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. This research was conducted by the Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Unit, led by Marco De Vivo at IIT in Genoa, and was published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study focused on splicing, an essential process that enables cells to read genes and function properly, by simulating the functional dynamics of a very large and realistic model system (~2 million atoms). The results provide a more precise understanding of splicing and help explain previously difficult-to-interpret data on splicing. This research could support the development of molecules capable of controlling this process, paving the way for new treatments for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders

Researchers have developed an AI tool that can help determine whether unfamiliar bacteria carry genetic features linked to disease. By enabling the detection of harmful bacteria before they infect humans, this could transform pandemic preparedness. Researchers have developed an AI tool that can help determine whether unfamiliar bacteria carry genetic features linked to disease. By enabling the detection of harmful bacteria before they infect humans, this could transform pandemic preparedness.

Volume 37 of SLAS Technology includes one technical brief, four original research articles, two literature highlights, and four entries from the Special Issue on Revolutionizing Transcriptomics from Single-Cell Insights to RNA-Based Interventions. Volume 37 of SLAS Technology includes one technical brief, four original research articles, two literature highlights, and four entries from the Special Issue on Revolutionizing Transcriptomics from Single-Cell Insights to RNA-Based Interventions.

Large and complex construction projects (LCCPs) require substantial investments and often encounter significant challenges, such as cost overruns, time delays, and conflicting stakeholder interests. A new study reviews 165 peer-reviewed publications to propose a modernized value management framework tailored for LCCPs, paving the way for improved stakeholder collaboration and technological integration.

CRISPR is a powerful DNA-editing tool that has underpinned huge advancements in human healthcare in the last decade. It is a precision tool, but is not perfect, and misplaced DNA edits can compromise safety and efficacy, costing billions each year. Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London and the University of Sheffield have published research in Nature showing that the physical twisting of DNA plays an important role in these mistakes. Using a newly developed platform of tiny (nanometer-sized) DNA circles, called DNA minicircles, the team captured never-before-seen interactions between CRISPR and DNA, providing insights that could help eradicate errors altogether.

Volume 36 of SLAS Technology includes two editorials, one literature highlight, two original research articles, two reviews and two Special Issue (SI) features.

A new study led by Dr Alan Law of the University of Stirling has shown that, on average, beaver-created wetlands had 19% more species than other types of wetland.