Metagenomics education in a modular CURE format positively affects students' scientific discovery perception and data analytical skills.

Targeted metagenomics is a rapidly expanding technology to analyze complex biological samples and genetic monitoring of environmental samples. In this research field, data analytical aspects play a crucial role. In order to teach targeted metagenomics data analysis, we developed a 4-week inquiry-driven modular course-based undergraduate research experience (mCURE) using publicly available Australian coral microbiome DNA sequencing data and associated metadata.

ONT read assembly of the black rhino genome.

Objectives: The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is an endangered mammal for which a captive breeding program is part of the conservation effort. Black rhinos in zoo's often suffer from chronic infections and heamochromatosis. Furthermore, breeding is hampered by low male fertility.

Correlated x-ray fluorescence and ptychographic nano-tomography on Rembrandt's reveals unknown lead "layer".

, one of the most famous masterpieces by Rembrandt, is the subject of a large research and conservation project. For the conservation treatment, it is of great importance to understand its current condition. Correlated nano-tomography using x-ray fluorescence and ptychography revealed a-so far unknown-lead-containing "layer", which likely acts as a protective impregnation layer applied on the canvas before the quartz-clay ground was applied.

Sunlight Powered Continuous Flow Reverse Water Gas Shift Process Using a Plasmonic Au/TiO Nanocatalyst.

The continuous flow reverse water gas shift (rWGS) process was efficiently catalyzed by a plasmonic Au/TiO nanocatalyst using sunlight as sole and sustainable energy source. The influence of the catalyst bed thickness on the CO production rate was studied, and three different catalytic regimes were identified as direct plasmon catalysis (DPC), shielded plasmon catalysis (SPC) and unused plasmon catalysis (UPC). The CO  : H ratio was optimized to 4 : 1 and a maximum CO production rate of 7420 mmol ⋅ m  ⋅ h was achieved under mild reaction conditions (p=3.

A Ziegler-type spherical cap model reveals early stage ethylene polymerization growth versus catalyst fragmentation relationships.

Polyolefin catalysts are characterized by their hierarchically complex nature, which complicates studies on the interplay between the catalyst and formed polymer phases. Here, the missing link in the morphology gap between planar model systems and industrially relevant spherical catalyst particles is introduced through the use of a spherical cap Ziegler-type catalyst model system for the polymerization of ethylene. More specifically, a moisture-stable LaOCl framework with enhanced imaging contrast has been designed to support the TiCl pre-active site, which could mimic the behaviour of the highly hygroscopic and industrially used MgCl framework.