Watch penicillin take shape, one molecular snapshot at a time
Oxford researchers combined thousands of ultrafast X-ray snapshots to show how an enzyme builds penicillin’s signature ring. The movie reveals short-lived steps that scientists had not been able to observe directly.
Why it matters: Seeing how the enzyme guides this reaction may help researchers design improved antibiotics and new enzyme catalysts.
Open Oxford’s video summary and full story ↗Video and research story: University of Oxford · Image: University of Oxford / Greg Stewart / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Opens in a new tab.
EVERYDAY MYSTERIES
🤔 Why Does That Happen?
Why does ice float?
Hydrogen bonds hold water molecules in an open crystal lattice. Ordinary ice is less dense than liquid water.
▶ OXFORD MOLECULAR MOVIE