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Life’s building blocks in Bennu samples

The OSIRIS-REx mission returned a large sample from asteroid Bennu, which Japanese collaborators detected includes all five nucleobases required for life. The analysis revealed high concentrations of ammonia and nitrogen-rich organic matter.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025

Review of fluorescent probes for detecting G-Quadruplex DNA

G-Quadruplex DNA structures play a crucial role in regulating genes and cell processes, but their visualization is challenging due to the dynamic nature of double standard DNA. Fluorescence-active small molecule probes have emerged as a real-time visualization method, enabling researchers to detect G-quadruplexes with high selectivity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry·DateDec 8, 2022

Rare bacterial strain isolated and sequenced at Tokyo University of Science

A new bacterial strain, Noda2021, belonging to Candidatus phylum Dependentiae has been isolated and sequenced, revealing its genetic material and potential ecological significance. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of microorganisms in Japan's microbiological hotspots.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Searching for the chemistry of life

A study by DESY's X-ray source PETRA III reveals that dry heating can form characteristic DNA base pairs without water or solvents. The team observed the formation of adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine pairs at temperatures between 100-200 degrees Celsius, suggesting a possible alternative route to molecular recognition patterns in DNA.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalChemical Communications·DateOct 2, 2020

Primordial RNA and origins of life

Scientists have created a version of RNA that could have served as an early genetic polymer, with inosine replacing guanine to improve accuracy. The results suggest that inosine could have played a crucial role in the origins of life.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

A marine creature's magic trick explained

A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute discovered that sea sapphires' colorful appearance is caused by photonic crystals, which enable them to control their visibility. The researchers found that the spacing between the crystal plates determines the color and can be adjusted to make the creature appear invisible or visible

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 2, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Scientists uncover critical step in DNA mutation

Researchers have gained insights into a critical reaction that transforms guanine base into 8-oxo-guanine, leading to cancer development. The reaction involves sodium ions promoting bonding between water molecules and the guanine base.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 23, 2006

Novel mechanism for DNA replication discovered

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identify a new way cells replicate through damaged DNA by using the protein Rev1 as a template. This discovery opens up a new area of study with potential innovative approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.