ACA Early Career Scientist Spotlight-24

At the ACA, we deeply value the vital role early-career scientists play in advancing the frontiers of crystallography and structural science. Their innovative research and fresh perspectives are shaping the future of the field. In this spirit, we are proud to feature Nooriel Banayan as the latest highlight in our YSIG Spotlight seriesNooriel Banayan is a computational biophysicist and medical student. Banayan researches protein dynamics and crystallography, focusing on protein crystallization and its applications in science and medicine. They developed software to aid crystallization, inspiring faster drug discovery. Banayan places a strong emphasis on the broader impact of research, recognizing its potential to drive innovation and solve real-world problems. He has openly shared valuable insights on a variety of topics, including the development and application of academic tools, the intricacies of laboratory projects, and his own personal journey through the scientific field. His dedication to both advancing the field and mentoring others reflects a deep commitment to the growth of the scientific community.  Read more...

Celebrate Excellence: Submit Your Nominations for ACA Awards & Fellows

We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for our prestigious Awards and Fellows program! This is your chance to honor the exceptional achievements of your peers in crystallography and structural science.

This year, we are accepting nominations for the David Rognlie Award, the A.L. Patterson Award, and the Etter Early Career Award.

How to Submit a Nomination: Awards
How to Submit a Nomination: Fellows

Kindly note that the submission deadline is April 1st, and all nominations must be received by this date to be considered.

We encourage you to nominate individuals who have excelled in research, leadership, and service within the crystallographic community. Let’s recognize the brilliant minds driving innovation and shaping the future of our field. Your participation is vital to celebrating excellence and advancing our shared mission.

Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight the remarkable contributions of your colleagues!

 


Structural Dynamics

The November 2024 issue of Structural Dynamics features an exciting article titled "ProteinReDiff: Complex-based ligand-binding proteins redesign by equivariant diffusion-based generative models." This article introduces ProteinReDiff, a method that integrates refined diffraction data with computational modeling to study ligand binding in proteins. The approach provides high-resolution insights into binding sites, affinities, and conformational changes, advancing our understanding of protein-ligand interactions. This innovative tool holds significant potential for drug discovery and protein engineering, enabling the design of more effective ligands and inhibitors. [Read the full article here.]

 

As an ACA member, you can enjoy a valuable benefit: a reduced submission fee for Structural Dynamics, the official journal of the American Crystallographic Association. This exclusive discount underscores ACA's dedication to supporting its members in sharing their groundbreaking research. By offering this reduced fee, ACA aims to make high-impact publishing more accessible, encouraging members to contribute their work to the global scientific community through this esteemed journal. Take advantage of this member benefit and showcase your research in Structural Dynamics today!

IUCr2026: Calgary, Alberta

Planning for IUCr2026 is progressing rapidly, and we are thrilled to bring you an exceptional congress experience. To ensure you receive the latest updates, announcements, and important details as they become available, we invite you to add your name and email to our Expression of Interest list. Don’t miss a moment as the excitement builds!

 


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Snowflakes are a captivating example of crystallography in nature, showcasing the intricate beauty of ice crystals formed through precise molecular arrangements. Each snowflake begins with a tiny ice nucleus, often a single water molecule that freezes and grows symmetrically as additional water vapor condenses onto it. The hexagonal structure of snowflakes arises from the molecular geometry of water, where hydrogen bonds form a six-fold symmetry. Crystallographers study these patterns to understand the physics of crystal growth and the environmental conditions influencing snowflake formation. The study of snowflakes not only reveals insights into natural processes but also exemplifies how crystallography underpins our understanding of symmetry, geometry, and molecular interactions in the world around us.