The latest Business updates from the science industry


by Heather Hobbs Crick Researchers Make Key DNA Discovery


A collaborative study by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute has uncovered how the double helix structure of DNA is opened to allow DNA replication, essential for enabling processes including DNA repair, gene expression and replication of DNA for cell division to occur. This discovery opens pathways for further investigation into cellular processes including how diseases such as cancer could be initiated.


Using the advanced imaging capability of cryo-electron microscopy scientists with the Crick’s Chromosome Replication Laboratory, the Macromolecular Machines Laboratory and the Structural Biology Science Technology Platform used a yeast model to visualise the full process of the DNA double helix being untwisted and opened.


The team observed that, after embracing the DNA, two enzymes drift away from each other in a process that deforms the double helix, initiating the process of DNA opening.


The yeast replicative helicase captured as it opens the DNA double helix (credit: The Francis Crick Institute)


Alessandro Costa, author and group leader of the Macromolecular Machines Laboratory said: “Over decades, scientists, including our collaborator John Diffl ey, in at the Crick, have pieced together which enzymes are required to open DNA and initiate replication.


“We now looked at replication initiation under the microscope and discovered that the mechanism is completely different from the way the DNA double helix is opened to start other cellular processes, such as gene transcription and recombination. We hope that understanding this difference will allow us and other research groups to build a detailed picture that captures the complexities of life.”


Jacob Lewis, author and Postdoctoral Training Fellow in the Macromolecular Machines Laboratory commented: “Understanding the mechanism for the melting of the DNA double helix provides the basis to study how initiation of DNA replication is controlled. This has important implications for understanding the maintenance of chromosome integrity, a process which goes wrong in cancer.”


The scientists will continue this work, to understand how the DNA replication machinery unzips the double helix after opening and how this is regulated to avoid accumulation of DNA damage.


Published in Nature (15 June)


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RMS and BioImagingUK Firmly Behind Technician Commitment


The Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) and BioImagingUK have both proudly announced their support for the Technician Commitment, with aims to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.


A university and research institution initiative, the Technician


Commitment is led by a steering board of sector bodies, with support from the Science Council and the Gatsby Foundation’s Technicians Make It Happen campaign.


Universities and research institutes are invited to become signatories of the Technician Commitment and pledge action against the key challenges affecting their technical staff.


RMS President Grace Burke commented: “Technical and support staff play a tremendous role in scientifi c and microscopy-related research, not only in terms of laboratory support, but also through their contributions to the research itself. Their invaluable expertise,


knowledge and skill can sometimes be overlooked, and it is right that research institutes and other organisations should pledge action to address the needs of those working in these roles, ensuring their skills and professional development are a fi rm priority. We are proud to sign up to this excellent initiative.


“The technical community enables world leading research, teaching and knowledge exchange,” said Kelly Vere MBE, Programme Director, Technicial Comittment. “Technical colleagues ensure accuracy, rigour and development of key technologies, particularly in imaging and microscopy. We’re delighted to welcome the Royal Microscopical Society and BioImagingUK to our community of Technician Commitment Supporters and Signatories and we look forward to working with them to advance visibility, recognition and opportunity for the technical community across UK research, education and innovation.”


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RMS President Grace Burke 58144pr@reply-direct.com


18th Confocal Raman Imaging Symposium


The 18th Confocal Raman Imaging Symposium will take place from 26 to 28 September 2022 in the Stadthaus in Ulm, Germany. This multidisciplinary, international conference brings together the Raman microscopy and spectroscopy community to share the latest developments in technology and applications.


A line-up of esteemed speakers from academia and industry will present their work in fi elds ranging from pharmaceutical development to microplastics research, biological and extraterrestrial materials to soil science. Theoretical background and practical applications of the presented methods will be covered. Raman experts and newcomers alike will benefi t from the variety and depth of the scientifi c lectures.


The poster session will provide attendees with the opportunity to present their own work and discuss the latest developments in Raman imaging in a relaxed atmosphere.


Equipment demonstrations will be held at WITec headquarters on the third day of the conference and will feature the very latest hardware and software technology for Raman imaging. This session will also allow attendees to engage directly with WITec application scientists concerning their work.


The organisers very much look forward to seeing the Raman community gathered in person once again at what has become Europe’s premiere annual event for chemical characterisation.


For further information, including the program, and to register, please visit the conference website.


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