Science Highlights
A bi-annual summary of projects conducted and supported by PSC computational resources, educational programs, and staff expertise

PSC BEST Program Leaves Lasting Impact on STEM Education, Students
Program marks 15 years of offering bioinformatics curriculum to high school teachers, opening new career paths for students

Anton 2 Simulations Explain Mechanism for Loading DNA into Virus
Two-phase Motor Packages DNA into Viral Capsids, May Offer Drug Target

Bridges Simulations Uncover Shortcoming in Models of Early Universe
Scientists propose “hybrid approach” to correct key simplification, allowing accurate simulations of galactic evolution

Pitt, PSC Collaboration Develops AI Tool for “Long Tail” Stamp Recognition in Japanese Historic Documents
Bridges and Bridges-2 Power Study of Business Document that Promises Better Automated Study of Datasets with Numerous Rare Items, a Key Limitation in Artificial Intelligence

Bridges Simulates Tiny Robots with Better Directability, Maneuverability
Proof of concept for rational design of “biohybrid walkers” reduces lab testing, expense

Hurricane Simulations by Bridges, Bridges-2 Inform State Decision-Making
Scientists created a simulation tool to predict and evaluate the effects of different storm scenarios on the Louisiana coast.

Hijacking of Pro-Vaccination Twitter Effort Is Focus of Bridges and Bridges-2 Analysis
A pro-vaccine social media campaign turned into quite the opposite due to the rapid mobilization of its opponents.

Two-step Method Identifies Known Drugs Likely to Reduce Chance of Death from COVID-19
Scientists identify existing drugs that could reduce the chance of death in patients with COVID-19

Bridges & Bridges-2 Power Discovery of Two-X-Chromosome Male Voles
The Way This Rodent Species Determines Sex Differs from All Other Mammals Known

PSC Systems Power DNA-Based Identification of Surface, Airborne Microbes Worldwide
A research team has been able to analyze DNA in thousands of urban air and surface samples worldwide.