The rooms mainly display works from Batlló decorate their balconies with red Pablo Picasso’s youth. roses. According to the legend, a rose Cathedral under construction emerged from the dragon’s blood. Almost The Sagrada Família is bit.ly/2Pj7HnS directly across from Casa Batlló, you will scheduled to be finished by 2026 1 find Casa Milà, for which Gaudí layered six stories, one upon the other, and designed a façade in the shape of a wave. Because the stonemasons began working on the large panels of the front section only after The Antic Hospital de la Santa they had been installed, the natives call Creu i Sant Pau is considered Casa Milà “la Pedera” – the quarry. Since one of the lesser known mod- 1984 it has been listed as a UNESCO® world ernistic buildings in Barcelona. heritage site – the first building of the 20th It was built at the beginning of century. the 20th century by Catalan The upper floor comprises an apartment architect Lluís Domenèch i with furniture dating back to the 1920s. On Mercat de la Boqueria Montaner. It comprised 48 dif- the rooftop terrace, ventilation shafts in Locals buy fresh food here ferent pavilions that are con- the shape of soldiers make up the natural nected underground. Each one ventilation system of the building that of the new façades is unique – ­renders air conditioning superfluous. with sculptures, mosaics, peaks and bays. Since the structure Miró’s chimeric being of man and woman no longer serves as a hospital Those who have seen enough of Gaudí and today, it is open to visitors. the Modernisme Català may embark on a new adventure by following in the steps of Carrer Hospital, 56, the painter Joan Miró. Miró was born in 08001 Barcelona 1893 in Barcelona’s old town. The son of a goldsmith, he first studied at the Escola de Belles Arts de la Llotja, a school which was also attended by Picasso. All over the city, Miró left joyful works: the airport is adorned with a wall ceramic; downtown, a round 3 floor mosaic decorates the pedestrian zone of La Rambla, and in the Parc de Joan Miró The Museu d’art Contem- day is on display; for ex- IN-COSMETICS® GLOBAL stands a concrete sculpture with the title 2 porani de Barcelona ample, Graffiti works by “Dona i Ocell”. One needs a little imagina- ! (MACBA) was designed by Keith Haring or material tion to recognize a woman and a bird with- Heading into its 31st edition in 2020, in-cosmetics® Global is the leading star architect Richard Mei- art by Antoni Tapies. Out- in the sliced-open stem, but the garden event for personal care ingredients. More than 800 exhibitors are offering er, and it rises up close to side, youth enjoy skate- with its forest of palm trees, eucalyptus ingredients, fragrances, testing and regulatory solutions, as well as lab the Rambla in the shape of boarding, and tourists in- trees and pine trees offers pleasant shade equipment, as represented by Eppendorf. The exhibition brings together a bar of glass and white dulge in café con leche. and a cool breeze on a hot day. suppliers of personal care ingredients (exhibitors) and finished product aluminum among the me- manufacturers (visitors) from all over the globe, each looking to network, dieval backdrop of the Plaça dels Àngels, 1, Baroque still life in a market hall learn about future trends and discover new products. Between March 31st neighborhood of Raval. 08001 Barcelona Relaxed, yet busy – that is the life in a and April 2nd, 2020, Eppendorf is looking forward to welcoming you with Inside, art from the 20th ­covered market near the Rambla. At the a broad portfolio and plenty of expertise on all things laboratory. century until the present www.macba.cat/en/

46 47 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE Academia’s

n my third year of grad needed to strengthen my relation- school, everything seemed ships and establish a support Ito fall apart. I was dealing with my structure to help cope with any Forgotten grandmother’s death, and then future episodes. I revitalized my girlfriend and I broke up. I friendships and opened up about spent the following year in a pain- my feelings. My lab work im- ful feedback loop of depression proved, and I am on track to grad- and despair. Every day, I would uate in the next year. trudge into lab and try to get ex- personal projects and self-care I Studies have shown that 40 per- Footnote cited about my projects. But when had neglected, including a healthy cent of PhD students are de- I encountered minor hurdles such dose of binge-watching basketball. pressed. But if it weren’t for my as a failed replication or contam- But after three months, feelings of own experiences, I would not be inated samples, I would become academic guilt crept back. Despite aware of this – and therein lies the discouraged and give up. Even not feeling fully up to it, I convinced problem. Academics tend to be when my experiments went myself that it was time to return. averse to discussing mental health smoothly, I felt guilty about the I tried to mask my depression, openly, and higher education’s time I had wasted being unpro- but the impact on my work was mental health safety net is patchy ductive. I knew I was struggling, apparent again. A few months after – a forgotten footnote that all too but I didn’t ask for help. I thought my return, my adviser called me often fails its students. I am lucky I could deal with my state of mind into her office and initiated a forth- that I have a supportive adviser just as I had dealt with every oth- right discussion about why I was and health insurance that covers er problem in my life: Bottle up not being productive. I wondered mental health care. And I am lucky my emotions, attack the problem whether it was time for me to leave that I made it to therapy when I with logic and iterate until I ar- my PhD program. I felt like a fail- considered suicide. I could easily rived at a solution. ure, and I thought of suicide for the have waited too long. This time, however, that ap- first time. These thoughts finally Even if you aren’t personally proach didn’t work. I wasn’t sleep- pushed me to see a therapist. burdened by these issues, every- ing well. I couldn’t focus enough At first, therapy felt awkward one must take action to support to read even a brief paper in one and ineffectual. I was not accus- those who are struggling, and to sitting. During a lab presentation, tomed to introspection, and I cer- ensure that institutions have sup- I got so dizzy from exhaustion that tainly was not accustomed to being port frameworks: advisers trained I had to stop midway through. probed about my problems. But to deal with mental health issues; Balancing work and my mental over time, my counselor and I de- student-run support programs; health had become untenable. I veloped a rapport. She helped me and community events with a fo- concluded that trying to persist figure out that while my girlfriend cus on diversity and inclusion, with my lab work was not fair to and I were together and my work- because students from underrep- myself or to my group. When I load ramped up, I had socially iso- resented groups are more likely gathered the courage to discuss lated myself, which meant that I to experience depression. If your time off with my adviser, she en- didn’t have a support network to institution doesn’t, what can you couraged me to take a hiatus. draw on when things got tough. do to help before someone you In the beginning, it felt like a She also encouraged me to con- care about becomes a different blessing to have time to focus on nect with MindHandHeart (MHH), kind of footnote? a coalition of students, faculty and staff promoting mental health and INFOBOX i well-being at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This article is reproduced with A year and a half of counseling the kind permission of the and MHH gave me the tools I journal “Science®”, where this Arnav Chhabra is contribution was first published a grad student at on April 20, 2018 in the Harvard-MIT Health section “Working Life”. Sciences and Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

48 49 EXPLORING LIFE EXPLORING LIFE Astounding Images

With distinction: “Capturing Movement” was the motto of the photography contest of the “Royal Society of Biology” 2019 – and here are the two winning images.

Photographer of the Year: About the Master

“The common red sol- dier beetle in the pho- tograph looks elated as he flies towards the camera. I have never seen a happier looking Young Photographer of the insect. Being a soldier, he must be going home Year and his Master to be that elated! I took the photograph of the beetle mid-flight, clear- „The photograph shows ly capturing his movement.” two male white-headed duck fighting in Spring. Photographer: Nick Edwards I believe the image fits Title: Demob Happy with the competition’s Location taken: Thorness Bay, near Cowes, theme, Capturing Na- Isle of Wight, UK ture, as it is an action scene with the birds jumping over the water.“

Photographer: Carlos Perez Naval Title: Fighting Capturing Movement is the Location taken: Navaseca, Ciudad Real, Spain theme of this year’s Royal Society of Biology Photography Competition. Life on Earth is constantly changing, and photographers are invited to take a photo of nature in motion. Supported by Eppendorf, the competition has two age categories: 18 and over and under 18s. www.rsb.org.uk/photocomp

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Eppendorf now offers a fast-track option. You can now For each registration you can receive up to easily register your products with the Eppendorf App. 100 epPoints and enjoy exclusive benefits in the future. And there is even more to It only takes three simple steps! explore in our Eppendorf App.

1. Download the free Eppendorf App Get the app and start scanning! 2. Scan the 2D code applied on your product Note: If your Eppendorf product is not supplied with a 2D code you 3. See your products on a single glance AA01 009 020-EN/22T/102019 can still register your instrument manually by entering the serial number. Either use the app or use the typical method via the website: www.eppendorf.com/product-registration

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