{"id":54,"date":"2019-10-09T15:59:51","date_gmt":"2019-10-09T15:59:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/?p=54"},"modified":"2019-10-24T18:04:03","modified_gmt":"2019-10-24T18:04:03","slug":"husker-researchers-tie-career-award-record","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/husker-researchers-tie-career-award-record\/","title":{"rendered":"Husker Researchers Tie  CAREER Award Record"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190222_Louis_044-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-250\"\/><figcaption>Joe Louis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investigating Sorghum\u2019s Natural Defenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A tiny invader\u2019s march through U.S. sorghum fields is devastating crops, even as the cereal grain is gaining global prominence for standing up to climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190222_Louis_026-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-251\"\/><figcaption>A wire is adhered to an aphid&#8217;s back with conductive paint.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With a $1.5 million CAREER award, Nebraska\u2019s <strong>Joe Louis<\/strong>, Harold and Esther Edgerton Assistant Professor of Entomology, aims to help sorghum resist sugarcane aphids without pesticides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To investigate sorghum\u2019s natural defenses against aphids, Louis\u2019 team turned to a special sorghum population created from varieties found globally to identify plants that are more resistant and those more susceptible to the pest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By comparing their differences using a blend of molecular, biochemical and electrophysiological approaches, Louis is investigating the genetic basis for resistance. With this information, breeders and molecular biologists will be able to develop more resilient sorghum varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Studying Aphid Damage in Sorghum\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3oG0rizQHVk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The research may also help other crops defeat aphids and other sap-sucking insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NSF\u2019s Plant Genome Research Program and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research co-fund this project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/study-of-sorghum-munching-aphids-earns-nsf-award\/\">Study of sorghum-munching aphids earns NSF award<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190205_Obata_037-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-252\"\/><figcaption>Toshihiro Obata<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Uncovering How Metabolism Goes Awry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Missteps in metabolism are implicated in hundreds of human disorders \u2013 including the unwelcome middle-age spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska\u2019s <strong>Toshihiro Obata<\/strong>, assistant professor of biochemistry, is researching a key component of metabolic regulation that will improve understanding of the many ways metabolism goes awry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Metabolism fuels numerous vital functions through a series of chemical reactions coordinated by a network of enzymes, many of them organized into multi-enzyme complexes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a nearly $750,000 CAREER award, Obata\u2019s team is manipulating multi-enzyme complexes involved in cellular respiration in yeast. They\u2019re investigating relationships between metabolic activity and the complexes\u2019 structures and interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Mistakes in Metabolism\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1aOTYSKxEjE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Obata\u2019s research may uncover genetic mutations that lead to metabolic disorders related to enzyme complex formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because multi-enzyme complexes are found in nearly all living organisms, better understanding metabolic regulation will have broad benefits, from improving crop resilience and yields to new methods of synthesizing useful compounds, such as medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/identifying-why-metabolism-mistakes-occur-is-aim-of-obatas-career-award\/\">Identifying why metabolism mistakes occur is aim of Obata&#8217;s CAREER award<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Developing Cold-Hardy Crops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190219_Roston_026-SM-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-255\"\/><figcaption>Rebecca Roston<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its status as Nebraska\u2019s most iconic crop, corn just can\u2019t take the winters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Temperatures below zero degrees Celsius trigger a cascade of lethal damage, limiting the crop\u2019s seasonal and geographic range at a time when a growing global population requires more food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help develop crops better able to tolerate freezing conditions, Nebraska\u2019s <strong>Rebecca Roston<\/strong> is studying <em>Arabidopsis thaliana<\/em> to identify what allows the plant to survive below-freezing temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roston, assistant professor of biochemistry, is building on her previous research that identified a key protein in stymying cold-induced cellular damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Understanding Freeze-Tolerant Plants\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mK0Dow7gPj8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, with a nearly $850,000 CAREER award, Roston is zeroing in on how the protein manipulates plant lipids to stabilize chloroplast membranes in freezing temperatures. She\u2019s also investigating what sparks this protective response, likely a biochemical process called phosphorylation initiated by a reaction to cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roston is a member of the university\u2019s Center for Plant Science Innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/award-boosts-rostons-work-to-pave-the-way-for-freeze-tolerant-crops\/\">Award boosts Roston&#8217;s work to pave the way for freeze-tolerant crops<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/181002_Implants_024-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-256\"\/><figcaption>Michael Sealy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Better Biodegradable Implants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all medical implants need to stick around after their job is done. Implants that dissolve\nover time are increasingly an option, particularly plates and pins used to repair bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/181002_Implants_063-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-257\"\/><figcaption>Examples of implants that can be made using the 3D printers in the College of Engineering&#8217;s Nebraska Engineering Additive Technology, or NEAT, Labs.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska\u2019s <strong>Michael Sealy<\/strong>, assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering, is bringing high-tech 3D printing to manufacturing biodegradable implants, making them stronger, lighter and less prone to corrosion and fatigue than conventional biodegradable implants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The method he\u2019s developing with a $500,000 CAREER award is a mouthful \u2014 multi-process asynchronous hybrid additive manufacturing. It\u2019s a type of 3D printing that allows Sealy to precisely print a metal object layer by layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For medical devices, he\u2019s using magnesium, a lightweight metal that dissolves in the body. By altering printing formulas and layering patterns, Sealy can customize degradation rates and other behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Using MAHAM to Create Unique 3D Parts\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A_mHtYlODJk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The approach also could be used to manufacture lighter, stronger components for airplanes, vehicles and the military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sealy uses specialized 3D printers available through the Nebraska Engineering Additive Technology Labs, a cutting-edge regional hub for additive manufacturing research. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/award-bolsters-sealys-study-of-3d-metal-printing-for-medical-devices-other-applications\/\">Award bolsters Sealy&#8217;s study of 3D metal printing for medical devices, other applications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190301_Wachs_040-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-258\"\/><figcaption>Rebecca Wachs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Targeting Pain Where It Hurts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of giving back pain sufferers an opioid, a major source of the nation\u2019s drug-addiction crisis, Nebraska engineer <strong>Rebecca Wachs<\/strong> is tackling pain where it hurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a $510,400 CAREER award, Wachs is engineering a solution targeted directly at treating nerve fibers that grow deep into deteriorating spinal discs, a source of chronic pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wachs, assistant professor of biological systems engineering, is identifying and testing drugs and proteins that force nerve fibers to retreat from the disc. To block regrowth, she\u2019s investigating other materials known to prevent nerves from regrowing after spinal injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Novel Treatment for Low Back Pain\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wFspfXdgj7M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is to package the cocktail of biomaterials into a single injection or other noninvasive treatment, eliminating the cause of pain rather than masking it with opioids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This nerve-targeting approach is novel because most research focuses on the degenerating disc, Wachs said. But many people with disc degeneration don\u2019t experience pain, suggesting other factors may be to blame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/wachs-career-award-boosts-development-of-first-of-its-kind-treatment-for-low-back-pain\/\">Wachs\u2019 CAREER award boosts development of first-of-its-kind treatment for low back pain<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/181031_Zhang_038-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-259\"\/><figcaption>Limei Zhang<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tracking Clue to TB\u2019s Toughness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tuberculosis infects about 10 million people each year and kills 1.6 million, making it the world\u2019s deadliest infectious disease. Nebraska\u2019s <strong>Limei Zhang<\/strong> has discovered a clue that may help explain what makes TB notoriously difficult to treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a $600,000 CAREER award, Zhang, assistant professor of biochemistry, is studying a shapeshifting protein in <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> that may help the bacteria evade the human immune system. Her research could lead to more effective treatments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zhang is investigating the protein\u2019s ability to sense small changes inside human cells that trigger\nit to alter its structure, which modifies its function. As cells adjust their biochemistry in response\nto an invasion, the protein seems to provide a protective response, causing the bacteria to enter either an active or dormant phase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bacterium important to soil health and antibiotic development contains similar proteins. Better understanding the TB protein may also improve the bioengineering of medications and other products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/nebraska-biochemist-explores-role-of-proteins-in-health\/\">Nebraska biochemist explores role of proteins in health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>These scientists earned CAREER awards as faculty members elsewhere and are continuing their projects at Nebraska. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/181130_Libault_039rt-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-260\"\/><figcaption>Marc Libault<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boosting Nitrogen Fixation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Soybeans and other legumes can snatch nitrogen out of the air, an ability unique to few organisms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re aided by rhizobia, common soil bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use in a process called nitrogen fixation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marc Libault<\/strong>, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, seeks to better understand the relationship between soybeans and rhizobia. His research could lead to improving soybeans\u2019 nitrogen-fixing efficiency and to transferring the process to other crops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Greater efficiency and expanding nitrogen fixation beyond legumes would allow crops to use atmospheric nitrogen and require less commercial fertilizer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Exploring Nitrogen Fixation\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9P5fYMoIh6g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a $575,000 CAREER award, Libault\u2019s team is focusing on the initial stages of rhizobial infection. Researchers are identifying and investigating plant genes important to coordinating the activation and timing of gene expression in root cells in response to rhizobia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Libault is affiliated with the university\u2019s Center for Plant Science Innovation and Center for Root and Rhizobiome Innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/nebraska-plant-biologist-digs-deeper-into-the-alliance-between-soybeans-soil-bacteria\/\">Nebraska plant biologist digs deeper into the alliance between soybeans, soil bacteria<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190221_Sharif_015-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-261\"\/><figcaption>Bonita Sharif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tracking Eye Movement to Improve Coding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska\u2019s <strong>Bonita Sharif<\/strong> is helping software programmers write code better and faster by looking into their eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a $432,000 CAREER award, Sharif is using the latest eye-tracking technology to map exactly where coders look as they search for bugs or software features within thousands of lines of code. She\u2019s creating algorithms to analyze the eye movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Eye Tracking Research to Help Software Developers\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X2PYepHjNVQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With this information, Sharif is developing tools to show programmers where to look for similar code, automatically create links to recommended code and write English-language summaries to help orient others. These tools will also help beginning coders and students learn more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBy tracking what developers do while they\u2019re doing it, we can improve the software development process itself,\u201d said Sharif, assistant professor of computer science and engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sharif is also part of a multi-institutional team advancing eye-tracking software with funding through an NSF Community Research Infrastructure grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/sharif-eyes-how-to-help-software-developers-write-better-code\/\">Sharif eyes how to help software developers write better code<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_009-SM-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_009-SM.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_009-SM-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_009-SM-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption>Yanbin Yin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Computational Tools ID Key Enzymes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With entire genomes available for study, finding specific genes is challenging. Nebraska bioinformatics specialist <strong>Yanbin Yin<\/strong> is creating computational tools to quickly identify a class of enzymes found in all living organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yin\u2019s tools will speed research across diverse disciplines, including biofuel production,\ncrop diseases and his own study of human gut health and plant evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yin, associate professor of food science and technology, is building on his earlier work that identifies carbohydrate-active enzymes, or CAZymes, within genetic code that researchers upload to a website. CAZymes produce, modify and break down all carbohydrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_083-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_083.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_083-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/190722_Yin_083-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption>Algae samples<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a $911,000 CAREER award, Yin is advancing his software to more thoroughly analyze CAZymes and predict how they function. The software\u2019s algorithms learn as data is added. He will package the software on a free, user-friendly website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yin is a researcher in the Nebraska Food for Health Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska news release: <a href=\"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/blog\/career-award-helps-yin-develop-tools-to-find-key-enzymes\/\">CAREER award helps Yin develop tools to find key enzymes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Investigating Sorghum\u2019s Natural Defenses A tiny invader\u2019s march through U.S. sorghum fields is devastating crops, even as the cereal grain is gaining global prominence for standing up to climate change. With a $1.5 million CAREER award, Nebraska\u2019s Joe Louis, Harold and Esther Edgerton Assistant Professor of Entomology, aims to help sorghum resist sugarcane aphids without [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[157,149,150,155,156,153,152,154,151,158],"class_list":["post-54","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-bonita-sharif","tag-career-award","tag-joe-louis","tag-limei-zhang","tag-marc-libault","tag-michael-sealy","tag-rebecca-roston","tag-rebecca-wachs","tag-toshihiro-obata","tag-yanbin-yin","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":322,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions\/322"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}