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Researchers show how early RNA-based life may have repaired its genome, providing insight into the origins of life

Scientists engineered an enzyme that selectively recognizes and repairs broken RNA, suggesting that molecular tools needed to preserve the RNA-based genetic code could be furnished by RNA alone. This discovery has implications for understanding the origins of life and developing new biotechnology applications.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2026

Unraveling the complexities of the Borna disease virus 1

Researchers at Kyoto University have detailed the structure of Borna disease virus 1's nucleoprotein-RNA complex, revealing a distinct binding mode and incremental model of viral replication. The study provides a molecular framework for targeting viral RNA synthesis and assembly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Killing cancer cells with RNA therapeutics

In a mouse study, researchers successfully used RNA micelles to shrink metastasized tumors in lungs by delivering chemotherapy drugs and an RNA molecule that blocks cancer survival. The treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and improved outcomes for mice with colorectal cancer lung metastasis.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 6, 2026

UMass Amherst chemists develop tool providing unrivaled look inside cells

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new tool, iConRNA, that provides an unrivaled look inside cells and can help solve the mystery of how devastating diseases develop. The tool resolves the balance of physical driving forces of phase separation and predicts how this balance is tuned under different cellular situations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2025

NUS Medicine researchers develop fat-like nanoparticles to treat fatty liver disease

Researchers developed a novel RNA-based therapy using lipid nanoparticles to silence a gene causing ceramide buildup in the liver, reducing inflammation and scarring. The treatment shows promise for millions of patients worldwide and could eventually benefit those with heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

How proteins bind to RNA: the dual mechanism of zinc fingers and disordered regions

Researchers discovered that disordered regions enhance specific RNA interactions in FUS protein-RNA complexes, revealing a breakthrough strategy for nucleic acid binding. The study suggests that intrinsically disordered regions actively contribute to the RNA-binding mechanism.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2025

New insight in how cells regulate gene activity

Researchers have identified hundreds of RNA regulatory switches in living cells that can be used to develop new treatments for diseases. The discovery, published in Nature Biotechnology, uses a novel method to map the complex structures of RNA molecules and uncover functional switches with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025

Remember ebola?

Researchers at Kyoto University have captured the first high-resolution structure of Ebola's nucleocapsid using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. This visualization reveals sophisticated interactions between structural components, including VP24 and NP proteins, which govern virus assembly, RNA synthesis, and transport.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

Breakthrough AI model can translate the language of plant life

A pioneering AI model has been developed to understand the genetic 'language' of plants, allowing for precise predictions about RNA functions and identification of functional patterns. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop improvement and the next generation of AI-based gene design.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2024

3D snapshots unveil the intricate dance of RNA folding

Scientists have captured 3D snapshots of individual RNA nanoparticles in motion, showcasing the dynamic and intricate folding process. This breakthrough uses advanced electron microscopy to study RNA's flexibility, enabling new insights into its structure and potential applications in molecular medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Through the looking glass: A cross-chiral reaction challenges our definition of life

Researchers demonstrate the first cross-chiral exponential amplification of an RNA enzyme, potentially leading to the development of cross-chiral therapeutics and biotechnologies. The discovery suggests that a bioengineer can create a new form of biochemical evolution by using both left- and right-handed molecules.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

University of Barcelona team describes new biochemistry for RNA at low temperatures

A University of Barcelona team has described new biochemistry for RNA at low temperatures, revealing unexpected novel structures that emerge below 20°C. This phenomenon is believed to be universal and common to all RNA molecules, with implications for the biochemistry and biological functions of RNA.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

UAB researchers uncover protein SRSF1’s uncommon ability to bind and unfold RNA G-quadruplexes

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered that the protein SRSF1 can bind and unfold complex RNA Guanine-quadruplexes. This finding could provide new avenues for treating illnesses such as cancer, which is often linked to misfunctioning splicing processes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

Scientists develop technique to analyze RNA structures in ultra-high definition

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have created a powerful method to analyze RNA structures in unprecedented detail. By combining cryogenic OrbiSIMS with advanced computational modelling and automation, they can now determine RNA structures in a matter of days, significantly advancing the field of RNA structural biology.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

New approach to single-cell RNA structure sequencing unveils biomarkers for human development and disease

Researchers have developed a new method to sequence single-cell RNA structures, revealing biomarkers crucial for human development and disease. This approach identifies cell types based on RNA shape, offering new insights into cellular fate and potential treatments against RNA viruses.

Displaying the design of DNA

Researchers at Arizona State University successfully demonstrated the use of MicroED to analyze a DNA crystal, overcoming limitations of X-ray crystallography. The technique, combined with cryo-FIB milling, enables work with smaller crystals, opening opportunities for understanding RNA structure and developing novel nanotechnologies.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Breakthrough in combating multiple myeloma: For the 1st time in the world researchers destroyed most cancer cells in the bone marrow using a targeted system containing RNA therapy

A breakthrough treatment targeting bone marrow cancer cells destroyed 90% of multiple myeloma cells in laboratory tests and 60% in human tissue samples. Researchers developed lipid-based nanoparticles containing RNA molecules that silence the CKAP5 gene, inhibiting cancer cell division.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2023

WVU researchers capture atomic view of synthetic DNA, revealing ‘molecular scissors’ that could treat disease

Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2023

Structural biology: Molecular scissors caught in the act

Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Nanosatellite shows the way to RNA medicine of the future

Scientists at Aarhus University and Berkeley Laboratory developed a method called RNA origami to design artificial RNA nanostructures. The technique allowed for the discovery of rules and mechanisms for RNA folding that will make it possible to build more ideal RNA particles for use in RNA-based medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Reading out RNA structures in real time

Scientists have developed a technique to detect RNA structures in live cells, shedding light on the role of G-quadruplexes in neurodegenerative diseases. The method uses fluorescent spectroscopy and resolves existing limitations in studying these structures in real-time.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Molecular monitoring of RNA regulation

A new reporter system called INSPECT allows for highly sensitive monitoring of both coding and non-coding RNA production, shedding light on cellular processes. This breakthrough tool modifies introns without altering completed RNA or proteins, offering a minimally invasive solution to study RNA regulation.

Nanotechnology enables visualization of RNA structures at near-atomic resolution

Researchers have developed a new approach to studying RNA molecules using nanotechnology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), enabling the analysis of RNA subunits with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research, drug development, and RNA therapeutics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022