The research in our lab covers a broad range of topics unified by a single theme – the problem of protein synthesis. We are using evolution as a discovery tool to understand why the protein synthesis machinery is so astonishingly diverse across the three domains of life, and how it adapts to environmental challenges, including drug exposure. Through laboratory evolution experiments, biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology we study how the protein synthesis machinery evolves, on a timescale ranging from several days – as during antibiotic resistance evolution – to several billion years – as during the early evolution of life on our planet. In doing so, our research helps uncover fundamental principles of molecular evolution leading to various adaptations, including antimicrobial resistance.
Blog
Power naps: when molecules in our bodies like to nap
A superpower we take for granted. Scientists say it is impossible for a human body to go without food for longer than 8 days, with some optimists claiming that up to 21 days is sometimes possible. Even the Bible considers 40 days of fasting the ultimate feat of bodily strength. Yet what’s not possible for …
Continue reading “Power naps: when molecules in our bodies like to nap”
Odds of being alive
Every time I hear people ranting about life being unfair, huffing and puffing if things don’t go their way, I recall this stunning visual: “What are the odds”. It estimates our odds of being alive, showing they are just a fraction above zero, or 1 in 102,685,000 if you like math. Imagine: 1 in 102,685,000. …
The Pac-Man rule
Apparently there is an amazingly simple and elegant trick to help people interact with new people at conferences (and other social events). And I am not talking about chutzpah (although this is a great quality to have, at least within reason). What I am talking about is the Pac-Man rule: https://www.ericholscher.com/blog/2017/aug/2/pacman-rule-conferences/
Contact
Google Maps Generator by embedgooglemap.net
We are located on the 3d floor of Catherine Cookson Building (lab M3.032) at the Medical School of Newcastle University.
Mailing address:
Melnikov Lab
Biosciences Institute of Newcastle University
Framlington Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4HH
UK
Phone:
+44-(0)191-208-5810
Email:
sergey.melnikov@ncl.ac.uk
If you want to support research in Melnikov Lab, please consider a donation: