gatekeeper

Through a process of elimination, researchers have isolated the protein that mosquito-born viruses exploit to gain entry into animal cells and may signal the elimination of diseases and infections delivered by such a vector.

The single protein identified as Mxra8 (assigned to the immunoglobulin domain)—which is notably absent from mosquitos, does not seem to affect viral replication but its absence does bar entry so the virus can’t establish a foothold in its host. Climate change, human incursion into nature and the global network of transportation and shipping mean that these diseases are not confined to exotic places any longer and affect everyone. Parallel trials with human cell cultures seem to confirm the initial findings.

zapis socjologiczny

Our gratitude to Calvert Journal for introducing us to the work and legacy of self-taught Polish photographer Zofia Rydet (1911* - 1997 †) who is best remembered for her ambition and obsession to document every household in the country.
Embarking on this mission in 1978 aged 67, her unfinished project “Sociological Record” comprises over thirty thousand informal black and white portraits of people among their belongings, prized possessions, ingratiating herself to sometimes suspicious strangers by telling them she was taking pictures for the Pope. Learn more about Rydet’s life and career at the links above.

dear jong letter

buchette del vino

We’ve certainly overlooked this feature of vernacular architectural unique to Florence (Firenze) but on future trips will certainly be on the lookout for wine windows, which enabled passers-by to conveniently purchase a glass or bottle and other staples on the go.
Goods exchanged would have included Chianti bottled in traditional cushioning straw-jacketed vessels, called fiascos—Italian for flask (fiaschi, pedantic plural form) and by extension a humiliating situation for failing to make a bottle properly which ought to be something that is easily accomplished. Unfortunately, none of the remaining artefacts of a post-Renaissance time when wealthy Florentine landowners fell on harder times and turned towards cottage and craft industries to supplement their income remain in service but can still be spotted and appreciated.