Nature Physics – Beckman researchers are examing whether cells are able to sense the subtle quantum properties of light. Kush Paul, a researcher in Beckman's Cellular and Molecular Foundations Group, Stephen Boppart, a professor of elecrical and computer engineering and a member of the Bioimaging Science and Technology Group, and others have established a direct correlation between an optical stimulus and the control of biological functions, by studying the response of a photoreceptor known as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in living brain tissue.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory – With the help of the Titan supercomputer at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, a team led by Beckman's Emad Tajkhorshid uncovered new details about Pgp, a membrane transport protein called P-glycoprotein, that could help the drug discovery community. In healthy cells, Pgp acts as the cell’s vacuum cleaner, removing unwanted or toxic substances. To treat cancer, doctors sometimes need to temporarily pull the plug on these molecular pumps. The task requires developing targeted drugs based on a thorough understanding of Pgp’s makeup and mechanics.

Pacific Standard magazine – Can fake news be successfully debunked? “The effect of misinformation is very strong,” said Dolores Albarracin, a psychologist at Illinois and member of Beckman’s Social and Emotional Dimensions of Well-Being Group. “Generally, some degree of correction is possible, but it’s very difficult to completely correct.”