Beyond the Elements: How Chemistry and DNA are Shaping Tomorrow

The world we live in is built up of chemical products ranging from the paints/plastics and other construction materials which surround us to the fertilisers and pharmaceuticals which keep us fed and healthy. Almost all of these chemicals are based around the conversion of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) which come out from the ground. At the end of their life, the majority of these material end up as CO2 which would ultimately lead to emissions of about 3 billion tonnes CO2 per year. What opportunities do we have to change the chemical system to reduce dependency on oil and gas? Is there a viable approach to achieve a world in which the chemicals we use are produced in a sustainable way? This talk will discuss research into approaches to provide the chemical basics we need through the use of renewable energy and the air around us and a possible future based around a circular economy of the chemicals we need.

DNA is undoubtedly one of the most famous and fascinating macromolecules, known for being the molecular blueprint of life itself. While the iconic double helix structure, discovered by Watson, Crick, and Franklin, is synonymous with DNA, recent discoveries reveal a broader spectrum of DNA structures that play crucial roles in regulating biological processes. These alternative forms, including triple and quadruple helices, are not merely scientific curiosities – they are pivotal in controlling gene expression and other biochemical functions. In this talk, I will guide you through the intriguing world of DNA's secondary structures, exploring how these alternative assemblies influence biology, as well as their potential applications in nanotechnology.