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Articles by Liam Kirkpatrick
Author Correction: Binary vector copy number engineering improves Agrobacterium-mediated transformation - Nature Biotechnology
Correction to: Nature Biotechnology https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-024-02462-2, published online 4 November 2025. In the version of the article initially published, in Fig. 5b, the “pVS1 R106H (1:10 dilution)” image was a duplicate of the “RK2 WT” image. Fig. 5b has now been amended with the correct “pVS1 R106H (1:10 dilution)” image in the HTML and PDF versions of the article. Additionally, the Supplementary information has been updated to include Supplementary Fig.
Taoism, the Philosophy of Flow & Embracing Effortlessness
The struggle for control over every aspect of life is common in modern Western society. However, this approach can be juxtaposed with the ancient Chinese religious and philosophical ideas of Taoism. Taoism offers a guide for living a free-flowing life that is guided by the harmonious state of the universe. It perpetuates the belief that one does not need to disrupt this innate order but rather trust its outcomes with grace and humility. Why should one consider the Taoist approach of “letting go”?
What Lao Tzu Believed and How It Shaped Taoism
Lao Tzu (Laozi) is a complex figure, which makes capturing his essence through words difficult. This is not only because of the minimal information we have about his existence but also the many titles that can be given to him. The ancient Chinese philosopher, sage, and to some, deity is the representative figure of Taoism. His belief that we should strive to live in harmony with the universe’s natural state guided not only his own life’s path but also the millions who follow the Tao.
Quantitative dissection of Agrobacterium T-DNA expression in single plant cells reveals density-dependent synergy and antagonism - Nature Plants
Abstract Agrobacterium pathogenesis, which involves transferring T-DNA into plant cells, is the cornerstone of plant genetic engineering. As the applications that rely on Agrobacterium increase in sophistication, it becomes critical to achieve a quantitative and predictive understanding of T-DNA expression at the level of single plant cells. Here we examine if a classic Poisson model of interactions between pathogens and host cells holds true for Agrobacterium infecting Nicotiana benthamiana.
Binary vector copy number engineering improves Agrobacterium-mediated transformation - Nature Biotechnology
Abstract The copy number of a plasmid is linked to its functionality, yet there have been few attempts to optimize higher-copy-number mutants for use across diverse origins of replication in different hosts. We use a high-throughput growth-coupled selection assay and a directed evolution approach to rapidly identify origin of replication mutations that influence copy number and screen for mutants that improve Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) efficiency.
Genetically refactored Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
Abstract Members of Agrobacterium are costly plant pathogens while also essential tools for plant transformation. Though Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) has been heavily studied, its polygenic nature and its complex transcriptional regulation make identifying the genetic basis of transformational efficiency difficult through traditional genetic and bioinformatic approaches.
The pGinger family of expression plasmids
New Results doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.01.23.524619 Abstract The pGinger suite of expression plasmids comprises 43 plasmids that will enable precise constitutive and inducible gene expression in a wide range of gram-negative bacterial species. Constitutive vectors are composed of 16 synthbuetic constitutive promoters upstream of RFP, with a broad host range BBR1 origin and a kanamycin resistance marker.
After the march: Political parties deliver lasting change | The McGill Tribune
On Saturday, Jan. 20, hundreds of Montrealers gathered at Place des Arts to march in support of women’s rights. While demonstrations of popular disapproval of U.S. President Donald Trump might give individuals worldwide some hope that human decency remains in society, they will not evict him from office. This is not to say that acts of resistance do not have their place in a healthy democratic society—the success of the 1960s civil rights movement was contingent on civil disobedience and protest.
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