Same weight, different shape: a UK lab learns to tell look-alike molecules apart on a surface

Some molecules are twins in weight but strangers in behaviour — the same atoms arranged differently can make one a medicine and another useless. Scientists at the UK's National Physical Laboratory, with the University of Surrey, the University of Oxford and the Francis Crick Institute, have found a way to tell such look-alike molecules apart and map exactly where each sits on a surface, with no special preparation of the sample. Published in Nature Communications, the technique was proven on three subtly different sugars. Being able to see which twin is where could speed up the search for disease markers and new medicines, and help doctors reach earlier, more personal diagnoses.

SDG 9 · Industry, innovation and infrastructure — Mechanism: tech innovation