<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

Thermo Scientific™ FlashSmart™ Elemental Analyzer N/Protein

The Thermo Scientific™ FlashSmart™ Elemental Analyzer (EA), based on the modified Dumas Method, is a flexible solution that expands your CHNS/O analysis with over 20 configurations in one system.

<h3><strong>Lead the way in elemental analysis with a single instrument handling all applications.</strong></h3><p>You and your team can solve more laboratory challenges, improve workflow and minimize downtime. The <strong>Thermo Scientific™ FlashSmart™ Elemental Analyzer </strong>(EA), based on the <strong>modified Dumas Method</strong>, is a flexible solution that expands your <strong>CHNS/O</strong> analysis with <strong>over 20 configurations</strong> <strong>in one system</strong>. Powerful software supports automated and precise reports, making everything easier for you and your team.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Flash_Smart_Elemental_Analyzer_CHNS_O_2_efeac51a98.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ FlashSmart™ Elemental Analyzer N/Protein" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Flash_Smart_Elemental_Analyzer_CHNS_O_2_efeac51a98.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1424" height="888"></p><h3><strong>Why choose the FlashSmart EA?</strong></h3><h4><strong>The confident choice</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Precise and reliable</strong> system that delivers accurate results</li><li><strong>Easy maintenance</strong></li><li><strong>Easy to use </strong>for reduced need for staff training</li><li>Modern design combines simple user input with <strong>dedicated software features</strong></li><li><strong>Better return on investment </strong>as the system is modular and grows with your analytical requirements</li></ul><h4><strong>Simple</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Gas chromatographic method for real-time view of the analytical process and pathway:</strong> anytime, anywhere</li><li><strong>Streamlined sample preparation </strong>without the need for dangerous chemicals as Kjeldahl Method</li><li><strong>Complete EA software</strong> for effortless operation</li></ul><h4><strong>Modular</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Over 20 configurations in one instrument:</strong> no need for software upgrade</li><li><strong>Up to two autosamplers </strong>on the same analyzer</li><li>Higher sample throughput and automation with the <strong>Thermo Scientific™ MultiValve Control (MVC) Module</strong>, without manual intervention</li><li>Operates with <strong>helium</strong> and <strong>argon </strong>as carrier gas</li></ul><h4><strong>Automated</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Unattended operation</strong> of the FlashSmart EA: analyses can run <strong>24/7</strong> for complete results anytime, anywhere</li><li>Dedicated <strong>Thermo Scientific™ EagerSmart™ </strong>Data</li><li>Handling Software controlling all analytical parameters, Thermo <strong>Scientific™ OxyTune™ Function</strong>, an autosampler and the MVC Module</li><li><strong>Lower cost </strong>per analysis and greater productivity</li></ul><h4><strong>Accurate</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Certified </strong>and uncompromised precision and accuracy for a wide range of applications, from research to routine analysis</li><li><strong>Compliance with most recognized EA Official Methods: </strong>AOAC, AOCS, AACC, ASTM, ASBC, ISO, EN, CEN, EPA, IFFO</li><li><strong>OEA CookBook</strong> with <strong>thousands</strong> of determinations and methods for optimal results</li></ul><h4><strong>Robust</strong></h4><ul><li>Robust, specially designed features that you can rely on for decades</li><li><strong>GC separation column operating for years without the need for replacement: </strong>it is not a consumable</li><li>Long term investment for your laboratory, which guarantees<strong> reliability and accuracy</strong> of analysis</li></ul><h3><strong>Access more applications: become the reference laboratory in your field</strong></h3><p>No matter which direction you take, your lab and equipment will be able to adapt to support any strategy. Flexible systems enable you to react to the new, whilst delivering accurate and reproducible results. With the <strong>FlashSmart EA</strong> your lab can easily handle varying sample types, obtain from 1 to 5 element determinations and achieve maximum sample throughput.</p><h4><strong>N/Protein Analyzer Configuration</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Determine crude protein in human food and animal feed using quality certified Reference Material, included as standard.</strong></li><li><strong>Food Safety: </strong>Human food and animal feed, beverages (beer, juice, milk, wine, soft drinks...).</li></ul><h3><strong>Performance that takes you further</strong></h3><p>With powerful yet easy operation, your team can process <strong>more samples every day</strong>. When you need to analyze more elements, you can adapt the <strong>FlashSmart EA on-site </strong>to your applications or <strong>add a second reactor</strong> to unlock more capabilities.</p><h4><strong>Instantly connect</strong></h4><ul><li>Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)</li></ul><h4><strong>Sample introduction modularity</strong></h4><ul><li>Up to <strong>two Thermo Scientific™ MAS Plus Autosamplers</strong></li><li>One MAS Plus Autosampler and one manual liquid sampler</li></ul><h4><strong>Carrier gas options</strong></h4><ul><li>Helium</li><li>Argon option for lower cost and regular supply</li><li>Switch to nitrogen or argon when in Stand-By Mode</li></ul><h4><strong>Gas chromatographic method: real-time analysis</strong></h4><ul><li>Proper quantification of the <strong>five elements</strong></li><li><strong>“Open window” </strong>function giving information on what is happening inside the analyzer in real-time</li><li>Straightforward and intuitive workflow without valves</li><li>No absorption or desorption of gases needed</li></ul><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1482/903;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Flash_Smart_Elemental_Analyzer_CHNS_O_3_ae03e912c7.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ FlashSmart™ Elemental Analyzer N/Protein" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Flash_Smart_Elemental_Analyzer_CHNS_O_3_ae03e912c7.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1482" height="903"></figure><h3><strong>Software automates consistent sampling and reports</strong></h3><h4><strong>Software</strong></h4><p>The <strong>Thermo Scientific EagerSmart Data Handling Software</strong> allows you to leave the <strong>FlashSmart EA </strong>unattended to get completed analysis, with full, user-friendly reports. The software controls all analytical parameters, flows, autosamplers and detectors, by suggesting the most favourable analytical conditions for your samples.</p><ul><li><strong>Automated transfer</strong> <strong>of the sample</strong> weight from the balance to the software</li><li><strong>Automated evaluation of Heat Values</strong> (Gross and Net Heat Values) for fuels and alternative fuels</li><li><strong>CO2 Emission Trade</strong> for environmental control</li><li><strong>Different Protein Factors</strong> for food and animal feed</li><li><strong>Inserting of the Humidity value</strong> for solid samples and of the Density for liquid samples</li><li><strong>Automated Minimal Formula determination </strong>for pharmaceutical or fine chemicals applications</li><li><strong>Automated evaluation of C/N, C/H and C/S ratio</strong></li><li><strong>Automated data transfer</strong> to Microsoft Excel, LIMS and others</li></ul><h4><strong>Automated functions</strong></h4><ul><li>Auto-Start</li><li>Auto-Ready</li><li>Auto-Stand-By</li><li>Auto-Off</li><li>Auto Leak Test</li></ul><h4><strong>Unique and dedicated OxyTune function</strong></h4><p>The Thermo Scientific <strong>OxyTune Function</strong> automatically evaluates the oxygen needed for combustion, according to the weight and nature of your sample.</p><h4><strong>MultiValve Control Module: future-proof lab with more throughput and less costs</strong></h4><p>By switching the analysis from the left channel to the right one (or viceversa), the MVC Module increases your analysis throughput. When the system is not in use overnight, on weekends, or for a prolonged period of time you can also reduce helium consumption and overall cost of analysis by switching from helium to nitrogen or argon.</p><ul><li>Fully automated and software controlled</li><li>No need to change hardware or software configuration</li><li>Optional feature for extended lab throughput</li><li>Easy to add</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-XY Automation for XRF

The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-XY XRF system enables unattended operation, sample prep and analysis with high quality, efficiency, and reduced cost.

<div><div><h4><strong>Increase your capacity to handle more samples in less time.&nbsp;</strong></h4><p><strong>The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-XY Automation for XRF permits continuous and unattended operation of</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?instrumentationItems=100&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=9900"><strong> Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 series X-ray Spectrometers</strong></a><strong>. Increased automation brings:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Higher analysis quality</strong></li><li><strong>Lower analysis costs</strong></li><li><strong>Sustainable analysis cadence</strong> with <strong>predictable and reproducible response times</strong></li><li><strong>Short payback period</strong></li></ul><h3><strong>Automated Sample Handling</strong></h3><p>The <strong>Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ OEM-XY automated sample loader</strong> allows connecting the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1211"><strong>ARL™ PERFORM'X</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?instrumentationItems=100&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=9900"><strong>ARL™ 9900</strong></a> series to <strong>fully automatic preparation machines</strong>. Key features:</p><ul><li><strong>Prepared samples (usually pressed pellets)</strong> are transported via <strong>belt conveyor</strong> from press to spectrometer</li><li><strong>Unattended operation</strong> is ensured by <strong>engineering software supervision</strong></li><li>Suitable for <strong>cement, metallurgy, and mining applications</strong></li></ul></div><div><h3><strong>Complete Automation with ARL SMS Software</strong></h3><p>The <strong>ARL SMS software</strong> provides <strong>full automation</strong> of Thermo Scientific™ XRF spectrometers for <strong>routine production control</strong>, including <strong>sample preparation and analysis</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Key Benefits:</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Regular analysis of control samples</strong> with <strong>SPC evaluation</strong> for anomaly detection</li><li><strong>Online connectivity</strong> for <strong>automatic sample preparation</strong></li><li>Supports <strong>up to two sample transfer systems</strong></li><li>Allows <strong>manual or online registration</strong> of externally prepared samples</li><li>Available as <strong>turnkey solution</strong> in <strong>ARL™ QuantoShelter cabin</strong> for <strong>production floor deployment</strong></li><li><strong>Seamless integration</strong> into <strong>quality control and production processes</strong></li><li><strong>Automatic result transmission</strong> after analysis</li></ul><h3><strong>Compatible Sample Types:</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Metallic samples</strong> (ferrous and non-ferrous)</li><li><strong>Oxides</strong> from <strong>metal production</strong> (ores, sinters, baths, slags, blast furnace slags)</li><li><strong>Oxides</strong> from <strong>minerals and cement</strong></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_XY_Automation_for_XRF_2_8bce1d83a2.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-XY Automation for XRF" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_XY_Automation_for_XRF_2_8bce1d83a2.jpg 179w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="569"></p></div></div>

Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-Omega XRF Instrument

Boost production efficiency with fully automated XRF analysis. The ARL OPTIM'X with SMS-Omega ensures high-quality results with unattended prep, rapid WDXRF, and compact design.

<p><strong>Keep up with production demands with automated XRF analysis. When different types of material have to be processed in parallel, the </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1212"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ ARL OPTIM'X™ WDXRF Spectrometer</strong></a><strong> with the Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-Omega XRF Instrument is the solution. Automatic sample preparation and handling without user intervention, combined with rapid analysis, provide high-quality results. This innovative solution has a compact footprint of less than 1 m², so it can be installed in centralized laboratories or on production shop floors, wherever fully automated industrial production control is needed.</strong></p><p>This <strong>cost-effective system</strong> is a <strong>unique combination</strong> of Thermo Scientific XRF and automation technology for <strong>fully automated sample preparation and analysis of one material type</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Main Features</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Unattended instrument monitoring</strong> and <strong>integrated audit trail functions</strong></li><li>Sample handling arm equipped with a <strong>suction device </strong>(metals version) or a <strong>gripper </strong>(oxide version) loads samples for analysis.</li><li>Samples processed under <strong>strict identical and reproducible conditions</strong></li><li><strong>Fixed circular magazine</strong></li><li>XRF functionality provided by the <strong>flexible and compact </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1212"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ OPTIM'X WDXRF </strong></a><strong>Instrument</strong></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_Omega_XRF_Instrument_2_ee38dccfef.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-Omega XRF Instrument " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_Omega_XRF_Instrument_2_ee38dccfef.jpg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="435"></p><h3><strong>Features of the OPTIM'X WDXRF Instrument</strong></h3><ul><li>WDXRF platform with <strong>sequential and/or simultaneous capabilities</strong></li><li>Configurable to cover <strong>all elements from fluorine (F) to uranium (U)</strong> in sequential mode</li><li><strong>Fast analysis</strong> of solids, liquids and loose powders with <strong>superior spectral resolution</strong></li><li><strong>No water cooling or gas supply</strong> required (depending on configuration)</li><li><strong>Closely coupled optics</strong> for increased intensity (<strong>50% higher</strong> than conventional geometry)</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_OPTIM_X_WDXRF_Spectrometer_b264a3a303.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ OPTIM'X WDXRF Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_OPTIM_X_WDXRF_Spectrometer_b264a3a303.jpg 94w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="1077"></p><h3><strong>Features of the Fixed Circular Magazine</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Eight positions</strong> for storing reference standards</li><li>Allows <strong>occasional manual introduction</strong> of prepared samples</li><li><strong>One additional position</strong> dedicated to filing production samples following analysis</li><li>The complete system can also be supplied within a <strong>Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ QuantoShelter container</strong> for <strong>in situ analysis</strong> closer to the process.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_Omega_XRF_Instrument_87d53e64fb.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ SMS-Omega XRF Instrument" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_SMS_Omega_XRF_Instrument_87d53e64fb.jpg 216w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="471"></p>

Thermo Scientific™ FLASH 2000 N/Protein Analyzers

The FLASH 2000 N/Protein analyzer delivers accurate nitrogen and protein determination in all foods and beverages, operating 24/7 with both solid and liquid samples.

<div><div><h4><strong>Determine Nitrogen concentration and the relative protein content in every type of food and beverage.</strong></h4><p><strong>The Thermo Scientific™ FLASH 2000 N/Protein analyzer is an essential tool for both Quality Control and Research/Development laboratories in the food industry, which require precise and accurate determinations, limited cost per analysis, and a 24 hour hard worker able to analyze solid and liquid samples continuously.</strong></p><p>Providing a reliable, high-speed, accurate <strong>24/7 </strong>analytical solution to a range of industries, this series of flexible, configurable analyzers uses a globally recognized technique endorsed by official organizations worldwide.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_FLASH_2000_CHNS_O_Analyzers_3139f1b44b.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ FLASH 2000 N/Protein Analyzers" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_FLASH_2000_CHNS_O_Analyzers_3139f1b44b.jpg 149w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="680"></p><h3><strong>An Elemental Analysis Solution for a Range of Industries</strong></h3><p>With an extraordinary range of applications, the modular design of the<strong> FLASH 2000 Series OEAs</strong> enables <strong>12 configurations</strong> tailored to the fields of application they serve.</p><ul><li>Organic or inorganic chemistry and pharmaceuticals</li><li>Petrochemistry and energy</li><li>Environmental analysis</li><li>Material characterization</li><li>Agronomy and marine science</li><li>Food industry</li><li>Human and animal samples</li><li>Isotope analysis</li><li>Academic</li></ul><h3><strong>Gain Cost Efficiency and Improve Productivity</strong></h3><p>The simplicity of the OEA method combined with unparalleled data reproducibility and truly quantitative results are the essence of the sophisticated package of benefits offered by the FLASH 2000 Series OEA instruments.</p><ul><li><strong>Wide analytical range</strong>, enabling extensive applications</li><li><strong>Versatility and modularity</strong>, ensuring that performance meets users' requirements no matter how often those requirements change</li><li><strong>Accuracy and precision</strong> due to the integrated mass flow controller, which enables high stability to deliver precise, accurate results in all sample types and concentrations</li><li><strong>Ease of use </strong>as a result of the unique automated functions, reducing the demands on operators</li><li>Simplified operation with T<strong>hermo Scientific™ Eager Xperience™ software</strong>, which minimizes user involvement in set-up</li><li><strong>Compatibility and automation</strong> no matter how high your throughput requirement, <strong>with a range of autosamplers </strong>that ensures efficient analysis</li><li><strong>Comprehensive and user-friendly software,</strong> a useful and powerful tool tailored for every lab requirement</li><li><strong>Ground-breaking OEA CookBook</strong> (4th edition), which provides a wealth of analysis tips to get optimal results every time</li></ul></div></div>

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