<div><p><strong>In 2025, two outstanding young female researchers, Drs. Filipa Oliveira and Stella Gonsales, both originally from outside the Czech Republic, received prestigious JUNIOR STAR grants from the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR). JUNIOR STAR enables early career researchers to establish their own independent research groups and significantly advance their scientific careers. Their projects reflect cutting-edge research in materials science and sustainable chemistry, highlighting the international reach and welcoming research environment at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Dr. Stella Gonsales is also a&nbsp;laureate of the Dagmar Procházková Fund, which supports promising scientific projects in sustainable and advanced organic chemistry. Another recipient of this grant is Dr.&nbsp;Anna Valunchene, whose research complements UCT Prague’s&nbsp;sustainability goals. This dual funding underlines Stella’s&nbsp;remarkable achievements and the wide scope of innovative research at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Both Filipa and Stella are actively looking for motivated students and researchers to join their teams, offering a&nbsp;unique opportunity to work at the forefront of science in a&nbsp;vibrant and supportive environment.</strong></p></div><div><h3><strong>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Filipa Oliveira" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="999"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. It’s&nbsp;a huge achievement to receive this prestigious grant. It gives me the opportunity to establish my own research group here at UCT Prague. The JUNIOR STAR program supports talented young scientists in building their teams and accessing resources. This means I&nbsp;now have the support to focus fully on my research about tubular MXenes and their application in supercapacitors.</p><h5><strong>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</strong></h5><p>MXenes are a family of 2D materials with a layered, accordion-like structure and known for their excellent electrical conductivity. Our innovation is to produce them with a tubular morphology, combining the high conductivity and redox activity in superior ion-transport tubular architectures. Their open, hollow structure increases surface area, ion diffusion and charge transport. This could translate to faster, more efficient supercapacitors, critical for sustainable energy technologies.</p><h5><strong>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</strong></h5><p>Global challenges around green energy made me focus on materials that can improve energy storage. MXenes stood out because changes in the composition and structure can significantly change their properties. I&nbsp;was curious about how tuning different metallic elements in a&nbsp;tubular morphology can impact how MXenes perform and how to optimize them for practical applications.</p><h5><strong>What challenges have you encountered?</strong></h5><p>One major challenge is their stability: MXenes oxidize quickly which deteriorates performance. Another challenge is understanding how synthesis conditions of both MXenes and their precursors (MAX phases) must be adapted to create and preserve tubular morphologies since their synthesis mechanisms differ from conventional MXenes. Additionally, effectively communicating the project in the funding proposal to show to reviewers why I&nbsp;should obtain this funding was also a&nbsp;challenge, but thanks to mentorship and collaboration, I&nbsp;overcame these hurdles.</p><h5><strong>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</strong></h5><p>The support from colleagues and the excellent technical infrastructure make it a&nbsp;great place to work. Also, being a&nbsp;former member of Professor Sofer’s&nbsp;leading group in 2D&nbsp;materials is inspiring and led me to this achievement.</p><h5><strong>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</strong></h5><p>The grant will help me build my own team, acquire equipment, and develop collaborations. My long-term vision is to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions and scientific progress both locally and internationally.</p><h5><strong>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</strong></h5><p>We are currently welcoming enthusiastic master's&nbsp;students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who are passionate about materials science and eager to explore new frontiers in MXenes and energy storage. If you love curiosity-driven research and want to be part of a&nbsp;growing international team, we encourage you to join us.</p><h3><strong>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Stella Gonsales" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="1499" height="1000"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on your JUNIOR STAR grant and also being awarded the Dagmar Procházková Fund. What does receiving both mean to you and how will they shape your work?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. Both grants are hugely important. The JUNIOR STAR grant allows me to expand my group and resources for research into catalytic recycling of polymers, while the Dagmar Procházková Fund supports complementary projects such as synthesizing new biodegradable polymers. Together, they help tackle the plastic waste problem from multiple scientific angles.</p><h5><strong>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</strong></h5><p>Most plastics have strong carbon-carbon bonds. We insert more cleavable double bonds into polymers that can be broken down by catalytic reactions called olefin metathesis, making recycling on a&nbsp;molecular level more feasible.</p><h5><strong>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</strong></h5><p>The JUNIOR STAR grant is a&nbsp;prestigious and highly competitive funding opportunity aimed at excellent early-career scientists within eight years of completing a&nbsp;Ph.D. It provides up to 25&nbsp;million CZK over five years, allowing recipients to establish independent research groups and pursue innovative scientific topics. This grant is crucial for building a&nbsp;solid foundation, acquiring necessary equipment, and recruiting talented team members, enabling the pursuit of ambitious projects that can significantly contribute to both the Czech scientific community and global challenges.</p><h5><strong>What collaborations support your research?</strong></h5><p>The collaboration between UCT Prague and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences primarily provides financial and technical support. The cooperation helps with funding, access to advanced equipment, and operational resources needed for running research projects.</p><h5><strong>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;encourage thinking outside the box and combining diverse knowledge you acquire during your career to address complex problems that are exciting and relevant to you.</p><h5><strong>Your laboratory bears the name of Otto Wichterle and was ceremonially opened in the presence of Professor Kamil Wichterle. How does Wichterle’s&nbsp;legacy inspire you personally?</strong></h5><p>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.</p><h5><strong>What are your visions for the future?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.</p><h5><strong>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</strong></h5><p>We are looking for talented Ph.D. students and postdocs experienced in air-sensitive catalysis techniques. If you want to contribute to transformative research in sustainable chemistry and join a&nbsp;dynamic team, this is a&nbsp;great opportunity.</p></div>

JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science

<p><strong>The clean laboratories of the CEITEC Nano research infrastructure at CEITEC Brno University of Technology house a four-meter-tall TITAN transmission electron microscope for researching materials at the atomic level. This scientific device underwent two significant upgrades this year, entailing the addition of two state-of-the-art technologies: an electromagnetic lens aberration corrector for scanning transmission electron microscopy and an electron energy loss spectrometer equipped with cameras featuring today's most sensitive sensors. Thanks to these upgrades, TITAN has become a state-of-the-art device that can only be found in a few of the world's most advanced laboratories in this configuration.</strong></p><p><strong>The TITAN Themis microscope </strong>was manufactured in 2015 by FEI (now Thermo Fisher Scientific) and has been in use at CEITEC BUT since 2016. At the time of its acquisition, it was one of<strong> the most powerful commercially available electron microscopes</strong>; however, it lacked a corrector for optical defects in the lenses that form the narrow electron beam scanning the sample. This meant limited resolution and a lower ability to analyze the chemical composition and physical properties of materials at the atomic level.</p><p><i>"The latest generation S-CORR aberration corrector allows the electron beam to be focused to a size up to twice smaller than an atom, while also providing a higher electron current. This has led to a significant increase in the resolution and analytical capabilities of the microscope,"</i> explains <strong>Jan Michalička</strong>, guarantor of the TITAN microscope. "<i>Thanks to the new corrector, our microscope achieves the world's highest standard in resolution, specifically less than 50 picometers at an acceleration voltage of 300 keV." </i>For better understanding, he adds a comparison: <i>"Imagine the ratio of the size of a golf ball to that of planet Earth. That is exactly the ratio of an atom measuring 100 pm to a golf ball."</i> Thanks to this resolution, scientists are not only able to image individual atoms, but also to determine their chemical nature through further analysis. This is of fundamental importance, for example, for the development of new catalysts for a more environmentally friendly chemical industry.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_8ebd8d7245.jpg" alt="CEITEC/CEITEC BUT archive: Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories: Differences in resolution before and after the installation of the aberration corrector." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_8ebd8d7245.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="904"></p><p>The new corrector also allows the microscope to achieve high resolution even with low-energy electrons. This is crucial for studying highly sensitive materials such as graphene and other two-dimensional structures, which would be damaged by a stronger electron beam. <i>"Electrons interact strongly with the sample and can damage it at the atomic level, for example, by changing its structure and chemical composition. With the new corrector, we can achieve atomic resolution even at the lowest acceleration voltage of 60 keV, allowing us to study even very sensitive materials in a virtually unchanged state," </i>says Jan Michalička.</p><h4><strong>The additional installation of a corrector at the CEITEC laboratory is unique worldwide</strong></h4><p><strong>Correctors of optical defects in electromagnetic lenses are an exceptional technology</strong> that has completely changed the world of electron microscopy. For a long time, they were considered technically impossible, and the absence of correctors essentially prevented research into the structure and properties of materials at the atomic level. It was not until the 1990s that a group of four scientists – Harald Rose, Max Haider, Knut Urban, and Ondřej Křivánek – succeeded in implementing this technology, for which they received the prestigious Kavli Prize in 2020. <i>“Correctors basically consist of a pair of complex lenses, each containing a series of magnetic multipoles. In the case of the correctors invented by the first three scientists mentioned above, defects are removed by two hexapole lenses. Our new corrector is based on the same concept,”</i> adds Jan Michalička.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_2_c7e74d8554.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/CEITEC BUT archive: Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories: Delivered aberration corrector prior to installation, with the TITAN microscope in the background." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_2_c7e74d8554.jpeg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2133"></p><p>The additional installation of a corrector is <strong>unique </strong>in itself nowadays. Similarly complex technologies are usually installed during the manufacture of microscopes in the factory, in this case in the Netherlands. However, in Brno, the microscope was successfully upgraded with a corrector under the limited conditions of the laboratory. The installation of the corrector took about four months and required the dismantling of a large part of the microscope. <i>"With this installation, we basically went back to the time when the four scientists mentioned above placed their prototype corrector on an older microscope, thus improving its performance,"</i> says Jan Michalička with a smile, adding that the most difficult part was the precise adjustment of the corrector and the entire optics of the microscope in order to achieve top parameters. <i>"Even though most things are now controlled by computers, there are only a few people in the world who can install and tune a corrector to the highest level of accuracy. We are therefore extremely pleased to have had such experts at our disposal here."</i></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_4_b2cf95fb5c.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/CEITEC BUT archive: Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories: Installation of the aberration corrector – removal of the condenser." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_4_b2cf95fb5c.jpeg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2133"></p><h4><strong>New spectrometer will enable scientists to see more</strong></h4><p>The second and equally important upgrade to the TITAN microscope is the installation of <strong>the latest generation GIF Continuum HR electron energy loss spectrometer by Gatan</strong>. This is an approximately two-meter-long device installed horizontally under the microscope, whose main component is a magnetic prism that separates the electron beam according to their energy losses. The spectra of these losses provide enormous information about the sample, principally at the atomic level, as they are characteristic of the given state of the atoms, such as the valence arrangement of their electron shell. In combination with the new corrector, the spectra can be used to analyze the chemical bonds, arrangement in the crystal lattice, or the entire range of physical properties of atomic nanostructures down to the level of individual atoms.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_8_fdab871ef5.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/CEITEC BUT archive: Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories: Installation of the spectrometer beneath the microscope, magnetic prism." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_8_fdab871ef5.jpeg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2133"></p><p>An essential part of the spectrometer are the <strong>state-of-the-art K3 and Stela cameras</strong>, which can directly detect and count individual electrons. At the same time, these cameras are extremely fast and their sensors capture data without noise. <i>"These features of our cameras are key to measuring sensitive or dynamically changing samples and allow us to obtain information that was previously invisible to electron microscopes,"</i> says Jan Michalička.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_9_d8b87903f2.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/CEITEC BUT archive: Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories: Installed high-performance spectrometer cameras." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_9_d8b87903f2.jpeg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2133"></p><p>Last but not least, the spectrometer will open up completely new possibilities for measuring the magnetic properties of atomic structures. The new spectrometer will also be used for such experiments within the project TERAFIT, which financed this upgrade, and which focuses on research into materials for ultra-high capacity, speed, and energy efficiency in information technology. <i>"The device is fully prepared for advanced experiments and the use of modern software tools, including artificial intelligence,"</i> adds <strong>Vojtěch Uhlíř</strong>, head of the <i>Nanomagnetism and Spintronics</i> research group at CEITEC BUT and one of the TERAFIT project investigators, highlighting the advantages of the spectrometer.</p><p>Together with the corrector, the spectrometer represents a breakthrough in the analysis of material properties, and according to Jan Michalička, CEITEC now has one of the most powerful microscopes available. <i>“In modern materials science, for example, in the development of magnetic memories, quantum materials, or 2D structures, it is necessary to see not only atoms, but also their behaviour in real time, including magnetic states. And it is this spectrometer that pushes the boundaries of what we can see and analyze.</i>” Michal Urbánek, head of the CEITEC Nano laboratories and coordinator of the large research infrastructure <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czechnanolab.cz/"><strong>CzechNanoLab</strong></a>, agrees with him, adding that the device can now contribute to scientific knowledge on a global scale. <i>“Thanks to its integration into the large CzechNanoLab research infrastructure, this state-of-the-art microscope is accessible not only to scientists from CEITEC, but also to other institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad.”</i></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_10_7a2b57cc6d.jpeg" alt="CEITEC/CEITEC BUT archive: Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories: Final configuration of the TITAN microscope after installation of the aberration corrector and spectrometer." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Upgrade_transmisniho_elektronoveho_mikroskopu_TITAN_zaradil_CEITEC_mezi_elitni_laboratore_10_7a2b57cc6d.jpeg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2133"></p><blockquote><p>Do you want to know more? Read the<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ceitec.eu/upgrade-of-titan-transmission-electron-microscope-ranks-ceitec-among-elite-laboratories-expert-version/t11696?secret=40ab0267-ec7e-11f0-8f5d-2ed9ab825d4b"><strong>expert version</strong></a><strong> </strong>of this article.</p></blockquote>

Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories

<p><strong>Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal </strong><i><strong>Nature Chemical Biology</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.</p><p>In their study,<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>Dr. Hana Cahová</strong></a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.</p><p>The work was significantly shaped by <strong>Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team</strong>, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by <strong>Jana Škerlová</strong>, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.</p><p>Hana Cahová adds: <i>“We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”</i></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by<strong> Dr. Tomáš Kouba</strong>, one of the authors of the study. <i>“Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,”</i> he explains.</p><p>Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>cryo-EM center</strong></a><strong> </strong>that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The Original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5"><strong>Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with Np<sub>n</sub>Ns by bacterial RNA polymerase</strong></a></h4><p>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;</p><p>Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from <i>Thermus</i> <i>thermophilus</i>. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</p></div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

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Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

CEITEC

The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

LECO AC500 Isoperibol Calorimeter for Gross Calorific Content

The LECO AC500 is a compact isoperibol calorimeter for precise calorific value determination in solid and liquid fuels, featuring integrated circulation, multiple analysis modes, and high-temperature accuracy.

<p><strong>The AC500 determines calorific value—one of the most important indicators of quality and value in solid and liquid fuels—by accurately measuring the heat released during sample combustion. This standalone benchtop isoperibol calorimeter features a fully integrated circulation system, delivering a compact footprint without the need for external heaters or coolers.</strong></p><p>An integrated water-measuring station simplifies sample preparation, while a high-precision electronic thermometer with a resolution of 0.0001 °C records temperature every six seconds. Two-channel temperature correction is enabled through continuous monitoring of both the outer jacket and the calorimeter bucket, ensuring reliable and reproducible calorific value results across a wide range of operating conditions.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_AC_500_Isoperibolicky_kalorimetr_pro_hrube_spalne_teplo_2_c9240dba59.jpg" alt="LECO AC500" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_AC_500_Isoperibolicky_kalorimetr_pro_hrube_spalne_teplo_2_c9240dba59.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1416" height="674"></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><ul><li>High-precision calorific value determination across varying sample sizes and ambient conditions</li><li>Fully integrated circulation system for compact, standalone operation</li><li>Integral water-measuring station to simplify sample preparation</li><li>Electronic thermometer with 0.0001 °C resolution for precise temperature measurement</li><li>Temperature recorded every six seconds for accurate heat profile tracking</li><li>Two-channel temperature correction via constant monitoring of jacket and bucket</li><li><strong>Support for multiple analysis modes:</strong><ul><li>Regnault-Pfaundler</li><li>Precision</li><li>Predictive</li></ul></li><li>Combustion vessel options with fuse wire or string ignition</li><li>Optional string-ignition vessel eliminates wire connections for simplified handling</li></ul><h4><strong>Available Models</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>AC500</strong> – without combustion vessel</li><li><strong>AC500</strong> – with wire igniter vessel</li><li><strong>AC500</strong> – with string igniter vessel</li></ul>

LECO AF700 Coal and Coke Ash Fusibility Determinator

LECO AF700 is an automated ash fusion determinator for precise measurement of IT, ST, HT, and FT temperatures, featuring digital imaging, image recognition, enhanced safety, and high-durability furnace design.

<p><strong>The LECO AF700 Ash Fusion Determinator is designed to increase laboratory throughput by automatically determining ash fusibility temperatures, including Initial Deformation (IT), Softening (ST), Hemispherical (HT), and Flow (FT) temperatures. Built with enhanced robustness, integrated safety features, and advanced digital imaging, the AF700 delivers reliable, repeatable ash fusion analysis with minimal operator intervention.</strong></p><p>The system combines precise furnace temperature control, high-resolution digital imaging, and intelligent software-driven image recognition to support objective and defensible ash fusibility determinations. Digital archiving capabilities ensure full traceability and easy review of results, supporting both routine testing and confirmatory analysis.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_AF_700_Analyzator_tavitelnosti_popela_66f55ca93d.jpg" alt="LECO AF700" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_AF_700_Analyzator_tavitelnosti_popela_66f55ca93d.jpg 166w," sizes="100vw" width="1030" height="970"></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Integrated high-stability imaging system</strong><ul><li>Permanently mounted camera isolated from the high-temperature furnace zone</li><li>Integrated viewing system ensures consistent alignment of mirrors, camera, and furnace</li></ul></li><li><strong>Automated, objective ash fusion determination</strong><ul><li>Image Recognition Functions (IRF) automatically identify IT, ST, HT, and FT</li><li>Optional automatic analysis termination once all deformation points are reached</li></ul></li><li><strong>Complete digital documentation</strong><ul><li>Full image history archived for every analysis</li><li>Archived images can be retrieved for review, confirmation, or subjective evaluation</li><li>Supports storage on DVD, CD-RW, or hard drive</li></ul></li><li><strong>Enhanced laboratory safety</strong><ul><li>Door interlocks prevent unsafe furnace operation</li><li>Integrated carbon monoxide detector improves operator protection</li></ul></li><li><strong>Improved low-temperature visibility</strong><ul><li>LED light ring enables clear observation of early deformation points</li></ul></li><li><strong>High-durability furnace design</strong><ul><li>Six-element, high-endurance heating furnace ensures long service life</li><li>Designed for sustained operation under demanding laboratory conditions</li></ul></li></ul><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>The LECO AF700 automatically monitors ash cone deformation temperatures in coal ash and coke ash samples. Prepared ash cones are positioned on a ceramic tray and inserted into a programmable, high-temperature furnace.</p><p>The operator selects an analytical method defining the furnace atmosphere—oxidizing or reducing—as well as the temperature ramp rate in degrees Celsius per minute. Once the furnace reaches the method-defined starting temperature, a digital camera begins collecting images at defined intervals.</p><p>Image Recognition Functions (IRF) within the software analyze sample geometry in real time to automatically identify standard ash fusibility temperatures: Initial Deformation (IT), Softening (ST), Hemispherical (HT), and Flow (FT). The system can optionally terminate the analysis automatically once all deformation points have been detected for all samples, improving throughput while extending furnace lifetime.</p><p>All images collected during analysis are digitally archived, allowing easy retrieval for verification, reporting, or subjective reassessment of deformation temperatures when required.</p><h4><strong>Models</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>AF700</strong> – Single Furnace System</li><li><strong>AF700</strong> – Dual Furnace System</li></ul>

LECO TGA801 Thermogravimetric Analysis of Moisture, Ash, Volatile Content, and Loss-on-Ignition

LECO TGA801 is a macro thermogravimetric analyzer for automated determination of moisture, ash, volatiles, and LOI with high precision, flexible methods, and up to 19-sample capacity.

<p><strong>The LECO TGA801 builds on the proven performance of previous generations of LECO macro TGA instruments, delivering enhanced robustness, precision, and operational reliability. Combining state-of-the-art hardware with an intuitive touch-screen software platform and rugged construction, the TGA801 enables accurate, high-precision thermogravimetric constituent analysis.</strong></p><p>The instrument supports determination of moisture, ash, volatile content, and Loss-on-Ignition (LOI) in a wide range of organic, inorganic, and synthetic materials. Designed in accordance with <strong>ASTM standardized methods</strong>, the TGA801 is well suited for laboratories serving industries such as coal, cement, catalysts, food, and feed analysis.</p><p>Macro thermogravimetric analysis using nominal 1 g sample masses replaces traditional, labor-intensive gravimetric workflows that rely on multiple manual weighing steps, ovens, muffle furnaces, and desiccators. Flexible method configuration, automation, and advanced hardware allow the TGA801 to deliver a fully automated analysis sequence, requiring only the initial manual sample weighing to maximize laboratory productivity.</p><p><strong>Cornerstone Mobile remote software</strong> extends instrument visibility beyond the laboratory, enabling users to monitor batch progress, instrument status, and performance from a smartphone, tablet, or PC.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_4_46d807b3c3.jpg" alt="LECO TGA801" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_4_46d807b3c3.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="757" height="476"></p><h4><strong>Key Features and Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>High-throughput automated thermogravimetric analysis</strong><ul><li>Simultaneous analysis of up to 19 samples</li></ul></li><li><strong>Intelligent endpoint determination</strong><ul><li>Automatic endpoint recognition based on sample mass constancy</li></ul></li><li><strong>High-precision mass measurement</strong><ul><li>Integrated, thermally isolated balance with 0.0001 g resolution</li><li>Low drift design ensures stable and repeatable results throughout the analysis cycle</li></ul></li><li><strong>Accurate and controlled furnace operation</strong><ul><li>Precise temperature ramping and set-point control</li><li>Minimal temperature overshoot for excellent thermal accuracy</li></ul></li><li><strong>Uniform sample exposure</strong><ul><li>Rotating automation sequence ensures consistent furnace conditions for all samples</li></ul></li><li><strong>Flexible atmosphere control</strong><ul><li>Automated control of furnace atmosphere and gas flow</li><li>Supports air, nitrogen, or oxygen environments</li></ul></li><li><strong>Method versatility</strong><ul><li>Configurable method steps allow emulation of classic gravimetric test methods</li></ul></li><li><strong>Enhanced safety and reliability</strong><ul><li>Furnace lid remains locked open during power or pneumatic interruptions</li></ul></li></ul><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The TGA801 is ideal for thermogravimetric analysis across a wide range of materials, including:</p><ul><li>Coal and coke</li><li>Combustion residues</li><li>Biomass materials</li><li>Catalyst materials</li><li>Soils and ores</li><li>Ceramics</li><li>Gypsum and building materials</li><li>Hydrated lime and cement</li><li>Flour and milled products</li><li>Feed materials</li><li>Resins and polymers</li></ul><h4><strong>Models</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>TGA801</strong> – Thermogravimetric Analyzer</li><li><strong>TGA801 Dual Furnace Package</strong> – Dual furnace configuration for increased throughput and flexibility</li></ul><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>The TGA801 determines weight loss associated with moisture, volatiles, ash, and Loss-on-Ignition by measuring sample mass as a function of temperature under precisely controlled atmospheric conditions. The multi-sample furnace design enables simultaneous analysis of up to 19 samples.</p><p>An analysis begins after samples are logged and empty crucibles are placed into the sample carousel. The system automatically records the mass of each empty crucible before prompting the operator to load samples. Once loaded, initial sample weights are recorded and the selected furnace temperature program is initiated.</p><p>The furnace atmosphere is controlled using one of three analytical gases—air, nitrogen, or oxygen—depending on the analytical step. Each method step can be configured with specific temperature set points, ramp rates, atmospheres, and durations defined either by fixed time or mass constancy. Preset method steps for moisture, volatile matter, and ash determination are available and commonly used.</p><p>Throughout the analysis, crucibles are automatically indexed and lowered onto the balance pedestal to record sample mass. Mass changes are tracked sequentially for each sample, and results are typically reported as percent mass loss at the end of each step. Additional or alternative calculations can be defined within the method as needed.</p><p>An external PC running LECO Cornerstone® software manages all quantitative calculations, stores analytical data, and provides comprehensive reporting and traceability.</p>

LECO TGM800 Thermogravimetric Moisture Determinator

LECO TGM800 is an automated thermogravimetric moisture analyzer enabling simultaneous analysis of up to 16 samples with intelligent endpoint detection and integrated Cornerstone® software.

<p><strong>The LECO TGM800 delivers a high-precision, fully automated solution for moisture determination by replacing traditional, time-consuming loss-on-drying methods with a modern thermogravimetric approach. Designed to improve laboratory efficiency and consistency, the TGM800 combines multi-sample automation, intelligent endpoint detection, and intuitive Cornerstone® touch-screen software.</strong></p><p>Capable of analyzing up to 16 samples simultaneously, the TGM800 significantly reduces hands-on time while ensuring accurate and reproducible moisture results. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including food, feed, milled products, and agricultural materials.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_TGM_800_Termogravimetricky_analyzator_vlhkosti_11_6e4d62debb.jpg" alt="LECO TGM800" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_TGM_800_Termogravimetricky_analyzator_vlhkosti_11_6e4d62debb.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1309" height="805"></p><h4><strong>Key Features and Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Automated loss-on-drying moisture determination</strong><ul><li>Up to 16 samples using 1.5-inch aluminum foil crucibles</li><li>Up to 10 samples using 2.4-inch aluminum foil crucibles</li></ul></li><li><strong>Increased laboratory throughput</strong><ul><li>Rapid oven temperature ramping</li><li>Fast cooling following analysis completion</li></ul></li><li><strong>Intelligent drying control</strong><ul><li>Automatic endpoint recognition based on sample mass constancy</li><li>Optimized drying times without unnecessary over-drying</li></ul></li><li><strong>Reduced operator workload</strong><ul><li>Minimal sample interaction requirements</li><li>Automated weighing and mass tracking throughout the analysis</li></ul></li><li><strong>Integrated, space-saving design</strong><ul><li>Built-in 10.1-inch color LCD touch-screen</li><li>Cornerstone® software integrated directly into the instrument for efficient, ergonomic operation</li></ul></li></ul><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The TGM800 is suitable for moisture determination across a broad range of sample types, including:</p><ul><li>Food and food ingredients</li><li>Feeds and pet food</li><li>Milled products</li><li>Agricultural and plant-based materials</li></ul><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>The TGM800 is a thermogravimetric analyzer designed to directly measure moisture content using a controlled loss-on-drying technique. Moisture is determined by continuously measuring sample mass as a function of oven temperature while precisely controlling atmosphere and ventilation conditions.</p><p>The instrument integrates a computer, a four-place analytical balance, and a multi-sample oven that enables the simultaneous analysis of up to 16 samples. Once an analysis method is selected, empty aluminum foil crucibles are loaded into the oven carousel. The system automatically tares each crucible before sequentially presenting them to the operator for sample loading. Initial sample masses are measured and stored automatically.</p><p>After sample loading is complete, the analysis begins with controlled oven temperature ramping and the initiation of ventilation. Each crucible is automatically indexed and lowered onto the balance pedestal, where the sample mass is recorded. This process continues sequentially for all samples throughout the analysis.</p><p>Mass loss is continuously monitored for each sample while the oven temperature and ventilation rate are regulated according to the selected method. Analysis duration can be defined either by a fixed time or by achieving sample mass constancy. Moisture content is calculated as percent mass loss and reported individually for each sample at the conclusion of the run.</p><p>The intuitive touch-screen interface provides full access to method creation, analysis control, diagnostics, and reporting in a highly organized environment. Methods can be customized with user-defined oven temperatures, ramp rates, atmospheres, and ventilation settings. Real-time plots of sample mass loss and temperature are displayed on screen, while all results and calculations are automatically stored and managed by the software.</p><p>By enabling batch processing of up to 16 samples with automated mass measurements, the TGM800 maximizes laboratory productivity, analytical consistency, and overall workflow efficiency.</p>

Products from category Thermal Analysis from LECO - page 1

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