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Mechanism underlying the emergence of virus variants unravelled

Scientists have identified the molecular origins of recombination in RNA viruses, a process that can lead to the emergence of new variants. The study reveals a new class of antiviral drugs that target this mechanism, but warns of potential risks when used in large quantities.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 22, 2021

The future of medicine is nearer thanks to researchers’ invention

A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Obstacles on the racetrack of life

Researchers discovered that the protein SPT6 is essential for the arrival of RNA polymerase at the end of a gene, producing functional mRNA. Without it, the polymerase destroys obstacles, making it impossible for functional RNA polymerases to find their way.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 14, 2021

Super-resolution RNA imaging in live cells

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed a novel fluorescence marker called RhoBAST to enable super-resolution RNA imaging in live cells. The method reveals details of subcellular structures and molecular interactions involving RNA, improving image resolution.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 25, 2021

At the core of the Integrator complex

The Galej group has discovered the structure and arrangement of the proteins comprising Integrator's catalytic core, revealing a network of multiple subunits interacting with each other. This complex is involved in the transcription attenuation process and plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2021

Key molecular machine in cells pictured in detail for the first time

Researchers have finally determined the atomic structure of the histone mRNA three-prime end-processing machine, a complex assembly of molecules that plays a fundamental role in proper cell activity and DNA duplication. This breakthrough provides valuable insights into how this machine is activated and regulates gene expression.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

Unlocking the secret of cell regulation

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study the structure of long ribonucleic acids, which are crucial for cellular regulation. The technique involves marking specific locations on the RNA with artificial flags and measuring their distances using a molecular ruler.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020
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Capturing extreme close-ups of cellular gene expression

Scientists have made new discoveries about transcription, a fundamental process in all living cells. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to study transcription at the scale of individual genes, revealing unexpected drivers of cellular individuality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalCell·DateSep 23, 2019

Barrow researcher discovers critical RNA processing aberrations

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Center discovered aberrant RNA processing in ALS and FTD patients, led by Dr. Rita Sattler's team finding ADAR2 mislocalization affects disease pathways, potentially leading to neuronal loss and neurodegeneration.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateApr 18, 2019

Encrypted messages in biological processes

A study by a Danish-German research team reveals that modified RNA bases play a crucial role in controlling gene expression from DNA to functional RNA. The researchers used a newly developed technique to label newly made RNA with the m6A modification, demonstrating its impact on RNA maturation and splicing efficiency.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 2018
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Discovering the structure of RNA

A new study develops an innovative simulation model to predict the three-dimensional conformation of ribonucleic acid molecules, overcoming limitations of existing models. The model shows promising results in predicting RNA structures, with potential implications for basic research and medical therapies.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJan 4, 2018

Complex life evolved out of the chance coupling of small molecules

Researchers at Wits University discover that complex life emerged through the random joining of simple RNA molecules, enabling self-replication and kickstarting life. The process, which occurred billions of years ago, involved the ligation of small molecules to form larger, more complex ones.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 19, 2017

Team nebulizes aphids to knock down gene expression

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to deliver RNA to soybean aphids using nebulization, which appears to block the function of specific genes. The technique has shown promise in improving the uptake of RNA through tiny breathing tubes and may aid in the development of new pest-control systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInsect Molecular Biology·DateMar 20, 2017

Store and supply: How the brain saves time

Neurons in the brain store immature RNA copies that are pre-manufactured and only need splicing upon stimulation, significantly reducing production time and enabling rapid adaptation. This discovery reveals a new regulatory mechanism for brain plasticity processes.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNeuron·DateDec 21, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

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Watching RNA fold

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technology platform that provides high-resolution representation of RNA folding during synthesis. This breakthrough allows for the study of RNA folding in unprecedented detail, potentially leading to discoveries in basic biology, gene expression, and disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 31, 2016

CRISPR-based method tracks RNA

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 based method to track the movement of RNA in living cells. This approach enables the study of disease-related RNA processes and may support therapeutic approaches to correct disease-causing RNA behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 17, 2016

Scientists shed new light on workings of genetic regulation

A team of scientists has uncovered greater intricacy in protein signaling than previously understood, shedding light on the nature of genetic production. The research found that both protein synthesis and mRNA production are highly regulated processes, with different patterns and responses to outside stimuli.

SourceNew York University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJan 25, 2016

DNA research offers clues on cell mutation

Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered that RNA plays a crucial role in DNA damage, leading to mutations and disease. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome and has implications for cancer research.

SourceColorado State University·JournalGenetics·DateJan 6, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Seeing DROSHA for the first time

Scientists at IBS Center for RNA Research have elucidated the three-dimensional image of DROSHA, one part of the Microprocessor complex. This discovery confirms previous findings and reveals unique physical characteristics of DROSHA, including a 'bump' that may act as a measuring guide for cleaving pri-miRNA.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell·DateDec 31, 2015

The spliceosome: More than meets the eye

Researchers from Brandeis University and UMMS discovered that the spliceosome's major components can attach in any order, eliminating the need for precise communication. This breakthrough sheds light on the process of RNA splicing, a crucial step in protein synthesis, and holds promise for understanding diseases like cystic fibrosis.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalCell·DateSep 26, 2013
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Alzheimer's: Newly identified protein pathology impairs RNA splicing

Researchers at Emory University have discovered a previously unrecognized type of pathology in Alzheimer's brains that sequesters proteins involved in RNA splicing. This finding could lead to new biomarkers, diagnostic approaches, and therapies by explaining how genes contribute their effects in the disease.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2013

Temperature controls the genetic message

Researchers found that temperature affects RNA structure, hiding or showing particular sequences that influence the recognition of intronic endings. This allows for alternative protein isoforms to be generated in response to changing temperatures.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 16, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

UCSF team views genome as it turns on and off inside cells

UCSF researchers developed a new approach to examine how cells convert DNA into RNA, bridging a gap in understanding gene expression. The technique enables direct observation of the transcription process at unprecedented resolution, providing insights into gene regulation and function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2011
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Spying on a cellular director in the cutting room

The spliceosome, a giant complex of RNA and protein subunits, assembles and operates to remove unwanted genetic material and join the remaining pieces. Researchers spied on the process using FRET and observed reversible contortions in the presence of energy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 21, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Yale scientists find cooperative RNA switches in nature

Researchers at Yale University have identified a cooperative RNA switch in nature, which responds to various target compounds and regulates metabolic processes. This discovery supports the theory of an RNA World, where RNA molecules served a central role in early life.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2004

Scientists find unique nuclear DNA structure

Researchers at the University of Southern California have discovered a unique nuclear DNA structure that helps elucidate the process of immunoglobulin class switching. This finding may provide insights into B cell cancer, such as Burkitt's lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2000