Nanotechnology – My WordPress Site

Energetics associated with the occupancy of the K1 site and the position of the M2 ion. (A) Free energy surface of the concerted motions of Prp11 Lys10 and M2, with the initial PDB conformation marked by a yellow star. (B–D) Representative structures of three metastable states from metadynamics simulations. State 1 (B) represents a PDB-like arrangement where Lys10 (slate blue sticks) remains at the K1 site, and M2 (yellow sphere) is properly positioned at the U6 snRNA triple-helix (yellow cartoon). State 2 (C): Lys10 leaves the K1 site, allowing a K+ ion to occupy it and stabilize M2 in place. State 3 (D): M2 directly coordinates G52, losing its catalytic position and partially occupying the K1 site. -- PNAS

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio

Computational Chemistry And Supercomputers To Help Understand The Mechanisms Of Life

by Keith CowingApril 13, 2026April 13, 2026

A new study from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), in collaboration with Uppsala University (Sweden) and AstraZeneca, shows how computational chemistry and supercomputers can help scientists better understand the fundamental mechanisms of life, specifically those of human cells.

Skyler Palatnick Holding experimental optics - UCSB

Astronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Nanotechnology & SynBio

Designing Lightweight Optics To Detect Signs Of Life Beyond Our Solar System

by Keith CowingApril 9, 2026April 9, 2026

Artist's conception of an exoplanet reflecting the light from its nearby star. --NASA

Astronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy

Optical Vortex Phase Masks for the Detection of Habitable Worlds

by Keith CowingMarch 27, 2026March 27, 2026

This illustration demonstrates how metapipeline-DNA processes raw genome sequencing data. It begins by aligning the sequence of DNA base pairs to a reference genome. Then produces sets of detected variants and other genetic and evolutionary features. Credit Yash Patel, Sanford Burnham Prebys

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Exploration Gear & Tech, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Tricorders & Sensors

New Computational Biology Tool Automates And Standardizes Genome Sequencing Analysis

by Keith CowingMarch 27, 2026March 27, 2026

A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrograph of a SiGe transistor for use on ocean worlds. This SiGe IC is built from large numbers of micron-sized (10^-6 m) SiGe transistors to enable electronic functionalities such as communications, sensing, and control. The entire SiGe IC is 5x5 mm^2 and the X-band (8-12 GHz) SiGe RF communications link is shown in the lower right. Image credit: John D. Cressler, Georgia Tech

Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains & Lava Tubes, Europa, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Icy Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Radiation, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Tricorder Tech: Developing Robust Electronics That Can Withstand Harsh Conditions on Cold Planetary Bodies

by Keith CowingMarch 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Ribozymes are relics of molecular life forms

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life

Modularity, Ecology, And Theoretical Evolution Of The Ribozyme Body Plan

by Keith CowingMarch 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Mechanistic interpretability of Evo 2 reveals DNA, RNA, protein and organism-level features -- Nature

AI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Citizen Science / Open Science, Commercial & Private Sector, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety

With Evo 2, AI Can Model And Design The Genetic Code For All Domains Of Life

by Keith CowingMarch 7, 2026March 7, 2026

Complex DNA architectures are obtained by stacking triangular units, much like well-placed bricks without mortar. Credit Simon Vecchioni

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio

Scientists Form Complex DNA Structures Without Hydrogen Bond

by Keith CowingMarch 7, 2026March 7, 2026

The Miller-Urey experiment that was used to demonstrate the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules in a hypothetical primitive reducing atmosphere. — UCSD

Astrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life

Theoretical Perspective On Synthetic Life: Learning From The Origin Of Life

by Keith CowingFebruary 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Graphical abstract -- Frontiers

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Radiation, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Tardigrades

Radioprotection Redefined: Drug Discovery At The Intersection Of Tardigrade Biology And Translational Pharmacology

by Keith CowingFebruary 10, 2026February 10, 2026