<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

Anton Paar

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments

Bruker

<p><strong>Abbemat refractometers allow fast and non-destructive refractive index and concentration measurements. All instruments of the Performance and Performance Plus lines provide full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, including user levels, audit trail, and forgery-proof data export. The Abbemat T-Check feature precisely calibrates and adjusts the surface temperature of the measuring prism of all Anton Paar refractometers.</strong></p><p>We invite you to join us for a webinar aimed at the chemical industry as our specialist, Rene, demonstrates how the Anton Paar Abbemat can improve the quality control process.&nbsp;</p><p>Objectives:</p><ul><li><strong>Assure quality while reducing operating errors: enhance accuracy and reliability.</strong></li><li><strong>Comply with international standards: meet global standards and ensure your product meet the highest benchmarks.</strong></li><li><strong>Reduce waste of expensive ingredients: see first hand how precise measurements can minimize ingredient waste, optimizing your resources.</strong></li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> René Nguyen Ph.D. (Product Specialist, Anton Paar)</p></blockquote>

Anton Paar: Quality Control with the Abbemat in the Chemical Industry

Quality Control with the Abbemat in the Chemical Industry

Webinar aimed at the chemical industry demonstrates how the Anton Paar Abbemat can improve the quality control process. 

<p><strong>During the production and packaging of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) their components are subject to mechanical and thermo-mechanical loading. The mechanical damage to the LIB cell can lead to short circuits which increase the risk of thermal runaway or decrease of the battery capacity and lifetime. Among critical properties of the LIB electrodes belong adhesion and elastic modulus.</strong></p><p>In this webinar we will present an application of the scratch test method using a wedge blade indenter for determination of adhesion of the electrode active layer.</p><p>We will also show how elastic modulus, measured by nanoindentation, is related to the formulation of the active electrode layer and how mechanical properties can serve for determining more efficient electrode production process.</p><p>This webinar is dedicated for all researchers in the Li-ion electrode development and mainly those concerned with mechanical characterization.</p><p><strong>Key Learning Objectives</strong></p><ul><li>In this webinar we will demonstrate new methods for measurement of adhesion of functional coatings of lithium-ion battery electrodes and for characterization their mechanical properties.</li></ul><p><strong>Who should attend?</strong></p><ul><li>Researchers in the Li-ion electrode development in the battery industry and in academia</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Jiri Nohava</p><p>Dr. Jiri Nohava is the Head of Product Competence &amp; Lead Application Scientist at Materials Surface Characterization unit of Anton Paar. He obtained his PhD in materials science at the Czech Technical University in Prague (Czech Republic).</p><p>He joined Anton Paar TriTec in 2007 and has since become a specialist in instrumented indentation, tribology and scratch testing. His main task is development of new applications with Anton Paar instruments in frame of scientific and industrial projects. He regularly publishes in peer-reviewed journals and participates at international conferences.</p></blockquote>

Anton Paar: Nano- and Micromechanical Characterization of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes: Adhesion and Hardness

Nano- and Micromechanical Characterization of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes: Adhesion and Hardness

Application of the scratch test method using a wedge blade indenter for determination of adhesion of the electrode active layer

Nano- and Micromechanical Characterization of LIB Electrodes

<p><strong>Solid density, both tapped and skeletal, is an important property used to characterize metal powders and other materials used in the additive manufacturing industry. These properties are important in evaluation of both raw materials and final products.</strong><br><br>The purity and porosity of both powders and solids/extrusions can be readily determined using skeletal density measurements. And the tapped density can be correlated to bulk volume, particle morphology, and powder flow information.</p><p>In this webinar, we will show how these properties can be measured with high accuracy and repeatability for powders through extrusions.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Alyssa Henderson, Ph.D.&nbsp;</p><p><span>Dr. Henderson, a Product Manager specializing in semi-solid and solid density meters/porometers and porosimeters at Anton Paar QuantaTec, brings eight years of experience in materials characterization to the role. With three years of focused experience in porous materials, she possesses a deep understanding of the field. Dr. Henderson earned her Ph.D. in materials physics from Florida State University. She has conducted extensive training for over 200 associates and customers globally, covering gas adsorption, solid density, and related theories, techniques, applications, and instruments. Her expertise is recognized through presentations at major conferences, and she provides daily guidance to researchers on experimental design and data interpretation.</span></p></blockquote>

Anton Paar: Solid Density in the Additive Manufacturing Industry

Solid Density in the Additive Manufacturing Industry

We will show how these properties can be measured with high accuracy and repeatability for powders through extrusions.

<p><strong>BET surface area of excipients and APIs plays a vital role in determining dissolution rates of tablets and capsules. Understanding the surface area helps decode issues related to dissolution rate failures and reduces time lost to trial and error. Learn how to comply with USP 846 (specific surface area, ultra-low surface area samples) using nitrogen instead of expensive krypton.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Robin Isyas</p><p>Dr. Robin Isyas is the Global Product Manager at Anton Paar and is based in Boynton Beach Florida USA. He has a diverse experience of 20 years in the industry. After his Ph.D. in UV Vis Spectroscopy, he worked as a research scientist in the Pharmaceutical industry. With a successful stint in research, he moved to the Analytical instrumentation industry where he held multiple leadership roles in Sales, Marketing, and Product Management. In his current role as Global Product Manager, he is responsible for developing new technologies in the field of Surface Area and Pores by working in collaboration with different industries like Pharmaceuticals, Cement, Food, Cosmetics, EV Battery, Carbon, Catalyst etc.<br>&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Anton Paar: BET surface area measurement of excipients and its impact on dissolution rates

BET surface area measurement of excipients and its impact on dissolution rates

Learn how to comply with USP 846 (specific surface area, ultra-low surface area samples) using nitrogen instead of expensive krypton.

BET surface area measurement of excipients

<p><strong>Dear Customer,</strong></p><p><strong>Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how battery material characterization techniques can help you manufacture high-quality top-performing batteries! Battery safety, performance and lifetime are only as good as the materials that go into making the batteries. At our not-to-be-missed Anton Paar Battery Days Webinar, you will learn how to characterize material properties and apply the results to optimize your manufacturing process.</strong></p><p><strong>Webinar highlights:</strong></p><ul><li>How to characterize solid electrode materials to increase the battery performance and lifecycle</li><li>How to attain desired structural properties of slurries so they retain their homogeneity</li><li>How to guarantee the quality of the battery electrolyte</li><li>How to apply X-ray diffraction analysis techniques for battery powder analysis and battery cell characterization</li></ul><p><strong>Talk with the experts:</strong></p><ul><li>After the Battery Days Webinar you and your company will also have a possibility to book a private meeting with one (or several) of our experts to talk about your applications and needs in more detailed.</li><li>These private meetings will be held on Wednesday morning the 23rd of October 2024.</li><li>Each meeting can be customized based on your needs and interests.</li><li>If the meeting sounds interesting for you and your company please register fast since there are only limited timeslots available!</li></ul><p>If you like to book you talk with expert please write in the box for message and our local sales representatives will contact you for more detailed planning.</p><p><strong>Last day for registration is October 15, 2024.</strong></p>

Anton Paar: Anton Paar Battery Days Webinar

Anton Paar Battery Days Webinar

Learn how to characterize material properties and apply the results to optimize your manufacturing process.

<div><p><strong>The Pipkin Map is a foundational tool of the rheologist to separately consider effects of timescale and forcing strength [1-3]. This talk will describe how to use the Pipkin Map to understand test conditions on an instrument, relate those test conditions to processing-relevant time scales and forcing strengths, and understand the limits of the linear viscoelastic regime across a wide range of timescales (Deborah number). The forcing strength can be represented as either a strain, strain rate, or stress magnitude.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>This talk will outline options for dimensionless groups for this axis including but not limited to the Weissenberg number, Plasticity number, Capillary number, and Mnemosyne number. All these dimensionless numbers are subsets of the broader concept of a dimensionless quantity comparing a characteristic strength of deformation to a critical forcing strength for material nonlinearity to appear. In practice, the linear limit is often defined by a subjective threshold of nonlinear emergence. A more rigorous definition, independent of this subjective threshold, will be described, which is most clearly revealed from oscillatory deformation known as medium-amplitude oscillatory shear (MAOS) that independently controls the forcing timescale and amplitude [4-5]. Recent work with stress-controlled MAOS has revealed that stress is a more fundamental measure of nonlinearity strength across a wide range of Deborah number, challenging prior perspectives which have generally fixated on using strain or strain rate to understand the limit of the linear viscoelastic regime [5].</p><p>REFERENCES:</p><ul><li>[1] Pipkin, A. C., Lectures on Viscoelasticity Theory. Springer (1972) <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1078-8</a></li><li>[2] Corman, R. E., and R. H. Ewoldt, “Mapping linear viscoelasticity for design and tactile intuition,” Applied Rheology (2019). <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1515/arh-2019-0013</a></li><li>[3] Ewoldt, R.H. and G. H. McKinley, “Mapping thixo-elasto-visco-plastic behavior,” Rheologica Acta (2017). <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00397-017-1001-8</a></li><li>[4] Ewoldt, R. H. and N. A. Bharadwaj, “Low-dimensional intrinsic material functions for nonlinear viscoelasticity,” Rheologica Acta (2013). <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00397-013-0686-6</a></li><li>[5] Ramwali, N., M. T. Hossain, A. Shetty, and R. H. Ewoldt, “Stress-controlled medium-amplitude oscillatory shear (MAOStress) of PVA-Borax,” Journal of Rheology (2024) <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1122/8.0000843</a></li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Randy H. Ewoldt</p><p>Randy H. Ewoldt earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT in 2009. He then spent two years as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications. In 2011, he joined the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he holds the Alexander Rankin Professorship in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering. He is known for his expertise in rheology, including new measurement methods and techniques for avoiding bad data, and regularly teaches short courses in the USA and Europe. He is the winner of numerous awards for his science, writing, and teaching accomplishments including the Metzner Award from the Society of Rheology in 2014, the PECASE award from President Barack Obama in 2017, the Society of Rheology Publication Award in 2021, and a multitude of teaching awards at UIUC.</p></blockquote></div>

Anton Paar: Navigating the Pipkin Map: route planning and the edge of linearity

Navigating the Pipkin Map: route planning and the edge of linearity

This talk will describe how to use the Pipkin Map to understand test conditions on an instrument.

Navigating the Pipkin Map: the edge of linearity

<h4><strong>Beyond the Surface Module 1 - Indentation Series</strong></h4><p><i><strong>From Basic to Advanced Indentation Testing</strong></i> <strong>is an in-depth webinar series comprising four comprehensive sessions designed to take you from foundational concepts to advanced techniques in indentation testing. By registering for a single webinar, you will automatically be enrolled in the entire series—there's no need to submit separate registrations for each session. This streamlined approach ensures you have access to the full range of topics covered, from introductory principles to sophisticated methods, all aimed at enhancing your expertise and practical skills in materials testing.</strong></p><h5><strong>This webinar:</strong></h5><p style="margin:7.5pt 0in .0001pt;"><strong>December 17, 2024: Indentation Optimization - Roughness</strong></p><p>In this module, we will address the challenges posed by rough surfaces in indentation measurements and explore effective strategies to manage or eliminate these impacts. We will start by defining roughness and its various forms, followed by a detailed examination of how surface roughness affects indentation measurements. The session will also provide insights into mitigating these effects, offering practical techniques and solutions to improve measurement accuracy and reliability.</p><p>At the end of this webinar, attendees will have a working definition of roughness and its impact on indentation measurements, be able to anticipate these impacts based on sample structure and identify them from data features, and know several approaches to compensate for these impacts.</p><h5 style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Other webinars in this series:</strong></h5><p><strong>November 19, 2024:&nbsp;Fundamentals of Indentation</strong></p><p style="margin:7.5pt 0in .0001pt;">This webinar will provide a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of instrumented indentation, covering essential topics such as the goals of indentation testing, the fundamental mechanisms behind it, data interpretation, and property mapping.</p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;margin-right:0in;margin-top:7.5pt;">At the end of this webinar, attendees will be familiar with the fundamental principles of classical and instrumented indentation, understand how indentation is used in the research, development, and manufacture of materials and coatings, be able to interpret common features of indentation data, and identify how indentation results can be relevant to their own work.</p><p style="margin:7.5pt 0in .0001pt;"><strong>December 3, 2024: Advanced Indentation - Cyclic Modes</strong></p><p style="margin:7.5pt 0in .0001pt;">In this webinar, we will delve into the complexities of cyclic indentation modes and the valuable insights they provide. The session will cover fundamental concepts such as cyclic mode principles, examining how they contribute to understanding material behavior under repeated loading conditions. We will explore the relationship between properties and depth, analyze the intricacies of stress and strain in cyclic testing, and review the storage and loss moduli that describe material viscoelastic properties.</p><p style="margin:7.5pt 0in .0001pt;">At the end of this webinar, attendees will be familiar with the core theory and practice of cyclic indentation methods, understand the properties and insights gained from these testing modes, and be able to identify technical challenges that can be addressed with cyclic mode data.</p><p><strong>January 7, 2025: Indentation Optimization - Soft Materials</strong></p><p>This webinar focuses on the mechanical behavior of soft materials such as tissues, gels, and polymers, and provides practical strategies for obtaining high-quality indentation data from these materials. We will explore the characteristics of soft materials, including their unique mechanical properties and how they differ from more rigid materials. The module will also cover time-dependent characteristics, examining how the behavior of soft materials changes over time under applied forces. Additionally, we will discuss techniques and best practices for successful indentation of soft materials, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.</p><p>At the end of this webinar, attendees will know the characteristics of soft materials relevant to indentation, recognize when material softness affects measurement quality, understand the additional nuances in the indentation of soft materials, and know how to optimize test parameters for these materials.</p><p><strong>By registering for a single webinar, you will automatically be enrolled in the entire series—there's no need to submit separate registrations for each session. This streamlined approach ensures you have access to the full range of topics covered, from introductory principles to sophisticated methods, all aimed at enhancing your expertise and practical skills in materials testing.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Mark R Haase</p><p>Mark R Haase is an Advanced Application Scientist at Anton Paar, and has been with the company for six years. They work with many material characterization techniques, including scratch, indentation, tribology, particle sizing, gas sorption, atomic force microscopy, and rheology. Mark supports the use of these techniques in research and industry with training and method development. Prior to joining Anton Paar, Mark's studies included nanocarbon materials and green energy systems.</p></blockquote>

Anton Paar: Beyond the Surface Module 1 - Indentation Series: From Basic to Advanced Indentation Testing

Indentation Optimization - Roughness

Beyond the Surface Module 1 - Indentation Series: From Basic to Advanced Indentation Testing

<div><div><div><div><p><strong>As semiconductor technology proceeds towards nanoscale single crystalline devices, the requirements in material purity and manufacturing accuracy become more grave and demanding. Both semiconductor material R&amp;D and process analytical technology are essential to support the semiconductor line in its advancement.</strong></p><p>FT-IR stands out as an easy and effective tool to investigate the fundamentals of semiconductors among other techniques. It is non-destructive, fast and highly sensitive for impurity quantification or failure analysis.</p><p>In line with this, Bruker has held a webinar illustrating how FT-IR can assist in R&amp;D or process control by delivering in-depth analysis of semiconductor materials and devices.</p><h5><strong>Our Application Expert gives an Overview of:</strong></h5></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><ul><li>Silicon quality control using FT-IR</li><li>Room and low temperature carbon and oxygen quantification in Silicon</li><li>Shallow impurity quantification in Silicon</li><li>Low temperature photoluminescence for Si QC</li><li>Semiconductor device characterization and development (laser, diode, sensors etc.)</li><li>Phonon spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy for band structure studies.</li></ul><h5><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></h5></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><ul><li>QC managers</li><li>Head of laboratories</li><li>Head of analytics</li><li>Lab technicians</li><li>Researchers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. Dan Wu (Application Manager at Bruker Optics since over 10 years.)</p></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Bruker: When IR Light Meets Semiconductor

When IR Light Meets Semiconductor

Bruker has held a webinar illustrating how FT-IR can assist in R&D or process control by delivering in-depth analysis of semiconductor materials and devices.

<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spectro.com/xrf-principle"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) technology</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>&nbsp;is transforming elemental analysis in the </strong></span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spectro.com/industries/miningandgeochem"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>mining sector</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>. It provides a rapid and reliable method for analyzing exploration samples, ores, feed materials, concentrates, and tailings, covering concentration ranges from percent to parts per million (ppm).</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Key advantages of ED-XRF include:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Fast analysis time: Delivers results quickly, optimizing workflow efficiency</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Cost-effectiveness: Low operating costs compared to alternative technologies</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces reduce the need for extensive training</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Stable calibrations: Long-term calibration stability ensures consistent and accurate results</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:16px;">This webinar will showcase how </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spectro.com/products/xrf-spectrometer"><span style="font-size:16px;">advanced ED-XRF analyzers</span></a><span style="font-size:16px;">&nbsp;can tackle common analytical challenges in mining, offering solutions that improve precision and operational efficiency.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Attendees will gain insights into:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Best practices for selecting the most suitable sample prep depending on the analytical goal</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Innovations in ED-XRF technology that improve analytical performance</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Application examples from graphite to rare earth ores/concentrates covering relevant elements from sodium to uranium</span></li></ul>

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments: Elemental Analysis in Mining With Advanced ED-XRF Technology

Elemental Analysis in Mining With Advanced ED-XRF Technology 

This webinar shows how advanced ED-XRF analyzers solve common mining challenges, improving analytical precision and boosting operational efficiency.

ICPMS webinars focusing on Material analysis - page 4