Today, we have a lighter, more condensed version of the newsletter, since I got busy with life!

And don’t worry, you’re going to find some cool research today, and I’m coming back soon with the regularly scheduled program.

Are Those Wedding Bells I Hear? 🔔🎉

Express Edition!

A rapid-fire of some cool, recent papers.

• Team-Up For Synthetic Cytoskeletons: Scientists never stop being inspired by nature. In this work, researchers developed a protein design strategy to build tubular assemblies that mimic natural systems like actin filaments. Using two distinct protein units, they created dynamic, flexible tubes with diverse morphologies observed by cryo-EM. The assemblies can reversibly disassemble and reassemble in response to stimuli such as salt or temperature changes, resembling natural cytoskeletal behavior. Cool ah?

• DNA Origami in Space: The sky is the limit when it comes to DNA origami. Apparently, not even that is true! This study introduces DNA origami–based plasmonic nanoantennas for efficient Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering sensing in spaceflight environments. By assembling a precise 3×4 antenna array with controlled spacing, the system achieves fourfold higher efficiency than disordered setups. It detected calcium ions, interleukin-6, and microRNA-214 in serum from mice exposed to microgravity and radiation, with accuracy comparable to ELISA and qPCR. Coupled with a convolutional neural network, it also enabled precise bone health prediction, offering a powerful tool for astronaut health monitoring.

• Upgraded DNA Origami NanoFabrication: DNA origami is a relatively new method for nanofabrication, but it’s very powerful! This work presents a photothermal method to shape 3D DNA-programmable gold nanoparticle crystals with micron-scale precision. By using plasmonic light absorption to locally heat nanoparticles, specific regions of the crystal can be selectively dissolved, creating custom voids and morphologies. Combined with computational and experimental studies, the approach enables programmable nanomaterials that integrate nanoscale DNA-directed order with arbitrarily designed mesoscale architectures.

• Long Staples Join the Fold: The most expensive part of DNA origami is the synthetic staple strands. Could making them longer help? This study introduces a long-staple DNA origami strategy, where staple strands are extended to 100–200 nucleotides, reducing the number of oligos needed while preserving assembly efficiency and structural accuracy. The method works across both lattice-based and wireframe designs under standard conditions. To enable scalable production, the team used RCA to enzymatically generate custom long staples, which were successfully applied in structure assembly. This approach provides a cost-effective, scalable, and versatile pathway for fabricating functional DNA nanostructures.

And that’s it for today! I’ll be back with more cool science in the usual format soon!

• Share Plenty of Room with founders or builders

  I help biotech and deep tech companies transform complex technologies into engaging content that builds credibility with investors, partners, and potential hires. Let’s chat!

• Know someone who’d love this?
  Pass it on! Sharing is the easiest way to support the newsletter and spark new ideas in your circle.

• Got a tip, paper, or topic you want me to cover?
  I’d love to hear from you! Just reply to this email or reach out on social.