In April 2024, the Pritzker Architecture Prize was awarded to Riken Yamamoto. This award is often called the “Nobel Prize of Architecture,” and it’s given to someone who has made a big contribution to the field. But Yamamoto didn’t win because of flashy buildings or new materials. He won for something deeper — his belief that architecture should serve the community. He builds not only for the person who owns the building, but for the people around it too.

Below are key parts of Yamamoto’s life and work that show why he was chosen and what you can learn from his approach. His designs show that even in a world full of private lives and fast change, architecture can still help people feel connected to each other — something that even non GamStop casinos have started to notice as they rethink social space in digital form.

The Early Years That Shaped His View

Yamamoto was born in 1945 in Beijing, just before the end of World War II. After the war, his family moved to Japan. When he was only five, his father died, and he was raised by his mother. She owned a small pharmacy, and they lived behind the shop in a traditional Japanese home. This setup left a strong impression on him. He saw how one part of a house could be open to the public, while another part remained private. That balance between public and private space would later become a key theme in his work.

Instead of treating buildings like isolated units, Yamamoto grew up seeing them as part of a larger setting — the street, the neighborhood, the people passing by. These early years helped him form his ideas on what buildings should do, not just how they should look.

Travel That Opened His Eyes

After finishing university, Yamamoto didn’t go straight into practice. He went traveling instead. He visited villages around the Mediterranean, South America, India, and Nepal. In each place, he talked with locals, looked at how they built their homes, and studied how they lived together.

Despite the different languages and customs, he noticed one thing all these places had in common: strong communities. People looked after one another, and their buildings helped make that happen. It was during these travels that Yamamoto began to understand that architecture should support not only individuals but also the group. These travels gave him more than inspiration. They gave him a mission.

Why Community Matters in His Work

In today’s world, privacy is often a top priority. Many people live in small families or alone. Big cities can feel crowded, yet lonely at the same time. Yamamoto sees this change and responds through his buildings. He believes that every building, no matter how big or small, can help build community.

This doesn’t mean removing personal space. Instead, Yamamoto tries to blur the lines between private and public areas in a gentle way. He creates places where people can meet, talk, and support each other — without forcing them to do so. His goal is to design buildings that welcome people in and connect them, rather than separate them.

A House That Feels Like a Terrace

One of his early projects, Yamakawa Villa, shows how he uses design to encourage togetherness. In this house, there is no sharp division between inside and outside. The living and dining areas open up like a terrace, inviting nature and people in. Only the bedrooms and bathrooms are closed off for privacy.

This layout makes it easy for guests or even passers-by to feel welcome. It changes the idea of what a home is — not just a space to hide in, but a place to share. It’s not about removing walls, but about rethinking what those walls are for. By designing homes like this, Yamamoto creates a new kind of freedom — one that invites, not isolates.

A Fire Station That Builds Trust

In Hiroshima, Yamamoto designed a fire station that looks almost like a glass box. You can see everything — the firefighters working, training, and getting ready to help the city. This openness is no accident. It’s meant to build trust between the people of the city and the emergency workers who serve them.

Instead of hiding the daily work of firefighters, the building shows it off. It turns the station into a part of the neighborhood, not just a functional space. Yamamoto believes that when people can see and understand what others do for them, it creates respect and a stronger bond. That’s what real community means.

A University Without Walls

Another powerful example of his approach is the Saitama Prefectural University. This campus has nine different buildings, but you might not notice. That’s because they are connected by open terraces and walkways, creating a sense of flow between them. You can stand in one classroom and look across to another.

This design doesn’t just make the school look nice. It makes people act differently. Students from different departments see each other more. They might talk, share ideas, or just say hello. That small change can build a larger sense of connection. Yamamoto doesn’t just want people to learn from teachers — he wants them to learn from each other too.

His Design Is Not About Showing Off

Many buildings today are made to stand out. They have strange shapes or bright colors that make them look “innovative.” Yamamoto’s work is different. His buildings may not look special from a distance, but they are designed with care. They work well for the people who use them and fit naturally into their surroundings.

This quiet style may not win awards for being the biggest or the flashiest. But it wins something more important — the trust of the people who live, work, and move through his buildings every day. His work doesn’t scream for attention. Instead, it calmly makes life better.

Why the Pritzker Committee Chose Him

The Pritzker jury said something very clear about why Yamamoto won. They said that future cities must be designed in ways that allow people to meet, talk, and help each other. Yamamoto’s work does this again and again. By gently connecting private life with public space, he helps communities grow stronger.

At 78, Yamamoto is still active. He still lives in Yokohama and works closely with his neighbors. For him, architecture is not about fame or money. It’s about helping people live better together. That message is more important than ever today.

One Architect, One Idea, Many Lives Improved

The story of Riken Yamamoto shows that good design is not just about looks. It’s about values. It’s about asking what buildings are for, not just what they look like. And it’s about caring — not just for the person who pays for the building, but for everyone who will see it, pass by it, or live near it.

In a time when society often feels divided, Yamamoto’s work reminds you that design can bring people back together. Whether it’s a villa, a fire station, or a university, every space can be a small piece of something bigger — a true community.

The post What Made Riken Yamamoto Win the Pritzker Prize 2024 appeared first on Science NC.

Chemistry is not just something that happens in labs or science books. It’s part of everything you do — from the food you eat to the clothes you wear and the tools you use. Over thousands of years, some chemical reactions have completely changed the way people live. They have helped us grow food, build cities, and even talk to each other using computers.

Here are six important chemical changes that made a big difference in human history. These reactions helped shape the world you know today. Each one shows how humans used science to solve problems and make life better — or in some cases, more dangerous.

The First Big Discovery: Fire

Fire was the first chemical reaction people learned to use. It started with something simple like rubbing sticks together or striking stones. Once humans learned to make fire, everything changed. Fire helped you cook food, stay warm, and protect yourself from wild animals.

Cooking with fire didn’t just make food warm. It also helped your body use the food better. Cooked food is easier to chew and digest. This means your body needs less energy to get the nutrients out of it. And with fire, you can enjoy more kinds of food, like roasted meat or baked bread.

Later, a reaction called the Maillard reaction made cooked food even tastier. This reaction happens when sugars and proteins in food mix at high heat. It gives grilled meat a brown crust and makes baked goods smell good. It’s the reason toast tastes different from plain bread. Without this simple reaction, many of your favorite meals wouldn’t exist.

Bronze: The Metal That Built Civilizations

Once people had fire, they started to use it for more than just cooking. They learned how to melt certain rocks and make metals. This gave them better tools, weapons, and building materials. One of the first important metal mixtures was bronze — a mix of copper and tin.

Bronze is stronger than copper by itself. It was used for tools, weapons, and even statues. Making bronze helped early humans farm better, defend their homes, and build strong communities. It started what is now called the Bronze Age — a time when metal changed everyday life.

Without bronze, it would have taken longer for humans to build large cities or travel far. It was one of the first signs that chemistry could change the future, not just daily habits.

Fermentation: A Quiet Revolution

Fermentation is a chemical process where tiny organisms like yeast and bacteria change sugars into alcohol, acids, or gases. You might know it as what helps make bread rise or turns grape juice into wine. But it also made a big difference in history.

Early farmers used fermentation to keep food from going bad. Grains, milk, fruit — all of these could be fermented to last longer and taste better. This helped people store food and stay in one place, rather than always moving to hunt. When you could store food, you could build villages. When you had villages, you had time to think, create, and learn.

Fermented drinks like beer or wine were also safer to drink than dirty water, especially in cities. They helped people avoid getting sick from bacteria. So this simple reaction didn’t just make food tastier. It helped protect your health and build entire civilizations.

Soap: Clean Hands, Healthy Lives

Today, washing your hands is something you do without thinking. But a long time ago, it wasn’t so easy. People didn’t always understand how disease spreads. That started to change with soap.

Soap is made through a reaction called saponification. You mix fats or oils with an alkaline substance, like ash or lye. This breaks the fat into pieces that can grab dirt and oils. One end of the soap molecule sticks to water, and the other sticks to grease. That way, the dirt is lifted off your skin and washed away.

This reaction may sound simple, but it helped save lives. Clean hands and bodies mean fewer diseases. And in crowded cities, that matters a lot. Thanks to soap, people started to live longer, healthier lives — and chemistry was behind it.

Silicon Chips: Powering the Digital World

Silicon is a natural element found in sand and rocks. On its own, it’s not that exciting. But when turned into a pure crystal, it becomes the base of every computer chip you use today — from your phone to your car.

To make chips work, the silicon has to be almost perfect. Scientists developed a method called the Czochralski process to grow big single crystals of silicon. These crystals can be cut into thin slices and turned into chips.

This chemical process powers almost everything digital in your life. It lets you store pictures, send messages, and play games. Without it, computers would be slower, larger, and much less useful.

The Haber Process: Feeding the World

One of the most important reactions in history is the Haber-Bosch process. It combines nitrogen from the air with hydrogen gas to make ammonia. This may sound small, but it made a big difference.

Ammonia is a key ingredient in fertilizers. Fertilizer helps crops grow faster and stronger. Before this process, farmers had to rely on compost or animal waste to feed their plants. That limited how much food they could grow.

Thanks to the Haber process, farmers could grow more food on less land. This helped feed more people and reduce hunger. In fact, the world’s population grew very fast after this discovery. It also led to more stable food supplies in many countries.

However, this same process also made explosives. So like many discoveries, it could be used to help or harm. It depends on how people choose to use it.

Chemistry Continues to Shape the Future

From fire to fertilizer, these six reactions helped humans move forward. They fed growing cities, cleaned dirty hands, and powered machines that connect the world. Some reactions brought comfort, others brought conflict. But each one shows how chemistry is part of your daily life — often in ways you don’t even notice.

The next big discovery could happen in a lab, a garage, or even your kitchen. Just like the reactions of the past, it might change everything — again.

The post How Chemistry Changed Human Life Forever appeared first on Science NC.

Entering the realm of academia in Germany presents scholars with a rich tapestry of traditions, expectations, and nuances, particularly in the realm of scholarly writing. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of mastering the German style of academic writing, offering invaluable insights and practical tips for navigating this esteemed academic landscape.

German academic writing is characterized by its emphasis on precision, clarity, and thoroughness. Authors are expected to communicate their ideas with meticulous attention to detail, adhering to formal language conventions and eschewing colloquialisms in favor of a tone that is both formal and rigorous.

Navigating the terrain of German universities requires more than linguistic proficiency; it demands an understanding of cultural and institutional expectations. From rigorous research practices to structuring scholarly articles effectively, scholars must navigate a complex interplay of factors to excel in German academia.

In the following sections, we explore the nuances of German academic writing, providing guidance on embracing rigorous research practices, structuring articles effectively, cultivating academic language proficiency, and navigating cultural and institutional expectations. By mastering these key elements, scholars can position themselves for success in the dynamic and vibrant academic landscape of German universities.

Understanding the Nuances of German Academic Writing

In the realm of German academic writing, precision isn’t just a virtue; it’s a way of life. Picture yourself as a linguistic sculptor, chiseling away at the raw material of your ideas until they take on a form that is both elegant and precise. German scholars prize clarity above all else, favoring language that is devoid of ambiguity and flourishes. Every word serves a purpose, every sentence meticulously crafted to convey information with utmost accuracy.

But it’s not just about linguistic finesse; it’s also about structure. German scholarly articles follow a logical progression akin to a well-orchestrated symphony. From the opening notes of the introduction to the grand finale of the conclusion, each section builds upon the last, guiding the reader through a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

Moreover, German academic writing isn’t just about conveying information; it’s about engaging in a scholarly dialogue. Authors are expected to situate their work within the broader context of existing research, engaging with the ideas and arguments of their peers in a spirit of intellectual exchange. This requires not only a deep understanding of one’s own subject matter but also a familiarity with the broader academic landscape.

In essence, mastering the nuances of German academic writing requires more than just linguistic proficiency; it demands a keen eye for detail, a commitment to clarity, and a willingness to engage in scholarly discourse. But for those who are willing to embrace the challenge, the rewards are immense: the opportunity to contribute to a rich and vibrant intellectual tradition that stretches back centuries.

Embracing Rigorous Research Practices

In the hallowed halls of German academia, research isn’t just a means to an end; it’s a way of life. Scholars are expected to immerse themselves fully in the pursuit of knowledge, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for enlightenment. This means conducting exhaustive literature reviews, scouring archives and databases for relevant sources, and engaging with a diverse array of perspectives and methodologies.

But it’s not just about quantity; it’s also about quality. German scholars prize rigor above all else, demanding that research be conducted with the utmost care and attention to detail. This means employing robust methodologies, carefully documenting sources, and subjecting findings to rigorous scrutiny.

Moreover, German academic writing is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from a wide range of fields and disciplines. Scholars are encouraged to think outside the box, to transcend the boundaries of their own disciplines and engage with ideas and perspectives from diverse areas of study. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the research process but also fosters a spirit of intellectual curiosity and innovation.

In essence, embracing rigorous research practices is essential for success in German academia. It requires a combination of diligence, creativity, and intellectual rigor, as well as a willingness to engage with ideas and perspectives from a wide range of disciplines. But for those who are willing to rise to the challenge, the rewards are immense: the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the enrichment of the academic community.

Structuring Your Scholarly Article

Crafting a scholarly article in German academia is akin to constructing a meticulously designed architectural masterpiece. Each section plays a vital role in shaping the overall narrative, guiding the reader through a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of structuring your scholarly article for success in German universities.

Introduction: Setting the Stage

The introduction serves as the foundation upon which the rest of your article is built. Here, you have the opportunity to grab the reader’s attention, outline the scope and significance of your research, and establish the framework for your argument. A well-crafted introduction should provide a clear roadmap of what lies ahead, enticing the reader to delve further into your work.

Methodology: Laying the Groundwork

In the methodology section, you lay bare the inner workings of your research process. Here, you detail the methods and techniques employed in your study, providing transparency and rigor to your findings. German scholars value meticulousness and precision in methodology, so be sure to leave no stone unturned in documenting your research process.

Results: Unveiling Your Findings

With the methodology laid out, it’s time to unveil the fruits of your labor in the results section. Here, you present your findings in a clear and concise manner, using tables, graphs, and figures to enhance clarity and comprehension. German readers value thoroughness and detail in results, so be sure to provide ample evidence to support your conclusions.

Discussion: Engaging in Scholarly Discourse

In the discussion section, you engage in a scholarly dialogue with your peers, interpreting your findings in the context of existing research and offering insights into their broader implications. German scholars prize critical thinking and intellectual rigor in discussion, so be prepared to analyze your findings from multiple angles and consider alternative interpretations.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

In the conclusion, you bring your scholarly journey to a satisfying close, summarizing your key findings, reflecting on their significance, and suggesting avenues for future research. A well-crafted conclusion should leave the reader with a sense of closure and a renewed appreciation for the importance of your work in advancing knowledge in your field.

In essence, structuring your scholarly article in German academia requires a careful balancing act between clarity, precision, and thoroughness. By following these guidelines and embracing the nuances of academic writing in Germany, you can craft a compelling and impactful piece of scholarship that resonates with readers and contributes to the rich tapestry of knowledge in your field.

Cultivating Academic Language Proficiency

In the intricate landscape of German academia, mastering the language isn’t just about fluency; it’s about wielding it with the precision of a seasoned craftsman. German scholars prize clarity, precision, and formal language conventions above all else, demanding that every word serves a purpose and every sentence is meticulously crafted. Cultivating academic language proficiency goes beyond simply avoiding grammatical errors; it requires a deep understanding of the nuances of formal language and a keen awareness of the expectations of your audience.

To excel in academic writing in German universities, authors must cultivate a scholarly tone that is both authoritative and engaging. This means adopting a formal register and avoiding colloquialisms or slang that might detract from the seriousness of your argument. Additionally, authors must pay careful attention to grammar, syntax, and punctuation, ensuring that their writing is clear, concise, and free of errors.

Furthermore, mastering academic language proficiency in German requires familiarity with the conventions of scholarly writing, including citation and referencing styles. Authors must be well-versed in the various citation formats used in German academia, such as the Harvard or APA style, and adhere to them meticulously to maintain academic integrity.

In essence, cultivating academic language proficiency is essential for success in German academia. It requires more than just linguistic fluency; it demands a deep understanding of formal language conventions, a commitment to clarity and precision, and a willingness to engage with the scholarly discourse in your field. By honing these skills, authors can craft scholarly articles that resonate with readers and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

Navigating Cultural and Institutional Expectations

Navigating the cultural and institutional landscape of German academia is like embarking on a journey into uncharted territory. Each institution has its own set of norms, traditions, and expectations, shaped by centuries of scholarly tradition and cultural heritage. To succeed in German academia, authors must navigate this complex terrain with skill and finesse, understanding the unwritten rules and cultural nuances that govern academic life.

One of the key cultural expectations in German academia is a commitment to thoroughness and precision. German scholars prize meticulousness in research and writing, expecting authors to leave no stone unturned in their quest for knowledge. This means conducting exhaustive literature reviews, citing sources with precision, and presenting findings with clarity and rigor.

Additionally, authors must be attuned to the interdisciplinary nature of German academia, which encourages collaboration and intellectual exchange across disciplinary boundaries. Scholars are expected to engage with a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies, transcending the confines of their own disciplines to contribute to a broader understanding of the world.

Moreover, authors must be sensitive to the cultural context in which their work is situated. Germany has a rich and complex cultural heritage, with traditions and values that shape academic discourse in profound ways. By understanding and respecting these cultural nuances, authors can ensure that their work resonates with readers and is received positively by the academic community.

In conclusion, navigating cultural and institutional expectations is essential for success in German academia. It requires a deep understanding of the cultural and historical context in which academic discourse unfolds, as well as a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives and methodologies. By mastering these cultural and institutional nuances, authors can position themselves for success in the dynamic and vibrant academic landscape of German universities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the German style of academic writing is a multifaceted endeavor that demands attention to detail, rigorous research, and cultural sensitivity. By understanding the nuances of German academic writing, embracing rigorous research practices, structuring articles effectively, cultivating academic language proficiency, and navigating cultural and institutional expectations, scholars can position themselves for success in the vibrant academic landscape of German universities.

The post Mastering the German Style: Tips for Writing Scholarly Articles in German Universities appeared first on Science NC.

Scientists in an international consortium investigated the behavior of phospholipids that make up cell membranes. A large number of different structures are available to lipids, so that each of them can bind to a wide range of proteins. However, the time that the protein-binding part spends in each state depends on its species. These results are important for understanding cell life. The work is published in the leading journal of the American Chemical Society, the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Cell membranes are composed mainly of phospholipids. Understanding the interactions of lipids with other biomolecules is important for applied biotechnology, such as the use of lipid envelopes to deliver mRNA into the desired cell. In particular, modern coronavirus mRNA vaccines are lipid nanoparticles with mRNA inside. The interactions of cell membranes or lipids with proteins, active drug molecules or RNA are mainly regulated by hydrophilic lipid head groups. At the same time, there are thousands of different lipids within membranes, whose conformations (relative arrangement of atoms) are not fully understood. There is also a lack of data on the interactions of lipids with different proteins. In particular, it is not clear in which conformations lipids bind to proteins.

Since lipid heads are extremely mobile, the most accurate data on their conformations can be obtained using nuclear magnetic resonance, which shows the distances between different pairs of atoms within a molecule. This is not enough information, and therefore computer simulations are also often used. To find the most accurate parameters for molecular modeling of lipids, an open international consortium of NMRlipids was created. Within the consortium, scientists work together to model lipids using different parameters and then compare the results with each other and with the results of experiments. The consortium has previously published articles on individual lipids, but the different lipids were not compared with each other or studied the interaction with proteins.

“The NMRlipids project is an interesting example of open science, where all results are visible to anyone at any time and participation is not limited in any way. If successful, we will find the best parameters for modeling lipids, which will make it possible to study cellular and artificial membranes much better,” says Ivan Gushchin, head of the Laboratory of Structural Analysis and Engineering of Membrane Systems at the MIPT Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases.
In the new work, the authors investigated what structures and for what fraction of time different common in nature lipids (phosphatidylcholine and others) take on. The lipids studied formed different membranes – charged and uncharged – and interacted with membrane proteins. The simulations performed, based on direct calculation of the coordinates of the atoms at each time point, showed that neither approach accurately reproduced the space of lipid states (Figure 1 shows the simulation results). However, the parameters from Harvard gave the closest results to the real ones. It is known from experimental data that each type of lipid can bind to a wide set of proteins in different states. However, it has become known that different lipids have different preferred conformations in which they can be observed more frequently. Because of this, some lipids can more easily bind to specific proteins.

“Open science, which the NMRLipids project certainly belongs to, allows scientists with different backgrounds and skill sets to come together and comprehensively study a particular problem. NMRlipids creates a versatile set of programs that can be used to analyze lipid trajectories in molecular dynamics and compare them with different experimental data. This functionality will significantly accelerate the development of new force fields for computer modeling of membranes, which, in turn, will positively affect the accuracy of computer models describing, for example, the transport of drugs across cell membranes.”

Researchers from France, Spain, the UK, Mexico, Germany, the Czech Republic, Finland, the USA, the Netherlands and Portugal took part in the study.

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