# General Science Discussion **URL:** https://forum.eternagame.org/c/general-science-discussion/21.md [Latest](https://forum.eternagame.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.eternagame.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.eternagame.org/tags.md) --- ## [About the General Science Discussion category](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/about-the-general-science-discussion-category/295)
**Author:** [@LFP6](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/LFP6)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2020, 5:35pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/about-the-general-science-discussion-category/295 "2020-06-26T17:35:26Z")
Found a cool article, or learning about a new concept? Share it here! --- ## [Introduction](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/introduction/5843)
**Author:** [@alexawilson](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/alexawilson)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 2:51pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/introduction/5843 "2026-10-02T14:51:19Z")
HY My name is Alexa. I want to know how this app works. --- ## [Obelisk](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/obelisk/5756)
**Author:** [@ilikebball](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/ilikebball)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/obelisk/5756 "2026-06-24T13:04:02Z")
An obelisk is a microscopic genetic element that consists of a type of infectious agent composed of RNA. Described as “viroid-like elements”, obelisks consist of RNA in a circular rod shape without any protein shell coat… --- ## ["Eterna is Solved"](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/eterna-is-solved/5631)
**Author:** [@Freywa](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/Freywa)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/eterna-is-solved/5631 "2026-06-09T13:52:32Z")
The following arXiv preprint claims to have developed an AI program that successfully solves all 100 structures of the original Eterna100 benchmark: Is this for real? --- ## [mRNA vaccine](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/mrna-vaccine/5729)
**Author:** [@JR1](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/JR1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2026, 11:46am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/mrna-vaccine/5729 "2026-04-21T11:46:48Z")
New mRNA-based vaccines could help treat one of the deadliest cancers. In a recent study, personalized mRNA vaccines were found to significantly extend survival for some pancreatic cancer patients by creating a durable “… --- ## [Formalization of RNA folding](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/formalization-of-rna-folding/5690)
**Author:** [@cake5](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/cake5)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 9:10am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/formalization-of-rna-folding/5690 "2026-01-28T09:10:50Z")
Hello! I am a student who recently started playing Eterna and want to ask you guys a question about the formalization of RNA folding. Certain bases appear to be more critical “nodes” in determining the structure, whereas… --- ## [Naturally ornate RNA-only complexes revealed by cryo-EM](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/naturally-ornate-rna-only-complexes-revealed-by-cryo-em/5180)
**Author:** [@DigitalEmbrace](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/DigitalEmbrace)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 8:55am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/naturally-ornate-rna-only-complexes-revealed-by-cryo-em/5180 "2026-01-06T08:55:48Z")
Rachael Kretsch has published an astonishing new preprint paper titled Naturally ornate RNA-only complexes revealed by cryo-EM where she reveals the 3D structure of three large RNA-only molecules. I’m blown away by what … --- ## [AI bot ChatGBT](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/ai-bot-chatgbt/4388)
**Author:** [@DigitalEmbrace](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/DigitalEmbrace)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2025, 1:31pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/ai-bot-chatgbt/4388 "2025-11-07T13:31:25Z")
Hannah Wayment-Steele has issued a challenge to Eterna gamers on Twitter: Can anybody get chatGPT to make a dynamic programming routine for secondary structure? I get code that looks close, but all the snippets I’ve tri… --- ## [Open source, interpretable algorithm for secondary structure that best represents state of the art?](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/open-source-interpretable-algorithm-for-secondary-structure-that-best-represents-state-of-the-art/5467)
**Author:** [@arosko](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/arosko)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2025, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/open-source-interpretable-algorithm-for-secondary-structure-that-best-represents-state-of-the-art/5467 "2025-08-23T21:18:57Z")
I’ve been thinking about algorithms for RNA 3D prediction (I will soon make another post, asking if anyone wants to collaborate on that) and most 3D prediction algorithms work better if given a reliable secondary structu… --- ## [Want to get started with 3D modeling?](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/want-to-get-started-with-3d-modeling/1519)
**Author:** [@rhiju](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/rhiju)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2012, 7:59pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/want-to-get-started-with-3d-modeling/1519 "2012-11-30T19:59:00Z")
In collaboration with other folks in the Rosetta community, my lab has put up a server which can do some 3D modeling of RNAs: RosettaServer for RNA 3D modeling Please feel free to put in your favorite sequences or su… --- ## [Eterna article from NVIDIA Developer blog](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/eterna-article-from-nvidia-developer-blog/5330)
**Author:** [@ucad](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/ucad)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2025, 9:47am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/eterna-article-from-nvidia-developer-blog/5330 "2025-04-17T09:47:01Z")
--- ## [RNA motifs](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/rna-motifs/5323)
**Author:** [@spvincent](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/spvincent)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2025, 7:43pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/rna-motifs/5323 "2025-04-10T19:43:15Z")
From Derek Lowe’s always interesting blog RNA Motifs Coming Into Focus | Science | AAAS --- ## [Need Advice on RNA Folding Algorithms](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/need-advice-on-rna-folding-algorithms/4910)
**Author:** [@elija6266](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/elija6266)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2024, 4:38pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/need-advice-on-rna-folding-algorithms/4910 "2024-04-26T16:38:42Z")
Hello there, I am working on a project that involves RNA folding algorithms; and I am seeking advice from those experienced in this area. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the strengths and limitations of d… --- ## [Pre-mRNA splicing signals and regulatory elements](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/pre-mrna-splicing-signals-and-regulatory-elements/4485)
**Author:** [@DigitalEmbrace](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/DigitalEmbrace)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2023, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/pre-mrna-splicing-signals-and-regulatory-elements/4485 "2023-02-20T14:16:23Z")
A little more detailed information about splicing mechanisms: 5’ splice site: GU dinucleotide - recognized by the splicing machinery 3’ splice site: AG dinucleotide - recognized by splicing machinery Polypyrimidine tra… --- ## [New 3D structure prediction servers](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/new-3d-structure-prediction-servers/4477)
**Author:** [@DigitalEmbrace](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/DigitalEmbrace)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2023, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/new-3d-structure-prediction-servers/4477 "2023-02-14T14:45:17Z")
Rhiju gave me the URL of two of the best new 3D prediction algorithms released recently. These perform better than RNAComposer. (Edit: Not exactly correct. See Rhiju’s note below.) The first is RhoFold, which uses machi… --- ## [Aptamer binding](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/aptamer-binding/4241)
**Author:** [@spvincent](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/spvincent)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2022, 9:15pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/aptamer-binding/4241 "2022-06-01T21:15:04Z")
Post on aptamer binding from Derek Lowe’s always interesting pipeline blog: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/subtle-aptamer-binding --- ## [BioNumbers - a useful reference for biologically relevant numbers](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/bionumbers-a-useful-reference-for-biologically-relevant-numbers/4225)
**Author:** [@Anamfija](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/Anamfija)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2022, 7:23am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/bionumbers-a-useful-reference-for-biologically-relevant-numbers/4225 "2022-05-23T07:23:15Z")
I remember happening across BioNumbers in one of my classes - I wanted to share it here because it might be useful (and I haven’t seen it posted on the forum yet). I’ve mostly used it for doing rough calculations and/or … --- ## [Fun RNA and DNA science](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/fun-rna-and-dna-science/3104)
**Author:** [@rhiju](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/rhiju)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2022, 5:48pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/fun-rna-and-dna-science/3104 "2022-05-12T17:48:16Z")
There’s a lot of fun stuff going on in RNA and DNA science, inside and outside EteRNA! In chat, e-mails, and some forum posts, I hear about new advances in DNA origami, novels involving chromosomes, and jokes on paper-w… --- ## [Scanning a protein using nanopore technology](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/scanning-a-protein-using-nanopore-technology/4013)
**Author:** [@jandersonlee](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/jandersonlee)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2021, 7:28pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/scanning-a-protein-using-nanopore-technology/4013 "2021-11-05T19:28:07Z")
--- ## [NIH Grant](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/nih-grant/4011)
**Author:** [@stevetclark](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/stevetclark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2021, 6:37pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/nih-grant/4011 "2021-11-02T18:37:57Z")
Does anyone have a link to the grant that eteRNA just received? --- ## [National Geographic Article mentions Eterna](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/national-geographic-article-mentions-eterna/3863)
**Author:** [@amybarish](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/amybarish)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 3:45am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/national-geographic-article-mentions-eterna/3863 "2021-05-01T03:45:07Z")
This article on storage of mRNA vaccines mentions Eterna with quotes from Rhiju, Hannah and yours truly! Future COVID-19 Vaccines might not have to be kept so cold The author would also like to do an article just on Et… --- ## [New ribozyme type](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/new-ribozyme-type/3841)
**Author:** [@spvincent](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/spvincent)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2021, 8:03pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/new-ribozyme-type/3841 "2021-04-01T20:03:34Z")
From Derek Lowe’s excellent blog: https://blogs.sciencemag.org/pipeline/archives/2021/04/01/mysteries-in-human-rna --- ## [Circular RNA](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/circular-rna/3814)
**Author:** [@DigitalEmbrace](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/DigitalEmbrace)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2021, 10:33pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/circular-rna/3814 "2021-03-01T22:33:48Z")
This week I came across a new biotech company (Orna Therapeutics) that is focusing on circular RNA (circRNA) for mRNA therapies and read their 2018 research paper. Circular RNA connects the 3’ and 5’ ends. Circular RNA c… --- ## [Pattern in noncoding regions of sars cov reference](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/pattern-in-noncoding-regions-of-sars-cov-reference/3810)
**Author:** [@Abinmorth](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/Abinmorth)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2021, 8:11am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/pattern-in-noncoding-regions-of-sars-cov-reference/3810 "2021-02-23T08:11:16Z")
was digging into the noncoding regions of the ncbi reference genome. (“unindexed” positions not coding for a gene) 21556…21562 between ORF1ab … spike acgaaca 25385…25392 between Spike … ORF3a acgaactt 26221…2… --- ## [Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine 90% effective](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/pfizer-biontech-vaccine-90-effective/3718)
**Author:** [@DigitalEmbrace](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/DigitalEmbrace)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2021, 1:36pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/pfizer-biontech-vaccine-90-effective/3718 "2021-02-19T13:36:08Z")
Great news, initial Phase 3 results from the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine show 90% efficacy. https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-vaccine-candidate-against This is … --- ## [Astronomy Picture of the Day](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/astronomy-picture-of-the-day/3754)
**Author:** [@JPS838898](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/JPS838898)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2021, 12:53am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/astronomy-picture-of-the-day/3754 "2021-02-02T00:53:59Z")
i’m starting this as i want to post here the APOD of the day for everyday so i will post here be sure to set this topic to watching so you get notified of all posts on this topic --- ## [Fight the COVID-19 with Eterna](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/fight-the-covid-19-with-eterna/3141)
**Author:** [@LFP6](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/LFP6)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2020, 7:40pm UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/fight-the-covid-19-with-eterna/3141 "2020-08-02T19:40:51Z")
This thread is to solicit general feedback about the scientific challenges and funding campaigns underway to fight COVID-19. As specific topics become popular, let’s create separate forum posts to organize discussions an… --- ## [mRNA vaccines could vanquish covid-19 today, cancer tomorrow](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/mrna-vaccines-could-vanquish-covid-19-today-cancer-tomorrow/3760)
**Author:** [@Jjpn6](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/Jjpn6)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2021, 12:18am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/mrna-vaccines-could-vanquish-covid-19-today-cancer-tomorrow/3760 "2021-01-11T00:18:39Z")
--- ## [Oxford scientists develop extremely rapid diagnostic test for Covid-19](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/oxford-scientists-develop-extremely-rapid-diagnostic-test-for-covid-19/3692)
**Author:** [@Riv](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/Riv)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2020, 6:27am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/oxford-scientists-develop-extremely-rapid-diagnostic-test-for-covid-19/3692 "2020-10-16T06:27:53Z")
--- ## [Coronavirus-infected cells sprout filaments that may spread the virus](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/coronavirus-infected-cells-sprout-filaments-that-may-spread-the-virus/3563)
**Author:** [@Riv](https://forum.eternagame.org/u/Riv)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2020, 6:10am UTC](https://forum.eternagame.org/t/coronavirus-infected-cells-sprout-filaments-that-may-spread-the-virus/3563 "2020-07-28T06:10:20Z")
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/covid-19-coronavirus-infected-cells-sprout-filaments-spread-virus [Next page](https://forum.eternagame.org/c/general-science-discussion/21.md?page=1)