Making molecules in cavity.

Free molecules undergo processes with photons; in particular, they can undergo photoionization and photodissociation, which are relevant processes in nature and laboratory. Recently, it has been shown that in a cavity, the reverse process of photoionization, namely, electron capture becomes highly probable. The underlying mechanism is the formation of a hybrid resonance state.

Observation of Nuclear Wave-Packet Interference in Ultrafast Interatomic Energy Transfer.

We report the experimental observation of quantum interference in the nuclear wave-packet dynamics driving ultrafast excitation-energy transfer in argon dimers below the threshold of interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD). Using time-resolved photoion-photoion coincidence spectroscopy and quantum dynamics simulations, we reveal that the electronic relaxation dynamics of the inner-valence 3s hole on one atom leading to a 4s or 4p excitation on the other one is influenced by nuclear quantum dynamics in the initial state, giving rise to a deep, periodic modulation on the kinetic-energy-release (KER) spectra of the coincident Ar^{+}-Ar^{+} ion pairs. Moreover, the time-resolved KER spectra show characteristic fingerprints of quantum interference effects during the energy-transfer process.

Activating cavity by electrons.

The interaction of atoms and molecules with quantum light as realized in cavities has become a highly topical and fast growing research field. This interaction leads to hybrid light-matter states giving rise to new phenomena and opening up pathways to control and manipulate properties of the matter. Here, we substantially extend the scope of the interaction by allowing free electrons to enter the cavity and merge and unify the two active fields of electron scattering and quantum-light-matter interaction.

Antifreeze proteins: characteristics, occurrence and human exposure.

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), also known as ice structuring proteins, bind to and influence the growth of ice crystals. Proteins with these characteristics have been identified in fish living in areas susceptible to ice formation and in numerous plants and insects. This review considers the occurrence of AFPs and relates it to the likely intake by human populations, with a view to forming a judgment about their safety in foods.

The ability of the Comet assay to discriminate between genotoxins and cytotoxins.

The Comet assay has been used widely in genetic toxicology, radiation biology and medical and environmental research. This assay detects single-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites in DNA and DNA degradation due to necrosis or apoptosis. It may also be modified to detect DNA cross-linking.