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About Ayala
Ayala’s interest in science started at a young age, with exposure to both popular-science and science-fiction. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural sciences resulted in degrees in both chemical engineering and molecular biology, and a firm belief that the advancement of humanity depends on our ability to share, discuss and understand novel ideas. With great power comes great responsibility, and Ayala believes it is the responsibility of scientists to show the beauty and strength of science to the public. Still looking for the science-fiction novel hidden within her, she looks to science communication as a way to share new concepts, tools and discoveries with curious people from all walks of life.
Ayala is the editor of 34 Breaks:
Making the coral reef ‘A-list’
The world’s coral reefs are embattled by increasing human pressures. My colleagues and I explored which coral reefs could still simultaneously meet key fisheries, biodiversity, and ecosystem function goals, and how conservation efforts could be strategically placed to maximise these. We found that no-fishing reserves in locations far from people were critical to sustaining coral reefs.
Mar 4, 2021 | 4 min readOur blood may be making us smarter
Until recently, the immune system was thought to be excluded from the brain. A new study shows that the immune system is not only able to enter the brain - it must do so if our brains are to reach their full potential. Immune cells in the brain allow neurons to make strong circuits during memory formation. These results identify a new link between the immune system and cognition.
Mar 1, 2021 | 4 min readSaving the cadmium yellow pigments in The Scream
In situ non-invasive spectroscopic methods combined with synchrotron radiation X-ray techniques allowed us to unveil that moisture, but not light, is the main factor triggering the degradation of cadmium yellow paints in The Scream (ca. 1910) by Edvard Munch (Munch Museum, Oslo). The findings will contribute to preserve the masterpiece, which is rarely exhibited due to its tendency to degrade.
Feb 25, 2021 | 3.5 min readActivating social tipping dynamics for a global decarbonization by 2050
We recently witnessed rapid societal changes in response to perceived health risks. Can similar mechanisms be used to fight global warming? A new study explores social tipping dynamics that could result in world-wide carbon neutral societies within 30 years.
Feb 23, 2021 | 3 min readSame or different? The tale of a tangled molecule
Most great discoveries are a result of happenstance. This is a story about a remarkably complex small molecule that can adopt either of two molecular shapes and how the attempt to synthesize the naturally occurring molecule resulted in the discovery of a unique structural relationship between the seemingly identical molecules.
Feb 19, 2021 | 3.5 min readeDiamond: A life-changing glucose monitoring solution for diabetics
Needle-free wearable apparels for continuous glucose monitoring are the “holy grail” solution for diabetic patients. In our work, we leveraged wireless waves for continuous glucose monitoring. eDiamond allows patients to monitor their blood glucose variations noninvasively and continuously at any time, by simply wearing a glove or an arm band.
Feb 18, 2021 | 3 min read