Source: Nature Methods
Nature Methods, Published online: 09 March 2026; doi:10.1038/s41592-026-03017-wWe have engineered symmetric RNA scaffolds that allow structure solution of small RNAs via single-particle cryogenic-sample electron microscopy (cryoEM). This method enabled small-molecule ligand placement in experimental maps and revealed the molecular basis for specificity of natural and synthetic RNA aptamers, thus suggesting routes for structure-guided RNA engineering.