Biophysical Society Bulletin | September 2021

Publications

Know the Editor Kris Dahl

Biophysical Society Celebrates Peer Review Week 2021

Carnegie Mellon University

Editor, Cell Biophysics Biophysical Journal

Peer Review Week is an annual international event recognizing and celebrating the contribution of peer review to the scientific com- munity and the scholarly publish- ing process. This year’s event will take place September 20-24 with

Kris Dahl

What are you currently working on that excites you? We are examining the gene expression and epigenetics of regenerative medicine. This has included stem cell differen- tiation, but we are also looking at starfish. This fun model organism can completely regenerate. You can cut the head off a larva and it will completely regrow a head with all of the neural structures. In collaboration with starfish development experts, we are examining the individual cells within the organism responsible for regeneration and how they work together. We are hoping to learn from the genetics, as well as biophysics, of these cells, to better understand and enhance healing in humans. What have you read lately that you found really interesting or stimulating? I just finished reading The Power , a science fiction novel by Naomi Alderman in which women have an extra electricity- generating organ in their bodies. It switches the balance of power in the world from men to women. It includes interest- ing commentary on biology, gender, psychology, and sociol- ogy. Of course, I also love the feminist take. One takeaway is that no one group should have dominant power; balance and diversity is important. It also made me think about other circumstances in the world where power has been unbal- anced. For example, the U.S. and other wealthy countries have had the privilege of the possibility of full COVID vacci- nation, while other countries have not. I hope that with some of the world-level issues that impact us, like pandemics or climate change, we are able to respond as a world and not as countries.

the theme “Identity in Peer Review,” recognizing the need to acknowledge and encourage diverse identities in the scientific world. During the week, participating organizations will host virtual events and activities exploring the multifaceted nature of identity, how personal and social identity affect peer review practices and experiences, and what’s needed to foster more diverse, equitable, and inclusive peer review processes. Academic publishers, institutions, societies, and researchers created Peer Review Week to shine a light on an activity that is essential to identifying, improving, and communicating high-quality scientific research, an activity that often goes un- derappreciated. The organizers aim to emphasize the central role peer review plays in scholarly communication, to show- case the work of editors and reviewers, to share research and advance best practices, and to highlight the latest innovation and applications. The Biophysical Society would like to take this opportunity to thank the editors and peer reviewers who contribute their time, energy, and knowledge to help authors to improve their articles and to allow the Society to communicate the best possible biophysics content. More information about Peer Review Week can be found at www.peerreviewweek. wordpress.com.

BJ Editor’s Pick Crowding affects structural dynamics and contributes to membrane association of the NS3/4A complex Natalia Ostrowska, Michael Feig, and Joanna Trylska “Using simulations and experiments, we found that crowding aids folding of the NS3/4A unstructured tails, suggesting that it contributes to NS3/4A membrane anchoring. The results bring us closer to answering the question of whether crowding is what is missing in the in vitro biochemical experiments and simulations.” Published July 7, 2021 DOI:https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2021.07.008

September 2021

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