Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Week in Review! Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the best Minecraft has to offer. And don't forget to check out the video version, which can be found in the Week in Review - Video Archive.

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Typically what I talk about here is large scale cities, built atop a custom-made terrain. This week the winner of the mapping category is not a city, but rather a massive, variable organic figure, built amongst a couple of custom-made terrains. And that map is The Roar of Giants, created by Divici.



I’m going to be honest, I have virtually no idea what this is. Part of that is because Divici, as usual, provided no explanation in his project description. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just a source of confusion for me.



What this appears to be is even more confounding. It seems to me that what we’re dealing with here is a gigantic, primordial monstrosity that has a distinct biological makeup that allows it to chemically mimic its surrounding environment. I know, it’s complicated, but bear with me.



There are two distinct versions of this map. One version is a snowy tundra terrain, and the other is a mountainous grassland. The two different environments provoke a very different physical appearance of the giant organic figure present in both.



Now, I’m guessing that the monster present in each version is the same monster, but it’s also possible that they are different entities altogether. Nevertheless, I’m going to stick with my particular theory, because I really don’t have the time or the energy to write a book about this single project.



My theory is that the monster uses some kind of chameleon-like ability to blend in with its surrounding environment. So, for instance, in the grassland terrain the monster’s skin is covered in clumps of green organic material, and its back is covered in spiky mountains.



In the tundra rendition, the monster bears a significantly different appearance, where its skin is covered in patches of snow and icicles. There’s also a slight twist (which I am, admittedly, having a hard time wrapping my head around) where the monster has some kind of laser turret sticking out of its back. I have no idea why this is happening. Maybe it has something to do with the circular mechanized . . . thing that’s trailing behind it.



It’s a downright crazy idea, and it’s almost impossible to analyze it because I have no clear idea what Divici was trying to do here. Again, that could be a good thing or a bad thing. I have no idea. If his goal was to confuse me, then he accomplished it flawlessly. I’m confused.



But be that as it may, this is a noteworthy idea that uses a lot of creativity and incorporates a lot of different building techniques. Terraforming and organic work aside, this map also incorporates some structures, including some small boats, which the creature appears to be plucking out of the water and eating.



So not only is this a creative concept, it’s not exactly easy to execute either. That’s an impressive achievement, even for somebody like Divici, who isn’t exactly unfamiliar with crazy, impractical ideas.

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Before we jump into the Mega-build category, I just need to say something of considerable importance. I do not like Walmart. I don’t think there’s anybody who actually does, but I need to say that anyway. The reason why is the fact that the best Mega-build of the week is Walmart - Palmdale, created by Yazur.



I’ve been to Walmart. I’m there all the time (not of my own volition, but rather because they sell my favorite ice cream for the low price of $3.49). Damn you, Walmart! How do you keep your bargain prices so low?!? Corporate witchcraft . . .



But what matters is that I know damn well what Walmart looks like, and let me tell you, this build looks exactly like Walmart. Yazur clearly spent some time studying Walmart- yes, I know, that sounds horrifying. I imagine him sitting in a dark room with blueprints, coupons, and discount tags hanging on the walls, with a web of red string hanging overhead.



Structurally, this is an absolutely spot-on rendition of Walmart. The roofing, the parking lot, the loading areas, and even the gas station are all perfectly scaled, and expertly built with a distinct minimalist style.



What really impresses me here is the level of detail Yazur was able to achieve. Be it the placement of the light poles, the parking lot markings, or the worn road conditions, every aspect of this build is designed to mimic the real-life conditions you would find at your local Walmart.

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Every once in a while you see a terrain that goes above and beyond in terms of size, and in terms of variability. This week, one such terrain stood very prominently and it’s called Ravenor - reborn, created by Mageros.



It’s rare to see a terrain as vast as Ravenor, that also incorporates some truly unique biomes that go above and beyond the typical tundra, grassland, desert, etc. that you typically find in a Minecraft terrain . This map has dozens of biomes, and most of them are noteworthy enough to be considered Week in Review-worthy in and of themselves.



These clever biomes include a mountainous tundra adorned with towering ice spikes, a valley filled with cylindrical towers of earth and trees, an underground volcanic cave system lined with a river of lava, and a desolated wasteland with burnt trees and scorched earth. And that’s just the beginning of the long list of biomes present in this map.



To me, what really stands out here is the attention to detail that was given to each individual area. It’s clear to me that an immense amount of time was spent on each biome to ensure that each of them not only looks great, but also bears its own unique identity not only in this map, but amongst all maps here on PMC.

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Organic work can be used to create all kinds of things in Minecraft. It can be used to mimic the human form, to create elaborate large-scale interior spaces, or to build towering monstrosities. This week, I saw a rare and very unique application of organic work and it comes in the form of Ewageaf - The Sirens Sanctuary, created by DJpaulii.



This is an absolutely beautiful island, featuring a dense clump of palm trees and surrounded by a circle of impeccably detailed humanoid statues. Every aspect of this map, be it the tangled tree trunks, the leaves, or the statues, is very realistic and downright majestic looking.



And, as I said before, this is a really complete usage of organic work. DJpaulii uses a vast array of techniques to create all kinds of textures. The rough nature of the palm leaves and the foliage is a sharp contrast to the smooth, deliberate shapes and forms that make up the humanoid figures.

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In order for a small-scale land structure to be successful, it has to dominate in terms of quality, not quantity. This week, there was nothing that excelled more in terms of quality than Noble house, created by MysticRunes.



This piece of architecture is simply stunning. You don’t often see an idea as simple as this executed this well. It’s quite honestly perfect in every way. The roofing is layered and complex, the range of materials is smart and appropriate for the type of architecture, and the use of foliage and small details elevates it new heights.



This is what I like to call a showpiece build. There’s no interior work, there’s no world save, it’s simply there to look good. It stands as a source of inspiration for all who view it.



And when it comes to showpieces, renders are very important. The first render in this project is one of the best I’ve seen all week. The way the rain and smoke hang above the roof is a fantastic touch that adds so much to what is already an excellent piece of architecture.

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There’s nothing I love more than using Minecraft to create sharp, ethereal shapes and forms. One of the best ways to apply these techniques is in creating aircrafts. One of the sharpest, most ethereal aircrafts I’ve seen in a while is Gorgos - Heavy Starfighter, created by slamslasch.



There’s not a whole lot to talk about here. This is a relatively simple concept that’s executed just about as well as possible. The material choices are good, and the basic outline of the vehicle is very striking.



What I think is most successful here is the array of weaponry hanging on the underside. That’s a smart detail that turns what appears to be something evasive into something more formidable. That certainly does the title justice.

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Yachts! Who doesn’t love yachts? You might not be able to afford them, but I don’t think there’s any denying the inherent coolness they exude. Minecraft has produced hundreds of yachts over the years, and this week was no exception. The best water structure of the week is Topaz - Megayacht, created by ELEMEENOOPEE.



Yachts are not particularly rare to see here on PMC, but there is a rather large range in terms of quality. The key to building quality yachts is creating as many layers as possible, with the vertical space provided. ELEMEENOOPEE does that very successfully here, incorporating 6 different levels, with some great detailing added to the side of the hull.



The other important aspect when it comes to yachts is the decor. Every yacht requires some kind of exterior decor, be it a pool, or a sitting area, or what have you. While there doesn’t appear to be anything on the interior, this yacht has plenty of exterior decor. The dining area, the helipad, the pool, and the outdoor bedding area are each very well designed, and lend a feeling of luxury to this already impressive boat.

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Hubs can take a variety of shapes and forms. Some adopt a strictly circular nature, while others are more unorthodox and complex. This week, there was a hub that excelled in terms of theme, variety, and sheer exuberance. That hub is titled Stop the Elements, by LNeoX.



I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a hub this size that so successfully creates contrast between the different portals. Every area bears its own unique feel that perfectly matches the function it’s intended to serve.



For example, the Creative area is identified by a nuclear mushroom cloud. This is a statement about the sort of raw, unlimited power one has in creative mode. It also incorporates a sort of irony that plays on the relationship between creation and destruction. It’s funny that a nuclear explosion, the most destructive manmade thing in existence is used to designate an area dedicated to creating something.



The Skyblock area is built atop a lofty cloud where the trees have leaves that resemble the surrounding overcast. This one is more self-explanatory, but it’s still a clever way to represent an area dedicated to building things in the sky.



The survival area is exactly what you’d expect it to be: a castle built atop a volcanic ruin. It’s an ominous rendition that exudes a sense of danger, or perhaps even an impending challenge.



And, finally, the Factions area is represented by a swirling whirlpool surrounded by some icy spikes. I’m not entirely sure what this has to do with factions, but damn it looks cool.

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Much like hubs, plots also take on a variety of concepts and forms. We’re all familiar with the dense atmosphere and decor that can be developed in a closed space, but sometimes plots can be just as opulent as a mega-build. Such is true with Futuristic Tower, a plot created by Louapi.



There’s not a lot to say about this one, other than the fact that it looks amazing. The architecture is opulent, layered, and very precise. It’s the definition of futuristic, minimalist architecture.



The buildings are surrounded by some cloudy terraforming, and some flying vehicles. Everything in this plot is exactly what you’d come to expect from something out of the far future. Louapi did a great job orchestrating everything and making all of the components complement each other the right way.

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This week, I’m pleased to showcase a piece of decor that truly stands out amidst its competition. It’s rare to see an interior space so unique and so complete. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Amala - Medieval Hotel in Snow, created by Kamuel.



The exterior of this build is impressive in and of itself, but what’s really special about this plot is what sits inside. The interior is what I can only describe as a dimly-lit vault of decorative mastery.



Each room has its own look and feel, and the range of materials Kamuel was able to incorporate is a feat all by itself. Through a fusion of rustic and luxury motifs, Kamuel has engineered an interior atmosphere that looks incredibly posh, but in a humble sense.



The hanging lights, the contrast of wood and stone, and the elegant furniture arrangements are quite an achievement for a home of this size. It feels much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside.



And then there’s the basement, which is a masterpiece as far as basements go. The whole thing is filled with piles of supplies, rows of shelving, and hanging meat and animal carcasses. This environment is an overhaul of the rustic aspects that are less prominent on the upper floors, which makes the building seem even more nuanced than it already is.

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Time and time again, TheRedEngineer has proven his vanilla modding skills. As one of the highest level users here on PMC, he has done it all, and this week he’s created a vanilla mod titled Be the Herobrine - Herobrine disguise.



This mod adds a dynamic to Minecraft, which allows you to collect items and manufacture a mask that allows you to play as Herobrine. The amount of abilities TheRedEngineer was able to shoehorn into this mod is insanely impressive.



As Herobrine, you will gain the ability to leave a trail of fire in your wake, jump 40 blocks in the air, cause explosions as you hit the ground, corrupt mobs, summon fireballs, and teleport other players. Oh, and did I mention that you’re also invincible? There is no limit to the terrifying feats you can accomplish with this mod.

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And just as TheRedEngineer is dominant with gadgets, McMakistein is dominant with mini-games. This week, McMakistein has created a truly remarkable modded gaming experience titled Jetpack Joyride.



This mini-game requires you to fly around a 2D space, while avoiding obstacles and collecting coins. It’s a fun and addictive idea, and one that McMakistein executed perfectly.



McMakistein was also able to add a lot of extra features to this beast, including an assortment of jetpacks to choose from, hidden areas, and achievements. You don’t normally see this much hard work incorporated into a mini-game, nor do you see it this polished.

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I told you this would happen. I said it, and then I warned you. Do you remember what I said? I said if there wasn’t a single coaster to talk about, you would feel the full fury of my heinous wrath! And by that, I mean I’m going to punish you by rambling about science stuff! So unless you’re a nerd of epic proportions, prepare to bored out of your skulls!

Today’s subject is the infamous Sup35p prion. Ahem. A protein is composed of a string of molecules called amino acids. Amino acids come in four distinct forms: non-polar, polar, acidic, and basic. Each of these forms have distinct attractive and repulsive forces towards other amino acids. The attractive and repulsive forces, as a whole, dictate the three-dimensional shape or conformation the protein makes. Proteins can have multiple three-dimensional conformations, due to the fact that a protein can fold itself different ways to maintain stability. In some rare cases, one of the protein conformations can take on the form of a prion.

Prions are infectious misfolded proteins that have the unique ability of converting properly folded proteins into the misfolded prion form. The prions bind to one another, while continuously converting more proteins into prions. This process, called aggregation, ultimately results in the formation of a prion mass within the cell (Fig. 1). Proteins in the prion mass are inactive and unable to maintain their normal phenotypic effects.



Many yeast species have prion forming domains in their proteomes. One such species is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A very well studied prion domain in S. cerevisiae is the Sup35N domain found on Sup35p. Sup35p is a translation termination factor, and its absence results in prolonged translation of a protein. Thus, if Sup35p spontaneously forms prion aggregates, translation fails to terminate. This is exploitable in laboratories due to the fact that translation termination has visible phenotypic effects that can be used to quantify the rate of prion formation and aggregation. Normal yeast cells maintain what is known as the [psi-] phenotype, while yeast cells with prion aggregation acquire a [PSI+] phenotype.

Sup35p is not exclusive to S. cerevisiae. In fact, there are many homologs of Sup35p in other species. One closely related species is Saccharomyces paradoxus. Both yeast species have extremely similar Sup35p proteins, both of which have the potential to spontaneously become prions at low rates. However, previous studies have shown that S. paradoxus exhibits spontaneous formation of prions at a lower rate than S. cerevisiae (Fig. 1). That is, S. paradoxus is less likely to become [PSI+] than S. cerevisiae.



There is, however, a far more simple method to detect prion aggregation in yeast cells. Fluorescent microscopy can be used to differentiate between the [psi-] and [PSI+] states. By fusing the light emitting molecule GFP (green fluorescent protein) to the plasmid containing the SUP35 gene, aggregation can be detected based on the intensity and localization of fluorescence in the cells (Fig. 2).

There. Are you happy? Your IQ has just increased, but you are forever scarred by the boredom you’ve just endured. Upload a coaster next week. Or else! >:(

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Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to tune in again next week! ;)