Project acronym AMOPROX
Project Quantifying Aerobic Methane Oxidation in the Ocean: Calibration and palaeo application of a novel proxy
Researcher (PI) Helen Marie Talbot
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE10, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Methane, a key greenhouse gas, is cycled by microorganisms via two pathways, aerobically and anaerobically. Research on the
marine methane cycle has mainly concentrated on anaerobic processes. Recent biomarker work has provided compelling
evidence that aerobic methane oxidation (AMO) can play a more significant role in cycling methane emitted from sediments than
previously considered. AMO, however, is not well studied requiring novel proxies that can be applied to the sedimentary record. A
group of complex lipids biosynthesised by aerobic methanotrophs known as aminobacteriohopanepolyols represent an ideal target
for developing such poxies. Recently BHPs have been identified in a wide range of modern and recent environments including a
continuous record from the Congo deep sea fan spanning the last 1.2 million years.
In this integrated study, the regulation and expression of BHP will be investigated and calibrated against environmental variables
including temperature, pH, salinity and, most importantly, methane concentrations. The work program has three complementary
strands. (1) Pure culture and sedimentary microcosm experiments providing an approximation to natural conditions. (2) Calibration
of BHP signatures in natural marine settings (e.g. cold seeps, mud volcanoes, pockmarks) against measured methane gradients.
(3) Application of this novel approach to the marine sedimentary record to approximate methane fluxes in the past, explore the age
and bathymetric limits of this novel molecular proxy, and identify and potentially 14C date palaeo-pockmarks structures. Crucial to
the success is also the refinement of the analytical protocols to improve both accuracy and sensitivity, using a more sensitive
analytical instrument (triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer).
Summary
Methane, a key greenhouse gas, is cycled by microorganisms via two pathways, aerobically and anaerobically. Research on the
marine methane cycle has mainly concentrated on anaerobic processes. Recent biomarker work has provided compelling
evidence that aerobic methane oxidation (AMO) can play a more significant role in cycling methane emitted from sediments than
previously considered. AMO, however, is not well studied requiring novel proxies that can be applied to the sedimentary record. A
group of complex lipids biosynthesised by aerobic methanotrophs known as aminobacteriohopanepolyols represent an ideal target
for developing such poxies. Recently BHPs have been identified in a wide range of modern and recent environments including a
continuous record from the Congo deep sea fan spanning the last 1.2 million years.
In this integrated study, the regulation and expression of BHP will be investigated and calibrated against environmental variables
including temperature, pH, salinity and, most importantly, methane concentrations. The work program has three complementary
strands. (1) Pure culture and sedimentary microcosm experiments providing an approximation to natural conditions. (2) Calibration
of BHP signatures in natural marine settings (e.g. cold seeps, mud volcanoes, pockmarks) against measured methane gradients.
(3) Application of this novel approach to the marine sedimentary record to approximate methane fluxes in the past, explore the age
and bathymetric limits of this novel molecular proxy, and identify and potentially 14C date palaeo-pockmarks structures. Crucial to
the success is also the refinement of the analytical protocols to improve both accuracy and sensitivity, using a more sensitive
analytical instrument (triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer).
Max ERC Funding
1 496 392 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-11-01, End date: 2016-04-30
Project acronym AVIAN DIMORPHISM
Project The genomic and transcriptomic locus of sex-specific selection in birds
Researcher (PI) Judith Elizabeth Mank
Host Institution (HI) University College London
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS8, ERC-2010-StG_20091118
Summary It has long been understood that genes contribute to phenotypes that are then the basis of selection. However, the nature and process of this relationship remains largely theoretical, and the relative contribution of change in gene expression and coding sequence to phenotypic diversification is unclear. The aim of this proposal is to fuse information about sexually dimorphic phenotypes, the mating systems and sexually antagonistic selective agents that shape sexual dimorphism, and the sex-biased gene expression patterns that encode sexual dimorphisms, in order to create a cohesive integrated understanding of the relationship between evolution, the genome, and the animal form. The primary approach of this project is to harnesses emergent DNA sequencing technologies in order to measure evolutionary change in gene expression and coding sequence in response to different sex-specific selection regimes in a clade of birds with divergent mating systems. Sex-specific selection pressures arise in large part as a consequence of mating system, however males and females share nearly identical genomes, especially in the vertebrates where the sex chromosomes house very small proportions of the overall transcriptome. This single shared genome creates sex-specific phenotypes via different gene expression levels in females and males, and these sex-biased genes connect sexual dimorphisms, and the sexually antagonistic selection pressures that shape them, with the regions of the genome that encode them.
The Galloanserae (fowl and waterfowl) will be used to in the proposed project, as this clade combines the necessary requirements of both variation in mating systems and a well-conserved reference genome (chicken). The study species selected from within the Galloanserae for the proposal exhibit a range of sexual dimorphism and sperm competition, and this will be exploited with next generation (454 and Illumina) genomic and transcriptomic data to study the gene expression patterns that underlie sexual dimorphisms, and the evolutionary pressures acting on them. This work will be complemented by the development of mathematical models of sex-specific evolution that will be tested against the gene expression and gene sequence data in order to understand the mechanisms by which sex-specific selection regimes, arising largely from mating systems, shape the phenotype via the genome.
Summary
It has long been understood that genes contribute to phenotypes that are then the basis of selection. However, the nature and process of this relationship remains largely theoretical, and the relative contribution of change in gene expression and coding sequence to phenotypic diversification is unclear. The aim of this proposal is to fuse information about sexually dimorphic phenotypes, the mating systems and sexually antagonistic selective agents that shape sexual dimorphism, and the sex-biased gene expression patterns that encode sexual dimorphisms, in order to create a cohesive integrated understanding of the relationship between evolution, the genome, and the animal form. The primary approach of this project is to harnesses emergent DNA sequencing technologies in order to measure evolutionary change in gene expression and coding sequence in response to different sex-specific selection regimes in a clade of birds with divergent mating systems. Sex-specific selection pressures arise in large part as a consequence of mating system, however males and females share nearly identical genomes, especially in the vertebrates where the sex chromosomes house very small proportions of the overall transcriptome. This single shared genome creates sex-specific phenotypes via different gene expression levels in females and males, and these sex-biased genes connect sexual dimorphisms, and the sexually antagonistic selection pressures that shape them, with the regions of the genome that encode them.
The Galloanserae (fowl and waterfowl) will be used to in the proposed project, as this clade combines the necessary requirements of both variation in mating systems and a well-conserved reference genome (chicken). The study species selected from within the Galloanserae for the proposal exhibit a range of sexual dimorphism and sperm competition, and this will be exploited with next generation (454 and Illumina) genomic and transcriptomic data to study the gene expression patterns that underlie sexual dimorphisms, and the evolutionary pressures acting on them. This work will be complemented by the development of mathematical models of sex-specific evolution that will be tested against the gene expression and gene sequence data in order to understand the mechanisms by which sex-specific selection regimes, arising largely from mating systems, shape the phenotype via the genome.
Max ERC Funding
1 350 804 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2016-07-31
Project acronym BIOMOF
Project Biomineral-inspired growth and processing of metal-organic frameworks
Researcher (PI) Darren Bradshaw
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary This ERC-StG proposal, BIOMOF, outlines a dual strategy for the growth and processing of porous metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, inspired by the interfacial interactions that characterise highly controlled biomineralisation processes. The aim is to prepare MOF (bio)-composite materials of hierarchical structure and multi-modal functionality to address key societal challenges in healthcare, catalysis and energy. In order for MOFs to reach their full potential, a transformative approach to their growth, and in particular their processability, is required since the insoluble macroscopic micron-sized crystals resulting from conventional syntheses are unsuitable for many applications. The BIOMOF project defines chemically flexible routes to MOFs under mild conditions, where the added value with respect to wide-ranging experimental procedures for the growth and processing of crystalline controllably nanoscale MOF materials with tunable structure and functionality that display significant porosity for wide-ranging applications is extremely high. Theme 1 exploits protein vesicles and abundant biopolymer matrices for the confined growth of soluble nanoscale MOFs for high-end biomedical applications such as cell imaging and targeted drug delivery, whereas theme 2 focuses on the cost-effective preparation of hierarchically porous MOF composites over several length scales, of relevance to bulk industrial applications such as sustainable catalysis, separations and gas-storage. This diverse yet complementary range of applications arising simply from the way the MOF is processed, coupled with the versatile structural and physical properties of MOFs themselves indicates strongly that the BIOMOF concept is a powerful convergent new approach to applied materials chemistry.
Summary
This ERC-StG proposal, BIOMOF, outlines a dual strategy for the growth and processing of porous metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, inspired by the interfacial interactions that characterise highly controlled biomineralisation processes. The aim is to prepare MOF (bio)-composite materials of hierarchical structure and multi-modal functionality to address key societal challenges in healthcare, catalysis and energy. In order for MOFs to reach their full potential, a transformative approach to their growth, and in particular their processability, is required since the insoluble macroscopic micron-sized crystals resulting from conventional syntheses are unsuitable for many applications. The BIOMOF project defines chemically flexible routes to MOFs under mild conditions, where the added value with respect to wide-ranging experimental procedures for the growth and processing of crystalline controllably nanoscale MOF materials with tunable structure and functionality that display significant porosity for wide-ranging applications is extremely high. Theme 1 exploits protein vesicles and abundant biopolymer matrices for the confined growth of soluble nanoscale MOFs for high-end biomedical applications such as cell imaging and targeted drug delivery, whereas theme 2 focuses on the cost-effective preparation of hierarchically porous MOF composites over several length scales, of relevance to bulk industrial applications such as sustainable catalysis, separations and gas-storage. This diverse yet complementary range of applications arising simply from the way the MOF is processed, coupled with the versatile structural and physical properties of MOFs themselves indicates strongly that the BIOMOF concept is a powerful convergent new approach to applied materials chemistry.
Max ERC Funding
1 492 970 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym BLUELEAF
Project The adaptive advantages, evolution and development of iridescence in leaves
Researcher (PI) Heather Whitney
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS8, ERC-2010-StG_20091118
Summary Iridescence is a form of structural colour which changes hue according to the angle from which it is viewed. Blue iridescence caused by multilayers has been described on the leaves of taxonomically diverse species such as the lycophyte Selaginella uncinata and the angiosperm Begonia pavonina. While much is known about the role of leaf pigment colour, the adaptive role of leaf iridescence is unknown. Hypotheses have been put forward including 1) iridescence acts as disruptive camouflage against herbivores 2) it enhances light sensing and capture in low light conditions 3) it is a photoprotective mechanism to protect shade-adapted plants against high light levels. These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive: each function may be of varying importance in different environments. To understand any one function, we need a interdisciplinary approach considering all three potential functions and their interactions. The objective of my research would be to test these hypotheses, using animal behavioural and plant physiological methods, to determine the functions of leaf iridescence and how the plant has adapted to the reflection of developmentally vital wavelengths. Use of molecular and bioinformatics methods will elucidate the genes that control the production of this potentially multifunctional optical phenomenon. This research will provide a pioneering study into the generation, developmental impact and adaptive significance of iridescence in leaves. It would also answer questions at the frontiers of several fields including those of plant evolution, insect vision, methods of camouflage, the generation and role of animal iridescence, and could also potentially inspire synthetic biomimetic applications.
Summary
Iridescence is a form of structural colour which changes hue according to the angle from which it is viewed. Blue iridescence caused by multilayers has been described on the leaves of taxonomically diverse species such as the lycophyte Selaginella uncinata and the angiosperm Begonia pavonina. While much is known about the role of leaf pigment colour, the adaptive role of leaf iridescence is unknown. Hypotheses have been put forward including 1) iridescence acts as disruptive camouflage against herbivores 2) it enhances light sensing and capture in low light conditions 3) it is a photoprotective mechanism to protect shade-adapted plants against high light levels. These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive: each function may be of varying importance in different environments. To understand any one function, we need a interdisciplinary approach considering all three potential functions and their interactions. The objective of my research would be to test these hypotheses, using animal behavioural and plant physiological methods, to determine the functions of leaf iridescence and how the plant has adapted to the reflection of developmentally vital wavelengths. Use of molecular and bioinformatics methods will elucidate the genes that control the production of this potentially multifunctional optical phenomenon. This research will provide a pioneering study into the generation, developmental impact and adaptive significance of iridescence in leaves. It would also answer questions at the frontiers of several fields including those of plant evolution, insect vision, methods of camouflage, the generation and role of animal iridescence, and could also potentially inspire synthetic biomimetic applications.
Max ERC Funding
1 118 378 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2016-07-31
Project acronym COSMOLAB
Project Laboratory simulation of cosmological magnetic fields
Researcher (PI) Gianluca Gregori
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary The advent of high-power laser systems in the past two decades has opened a new field of research where astrophysical environments can be scaled down to laboratory dimensions, yet preserving the essential physics. This is due to the invariance of the equations of ideal magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) to a class of self-similar transformations. In this proposal, we will apply these scaling laws to investigate the dynamics of the high Mach number shocks arising during the formation of the large-scale structure of the Universe. Although at the beginning of cosmic evolution matter was nearly homogenously distributed, today, as a result of gravitational instability, it forms a web-like structure made of filaments and clusters. Gas continues to accrete supersonically onto these collapsed structures, thus producing high Mach number shocks. It has been recently proposed that generation of magnetic fields can occur at these cosmic shocks on a cosmologically fast timescale via a Weibel-like instability, thus providing an appealing explanation to the ubiquitous magnetization of the Universe. Our proposal will thus provide the first experimental evidence of such mechanisms. We plan to measure the self-generated magnetic fields from laboratory shock waves using a novel combination of electron deflectometry, Faraday rotation measurements using THz lasers, and dB/dt probes. The proposed investigation on the generation of magnetic fields at shocks via plasma instabilities bears important general consequences. First, it will shed light on the origin of cosmic magnetic fields. Second, it would have a tremendous impact on one of the greatest puzzles of high energy astrophysics, the origin of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays. We plan to assess the role of charged particle acceleration via collisionless shocks in the amplification of the magnetic field as well as measure the spectrum of such accelerated particles. The experimental work will be carried both at Oxford U and at laser facilities.
Summary
The advent of high-power laser systems in the past two decades has opened a new field of research where astrophysical environments can be scaled down to laboratory dimensions, yet preserving the essential physics. This is due to the invariance of the equations of ideal magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) to a class of self-similar transformations. In this proposal, we will apply these scaling laws to investigate the dynamics of the high Mach number shocks arising during the formation of the large-scale structure of the Universe. Although at the beginning of cosmic evolution matter was nearly homogenously distributed, today, as a result of gravitational instability, it forms a web-like structure made of filaments and clusters. Gas continues to accrete supersonically onto these collapsed structures, thus producing high Mach number shocks. It has been recently proposed that generation of magnetic fields can occur at these cosmic shocks on a cosmologically fast timescale via a Weibel-like instability, thus providing an appealing explanation to the ubiquitous magnetization of the Universe. Our proposal will thus provide the first experimental evidence of such mechanisms. We plan to measure the self-generated magnetic fields from laboratory shock waves using a novel combination of electron deflectometry, Faraday rotation measurements using THz lasers, and dB/dt probes. The proposed investigation on the generation of magnetic fields at shocks via plasma instabilities bears important general consequences. First, it will shed light on the origin of cosmic magnetic fields. Second, it would have a tremendous impact on one of the greatest puzzles of high energy astrophysics, the origin of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays. We plan to assess the role of charged particle acceleration via collisionless shocks in the amplification of the magnetic field as well as measure the spectrum of such accelerated particles. The experimental work will be carried both at Oxford U and at laser facilities.
Max ERC Funding
1 119 690 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-12-01, End date: 2015-11-30
Project acronym CROSSROADS
Project Crossroads of empires: archaeology, material culture and socio-political relationships in West Africa
Researcher (PI) Anne Claire Haour
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH6, ERC-2010-StG_20091209
Summary Knowledge of the last 1000 years in the West African Sahel comes largely from historical sources, which say that many regions were ruled by vast polities.
The aim of my archaeological project is to seize how, in fact, lhe 'empires' of this region structured the landscape, and the movemenl of peoples, ideas, and
things, with a focus on the period AD 1200-1850. Is 'empire' really a useful term? I will confront historical evidence with archaeological data from one area at
the intersection of several polities: the dallols in Niger. This area is rich in remains, said to result from population movements and processes of religious and
political change, but these remains have been only briefly described so far. As this region is a key area of migrations and cross-influences, it is the ideal
'laboratory' for exploring the materialisation of contacts and boundaries, through a mapping of material culture distributions.
My project will approach these sites holistically, carrying out archaeological regional survey and prospection. Excavation will indicate chronology and cultural
affiliation. At lhe same time, I will take an interdisciplinary approach, using anthropological and oral-historical enquiries to obtain background information to
test hypotheses generated by the archaeological data. Enquiries will assess how material culture can show group belonging and population shifts, and
examine the role of individuals called 'technical specialists'. This will help solve the current impasse in our understanding of vast empires which, though they
are historically known, remain poorly understood.
My project will not just improve our knowledge of an almost-unknown part of the world, but thanks to its geographical location, interdisciplinary nature and
strong thematic framework, open up avenues of thinking about the relalion between archaeological and historical data, the mediation of relations through
artefacts, and the archaeology of empires, all widely-relevant research issues
Summary
Knowledge of the last 1000 years in the West African Sahel comes largely from historical sources, which say that many regions were ruled by vast polities.
The aim of my archaeological project is to seize how, in fact, lhe 'empires' of this region structured the landscape, and the movemenl of peoples, ideas, and
things, with a focus on the period AD 1200-1850. Is 'empire' really a useful term? I will confront historical evidence with archaeological data from one area at
the intersection of several polities: the dallols in Niger. This area is rich in remains, said to result from population movements and processes of religious and
political change, but these remains have been only briefly described so far. As this region is a key area of migrations and cross-influences, it is the ideal
'laboratory' for exploring the materialisation of contacts and boundaries, through a mapping of material culture distributions.
My project will approach these sites holistically, carrying out archaeological regional survey and prospection. Excavation will indicate chronology and cultural
affiliation. At lhe same time, I will take an interdisciplinary approach, using anthropological and oral-historical enquiries to obtain background information to
test hypotheses generated by the archaeological data. Enquiries will assess how material culture can show group belonging and population shifts, and
examine the role of individuals called 'technical specialists'. This will help solve the current impasse in our understanding of vast empires which, though they
are historically known, remain poorly understood.
My project will not just improve our knowledge of an almost-unknown part of the world, but thanks to its geographical location, interdisciplinary nature and
strong thematic framework, open up avenues of thinking about the relalion between archaeological and historical data, the mediation of relations through
artefacts, and the archaeology of empires, all widely-relevant research issues
Max ERC Funding
893 161 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym ENERGYBIOCATALYSIS
Project Understanding and Exploiting Biological Catalysts for Energy Cycling: Development of Infrared Spectroelectrochemistry for Studying Intermediates in Metalloenzyme Catalysis
Researcher (PI) Kylie Alison Vincent
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE4, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Advanced catalysts for energy cycling will be essential to a future sustainable energy economy. Interconversion of water and hydrogen allows solar and other green electricity to be stored in transportable form as H2 - a fuel for electricity generation on demand. Precious metals (Pt) are the best catalysts currently available for H2 oxidation in fuel cells. In contrast, readily available Ni/Fe form the catalytic centres of robust enzymes used by micro-organisms to oxidise or produce H2 selectively, at rates rivalling platinum. Metalloenzymes also efficiently catalyse redox reactions of the nitrogen and carbon cycles. Electrochemistry of enzyme films on a graphite electrode provides a direct route to studying and exploiting biocatalysis, for example a fuel cell that produces electricity from dilute H2 in air using an electrode modified with hydrogenase. Understanding structures and complex chemistry of enzyme active sites is now an important challenge that underpins exploitation of enzymes and design of future catalysts. This project develops sensitive IR methods for metalloenzymes on conducting surfaces or particles. Ligands with strong InfraRed vibrational signatures (CO, CN-) are exploited as probes of active site chemistry for hydrogenases and carbon-cycling enzymes. The proposal unites physical techniques (surface vibrational spectroscopy, electrochemistry), microbiology (mutagenesis, microbial energy cycling), inorganic chemistry (reactions at unusual organometallic centres) and technology development (energy-catalysis) in addressing enzyme chemistry. Understanding the basis for the extreme catalytic selectivity of enzymes will contribute to knowledge of biological energy cycling and provide inspiration for new catalysts.
Summary
Advanced catalysts for energy cycling will be essential to a future sustainable energy economy. Interconversion of water and hydrogen allows solar and other green electricity to be stored in transportable form as H2 - a fuel for electricity generation on demand. Precious metals (Pt) are the best catalysts currently available for H2 oxidation in fuel cells. In contrast, readily available Ni/Fe form the catalytic centres of robust enzymes used by micro-organisms to oxidise or produce H2 selectively, at rates rivalling platinum. Metalloenzymes also efficiently catalyse redox reactions of the nitrogen and carbon cycles. Electrochemistry of enzyme films on a graphite electrode provides a direct route to studying and exploiting biocatalysis, for example a fuel cell that produces electricity from dilute H2 in air using an electrode modified with hydrogenase. Understanding structures and complex chemistry of enzyme active sites is now an important challenge that underpins exploitation of enzymes and design of future catalysts. This project develops sensitive IR methods for metalloenzymes on conducting surfaces or particles. Ligands with strong InfraRed vibrational signatures (CO, CN-) are exploited as probes of active site chemistry for hydrogenases and carbon-cycling enzymes. The proposal unites physical techniques (surface vibrational spectroscopy, electrochemistry), microbiology (mutagenesis, microbial energy cycling), inorganic chemistry (reactions at unusual organometallic centres) and technology development (energy-catalysis) in addressing enzyme chemistry. Understanding the basis for the extreme catalytic selectivity of enzymes will contribute to knowledge of biological energy cycling and provide inspiration for new catalysts.
Max ERC Funding
1 373 322 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym ETMCECS
Project Enantioselective Transition Metal Catalysis for Efficient Chemical Synthesis
Researcher (PI) Hon Wai Lam
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Organic molecules of all shapes and sizes are required for a multitude of applications in numerous settings, such as in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries (among others). To meet this demand, organic synthesis is faced with the challenge of converting simple, readily available chemical building blocks into more complex structures in as rapid, efficient, and cost-effective a manner as possible. As such, increasing the efficiency of organic synthesis provides enormous benefits to society, quality of life, and a sustainable future.
In this proposal, we outline a program aimed at the design, development, and application of new asymmetric transition metal-catalyzed reactions, where a chiral catalyst will control which particular enantiomer of a chiral product is formed. This feature is absolutely vital, since the action of chiral functional molecules within a chiral environment (such as in biological systems) is critically dependent upon their three-dimensional shape, and hence their enantiomeric composition. Several sub-project areas (each based around transition metal ions for which our group has had prior expertise) are presented, which target compounds from simpler chemical building blocks (copper- and rhodium-catalyzed reactions) to those of higher complexity (nickel-catalyzed domino reactions). During the course of this research, we anticipate that a host of useful discoveries will be made that will positively impact the discipline of organic synthesis for the ultimate benefit of society.
Summary
Organic molecules of all shapes and sizes are required for a multitude of applications in numerous settings, such as in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries (among others). To meet this demand, organic synthesis is faced with the challenge of converting simple, readily available chemical building blocks into more complex structures in as rapid, efficient, and cost-effective a manner as possible. As such, increasing the efficiency of organic synthesis provides enormous benefits to society, quality of life, and a sustainable future.
In this proposal, we outline a program aimed at the design, development, and application of new asymmetric transition metal-catalyzed reactions, where a chiral catalyst will control which particular enantiomer of a chiral product is formed. This feature is absolutely vital, since the action of chiral functional molecules within a chiral environment (such as in biological systems) is critically dependent upon their three-dimensional shape, and hence their enantiomeric composition. Several sub-project areas (each based around transition metal ions for which our group has had prior expertise) are presented, which target compounds from simpler chemical building blocks (copper- and rhodium-catalyzed reactions) to those of higher complexity (nickel-catalyzed domino reactions). During the course of this research, we anticipate that a host of useful discoveries will be made that will positively impact the discipline of organic synthesis for the ultimate benefit of society.
Max ERC Funding
1 498 892 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym EVOCHANGE
Project Complex adaptation in photosynthetic microbes evolving in response to global change
Researcher (PI) Sinead Andrea Collins
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS8, ERC-2010-StG_20091118
Summary Microbes evolve rapidly in changing environments, and global change may soon cause future microbial populations to differ genetically and phenotypically from contemporary populations. We have both pragmatic and intellectual interests in microbial evolution, especially when microbial communities perform important ecological services. For example, marine phytoplankton are responsible for half of global primary production, and make up the biological carbon sink in oceans. However, marine environments are changing in complex ways, and future global carbon and energy cycles may depend heavily on how phytoplankton evolve in response to global change.
My research will study how photosynthetic microbes evolve in complex environments. First, I will use mathematical models and experimental evolution in a microalgal model system to compare phenotypic changes between populations that have evolved either in an environment where many variables change simultaneously, or in an environment where only one variable changes at a time. Second, I will use the same model system to study if and how heritable epigenetic change, such as methylation and miRNA regulation, affects long-term adaptation. Both sets of experiments will use environmental shifts that are associated with global change, thus providing information specific to marine phytoplankton evolution, as well as insight into fundamental evolutionary processes. Finally, I will use RAD sequening in natural algal isolates from high CO2 environments to map and produce a list of candidate loci that may have contributed to long-term evolution in elevated CO2. The results of this work will significantly improve our ability to use evolutionary theory to understand how microbes are likely to change over the coming decades.
Summary
Microbes evolve rapidly in changing environments, and global change may soon cause future microbial populations to differ genetically and phenotypically from contemporary populations. We have both pragmatic and intellectual interests in microbial evolution, especially when microbial communities perform important ecological services. For example, marine phytoplankton are responsible for half of global primary production, and make up the biological carbon sink in oceans. However, marine environments are changing in complex ways, and future global carbon and energy cycles may depend heavily on how phytoplankton evolve in response to global change.
My research will study how photosynthetic microbes evolve in complex environments. First, I will use mathematical models and experimental evolution in a microalgal model system to compare phenotypic changes between populations that have evolved either in an environment where many variables change simultaneously, or in an environment where only one variable changes at a time. Second, I will use the same model system to study if and how heritable epigenetic change, such as methylation and miRNA regulation, affects long-term adaptation. Both sets of experiments will use environmental shifts that are associated with global change, thus providing information specific to marine phytoplankton evolution, as well as insight into fundamental evolutionary processes. Finally, I will use RAD sequening in natural algal isolates from high CO2 environments to map and produce a list of candidate loci that may have contributed to long-term evolution in elevated CO2. The results of this work will significantly improve our ability to use evolutionary theory to understand how microbes are likely to change over the coming decades.
Max ERC Funding
1 492 338 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-05-01, End date: 2017-04-30
Project acronym HPCNTW
Project High performance and ultralight carbon nanotube wires for power transmission
Researcher (PI) Krzysztof Kazimierz Koziol
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Country United Kingdom
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Due to their unique molecular structure carbon nanotubes can offer high electrical conductivity and superior current density. Both of these properties are sought after, especially for overhead power transmission lines where the extremely high axial strength of nanotubes would also be a bonus. In this research proposal single wall carbon nanotubes (nanometer size tubes made of rolled up graphene sheets) with desirable dimensions and controlled way of the graphene sheet rolled up into a tube (referred to as chirality), will be synthesized and spun into fibres using two unique methods, which were developed in Cambridge. These high performance carbon nanotube fibres will be explored as flexible, lightweight, highly efficient materials for use as wires for a variety of power transmission applications.
The project will focus on achieving precise chirality control of carbon nanotubes through crystallographic manipulation of the catalyst particles using a recently-discovered in-house method. Tuning the molecular structure of individual nanotubes will achieve maximum uniformity and desired level of electrical conductivity. Next, carbon nanotube fibres will be spun using a unique process currently available only in Cambridge. The quality of fibres will be assessed, after which the fibres will be assembled into strands and cables. In the final stage, different polymeric coatings will be investigated as insulation for the wires and diverse geometries explored. There will be several fundamental benefits from the outcome of this research proposal. Demonstration of the chirality control of nanotubes, which is the “holy grail” in the field, would be important in itself, while application of the material as useful wires and cables will make it much more immediately useful
Summary
Due to their unique molecular structure carbon nanotubes can offer high electrical conductivity and superior current density. Both of these properties are sought after, especially for overhead power transmission lines where the extremely high axial strength of nanotubes would also be a bonus. In this research proposal single wall carbon nanotubes (nanometer size tubes made of rolled up graphene sheets) with desirable dimensions and controlled way of the graphene sheet rolled up into a tube (referred to as chirality), will be synthesized and spun into fibres using two unique methods, which were developed in Cambridge. These high performance carbon nanotube fibres will be explored as flexible, lightweight, highly efficient materials for use as wires for a variety of power transmission applications.
The project will focus on achieving precise chirality control of carbon nanotubes through crystallographic manipulation of the catalyst particles using a recently-discovered in-house method. Tuning the molecular structure of individual nanotubes will achieve maximum uniformity and desired level of electrical conductivity. Next, carbon nanotube fibres will be spun using a unique process currently available only in Cambridge. The quality of fibres will be assessed, after which the fibres will be assembled into strands and cables. In the final stage, different polymeric coatings will be investigated as insulation for the wires and diverse geometries explored. There will be several fundamental benefits from the outcome of this research proposal. Demonstration of the chirality control of nanotubes, which is the “holy grail” in the field, would be important in itself, while application of the material as useful wires and cables will make it much more immediately useful
Max ERC Funding
1 470 114 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-08-01, End date: 2015-07-31
