Dr. Kolpashchikov’s lab group develops DNA nanomachines for biomedical applications. Their DNA machines can recognize RNA molecules with high selectivity, unwind their secondary structures and either detect or cleave them. The DNA machines can be used as highly specific sensors for biological RNA. Alternatively, they can be used for suppression of cancer cells or RNA-containing viruses. The plan is to use the machines for anti-viral and anti-cancer treatment.