Scientific Journey Research Articles

A debt owed to a wonderful mentor, Seymour Reichlin

Joseph B. Martin, MD, PhD, Edward R. and Anne G. Lefler Professor of Neurobiology, Emeritus, former Dean of Harvard Medical School (1997–2007), and former Dean of the School of Medicine (1989–1993) and Chancellor (1993–1997) of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), presents the second guest editorial in this Festschrift issue honoring Dr. Seymour Reichlin's centennial. Drawing from his experience as one of Dr. Reichlin's earliest fellows in 1967 at the University of Rochester, where he completed his PhD in anatomy, Martin provides a personal account of his scientific journey under Reichlin's mentorship. He details their groundbreaking work on hypothalamic-pituitary regulation, which laid the foundation for Martin's distinguished career in neurology and academic medicine. Martin describes Reichlin as the “quintessential physician-scientist,” highlighting his mentor's exceptional breadth of knowledge and innovative approach to neuroendocrine research. Their decades-long collaboration culminated in co-authoring the definitive 1987 textbook Clinical Neuroendocrinology and numerous influential publications. The guest editorial offers unique insights into Reichlin's lasting impact on the field from one of academic medicine's most accomplished leaders, including observations of his mentor's continued scientific contributions at age 100, exploring novel applications of neuroendocrine regulators in cognition and sensory function.

Photonics Research Interview with Professor Yidong Huang

This interview article features Professor Yidong Huang, a pioneering scientist and exceptional community leader in optoelectronics, whose contributions extend beyond academia into entrepreneurship and leadership. As part of a new series launched by Photonics Research, this interview aims to highlight the journeys and achievements of prominent women in optics and photonics. Through insightful reflections, Professor Huang discusses her scientific journey, including the challenges she encountered, her proudest achievements, and her vision for the future of optoelectronics. She also shares advice for young researchers, strategies for maintaining work–life balance, and experiences with technology transfer from academia to industry.

Raül Andero Galí: Bridging animal and human studies to understand stress and memory

From pianist to pioneering neuroscientist, Dr. Raül Andero Galí brings a unique perspective to his role as ICREA (Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats) Research Professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). Following his PhD in Neuroscience, earning the Extraordinary Doctoral Prize, he worked alongside Dr. Kerry Ressler at Emory University's Howard Hughes Medical Institute, pioneering innovative approaches that bridge mouse and human studies in fear research. After a productive tenure as an Instructor in Psychiatry at McLean Hospital-Harvard Medical School, he established his laboratory at UAB in 2016, where he continues to break new ground in understanding how stress shapes fear memory formation. His laboratory uniquely combines sophisticated techniques, from in vivo calcium imaging in mice to human fear response studies, focusing on how sex differences and hormonal cycles influence fear processing. Through this work, his team is uncovering new possibilities for treating anxiety disorders and PTSD, offering hope for more targeted therapeutic approaches. Beyond the bench, Professor Andero has cultivated an intellectually stimulating laboratory environment that reflects his broader vision for advancing neuroscience through comparative studies. We are pleased that he completed the Genomic Press Interview, offering our readers valuable insights into both his scientific journey and personal philosophy that drives his innovative research forward.

Jonas Salk (1914-1995): Pioneering the Fight Against Polio and Beyond.

Jonas Salk (October 28, 1914 - June 23, 1995) was an American medical researcher celebrated for his pioneering work in virology, particularly the development of the first successful polio vaccine. This review highlights Salk's multifaceted talent and contributions. His research on the poliovirus led to the creation of the inactivated polio vaccine, proving that it could prevent the disease. In 1955, the discovery of the polio vaccine was a pivotal moment in the fight against poliomyelitis. Salk's contributions are celebrated in the record of medical history, highlighting his impact on modern medicine and public health. As a professor of bacteriology, preventive medicine, and experimental medicine, Salk's scientific journey, from his innovative methods to the creation and widespread use of the inactivated polio vaccine, helped eradicate polio from various parts of the world. His contributions beyond polio, such as his work on the influenza vaccine and the founding of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, are also well known. By exploring Salk's legacy, this review examines how his work and dedication continue to influence modern medicine, public health, and science, impacting humanity.

(Invited) Three Decades of Polymer Electrolyte Based DMFC: A Perspective

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell, where liquid Methanol is used as fuel and directly oxidized electrochemically to generate power, enables energy generation devices with high energy density. Hence these systems have been developed and evaluated for applications where remote and distributed generation of electrical energy are desired1. While methanol electro oxidation can in fact be achieved at temperatures in the range of 60 to 80 C, it faced two key challenges: a) The intermediate species formed during the electrooxidation poisoning the catalyst2 and b) The crossover of methanol to cathode resulting in mixed potential situation on the cathode and thus reducing the cell voltage realized3. These have been addressed and mitigated through both materials4 and engineering solutions5. In this talk, we will traverse the three decades of scientific and development journey and along the way we will cover the key contributions by S.R. Narayanan to this important technological pathway for achieving net zero CO2 emission. Dillon, R., Srinivasan, S., Aricò, A.S. and Antonucci, V. (2004) J. Power Sources, 127 (1–2), 112–126.Parsons, R. and VanderNoot, T. (1998) J. Electroanal.Chem., 257 (1–2), 9–45.Heinzel, V.M.Barragan, J. Power. Sources, 84 (1), 70-74F. Whitacare, T. Valdez, and S. R. Narayanan, J. Electrochem. Soc., 152 (9), A1780-A1789 Halpert, S. Surampudi, H. Frank, S.R. Narayanan, A. Kindler, G. Ganapathi, P. Seshanand S. Krauthamer, ECS Proceedings Volumes, Volume 1995-23, 311

Reminiscing over six decades of global scientific journey (1962-2024): Sedimentary processes, environments, deposits, deformation, fossil fuels, Climate change and groupthink

Abstract: This review is based on my Address delivered as the Chief Guest at the 39th Convention of the Indian Association of Sedimentologists at Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu, India on December 6 2023, Wednesday Morning, just after the Inauguration of the above Convention (Shanmugam, 2023f). My scientific journey from Annamalai University to America and beyond is composed of the following attributes: 1. Covering a span of 62 years (1962─2024). 2. It began unexpectedly, but owes it to the great motivation of Prof. T. N. Muthuswami Iyer. 3. It began with no specific long-term agenda. 4. While, at Mobil Oil Company, fortunately, many research projects were assigned to me. 5. Thus inducing, enabling and culminating in over 150 projects - as a student, researcher, teacher, and consultant. 6. Duration of projects varied from just 3 months in some to about10 years in a few cases. 7. These Projects taught me to transform many obstacles to opportunities. 8. By investing 100% of my energy, focus, and efforts, irrespective of the Project being small or very large. 9. All the projects pursued are based on empirical data derived from drill cores, outcrops, and experiments. The underpinning of all my research work has always been to unravel the truth, without the distraction of Groupthink. 10. Thus, the unstinted devotion to work and research enabled the publication of almost every research topic during the past 62 years resulting in over 380 published works, including five Elsevier books. The Convention Address was thus a glimpse of the scientific journey undertaken, in terms of (1) People: Scientists and others, (2) Projects: >150 (Global), (3) Publications: >380, (4) Recognition: Several, (5) Nature Photography: Norway, China, Ecuador, Spain, India, China, Saudi Arabia, and, (6) A Perspective.

It is time to pay tribute to women in science: the women who won the Nobel prizes in Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine

In the 21st century, it is time to recognize the essential role of women in science. The study carried out by women-scientists makes it possible to combine brightness of mind, deep knowledge with humaneness and wisdom. Their approaches to the problems and the ways to solve them are largely determined by their maps of meaning and existential experience that can enrich and expand the scientific field and, as a result, can offer unexpected but most effective ways to solve the problem. However, women face obstacles in advancing their careers in science, and the situation is even more discouraging when it comes to winning science awards, the most prestigious of which is the Nobel Prize. Between 1901 and 2023, the Nobel Prizes were awarded 621 times to 965 individuals and 27 organizations, but only 64 of them were women-scientists. While we recognize and praise all women – Nobel laureates, this paper pays special attention to women who have received Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine and briefly outlines their scientific achievements. A more detailed description of their life and scientific journey will be provided in subsequent articles. Keywords: the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and in Physiology or Medicine, women – Nobel Prize winners, women-scientists

Nilai Dan Kegunaan Ilmu Bagi Manusia

The value of knowledge is very important in the scientific journey, because it can give birth to the utilization of knowledge. This study wants to discuss more deeply the value and usefulness of science for humans in living life in this world. The method used in this study is a qualitative method using library research, namely by examining reading sources that have to do with the studies discussed, as well as by using document studies of previous research results related to the philosophy of science. Data collection is done by tracing reading books, scientific journals, digital libraries, and libraries. It was found that the value of science includes a deep understanding of the universe, humans, and the relationship between the two. The uses of science are that humans can change the face of the world to be more advanced, help humans solve problems more effectively, develop technology so that humans can change the way of working, the way of thinking, change the barriers of space and time, increase career opportunities and open doors for various professions.

A tale of a hidden family of genetic immigrants

Though not usual for the editors of a scientific journal to ask that a story be told to its readers, this special issue is offering an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who have made it possible for a long scientific journey to open up many research avenues, to access the discoveries of what was not known and to the understanding of what was unveiled in the field of human endogenous retroviruses. In particular, and beyond a simple fortuitous association, to show their pathogenic involvement in certain diseases whose causality has been the subject of numerous and variable hypotheses.

From silicon to solutions: AI's impending impact on research and discovery

The social sciences have long relied on comparative work as the foundation upon which we understand the complexities of human behavior and society. However, as we go deeper into the era of artificial intelligence (AI), it becomes imperative to move beyond mere comparison (e.g., how AI compares to humans across a range of tasks) to establish a visionary agenda for AI as collaborative partners in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific inquiry. This paper articulates an agenda that envisions AI models as the preeminent scientific collaborators. We advocate for the profound notion that our thinking should evolve to anticipate, and include, AI models as one of the most impactful tools in the social scientist's toolbox, offering assistance and collaboration with low-level tasks (e.g., analysis and interpretation of research findings) and high-level tasks (e.g., the discovery of new academic frontiers) alike. This transformation requires us to imagine AI's possible/probable roles in the research process. We defend the inevitable benefits of AI as knowledge generators and research collaborators—agents who facilitate the scientific journey, aiming to make complex human issues more tractable and comprehensible. We foresee AI tools acting as co-researchers, contributing to research proposals and driving breakthrough discoveries. Ethical considerations are paramount, encompassing democratizing access to AI tools, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, ensuring transparency, fairness, and privacy in AI-driven research, and addressing limitations and biases in large language models. Embracing AI as collaborative partners will revolutionize the landscape of social sciences, enabling innovative, inclusive, and ethically sound research practices.

Contributing to ecosystem-based management: a personal scientific journey

Abstract After three decades of working as a research scientist, I am stepping back to consider the events, questions, and principles that have guided my scientific journey. Important questions and research objectives have been how to implement the ecosystem approach to fisheries management in practice, the development of new data uses, the application of new observation methods and models, and estimating and accounting for uncertainty. Stakeholder engagement—why and how—is a topic that has increased in importance over time. While our observation methods did not change much over many decades, they are now changing rapidly due to new technological developments, but also societal and environmental changes.

Advancing Scholarship: HSJ Attains Scopus Indexing – Embarking on A New Scientific Journey

Following the inclusion of Heart Science Journal (HSJ) in the Scopus index, we present this announcement outlining our forward trajectory and strategies aimed at elevating the quality of HSJ. Since the outset of 2024, HSJ has been formally indexed in Scopus, marking a significant milestone in our journey. We extend profound appreciation to our authors, editorial team, and reviewers for their diligent efforts and steadfast dedication, pivotal in realizing this accomplishment. In our ongoing pursuit of enhancing journal quality, we extend a global invitation to authors to contribute their research endeavors to HSJ. In essence, HSJ embarks on a new chapter within Scopus, and we extend a cordial invitation to scientists worldwide to partake in this collaborative endeavor. Keyword: Cardiovascular, Heart Science Journal, Indexing, Scopus

Discovering the Intriguing Properties of Extrasynaptic γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptors.

Tonic inhibition in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons is mediated by α5 subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. By Caraiscos VB, Elliott EM, You-Ten KE, Cheng VY, Belelli D, Newell JG, Jackson MF, Lambert JJ, Rosahl TW, Wafford KA, MacDonald JF, Orser BA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:3662-7. Reprinted with permission. In this Classic Paper Revisited, the author recounts the scientific journey leading to a report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and shares several personal stories from her formative years and "research truths" that she has learned along the way. Briefly, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), was conventionally thought to regulate cognitive processes by activating synaptic GABA type A (GABAA) receptors and generating transient inhibitory synaptic currents. However, the author's laboratory team discovered a novel nonsynaptic form of tonic inhibition in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors that are pharmacologically distinct from synaptic GABAA receptors. This tonic current is highly sensitive to most general anesthetics, including sevoflurane and propofol, and likely contributes to the memory-blocking properties of these drugs. Before the publication in PNAS, the subunit composition of GABAA receptors that generate the tonic current was unknown. The team's research showed that GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit (α5GABAARs) generated the tonic inhibitory current in hippocampal neurons. α5GABAARs are highly sensitive to GABA, desensitize slowly, and are thus well suited for detecting low, persistent, ambient concentrations of GABA in the extracellular space. Interest in α5GABAARs has surged since the PNAS report, driven by their pivotal roles in cognitive processes and their potential as therapeutic targets for treating various neurologic disorders.

Life after isolation: Reconstructing the phylogenetic identity and a centennial chronology of historical Cryphonectria isolates

AbstractFungi of the genus Cryphonectria are of special interest to tree pathologists because they cause bark disease in numerous species of the Fagaceae and Betulaceae. Despite this special attention, several Cryphonectria species were not recognized as such for a long time. This also affected the identity of eight isolates with outdated names that have been deposited in our laboratory since 1954. The present study reconstructs the history of the Cryphonectria cultures M282–M289 using primary bibliographic sources. To verify the species identity, all isolates were DNA barcoded and taxonomic affiliation was assessed using a phylogenetic approach. The taxonomic identity combined with the history of the isolates confirms that the chestnut blight epidemic (Cryphonectria parasitica) in Spain was caused by the planting of Asian chestnuts and that the first documented case of bark canker in 1940 was caused by Cryphonectria radicalis on Japanese chestnuts imported from France. The history of isolate M289 could be traced back to CBS 165.32, which proved to be the oldest preserved isolate of the rare Cryphonectria naterciae, confirming the presence of this fungus in Europe for at least 100 years. Based on the ITS barcoding of the 32‐year‐old type specimen, Cryphonectria decipiens must be reclassified as a later synonym of Cryphonectria radicalis. The reconstruction of the history of isolates M282–M289 takes us on a scientific journey from Italy to France, Spain and Portugal in the early twentieth century and offers new insights into the historical context of the invasion of Cryphonectria parasitica in Europe.

In Memoriam: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Svetoslav Markov

It is with deep sadness and profound appreciation that we reflect on the life and scientific journey of Professor D. Sc. Svetoslav Marinov Markov, who departed this world at the age of 80. Professor Markov (or Sveti, as we, his colleagues and friends called him) has been an integral part of our lives, and together with our grief, we would like to celebrate his remarkable life and outstanding achievements in science. His career, spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark by marrying biomathematics with interval analysis. Specifically, he focused his research on modeling biological processes under conditions of uncertainty, employing the tools of interval arithmetic. His work extended beyond ensuring the accuracy of input data, incorporating control over computational errors, showcasing a commitment to precision in scientific inquiry.

Imam Ahmad (may Allah have Mercy on him) and his Approach to the Musnad

The subject of this research was the approach of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal in his Musnad,. I studied what is related to the method of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal in his Musnad, which is his method in collecting hadiths, and his method in arranging the musnad and narrating the hadith from his sheikhs. In the current research, I relied on the analytical and inductive method, which is an approach that relies on research and review of the scholars’ texts, writings, and opinions about it. In collecting the texts, I was keen to rely on the original sources from among the sources and references related to the subject, from the books of hadiths and what is related to the approach of Imam Ahmad in his upbringing, his scientific journeys, and the classification of Musnad writing. After completing writing this modest research, I reached the following points: Imam Ahmad’s approach in his Musnad has arranged the hadiths in his Musnad according to the order of the Companions with several considerations, including priority such as the ten promised people of Paradise, precedence in Islam, relative nobility, and so on at the end of the chapter. The text contains several chaises of narration in various places in the narrations of the author of the chapter. I mentioned the scholars’ praise of the Musnad because the Musnad collected many hadiths in it and were selected from among seven hundred hadiths. They mentioned that the Musnad was an alternative to the six books, and he memorized a thousand hadiths, as some scholars mentioned. The number of companions who have chaise the transmission in the Musnad reached (904) companions. In the Musnad, some companions with different companionships have narrations about it. The number of companions with different companionships in Al-Musnad reached (56) companions. Some of the Companions share the Musnad of Imam Ahmad with the six books.

Advancements and Challenges in Hair Science in Worldwide: The Scientific Journey Begins at the Brazilian Journal of Hair Health

Advancements and Challenges in Hair Science in Worldwide: The Scientific Journey Begins at the Brazilian Journal of Hair Health

Inside the Biology of the β3-Adrenoceptor.

Since the first discovery in 1989, the β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) has gained great attention because it showed the ability to regulate many physiologic and metabolic activities, such as thermogenesis and lipolysis in brown and white adipose tissue, respectively (BAT, WAT), negative inotropic effects in cardiomyocytes, and relaxation of the blood vessels and the urinary bladder. The β3-AR has been suggested as a potential target for cancer treatment, both in adult and pediatric tumors, since under hypoxia its upregulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates stromal cell differentiation, tumor growth and metastases, signifying that its agonism/antagonism could be useful for clinical benefits. Promising results in cancer research have proposed the β3-AR being targeted for the treatment of many conditions, with some drugs, at present, undergoing phase II and III clinical trials. In this review, we report the scientific journey followed by the research from the β3-Ars' discovery, with focus on the β3-Ars' role in cancer initiation and progression that elects it an intriguing target for novel antineoplastic approaches. The overview highlights the great potential of the β3-AR, both in physiologic and pathologic conditions, with the intention to display the possible benefits of β3-AR modulation in cancer reality.

Life at the replication fork: A scientific and personal journey

Life at the replication fork: A scientific and personal journey

TO THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF THE OUTSTANDING PATHOPHYSIOLOGIST, SCIENTIST AND TEACHER OLEKSANDR VASYLIOVYCH ATAMAN

On January 1, 2024, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences, laureate of the O.O. Bogomolets Prize, distinguished educator, and researcher Oleksandr Vasylovych Ataman would have celebrated his 70th birthday. The life and scientific journey of Oleksandr Vasylovych have been filled with interesting events and significant achievements. His scientific work was dedicated to studying the metabolism of the vascular wall under normal and pathological conditions. Along with Professor Yu. V. Byts, proposed the 'energy-deficit' theory of atherosclerosis development. Professor Ataman O.V. was the first to suggest an experimental model of venous vessel calcinosis. Professor Ataman O.V. was actively engaged in educational activities, contributing significantly to the improvement of the pedagogical process throughout Ukraine. His textbooks are used in all departments and are widely recognized by students. Oleksandr Vasylovych Ataman was a leader in the field of pathological physiology as a fundamental direction in medical science, laying a strong foundation for it.