Book launch for The Color of North: The mo
lecular language of proteins and the future of life \; \;
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Maggie Fink\, PhD in Microbiology\, Science Communication Postdo
ctoral Scholar\, University of Notre Dame
Shahir Rizk\, Associate Pro
fessor of Biochemistry\, Indiana University South Bend
Taking us b
eyond the confines of our own experiences\, In their upcoming book\, The C
olor of North\, Shahir Rizk and Maggie Fink traverses the kingdom of life
to uncover the myriad ways that proteins shape us and all organisms on the
planet. Inside every cell\, a tight-knit community of millions of protein
s skillfully contorts into unique shapes to give fireflies their ghostly g
low\, enable the octopus to see predators with its skin\, and make humans
fall in love. Collectively\, proteins orchestrate the intricate relationsh
ips within ecosystems and forge the trajectory of life. And yet\, nature h
as exploited just a fraction of their immense potential. The Color of Nort
h shows how breathtaking advances in protein engineering are expanding on
nature&rsquo\;s repertoire\, introducing proteins that can detect environm
ental pollutants\, capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere\, and treat
diseases from cancer to COVID-19.
\;
Weaving together theme
s of memory\, migration\, and family with cutting-edge research\, Shahir a
nd Maggie unveil a molecular world in which proteins are the pulsing heart
of life. Ultimately\, we gain a new appreciation for our intimate connect
ions to the world around us and a deeper understanding of ourselves.