Tag

Nucleic Acids

All articles tagged with #nucleic acids

science-and-technology1 year ago•2 min saved

"Artificial Building Blocks of Life Created by Researchers"

Scientists at the University of Cologne have successfully developed artificial nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, with enhanced properties in the laboratory, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications. These artificial nucleic acids, known as threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA), have a modified structure that increases their stability and functionality, making them potentially useful for targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and the development of new aptamers for controlling cellular mechanisms. This breakthrough could have significant implications for the future of genetic and medical research.

via Phys.org|

#artificial-nucleotides #dna #nucleic-acids

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Breakthrough Discovery: Scientists Tackle ISS Fungus Issue"

Scientists from the University of Colorado, MIT, and NASA Ames Research Center have discovered a potential solution to the International Space Station's biofilm problem. By covering surfaces with a thin layer of nucleic acids, they were able to prevent bacterial growth and reduce microbial formation by 74% in terrestrial samples and 86% in space station samples. The nucleic acids carried a slight negative electric charge that prevented microbes from sticking to surfaces. However, longer-duration tests are recommended to determine the long-term effectiveness of this method.

via Engadget|

#bacteria #biofilms #international-space-station

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Breakthrough Discovery: Scientists Tackle ISS Fungus Issue"

Scientists from the University of Colorado, MIT, and NASA Ames Research Center have developed a method to prevent microbial growth and biofilm buildup on surfaces in the International Space Station (ISS). By covering surfaces with a thin layer of nucleic acids, the researchers found that bacterial growth was significantly reduced. The nucleic acids carried a negative electric charge that prevented microbes from sticking to surfaces. The study showed a reduction of about 74% in terrestrial samples and 86% in space station samples. However, longer-duration tests are recommended for future missions to assess the long-term effectiveness of this method.

via Yahoo News|

#biofilms #international-space-station #microbial-growth

science2 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the Universal Mechanisms of DNA and RNA Deformations

Researchers have identified common pathways of deformation in DNA and RNA, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of these nucleic acids. Using magnetic tweezers, the team accurately measured the twist changes induced by salt, temperature change, and stretching force. They found that DNA deformations are driven by twist-diameter coupling, while RNA deformations are driven by twist-groove coupling. These universal deformation mechanisms can be applied to different types of nucleic acids and environmental stimuli, providing insights into gene expression, regulation, and protein binding.

via Phys.org|

#deformations #dna #nucleic-acids