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Conceptual illustration by Kotryna Zukauskaite demonstrates how members of the Johns Hopkins community are building democracy through effective dialogue.

Cover Story: Building up Democracy at the SNF Agora Institute

Scholars and students at the SNF Agora Institute are leading efforts to advance civic engagement.

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From the Krieger School Dean

portrait photo of Dean Christopher Celenza in Gilman Hall's Hutzler Reading Room

Fall 2023 updates from Christopher S. Celenza, James B. Knapp Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.

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⏰ Fun fact: the Gilman Clock will spring forward via remote control. 

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🍉🌽This week in general biology lab is the culmination of a three-week project focusing on the detection of genetically modified foods through PCR. Students tested the DNA present in foods such as corn starch, watermelon, and cereal to see if it showed evidence of genetic engineering. They used PCR to look for a small stretch of DNA known as the CMV promoter. This promoter serves as an on-switch for new genes added to the plant. Students got to see their PCR results using gel electrophoresis and find out if their hypotheses were correct. 🧬

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Robots and cameras of the future could be made of liquid crystals, thanks to a new discovery that significantly expands the potential of the chemicals already common in computer displays and digital watches. The findings, a simple and inexpensive way to manipulate the molecular properties of liquid crystals with light exposure, are now published in Advanced Materials. 

"Using our method, any lab with a microscope and a set of lenses can arrange the liquid crystal alignment in any pattern they'd want," said author Alvin Modin, a doctoral researcher studying physics at JHU. "Industrial labs and manufacturers could probably adopt the method in a day."

Check out our story for a link to the full Hub article.

Photos: Will Kirk, Johns Hopkins University

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