PNAS Science Sessions

C. Owen Lovejoy was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2007 for his work in the field of anthropology. Lovejoy overturned traditional models of human origins by integrating biomechanics into biological anthropology, demonstrating that the earliest hominids walked on two legs. He developed novel methods for quantifying sexual dimorphism and revealing the demographics of prehistoric humans.

Albert Libchaber was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2007 for his work in physics. Libchaber has made lasting and fundamental contributions to experimental chaos dynamics and its application to biological physics, from elucidating the forces at work when a fish swims through water to defining the minimal conditions necessary for artificial life.

John G. Hildebrand was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2007. His work on the functional organization, physiology, and development of the central olfactory system of insects has made him a pioneer in analyzing neural mechanisms underlying chemosensory control of mating behavior and insect--plant interactions. This work has application in disruption of insect mating behavior and herbivory, with practical benefit to human health and welfare.

Understanding the nanoparticle-protein corona using methods to quantify exchange rates and affinities of proteins for nanoparticles.

Targeted delivery of proteins across the blood--brain barrier.

Müller cells are living optical fibers in the vertebrate retina.

Savanna chimpanzees use tools to harvest the underground storage organs of plants.

Faceting ionic shells into icosahedra via electrostatics.

Incorporating plant functional diversity effects in ecosystem service assessments