Getting to the heart of it: Co-crystallization of an RNA three-way junction with a cylindrical di-iron(II)-based anti-cancer drug (green) results in π-stacking interactions between the cylinder and the central base pairs of the RNA structure. The shape, size, and cationic nature of the cylinder were found to be responsible for this perfect fit. Native gel electrophoresis studies confirmed stabilization of the RNA three-way junction by the iron(II) cylinder.

The conjugation of arginine residues at the ends of a metallo-supramolecular triple-helical cylinder enables absolute control over the helicity of the cylinder core, and boosts the DNA junction recognition by the complexes and their activity against a cancer cell line.

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The seed of rice (Oryza sativa L.) from the highlands of northern Thailand, which is located within the species' centre of diversity, constitutes some of the world's last local rice germplasm still retained on-farm, provides local farmers and communities with a readily accessible resource, and is a source of value-adding traits for rice breeding. This paper reports on the germplasm represented by 281 seed samples collected in 2013 from an area of the highlands between latitudes 17.76°N to 20.18°N and longitudes 97.76°E to 100.48°E. The samples were provided by farmers belonging to 10 ethnicities, in number that closely correlated with the groups' share of the highland population (r = 0.84; P < 0.01). Compared with the slender grain rice of the lowlands, the highland germplasm was distinctive in its grain shape, and classed as large grain type in the husk, and medium grain type as de-husked, brown rice. The rice, which was predominantly of non-glutinous grain type and grown mainly as upland rice, had generally higher iron concentrations than rice in the lowlands; thus demonstrating how an on-farm rice germplasm may directly benefit local farmers and communities who consume the rice they grow. In addition, potential value-adding traits were identified in varieties and seed samples with the highest zinc density and novel rice with pigmented pericarp and high anti-oxidative capacity.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is extensively used in the consumer products and in the medical applications due to its antibacterial property. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized by a simple green chemistry procedure using three difference pH values of pomegranate peel extract as reducing and stabilizing agent and silver nitrate (AgNO3) as a precursor. The formation of AgNPs was elucidated using various instrumentation techniques including UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, EDX and TEM. UV-Vis spectra showed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak in the range of 400-500 nm. Crytalline nature and fcc phase of AgNPs were revealed by XRD pattern. FTIR analysis provided the presence of phytochemicals responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. TEM analysis demonstrated that size and morphology of the prepared AgNPs were in the nanoscale range of 5-45 nm with irregular spherical in shape. The existence of the elemental silver was observed from EDX analysis. Furthermore, AgNPs showed an effective antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Bei der Cokristallisation einer Y‐verzweigten RNA mit einem antitumoraktiven Di(eisen(II))‐Zylinder (grün) ergeben sich π‐Stapelwechselwirkungen zwischen dem Zylinder und den zentralen Basenpaaren der RNA. Form, Größe und kationischer Charakter des Zylinders sind der Grund für dessen perfektes Einpassen. Native Gelelektrophorese bestätigt die Stabilisierung der Y‐verzweigten RNA durch den Eisen(II)‐Zylinder.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been intensively researched because of their wide range of applications in the areas of catalysis, optics, antimicrobials and biomaterials production. The pH of the reaction mixture is one of the crucial parameters for improving the properties of AgNP, including size, morphology and agglomeration. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized by a biological method using rambutan peel extract. The effect of pH on the resultant biogenic AgNPs was observed by varying the pH values to be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. The biosynthesized AgNPs was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Zeta potential analysis. The results showed the formation of AgNPs with size ranging from 15-120 nm in diameter. Phytochemical compounds in the extract are likely responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. The shape, size and stability of AgNPs depend on the pH of the solution. AgNPs prepared at pH 2, 4 and 6 were of various shapes with a large size distribution. Those synthesized in basic solution (pH 8, 10 and 12) were spherical in shape. The results indicate that pH 8 is optimal for synthesis of AgNP as it offers pureness and fineness with narrow size distribution. Furthermore, biosynthesized AgNP exhibits antibacterial activity against the growth of selected human pathogens.

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