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Related Concept Videos

X-ray Crystallography02:18

X-ray Crystallography

The size of the unit cell and the arrangement of atoms in a crystal may be determined from measurements of the diffraction of X-rays by the crystal, termed X-ray crystallography.
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
Determination of Crystal Structures01:29

Determination of Crystal Structures

In the late 1800s, the revelation that light extended beyond visible wavelengths led to the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen. Recognized as high-energy electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths, X-rays prompted exploration into their interaction with crystals. Max von Laue proposed in 1912 that the periodic arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in crystals would cause them to diffract X-rays, a hypothesis confirmed through experiments with copper sulfate and zinc sulfide...
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization01:25

Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization

Crystallization is a phase transformation process in which crystals are precipitated from a supersaturated solution or formed from other sources. During crystallization, atoms or molecules arrange themselves into a well-defined, rigid crystal lattice to minimize energy.
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent – the...
Crystallographic Point Groups01:29

Crystallographic Point Groups

Crystallographic point groups represent the various symmetry operations that can occur within crystals. They are unique in that at least one point will always remain unchanged during these actions. For instance, consider the triclinic system. This system, devoid of any axis or plane of symmetry, aligns with the C1 and Ci point groups.where Cᵢ is characterized solely by a center of inversion.Contrastingly, the monoclinic system introduces an element of symmetry. This system with one plane and...
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes02:58

Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes

Crystal Field Theory
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples01:10

X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples

X-ray diffraction or XRD is an analytical tool that utilizes X-rays to study ordered structures such as crystalline organic and inorganic samples, polycrystalline materials, proteins, carbohydrates, and drugs.
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are  scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The  X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...

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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Fully Autonomous Characterization and Data Collection from Crystals of Biological Macromolecules
07:11

Fully Autonomous Characterization and Data Collection from Crystals of Biological Macromolecules

Published on: March 22, 2019

Is too 'creative' language acceptable in crystallography?

Alexander Wlodawer, Jacek Lubkowski, Wladek Minor

    Acta Crystallographica. Section D, Biological Crystallography
    |September 9, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Avoid flashy scientific titles with imprecise language to prevent misleading non-specialists. Terms like "structure quality" or "super-resolution" need clear definitions to ensure accurate understanding of protein structures.

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    Fully Autonomous Characterization and Data Collection from Crystals of Biological Macromolecules
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    Sample Preparation and Transfer Protocol for In-Vacuum Long-Wavelength Crystallography on Beamline I23 at Diamond Light Source
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    Sample Preparation and Transfer Protocol for In-Vacuum Long-Wavelength Crystallography on Beamline I23 at Diamond Light Source

    Published on: April 23, 2021

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Structural Biology
    • Scientific Communication

    Background:

    • Figures of speech can be educational but also misleading in scientific contexts.
    • Non-specialist readers may misinterpret imprecise terminology.
    • The use of vague terms can obscure the actual findings.

    Discussion:

    • Flashy titles and hyperbolic language can create unrealistic expectations.
    • Poorly defined terms like 'structure quality' lack objective criteria.
    • 'Super-resolution' in protein structure descriptions can be ambiguous without context.

    Key Insights:

    • Scientific writing should prioritize clarity and precision over sensationalism.
    • Ambiguous terms in protein structure research can lead to misinterpretation.
    • Clear definitions are crucial for accurate scientific understanding.

    Outlook:

    • Promoting precise scientific language enhances public trust and comprehension.
    • Standardizing terminology in structural biology is essential.
    • Future research communication should emphasize accuracy and avoid jargon.