<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

Mettler-Toledo

LECO

SelectScience

Shimadzu Corporation

On 3 May, join us for a webinar as we discuss about the use of TOC (Total Organic Carbon) analysis as a powerful tool for pharmaceutical water quality monitoring. Our expert, Dr. Pravin Konde, will bring us through the tips and tricks on how on-line TOC monitoring can improve accuracy, reduce labor costs, and ensure regulatory compliance with EU GMP Annex 1 requirements.
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Presenter: Pravin Konde, PhD (Senior Product Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
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Dr. Pravin is a Sr. Product Specialist (for Spectroscopy &amp; TOC) at Shimadzu Asia Pacific Singapore. He has about 15 years of industry experience of which about 12 years in analytical instruments with expertise in trace element analysis and spectroscopy applications. He is engaged primarily in technical support to regional sales teams and customers. Prior to joining industry, he has done his PhD in Chemistry from Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly UDCT), Mumbai, India.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Automated Water Quality Monitoring in Pharma with On-Line TOC Analyzer

Automated Water Quality Monitoring in Pharma with On-Line TOC Analyzer

We will discuss about the use of TOC (Total Organic Carbon) analysis as a powerful tool for pharmaceutical water quality monitoring. 

Water Quality Monitoring in Pharma with On-Line TOC Analyzer

Join us and our partners as we co-host a webinar presenting the latest news about TOC and TN analysis in environmental samples and learn how to:
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</li>
</ul>
-Replace traditional Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) measurement with a safer, faster, and more accurate instrumental analysis.
We will host a Q&amp;A session after the presentation to address any questions or comments.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ruth Marfil-Vega, PhD (Sr Market Manager – Environmental, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Ruth Marfil-Vega has 20 years of expertise in environmental chemistry and engineering in the US and Europe. She has worked with the EPA and the utilities industry to design and execute comprehensive solutions for addressing new environmental and water quality issues, including PFAS, regulated and unregulated DBPs, and other emerging contaminants. Since Ruth joined Shimadzu five years ago, she has continued to work with environmental stakeholders to ensure that analytical instrumentation and workflows support their success. She earned a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Valladolid (Spain) and a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Keith Long (Product Support Lead, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Keith Long earned his BSc in Chemistry from Northern Kentucky University and has over 20 years of experience in analytical and environmental testing. He joined Shimadzu is 2010 as part of the Atomic Spectroscopy Team and since then, has become one of the leading experts in the U.S. for Shimadzu’s extensive lineup of TOC analyzers. He regularly works with customers to help them choose the correct instruments, system configurations, and techniques to meet their goals and analytical needs. In addition to providing technical support, he teaches training classes for customers and Shimadzu personnel, holds regular Webinars, and has starred in several YouTube videos to help Shimadzu remain the leader of TOC instrumentation in the U.S.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Total Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen: New Solutions for Old Contaminants

Total Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen: New Solutions for Old Contaminants

The latest news about TOC and TN analysis in environmental samples.

Total Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen: New Solutions

Join us and our partners as we co-host a webinar presenting the latest news about TOC and TN analysis in environmental samples and learn how to:
<ul>
<li>Increase productivity with a combination of robust hardware and Shimadzu’s all new LabSolutions TOC Software.
</li>
<li>Expand analysis capabilities for difficult matrices including samples with high suspended solids, or high salt and halogens concentrations.
</li>
<li>Replace traditional Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) measurement with a safer, faster, and more accurate instrumental analysis.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ruth Marfil-Vega, PhD (Sr Market Manager – Environmental, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Ruth Marfil-Vega has 20 years of expertise in environmental chemistry and engineering in the US and Europe. She has worked with the EPA and the utilities industry to design and execute comprehensive solutions for addressing new environmental and water quality issues, including PFAS, regulated and unregulated DBPs, and other emerging contaminants. Since Ruth joined Shimadzu five years ago, she has continued to work with environmental stakeholders to ensure that analytical instrumentation and workflows support their success. She earned a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Valladolid (Spain) and a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Keith Long (Product Support Lead, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Keith Long earned his BSc in Chemistry from Northern Kentucky University and has over 20 years of experience in analytical and environmental testing. He joined Shimadzu is 2010 as part of the Atomic Spectroscopy Team and since then, has become one of the leading experts in the U.S. for Shimadzu’s extensive lineup of TOC analyzers. He regularly works with customers to help them choose the correct instruments, system configurations, and techniques to meet their goals and analytical needs. In addition to providing technical support, he teaches training classes for customers and Shimadzu personnel, holds regular Webinars, and has starred in several YouTube videos to help Shimadzu remain the leader of TOC instrumentation in the U.S.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: CTOC and TN analysis in environmental samples

TOC and TN analysis in environmental samples

Key Analytical Measurements to Increase Yield
Semiconductor FABS are the largest industrial user of pure and ultrapure water (UPW), which are vital to quality and yield in the production of wafers and integrated circuits.
Today&#39;s industry is challenged to produce more accurate measurements and higher-quality UPW, as well as reduce the volume of water and energy used in production; along with maintaining a focus on water reclaim, reuse, recycle.
With demand for semiconductors continuing to grow and rapid advancements in the industry, critical analytical parameters required for the production of UPW for improved process control and knowledge on how to use these measurements for maximum output are key.
Program
<ul>
<li>Total Organic Carbon control to ensure detection of sub-ppb organics and prevent bacterial contamination.
</li>
<li>Resistivity to monitor the ionic UPW quality and its quality in the RCA process and other SEMI tools.
</li>
<li>Dissolved oxygen and its monitoring and control in UPW.
</li>
<li>pH control as a critical parameter to the CMP process and HF, ammonia waste neutralization Recommendations for segregation of reclaim/reuse/recycle streams.
</li>
<li>The Role and Importance of UPW Measurements.
</li>
</ul>
This webinar is by courtesy of Semiconductor Digest.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jim Cannon (Head of OEM &amp; Markets, METTLER TOLEDO Thornton)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After receiving a B.S. in Biology, he continued with graduate degrees in Microbiology and in Biophysics, and an MBA in Marketing and International Management. Mr. Cannon has over 40 years of experience in the management, design and development of ultrapure water treatment and technology. This includes measuring differential conductivity and UV oxidation for the detection of TOC in UPW and the design and commercialization of Electrodeionization modules. Mr. Cannon is currently involved in the standards and regulatory organizations for the Semiconductor, Photovoltaic and Pharmaceutical markets, including the facilities and liquids committee, Reclaim/Reuse/Recycle Task Force and the UPW task Force. He has also been intimately involved in the development and the commercialization of alternative online microbial detection technology.
</blockquote>

Mettler-Toledo: Water Sustainability Trends in MicroE

Water Sustainability Trends in MicroE

Critical UPW measurements: Organic carbon, resistivity, dissolved oxygen, pH control. Stream segregation recommendations.

Insights and Strategies for Maintaining High Water Quality
Event Program
<ul>
<li>Common misconceptions about impurities in pharmaceutical waters</li>
<li>Differences between chemical and microbial properties in WFI and PW</li>
<li>Recommended approaches for measuring different impurities</li>
<li>Insights on maintaining a healthy water loop</li>
</ul>
Enhancing Quality and Safety in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Without proper impurity control, pharmaceutical manufacturers risk compromising the safety and efficacy of their products. Microbial and organic impurities can enter water systems at various points in the manufacturing process and impact quality and safety.
Misunderstandings surrounding controlling impurities in pharma waters can lead to improper measurement and treatment approaches.
It is a common belief that chemical and microbiological properties in Water for Injection (WFI) and Purified Water (PW) are the same in pharmaceutical water systems. However, this is far from the truth. These properties react differently and are distributed unevenly in storage and distribution loops, which can have different effects on the health of the water system.
In this live roundtable discussion, we will dispel the most common myths about microbes and organics and controlling impurities in pharma waters. We will discuss the differences between chemical and microbiological properties in WFI and PW and recommend measurement approaches for each impurity. Additionally, we will cover how to maintain a healthy water loop to ensure high quality and safety in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Maura Rury (Senior Product Manager, METTLER TOLEDO Thornton)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Maura manages METTLER TOLEDO&#39;s Total Organic Carbon (TOC) product line, along with related services and training. Her prior roles include marketing, product management, and technical applications at LGC and Thermo Fisher Scientific. She received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Anthony C. Bevilacqua (Principal Scientist, METTLER TOLEDO Thornton)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Anthony Bevilacqua earned a doctorate in Analytical/Physical Chemistry from Tufts University. Since 1994, he has led several areas of Research and Product Development that include: impact of CO2 on pure water, ultrapure water as a conductivity solution standard, development of digital sensors, and expansion of real-time analytical parameters (conductivity, TOC, microbial detection, ozone, sodium, and silica) for measurement/control of high purity water systems, including pharmaceutical water systems. Anthony was Chair of the inaugural USP Pharmaceutical Water Expert Committee from 2000-2005, and re-elected from 2005-2010. Anthony’s role continued in the 2010-2015 and 2015-2020 cycles for the USP Chemical Analysis Expert Committee, and he is currently serving on the current committee for 2020-2025.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Areen Kalantari (Global Segment Manager, Pharma &amp; Life Sciences, METTLER TOLEDO Thornton)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Areen Kalantari holds a B.S. in Biological/Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business. He has experience in both biotechnology applications and pharmaceutical waters. Areen is a voting member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Bioprocess Equipment (ASME-BPE) standards committee. He contributes to the Process Instrumentation subgroup to help implement standards for the bioprocessing and pharmaceutical industries, focusing on conductivity, pH, TOC, and other process technologies.
</blockquote>

Mettler-Toledo: Controlling Impurities in Pharma Waters

Controlling Impurities in Pharma Waters

Dispeling the most common myths about microbes and organics and controlling impurities in pharma waters.

In this webinar, a panel of expert speakers will explore the advancements of the QBD 1200 Plus, a cutting-edge new instrument in the field of total organic carbon (TOC) analysis.&nbsp;Hosted by Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, this roundtable event will feature insights from industry experts who will discuss the evolution of the QBD 1200, the improvements in nondispersive infrared (NDIR) stability, and the features of the QBD 1200 Plus. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panel, ask questions, and learn how the QBD 1200 Plus is setting new standards in TOC analysis for various applications, including pharmaceutical and industrial use. Join us for an in-depth discussion on how Beckman Coulter Life Sciences continues to lead the way in reliable and high-performance TOC analysis technology.<h5>Key learning objectives</h5><ul><li>Understand the evolution of TOC analysis technology &nbsp;</li><li>Explore the improvements in NDIR stability &nbsp;</li><li>Learn about the innovative features of the QbD 1200 Plus</li></ul><h5>Who should attend?</h5><ul><li>QC/QA managers, Facility directors, Regulatory specialists, GMP professionals, QC analysts, microbiologists, training and production managers interested in GMP compliance and global regulations, tools, and techniques.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Kyran Page (Current System engineer, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences) Presenter:&nbsp;Matt Chausseau (Senior Technical Product Manager, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences) Presenter:&nbsp;Carrie Haslam (Associate Editor, SelectScience)</blockquote>

SelectScience: The future of TOC analysis

The future of TOC analysis

The advancements of the QBD 1200 Plus, a cutting-edge new instrument in the field of total organic carbon (TOC) analysis.

Companies and universities around the world are making all-out efforts to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries, reduce costs, and develop efficient recycling processes. Meeting these challenges will require an array of instrumentation for analyzing everything from raw materials to individual components of each battery, such as positive and negative electrodes, electrolyte solutions, and black mass for recycling. Because each of these matrices presents unique analytical challenges, specific methodologies are needed to aid R&amp;D, manufacturing, and quality control processes.Join this webinar to learn innovative techniques for overcoming unique matric-specific challenges for analyzing black mass, electrolyte solutions, anode materials, and cathode materials by ICP-AES, TOC, and X-ray fluorescence.Who should attend:<ul><li>Research scientists developing innovative LiB materials and recycling processes</li><li>Engineering professionals working to develop, extract, refine, produce, and process LiB materials</li><li>Mining, production, and recycling operations seeking to expand analytical testing capabilities of LiB materials and black mass</li><li>Quality control analysts working to improve production processes</li><li>Battery industry consultants assisting clients to secure innovative instrumental characterization techniques</li></ul>Attend this webinar and discover innovations in:<ul><li>Simplified quantitative analysis of black mass for LiB recycling using ICP-AES and EDXRF</li><li>Organic carbon analysis of lithium brines and electrode raw materials</li><li>Matrix-specific challenges for ICP-AES analysis of LiB anode, cathode, and electrolyte solution materials, as well as black mass for recycling</li><li>Fast, simple qualitative analysis of LiB black mass and electrolyte solutions using EDXRF</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Jon Peters (Moderator) (Senior Market Manager, Chemical and Energy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)Jon Peters is Chemical and Energy Market Manager with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. He applies his experience with spectroscopy, chromatography, software, consumables, and sample introduction instrumentation to create innovative marketing initiatives.Presenter: Dr. Haihan Chen (Product Manager, Elemental Spectroscopy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)Haihan Chen is Elemental Spectroscopy Product Manager with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering, has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers, and has more than 15 years of experience with analytical instrumentation including ICP-AES, ICP-MS, AA, TOC, and X-ray fluorescence.Presenter: Dr. Joel Langford (Product Coordinator, Elemental Spectroscopy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)Dr. Joel Langford is Product Coordinator for Elemental Spectroscopy with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. Joel holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Irvine, having studied condensed materials with X-ray technologies including a Synchrotron, EPMA, WDXRF, EDXRF, and XRD. Since joining Shimadzu in 2018, Joel has specialized in developing innovative X-ray applications.Presenter: Keith Long (Tech Support Lead, Elemental Spectroscopy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)Keith Long earned his BSc in Chemistry from Northern Kentucky University and has over 20 years of experience in analytical testing and technologies. He joined the Elemental Spectroscopy group with Shimadzu in 2010, and has become a leading expert in the U.S. for TOC analysis, led by Shimadzu’s flagship TOC-L.</blockquote>

Shimadzu Corporation: Elemental Analysis: Energize the Future with Advanced Battery Testing Solutions

Elemental Analysis: Energize the Future with Advanced Battery Testing Solutions

Innovative techniques for overcoming unique matric-specific challenges for analyzing black mass, electrolyte solutions, anode materials, and cathode materials.

Energize the Future with Advanced Battery Testing Solutions

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is a key indicator of soil quality as it influences nutrient availability, microbial activity, and carbon sequestration. This webinar presents a detailed overview of TOC determination in soils using acid digestion—specifically employing sulfurous and hydrochloric acids to remove inorganic carbon. The chemical principles behind the digestion process and sample preparation techniques will be featured.A special focus will be given to the use of the LECO C832 Carbon Analyzer, a high-precision instrument designed for accurate and efficient carbon quantification. Attendees will learn how to integrate this analyzer into their workflow, interpret results, and ensure data quality. This webinar offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance for reliable TOC analysis in diverse soil environments.<blockquote>Presenter: Caeden Hunter (LECO Corporation)</blockquote>

LECO: Comparison of Acid Type for Removal of Carbonates from Soil for Total Organic Carbon Determination using the LECO C832 and CN928

Comparison of Acid Type for Removal of Carbonates from Soil for Total Organic Carbon Determination using the LECO C832 and CN928

This webinar offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance for reliable TOC analysis in diverse soil environments.

Acid Comparison for TOC in Soil Using LECO C832 & CN928

Accurate quantification of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in soil is critical for environmental monitoring, soil fertility, water retention, and promoting biodiversity. The LECO RC612 Multiphase Carbon Analyzer, referencing the DIN 19539 standard, offers a robust and precise methodology for differentiating and quantifying carbon species in soil sample types.This webinar will explore the operational principles of the LECO RC612, highlighting its high-temperature combustion and infrared detection capabilities and how it seamlessly integrates with the DIN 19539 parameters. Emphasis is placed on the method’s ability to distinguish between TOC, ROC (Residual Oxidizable Carbon), and TIC (Total Inorganic Carbon) through temperature-programmed decomposition, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing analytical reliability.Data will illustrate the instrument’s performance across various samples of soils. Attendees will gain insights into method optimization, calibration strategies, and data interpretation, making this session valuable for laboratories seeking to improve their carbon analysis workflows.<blockquote>Presenter: Jeffery Gast (LECO Corporation)</blockquote>

LECO: TOC Determination in Soil Utilizing Temperature Differentiation Method

TOC Determination in Soil Utilizing Temperature Differentiation Method

Learn how LECO RC612 and DIN 19539 enable precise TOC, ROC, and TIC analysis in soils. Improve compliance, accuracy, and workflow in environmental labs.

ICPMS webinars focusing on TOC - page 1