nucleic acid

One of its main roles is to interact with the nucleic acids in the genome, helping regulate which genes are switched on and how they are translated into proteins.

They added a molecular tag to the spherical nucleic acids that glowed under near-infrared light.

"The other issue that will affect industry is the risks that they talk about about nucleic acid synthesis screening."

Cells use RNA, a single-stranded string of nucleic acids that translates blueprints encoded in DNA into the production of proteins.

"Our approach has the potential to dramatically change the way nucleic acid amplification is performed, providing instead a portable, reliable and cost-effective solution for applications, ranging from point-of-care diagnostics to field-based research." said Draz.