<div>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.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.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.</div><div><h3>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</h3><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"><h5>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</h5>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.<h5>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</h5>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.<h5>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</h5>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.<h5>What challenges have you encountered?</h5>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.<h5>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</h5>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.<h5>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</h5>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.<h5>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</h5>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.<h3>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</h3><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"><h5>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?</h5>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.<h5>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</h5>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.<h5>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</h5>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.<h5>What collaborations support your research?</h5>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.<h5>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</h5>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.<h5>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?</h5>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.<h5>What are your visions for the future?</h5>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.<h5>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</h5>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.</div>

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

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.The TITAN Themis microscope 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 the most powerful commercially available electron microscopes; 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."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," explains Jan Michalička, guarantor of the TITAN microscope. "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." For better understanding, he adds a comparison: "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." 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.<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">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. "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," says Jan Michalička.<h4>The additional installation of a corrector at the CEITEC laboratory is unique worldwide</h4>Correctors of optical defects in electromagnetic lenses are an exceptional technology 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. “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,” adds Jan Michalička.<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">The additional installation of a corrector is unique 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. "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," 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. "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."<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"><h4>New spectrometer will enable scientists to see more</h4>The second and equally important upgrade to the TITAN microscope is the installation of the latest generation GIF Continuum HR electron energy loss spectrometer by Gatan. 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.<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">An essential part of the spectrometer are the state-of-the-art K3 and Stela cameras, which can directly detect and count individual electrons. At the same time, these cameras are extremely fast and their sensors capture data without noise. "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," says Jan Michalička.<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">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. "The device is fully prepared for advanced experiments and the use of modern software tools, including artificial intelligence," adds Vojtěch Uhlíř, head of the Nanomagnetism and Spintronics research group at CEITEC BUT and one of the TERAFIT project investigators, highlighting the advantages of the spectrometer.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. “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.” 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/">CzechNanoLab</a>, agrees with him, adding that the device can now contribute to scientific knowledge on a global scale. “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.”<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"><blockquote>Do you want to know more? Read the <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">expert version</a> of this article.</blockquote>

Upgrade of TITAN transmission electron microscope ranks CEITEC among elite laboratories

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 Nature Chemical Biology.<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"><div>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.In their study, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en">Dr. Hana Cahová</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.The work was significantly shaped by Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by Jana Škerlová, 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.Hana Cahová adds: “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.”<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"><div>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by Dr. Tomáš Kouba, one of the authors of the study. “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,” he explains.Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en">cryo-EM center</a> 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.<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"><blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5">Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with NpnNs by bacterial RNA polymerase</a></h4>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;Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)<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><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>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 Thermus thermophilus. 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.</div></div>

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

Article

Scientists

Science and research

Video

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

Bruker

Shimadzu Corporation

Immediate and reliable elemental information for process and quality control in the petrochemical industry is provided by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. It enables norm compliant analysis of various elements at different process stages and in final fuel products (e.g., ASTM D2622, ASTM D7220, ISO 20884), as well as in the subsequent downstream supply chain such as tank farms and depots. Moreover, XRF plays an important role in evaluating lubricant additives and detecting wear metals in high-speed engine oils, crucial for maintaining the integrity of high-quality products, as outlined in ASTM D6443 and DIN 51399.
There are different XRF technologies, like compact energy-dispersive systems (EDXRF) and large high-end wavelength-dispersive systems (WDXRF). The right technique for your task depends on the analytical requirements. In this online seminar we will provide guidance based on use cases for a broad range of applications in the petrochemical industry.
Register now to learn what XRF can do for you! In two lab sessions, we will show how easy it is to operate our spectrometers and provide valuable tips and tricks. Our experts will answer your questions during our Q&amp;A session.
There will be two broadcasts:
<ul>
<li>May 15th, 9:00 - 10:00 AM CEST</li>
<li>May 15th, 4:00 - 5:00 PM CEST</li>
</ul>
Which Applications will be covered?
<ul>
<li>Monitoring crude oil feedstock </li>
<li>Process control of intermediate refinery products </li>
<li>Monitoring of key refinery elements </li>
<li>Cl, Ni, V, and Fe (ASTM D4929, ASTM D8252) </li>
<li>Norm-compliant S analysis, e.g. ASTM D2622, D7220, ISO 20884 </li>
<li>Trace analysis in residues and petcoke (ASTM D6376) </li>
<li>Additive analysis in lubricating oils (ASTM D6481, D7751) </li>
<li>Wear metal analysis in used engine oils </li>
<li>Lubricant analysis according to ASTM D6443 and DIN 51399-2 </li>
<li>and more …</li>
</ul>
Agenda (60 min)
<ul>
<li>Introduction to XRF</li>
<li>How to Optimize Your Refinery Processes </li>
<li>Lab Session 1: Benefits of Polarized EDXRF </li>
<li>Lubricants: From Basic to High-Performance </li>
<li>Lab Session 2: Lubricant Analysis with WDXRF </li>
<li>Q&amp;A Session with our Experts</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Kai Behrens (Head of XRF Product Line Management, Bruker AXS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Adrian Fiege (Product Manager XRF, Bruker AXS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Renata Janjic (Application Scientist XRF, Bruker AXS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Frank Portala (Product Manager XRF, Bruker AXS)
</blockquote>

Bruker: XRF in the Petrochemical Industry - From Refinery Feedstock to Fuels and Lubricants

XRF in the Petrochemical Industry - From Refinery Feedstock to Fuels and Lubricants

Learn what XRF can do for you! We will show how easy it is to operate our spectrometers and provide valuable tips and tricks.

XRF in the Petrochemical Industry

<div><h5>What to expect?</h5>Porcelain — a fine, translucent ceramic originated in China, likely in Zhejiang province during the Eastern Han dynasty. It is made by firing kaolin at high temperatures (1260–1300 °C), giving it strength and beauty. Chinese porcelain, especially blue-and-white ware, became highly valued across Asia and the Islamic world. The cobalt blue pigment, rare and hard to source, was initially imported from Persia, linking Chinese porcelain to Middle Eastern trade. Before China’s mastery, early glazed pottery—often called “proto-porcelain”—appeared in the Islamic world. Arab artisans, known for their blue decorative styles, influenced later Chinese porcelain aesthetics. Porcelain carried cultural and economic importance: it was a luxury in Europe, a diplomatic gift in China, and a trade item in the Middle East. Its global spread reflects centuries of technological and artistic exchange. Studying porcelain offers insight into historical innovation and cross-cultural influence. Micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (micro-XRF) is a non-destructive method that can be used to study porcelain, offering both qualitative and quantitative capabilities. This webinar highlights its use in glaze analysis, provenance research, and pigment identification on porcelain objects.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bruker_Fig_1_The_Bruker_M6_JETSTREAM_measuring_different_porcelain_pieces_richly_decorated_with_gilding_and_coloured_glazes_a334ec1937.jpg" alt="Bruker: Fig. 1 The Bruker M6 JETSTREAM measuring different porcelain pieces richly decorated with gilding and coloured glazes." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bruker_Fig_1_The_Bruker_M6_JETSTREAM_measuring_different_porcelain_pieces_richly_decorated_with_gilding_and_coloured_glazes_a334ec1937.jpg 226w," sizes="100vw" width="748" height="517">For glaze layers, micro-XRF detects elemental compositions; however, accurate quantitative results depend on the thickness of the glaze and the specific elements being analyzed. These factors will be discussed during the presentation. In provenance studies, trace elements such as Rb, Sr, Y, and Zr serve as stable geochemical markers. Their resistance to surface alterations makes them valuable for comparing archaeological samples with reference materials, aiding in the identification of raw material sources and manufacturing regions. The pros and cons of different approaches required for optimal quantification will also be presented, illustrating the potential for accurate analysis under ideal measurement conditions. The ability of micro-XRF to detect elements beneath glaze layers is especially important for pigment identification, offering deeper insight into an object's history.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bruker_Fig_2_Micro_XRF_scan_elemental_distribution_offers_to_identify_colourants_as_in_this_20th_century_hard_paste_porcelain_colour_palette_from_the_Sevres_Manufacture_et_Musee_Nationaux_8e2bd0d758.jpg" alt="Bruker: Fig. 2 Micro-XRF scan elemental distribution offers to identify colourants, as in this 20th century hard paste porcelain colour palette from the Sèvres Manufacture et Musée Nationaux." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bruker_Fig_2_Micro_XRF_scan_elemental_distribution_offers_to_identify_colourants_as_in_this_20th_century_hard_paste_porcelain_colour_palette_from_the_Sevres_Manufacture_et_Musee_Nationaux_8e2bd0d758.jpg 154w," sizes="100vw" width="419" height="424">In summary, micro-XRF provides non-invasive, detailed chemical analysis of porcelain, supporting both scientific and cultural heritage research through layer analysis, provenance tracing, and pigment identification. The studies presented were conducted using multiple Bruker instruments such as ELIO, CRONO, M6 JETSTREAM and M4 TORNADO.<h5>Who should attend?</h5><ul><li>Everyone interested in or using XRF as a qualitative analysis technique for porcelain analysis.</li><li>plus Cultural Heritage Scientists, Object conservators.</li><li>plus M4 TORNADO, M6 JETSTREAM, CRONO, and ELIO and IRIS users</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Mareike Gerken (Application Scientist, Bruker AXS)Presenter: Dr. Roald Tagle (Global Manager Application Science, Bruker AXS)</blockquote></div>

Bruker: Beyond the Surface: Micro-XRF and the Hidden Complexity of Porcelain

Beyond the Surface: Micro-XRF and the Hidden Complexity of Porcelain

Explore how micro-XRF reveals the secrets of porcelain—glaze composition, pigment ID, and provenance—through non-destructive elemental analysis.

Micro-XRF and the Hidden Complexity of Porcelain

Evolving regulations in food safety and environmental monitoring demand faster, more accurate results—without increasing costs. In this Digital Classrooms session, discover how Shimadzu’s comprehensive suite of solutions for elemental analysis can help you meet these challenges head-on, no matter the complexity of your analysis requirements.Discover Shimadzu’s versatile solutions designed to meet diverse analytical challenges:<ul><li>ALTRACE EDXRF: Achieve rapid, non-destructive screening with minimal sample preparation and exceptional sensitivity reaching ppb levels.</li><li>ICPMS 2040/2050: Deliver precise quantification with the added advantage of reduced argon gas consumption and optimized operating costs.</li><li>LC-ICPMS: Go beyond total elemental content to identify and quantify chemical species of elements, hence enabling detailed evaluation of the benefits and/or risks associated with the elements present in a sample.</li></ul>Whether you're screening incoming raw materials, confirming regulatory compliance for food safety, monitoring environmental contaminants, or conducting speciation studies, this session will equip you with the right tools to optimize workflows, enhance data quality, and achieve superior results. Join us to discover practical applications, expert insights, and actionable strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.<h4>Learning Objectives:</h4><ul><li>Gain insights into the latest regulations for elemental analysis</li><li>Explore Shimadzu’s innovative solutions for achieving accurate, high-throughput elemental analysis</li><li>Discover how ALTRACE simplifies and accelerates elemental analysis for greater efficiency.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Goh Wan Yu Elton (Market Specialist For Food And Environmental, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)Elton dedicates his career to food analytics, ensuring the safety and quality of our daily consumption. As a Food Specialist at Shimadzu, he develops and applies advanced analytical techniques to detect and quantify compounds in food products, from contaminants to nutrients. Elton takes pride in advancing food science, enhancing safety, and building consumer trust. His goal is to make valuable contributions to analytical chemistry and the global food industry.Presenter: Tan Teck Beng (Principal Product Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)Tan Teck Beng is the Principal Product Specialist for Scientific Instruments at Shimadzu Asia Pacific. He holds a Master’s degree in Materials Science from the National University of Singapore and has over 24 years of experience in materials characterization and analytical techniques. His expertise spans XRF, EPMA, SPM, XPS, OES, and XRD. Mr. Tan has conducted numerous seminars and workshops across Asia, focusing on materials analysis, failure investigation, and RoHS compliance. He is recognized for his extensive technical support and training contributions to scientists and engineers in advanced material characterization.</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Elemental Analysis Made Easy: Innovative Solutions For Food & Environmental Testing

Elemental Analysis Made Easy: Innovative Solutions For Food & Environmental Testing

Discover Shimadzu’s ALTRACE, ICPMS, and LC-ICPMS solutions for efficient, precise elemental analysis in food safety and environmental monitoring.

Elemental Analysis For Food & Environmental Testing

<h5>From Raw Material to Final Product: Maximize Efficiency and Quality with XRF,</h5>Join us for a 60 minute free, online seminar showcasing how the latest X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology, the S8 TIGER, is transforming metal production. Whether you're optimizing furnace conditions, improving metal quality, or ensuring compliance, this session will provide practical insights and live demonstrations straight from the lab.We will walk you through operating our spectrometers and provide valuable tips and tricks regarding sample preparation and handling.<h5>What You will Learn:</h5><ul><li>How XRF enables fast, accurate analysis of slag and metal samples.</li><li>Best practices for sample preparation and calibration.</li><li>Live demonstrations of new S8 TIGER Series 3 in action.</li><li>Real-world applications in steel, ferroalloy, and non-ferrous metal production.</li><li>Tips to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance quality control.</li></ul><h5>Agenda:</h5><ul><li>Welcome &amp; Introduction</li><li>Overview: XRF in Metal &amp; Slag Applications</li><li>Live Demo 1: Slag Sample Prep &amp; EDXRF Analysis</li><li>Live Demo 2: WDXRF for Metal Quality Control</li><li>Summary&nbsp;</li><li>Q&amp;A Session</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Kai Behrens (Head of XRF Product Line Management, Bruker AXS)Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Adrian Fiege (Product Manager XRF, Bruker AXS)Presenter:&nbsp;Renata Janjic (Application Scientist XRF, Bruker AXS)Presenter:&nbsp;Frank Portala (Product Manager XRF, Bruker AXS)</blockquote>

Bruker: From Raw Material to Final Product: Maximize Efficiency and Quality with XRF

From Raw Material to Final Product: Maximize Efficiency and Quality with XRF

XRF enables fast and accurate analysis of metals and slags, supporting quality control and efficiency in metal production.

ICPMS webinars focusing on Elemental Analysis - page 1