Biophysical Society Bulletin | February 2021

Publications

Social Media at BJ The Biophysical Journal Editorial Office is delighted to intro- duce their team of Social Media Contributors. Arun Richard Chandrasekaran , New York University; Luyi Cheng , Northwest- ern University; and Nuala Del Piccolo , University of California - Davis assist the Editorial Office with identifying articles to feature on the BPS social media channels. They contribute tweets and blog posts highlighting new and intriguing re- search and exciting BJ news. Get to know their views on social Chandrasekaran : My area of research is DNA nanotechnology, in which I use DNA as a material to build nanoscale structures and devices. I use these nanostructures in applications such as biosensing, drug delivery and molecular computation. Cheng : Broadly, I study the role of RNA structures in RNA- based gene regulation. I am especially interested in ribo- switches — short segments of non-coding RNA — that largely depend on folding into functional structures to up- or downregulate genes in bacteria. Del Piccolo : I study the physiochemical recognition of tumors by circulating leukocytes using microfluidic device technol- ogies and tissue engineering techniques. I am particularly interested in the role of hypoxia in the tumor microenviron- ment. What excited you about being a social media contributor for Biophysical Journal ? Chandrasekaran : I was one of the bloggers for the BPS Annu- al Meeting in 2020 and it was a great experience contributing to the Society as well as the biophysics community. Being a social media contributor to Biophysical Journal is an opportu- nity to communicate science to scientists as well as the lay audience. Cheng : I see the role of social media contributor as a valu- able opportunity for practicing my science communication skills and helping to publicize the work of biophysicists. I was definitely excited to have the chance to regularly go through the research in each issue of the journal and challenge myself to summarize the findings of a paper succinctly, interestingly, and accurately, and all within 280 characters! It’s been a great learning experience so far that’s helped push me out of my comfort zone too. Del Piccolo : I enjoy communicating about science with stu- dents, fellow scientists, and the general public, so I frequent- ly accept writing and teaching opportunities in this space. The social media contributor role at Biophysical Journal is an media’s relationship with science. What is your field of research?

exciting opportunity to work with a professional society that supported me during graduate school and a journal that has published two of my primary research articles. How do you view the role of social media in science? Chandrasekaran : We share our adventures, photography skills, and even cooking recipes on social media, and it gets the attention of our friends, family, and the extended com- munity. I believe science is no different and social media is an important tool in making a connection between scientists and the society. Cheng : Social media can help basic science research reach broader audiences than ever before. I think, when scientists thoughtfully consider their audience and engage in science communication, social media can become a powerful plat- form for making science more accessible and welcoming for everyone. Del Piccolo : Mixing social media and science has the potential to distribute research results to more diverse audiences and facilitate real-time conversations about the science among various stakeholders. I look forward to exploring these im- pacts in my current role as a Biophysical Journal social media contributor.

Follow Biophysical Journal on Twitter @BiophysJ

Numbers By the BPS has published eight ebooks in the BPS-IOP Biophysics Series. Four of these were published in 2020. Eight more are in development or production.

Explore the BPS-IOP Biophysics Series at https:/ iopscience.iop.org/bookListInfo/iop-se- ries-in-biophysical-society

February 2021

11

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E B I O P H Y S I C A L S O C I E T Y