Biophysical Society Newsletter | November 2017

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BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

2017

NOVEMBER

Publications BJ – Know the Editors Jason Kahn

CAP: minicircle binding, and eight years later that DNA strain in supercoiled minicircles may deform TBP. Q. Who would you like to sit next to at a dinner party? Leonardo da Vinci. Q . At a cocktail party of non-scientists, how would you explain what you do? I help their children become world citizens who make ethical choices informed by science. I make protein-DNA assemblies, which I hope will im- prove human health. Q. How do you stay on top of all the latest developments in your field? Fifth amendment.

Univeristy of Maryland Editor, Nucleic Acids and Genome Biophysics

Jason Kahn

Q. What are you currently working on?

We exploit the world’s smallest DNA looping proteins to evaluate DNA flexibility, enhance genome engineering, and create protein-DNA nanostructures. I am becoming a better collabora- tor, educator, mentor, evaluator, and human. Q. What are you currently working on that particularly excites you? See above; the best thing about my job is that I can say that. Also, collaborating on launching fledgling #3. Q. What have you read lately that you found really interesting or stimulating? Interesting? William Gibson and Neal Stephenson . Stimulating? Unfortunately, the Times , the Post , and signs at marches. Q. What has been your most exciting discovery as a biophysicist? Occasions when DNA topology intruded on protein-DNA bending or looping. I am known for using bent DNA to control minicircles and loops. My most cited collaborations are on nucleosome positioning, LNA nearest neighbor parameters, and DNA rod mechanics. Q. What has been your biggest “aha” moment in science? A bipartite “aha,” recognizing that cyclizing bent CAP:DNA is quasi-thermodynamically linked to

Biophysical Journal Announces

Microtubules and Motors The latest collection of articles from Biophysical Journal showcasing recent research and thinking about the dynamics, organization, thermodynamics, and kinetics of microtubules and their motors. This online collection was curated by David Sept, editor for the Section on Molecular Machines, Motors, and Nanoscale Biophys- ics. All articles will be freely accessible online until November 24, 2017.