Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Happy mid-autumn festival from Westlake, Hangzhou! 0110
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Lab hike along Shenzhen coastline and up Qiniang mountain. A weekend reset with beautiful sea views. 2202
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Remarkable study @nature.com @jeremiahycohen.bsky.social @alleninstitute.org noradrenergic neurons in the mouse locus coeruleus project to different targets and exhibit distinct activity patterns during learning, linked to gene expression and cell position. www.nature.com/articles/s41... 130
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Congratulations to Yingying Hu & Zhiwen Ye on starting labs at SMART! Yinying did a postdoc at UT Southwestern and her lab is working on embryonic development. Zhiwen did postdocs at @crick.ac.uk and University of Washington, and he is system neuroscientist working on brain sensorimotor integration. 160
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 09/09/20260.43 Å. The highest resolution protein structure determined. Archaeal rubredoxin protein structure bridging the gap between structural biology and quantum chemistry. 1122
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 08/09/2026SMART continues to strengthen its international ties. We welcomed @boehringerglobal.bsky.social. The delegation was led by Lamine Mbow head of Discovery Research, Scott DeWire head of Business Development and Licensing, Detlev Mennerich head of Venture Fund, Remko Bakker head of Eye Health. 030
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Congratulations to Qin Peng on her promotion with tenure! Qin started her Shenzhen lab in 2020 after PhD and postdoc at UCSD. Her lab studies mechanisms of nuclear mechanoadaptation. A wonderful achievement for an outstanding scientist and colleague! 070
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 03/09/2026The spectacular sodium channel in all its glory, by Nieng Yan’s lab. Science meets art and fashion at SMART’s public café. Which molecule would you like to see brought to life next? Our brilliant science communication and visualization teams can make it happen and share it with the community. 130
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 31/08/2026A sad day. Ada's pioneering work on the ribosome changed how we understand one of the central machines of life. She is a remarkable example of curiosity and boldness in pursuing questions that seemed impossible. Her scientific courage and persistence has been an inspiration.wis-wander.weizmann.ac.ilProf. Ada Yonath, Nobel Laureate and a Model of Scientific Perseverance, Has Passed Away - Weizmann Wonder Wander - News, Features and DiscoveriesFrom pursuing an impossible dream to uncovering one of the cell’s best-kept secrets and advancing the design of improved antibiotics 04518
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Kuo meeting Beijing catching up with good friends from postdoc days now driving the field around the world. Chris Russo @mrclmb.ac.uk delivered Kuo Prize Lecture @alanbrownhms.bsky.social is running remarkably productive lab @harvard.edu on cilia. Leifu Chang at Purdue presented RNA directed Cas12f 070
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 10/08/2026Welcome Ka Yang, who joins as a Junior PI after postdoc with Steven Gygi at Harvard Medical School. Ka’s group will develop chemical biology and chemoproteomics approaches to advance drug discovery. Check out the lab website: www.yangresearchgroup.org/home 090
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 04/08/2026SMART International Summer School continues today with a mini symposium and happy hour. There's never been a more exciting time to study Life Sciences! 050
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 20/07/2026SMART and @kavlioxford.bsky.social @kavlifoundation.org are teaming up, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to launch collaboration. The partnership will focus on infectious diseases, membrane biology, antimicrobial resistance. It will also support researcher exchanges between Shenzhen and Oxford. 091
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 19/07/2026AI conference in Shanghai: a fantastic presentation of new EEG-based brain-to-robot platform, translating user’s intentions into commands for a robotic arm. By BrainCo based in Hangzhou. #AI #Robotics #Technology 030
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 17/07/2026Huaizong Shen joins SMART as Head of the Structural Biology Dept, after leading a lab at Westlake since 2019. His group combines structural biology and AI to advance molecular discovery, and his experience in building research capacity will be invaluable in his new role. Welcome and best of luck! 071
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 04/07/2026RNA can build. A short RNA self-assembles into a 60-subunit icosahedral cage like a viral capsid, but made entirely of RNA. The striking preprint also reveals a 57-nt RNA filament at ~2.7 Å. Congratulations, Lin Huang and colleagues! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6... 515346
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 18/06/2026Sad news about the sudden passing of Richard Neutze. A friend and pioneer of time resolved studies. His bold work on intermediates inspired many of us. His enthusiasm helped shape MAX IV in Sweden and generations of scientists all over the world. We'll miss the warm smile, curiosity and generosity. 3112
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 09/06/2026Cryo-EM: the revolution continues doi.org/10.1107/S205...doi.orgCryo-EM: the revolution continuesThe increasing democratization and implementation of electron cryo-microscopy appears poised to drive a new revolution in digital structural biology. 02815
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Congratulations to Meidi Gu on starting her lab at SMART! Meidi brings expertise in immunotherapy developed through her postdoc with @jimriley52.bsky.social at @pennmehp.bsky.social and @mdanderson.bsky.social Her lab will focus on how membrane remodeling shapes T-cell function in diseased tissues. 0110
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 13/05/2026Delighted to welcome our new PI, Daxiao Sun who is starting her lab at SMART after a postdoc with @hymanlab.bsky.social @mpi-cbg.de and Alf Honigmann @biotec-tud.bsky.social Daxiao’s group will investigate how biomolecular condensates regulate cell junctions and tissue morphogenesis. Welcome! 2324
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 07/05/2026Fascinating new @nature.com paper: a Pluto moment for biology. It introduces the concept of 'peptideins' - a new category for dark translated ORFs that produce detectable microprotein-like products with unknown biological roles.nature.comRevealed: the mysterious ‘dark’ proteins that might play a big role in biologyThousands of ‘dark proteins’ have been reclassified as peptideins and added to databases as a new category. 23610
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 06/05/2026It was very special Karen Davies Memorial Symposium in Nottingham. Karen’s pioneering work on ATP synthase and bioenergetic membranes shaped our field, and speakers highlighted her impact as colleague, mentor and friend. Thank you eBIC, CCPEM and all participants for making such a meaningful tribute 191
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 27/04/2026The first Max Planck Center in Shenzhen. @maxplanck.de and Chinese Academy of Sciences launch a Center for Synthetic Biochemistry at Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology. It will leverage automated infrastructure for biomanufacturing of natural products. Germany-China partnership is growing. 1143
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Pleasure to welcome Patrick Cramer to SMART and to present our research and discuss future directions. Cooperation between Max Planck Society @maxplanck.de and institutions in Shenzhen is expanding and will open new opportunities. As Patrick concluded in German, “Jedem Anfang wohnt ein Zauber inne”. 0283
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 13/04/2026Since our preprint on the ETC-ATP synthase supercomplex has attracted attention, I would like to introduce the platform we used, Langtaosha. It was launched by SMART together with several other institutions with support from Open Life Science Alliance, aiming for long-term open infrastructure 1/4 183
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 08/04/2026In a followup with @longzhou88.bsky.social and Yue Liu we move from molecular mechanism to membrane architecture. A giant ETC-ATP synthase assembly containing 10 ATP synthases and 6 respiratory complexes builds long-range periodic OXPHOS arrays on native cristae langtaosha.org.cn/lts/en/prepr... 1/4 26613
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 07/04/202665 years after Peter Mitchell’s chemiosmotic theory, we report an association between ATP synthase and the electron transport chain. In the preprint led by @longzhou88.bsky.social, we describe a large supercomplex and show how the supramolecular organization contribute to oxidative phosphorylation 🧵langtaosha.org.cnA Supercomplex Incorporating Both Electron Transport Chain and ATP SynthaseThe mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system powering most aerobic organisms is typically depicted as two spatially segregated machineries(1): electron transport chain complexes I-IV (ETC CI-CIV 37027
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 03/04/2026Catching the early morning low tide in Aguda on Portugal’s Atlantic coast with colleagues from Universidade de Aveiro, collecting local species for analysis. Pure curiosity and passion for science! 080
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 22/03/2026Hiking with Kai Zhang and lab colleagues above the clouds. A nice retreat to conclude a busy week 0211
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 15/03/2026After watching a beautiful sunset from the 117th floor of Ping An Centre, we went for chamber music at Shenzhen Concert Hall featuring Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. The majority of the audience were in their 20s and 30s, even kids. Refreshing to see young people embracing classical music in Shenzhen. 2111
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 08/03/2026On International Women’s Day 2026, China honoured 9 women for outstanding achievements, including our colleague Nieng Yan. The recognition reflects her scientific excellence and leadership as the founding president of SMART, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research & Translation. Congratulations Nieng! 1171
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 02/03/2026Epigenetics twist in watermelon: ripening is accompanied by genome-wide DNA hypermethylation,mostly non-CG. In cultivated fruit 11,961 genes gain methylation. Epigenetic program tied to domestication. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...sciencedirect.comGenome-wide DNA hypermethylation enhances watermelon fruit ripeningWatermelon (Citrullus lanatus), an important member of the Cucurbitaceae family, has become one of the most popular economic crops in the world, and u… 181
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 24/02/2026Information theory meets archaeology. Ice Age notches weren’t just decoration, and early humans may have been recording information that way. A very interesting attempt to trace the evolution of signs. Looks like we were building data storage systems already 40,000 years ago.pnas.orgHumans 40,000 y ago developed a system of conventional signs | PNASAs humans, we store and share information. This allows us to distribute knowledge necessary for survival and to coordinate large groups. Our homini... 0143
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 16/02/2026Happy Lunar New Year from Huawei RD campus! May the Year of the Horse be filled with bright moments and positive energy, bring speed toward goals and strength for the journey ahead. Happy celebrations to everyone celebrating! 070
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 15/02/2026Sunday reset: nature and good company. Yangtai mountain park in heart of Shenzhen with clear spring water, lakes and evergreen forest. Great to spend the day with Shujia Zhu who recently moved her lab to Shenzhen. Back to work full of energy. 0100
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 11/02/2026Wei Yang joins SMART after a postdoc with David Baker @uwproteindesign.bsky.social. He designs next generation binders for immune checkpoint receptors. At SMART, Wei's team will integrate algorithm development with high-throughput experimental validation to deliver selective protein therapeutics. 0122
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 10/02/2026A delegation of German academic leadership and council visited Shenzhen labs. Strong interest in concrete collaborations @unibonn.bsky.social @unileipzig.bsky.social @uniheidelberg.bsky.social @uni-freiburg.de @unituebingen.bsky.social @lmu.de @unistuttgart.bsky.social @kit.edu @tuda.bsky.social 0131
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Neuroscientist Arthur Konnerth from TUM launches a brain research lab in Shenzhen 041
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 06/02/2026We're launching a research lab at SMART. Shenzhen Medical Academy for Research and Translation is a newly established institute with long-term funding mechanisms for internal and external investigators. At full capacity SMART aims to support up to 400 labs. www.scmp.com/news/china/s...scmp.comStructural biologist Alexey Amunts launches new research lab in Shenzhen‘Shenzhen adds another dimension; it is a place where ideas do not remain ideas for long,’ Amunts says of new position. 37619
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 18/01/2026Science highlight in Shenzhen: Galileo mapping lunar craters, watched by Pierre and Marie Curie, as if observation and discovery are in dialogue across time and disciplines. A bridge lined with 30 bronze statues of scientists turns walk to the library into a conversation with the history of science. 080
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 10/01/2026“Nature’s Gift to Science” Sydney Brenner's 2002 Nobel lecture with remarkable opening and concluding remarks. 081
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 10/01/2026Only in Shenzhen: Science Nature coffee bar. If you’ve published in @science.org or @nature.com, they give you coffee for free. 100% real! 159520
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 15/12/2025Tokyo University on the best day of the year. Autumn ginkgo in full gold, turning the campus into a magic. 3434
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 04/11/2025Slower focused search beats rushing. Taxi drivers who drive slower pick up more passengers. Attention > speed. Brilliant work! www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/... 1100
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 03/11/2025Science in the spotlight! Buildings in Shenzhen lit with research themes, and scientists Xue Qikun and Nieng Yan carrying the torch for the national games. So refreshing to see science celebrated. Congrats to both on the relay! 0171
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 31/10/2025What a gem from @dudinlab.bsky.social @gautamdey.bsky.social @centriolelab.bsky.social in Cell! Expansion microscopy atlas of >200 eukaryotes comparing cytoskeletal architectures revealing structures not seen before. Stunning visualisation! Exactly the kind of transformative cell biology we need. 413655
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 30/10/2025Sweden: celebrating structural biology & protein synthesis! Saluting Anders Liljas & Måns Ehrenberg for years of shaping discoveries and service to the Nobel committee. Friends and colleagues gathering to discuss transformative advances and how to push the boundaries next. 0287
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 25/10/2025Warm congratulations to the young scientists recipients of the 2025 Nordic Photosynthesis community prizes: Jannis Straube (Copenhagen), Vesa Havurinne (Aveiro), Laura Laihonen & Pablo Ortega Martínez (Turku @utu.fi)👏 Kudos to all participants🎉 See you in Umeå next time! 061
Alexey Amunts @amunts.bsky.social · 24/10/2025White beaked dolphins breach beside our boat in the North Atlantic as snowcapped peaks of Arctic fjords rise into clouds. 211715
