Biologist Awarded for DNA Research
Matthew Meselson, a Harvard molecular biologist whose famous experiment substantiated the double-helix structure of DNA, has won the Lasker Award for Special Achievement in Medical Science.
Matthew Meselson, a Harvard molecular biologist whose famous experiment substantiated the double-helix structure of DNA, has won the Lasker Award for Special Achievement in Medical Science.
Meselson laid the biochemical groundwork for several key areas: DNA replication, DNA repair, DNA recombination, and DNA restriction. He and colleagues grew bacteria in heavy nitrogen-laced broth and then switched the microbes to broth that contained light nitrogen, finding that DNA replicates itself by making new double-stranded twins, each containing one strand of the original parent molecule and one newly formed strand.
To analyze the DNA generated during the experiment, Meselson invented equilibrium density gradient centrifugation. He showed that a parental helix made of two heavy strands duplicates to give two molecules, each composed of one heavy and one light strand. This research was the foundation for establishing the existence of messenger RNA, the genetic intermediary between genes and proteins.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
GPCRs – The Biological Traffic Modulator: Chromatographic Analysis of Peptides in the GI Tract
January 20th 2025The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are found throughout the entire body and have shown significance in the development of new therapeutic treatments. Isolation of seven classic GRPC peptides initiating in the GI tract highlights the benefits of using the polymer-based PRP-3, a reversed-phase resin. The covalent bonds found in the PRP-3 exhibit advantageous interactions between the biological π bonds found in the peptides and the available aromatic benzyl rings of the resin.
