'Molecular sunscreen' may explain why DNA uses thymine despite its vulnerability to UV damage

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Add to Preferred Sources Schematic representation of the formation mechanisms of UV-induced CPD and (6-4) thymine photoproducts. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2615278123 Scientists have long sought to understand the complex origins of intelligent life. It remains unclear how biological systems not only formed but survived and persisted under the extreme conditions of primordial Earth's hostile climate. Now, researchers at Texas A&M University are using light-based technologies to uncover new clues to help solve this evolutionary puzzle.

Dr. Peter Rentzepis, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and his research assistants Keyvan Khosh Abady and Negar Karpourazar have gained new insights into the origins of molecular evolution.