By Robert Irion Many of the world's leading biochemists and molecular biologists will convene at UCSC this week for the first international symposium devoted to the physical blueprints of one of life's most basic and crucial molecules. About 250 scientists are expected to attend.
Scientific talks are open only to registered participants.
Speakers will describe their latest research on the varied forms of RNA, or ribonucleic acid. Less known than its sister molecule DNA but far more versatile, RNA may have played the key role in the origins of the first cells able to reproduce themselves. Biomedical researchers also strive to understand the workings of RNA viruses, such as HIV, and RNA's function in antibiotic resistance and other medical mysteries. More new structures will be coming out in the next year than everything that's been done to date. RNA can twist into a dizzying array of shapes in the cell, much like twisted telephone cords.