International Institute for Nanotechnology

The RNA Multiverse with Julius Lucks

The Nanoccape episode spotlights Professor Julius Lucks, a chemical‑engineer turned synthetic biologist, who explores RNA’s “multiverse” – its ability to fold, wiggle, and act as a molecular computer. Leveraging nanotechnology principles, Lucks and his team engineered RNA sensors that emit light when they encounter specific water contaminants, a platform they dubbed Roslyn after Rosalind Franklin. Lucks explains that RNA’s dual role – storing genetic information like DNA while actively reshaping to perform chemical tasks – makes it uniquely suited for programmable biosensors. By marrying high‑resolution folding models with next‑gen sequencing “chemical microscopes,” his lab captured the first movie of a nascent RNA molecule, a clip that went viral when set to salsa music. The viral moment sparked broader interest, even drawing attention from NIH director Francis Collins. The technology’s real‑world test came through a partnership with anthropologist‑wife Sarah Young, who identified a need for low‑cost water‑quality diagnostics in underserved communities. The resulting Roslyn assay, essentially an at‑home COVID‑style test for toxins, has been piloted in African villages and Chicago neighborhoods, providing immediate visual feedback on water safety. Lucks’ story illustrates a feedback loop where field demands shape fundamental research, underscoring the power of interdisciplinary, human‑centered design. As RNA‑based diagnostics scale, they promise faster, cheaper monitoring of environmental health, potentially reshaping global public‑health infrastructure.