Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

Life on Earth is defined by a curious and universal stereochemical asymmetry: the sugars in DNA and RNA possess a right-handed orientation, or stereochemistry. In contrast, 19 of 20 universal amino acids found in proteins possess left-handed stereochemistry. Why? A new study in PLOS Biology by Stefano Pagliara and his colleagues sheds light on this fundamental question by exploring how the earliest cell membranes may have influenced life’s core molecular preferences — offering fresh insight into one of biology’s greatest mysteries: how life began and why its building blocks are so consistent.   🔬 The team investigated whether the left- or right-handed forms of nucleic acid sugars and amino acids could pass through membranes, offering new insights into ancient life. ✅ Certain sugar forms crossed membranes more easily. ✅ A specific set of amino acids, including alanine, also selectively passed through, especially with hybrid membranes combining traits of both archaeal and bacterial lipids. ➡️ These findings suggest that the molecular orientation life relies on today may have been shaped by the permeability of early cells or cell-like compartments, before or coincident with development of enzymes and genetic systems. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gxbYTGKE or summary: https://lnkd.in/gF9y_MeK   University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Living Systems Institute (LSI), University of Exeter #sciencephilanthropy #SyntheticBiology #archaea #Evolution #stereochemistry

New data in Global Forest Watch’s analysis of tree cover loss from University of Maryland’s GLAD lab reveals the tropics saw an unprecedented level of fires in 2024, with major impacts on people’s health. Outside of the tropics, fires were also a driver of tree loss, with high levels in Canada last year. ➡️ Read the report for key insights and proposed solutions: https://gfw.global/tcl24

Our Bay Area conservation portfolio aims to preserve and enhance habitat and ecosystem function in the San Francisco Bay Area. 🌄 The portfolio provided a program-related investment to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to help finance the purchase of the Holthouse ranch property in South San Jose. This contributes to a permanently protected mosaic of lands for wildlife and public open space. Learn more about this investment at The Mercury News: https://lnkd.in/g7uQwRQ3 Dan Winterson Carly Colvin #philanthropy #conservation #openspace #wildlife

💡 ⚡ Over a decade ago, Moore Foundation grantees Jay Nadeau at McGill University and Chris Lindensmith at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory proposed the high-risk idea of developing a novel digital holographic microscope capable of detecting signs of life in extreme planetary environments. 🚀 Their pioneering prototyple has led to the Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System (ELVIS) — a compact, autonomous, high-resolution microscope en route to the International Space Station (ISS). 🛰️ Aboard the station the system will be used to conduct experiments not feasible under Earth’s gravity and will help scientists better understand how microbial life responds to long-term microgravity. This mission is an important step toward the systems potential use in future space exploration missions.   Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gkBWx8Aq Gary B Greenburg #philanthropy #ISS #sciencephilanthropy 

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) reflects on 15 years of their Science and Technology Fellows program. Their insights continue to provide a useful roadmap for other states to advance programs that help bring scientific expertise to policymaking in new ways. Important findings: ✅ Fostering relationships and trust between scientists and legislators is essential for meaningful collaboration. ✅ A formal program structure supports fellows in navigating the fast-paced, complex policy environment. ✅ Ongoing evaluation and adaptation of the fellowship program strengthens its value and increases interest.   📰 Read the full article in Issues in Science and Technology: https://lnkd.in/gJ_VNUPG #fellowship #scipol #STEM #philanthropy #scienceresearch

⚛️  Quantum science has challenged our thinking for over a century — and continues to advance in surprising and powerful ways. In celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025) #IYQ, our recent newsletter explores how researchers we support are expanding the frontiers of experimental physics. Highlights include: ⚡ A reflection on quantum’s past and future from program director Dusan Pejakovic, Ph.D. ⚡ A deep dive into the research of three Experimental Physics Investigators. ⚡ A look inside the lab of condensed matter physicist Vidya Madhavan, Ph.D. who explores the world of particles at atomic scales. 📩 Check out the full newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gvN69_wq Dusan Pejakovic Amalia Fernandez Panella, PhD Thi Truong Theodore Hodapp Catherine Mader Tess L. Trity Pourbahrami #QuantumScience #ExperimentalPhysics #STEM #sciencephilanthropy #YearOfQuantum #MoorePhysics

Our colleagues Adam Jones, Ph.D., Jon Kaye and Harvey Fineberg discuss the important role of nonpartisan state legislature science and technology policy fellowships in this month’s Issues in Science and Technology. These fellowships help support the needs of elected officials in state legislatures who make thousands of critical decisions each year on science and technology matters. The fellowship programs: ✅ Enlist highly credentialed scientists, doctors and engineers with training on communicating scientific information to policymakers. ✅ Support policymakers on a broad range of issues such as artificial intelligence, transportation, energy systems, and wildfire risk and prevention. ✅ Provide expertise that broadens the exchange of information between scientists and policymakers to help serve Americans across the country. ✅ Utilize bespoke approaches to meet the needs, preferences and procedures of each state legislature.   📰 Read the article to learn how fellows have already made an impact in California, Connecticut, Idaho, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia and how the development of a national network could support policy across the U.S. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g9UyF7KU National Conference of State Legislatures #scipol #STEM #philanthropy #scienceresearch

🌍 As we wrap up #EarthMonth, we reflect on our founder’s intent to make a significant and positive impact in the world. Their commitment to tackle significant environmental challenges with scientific rigor and long-term dedication continues to guide our work.   By focusing on large-scale, measurable impacts, we support solutions that endure and conserve the natural world for generations to come. Join us in honoring their legacy supporting efforts to preserve natural ecosystems not only this month, but each and every day.🌱 #EarthDay2025 #conservation #philanthropy #Moore25

Experimental Physics Investigator Stevan Nadj-Perge and colleagues’ newly developed experimental technique will enable studies of the superconducting gap in 2-D systems, something that has eluded scientists for 20 years. Nadj-Perge describes, "This unexpected discovery was made possible by the first successful realization of scanning tunneling microscopy experiments of an iron-based superconductor on a specialized device for studying such thin flakes. Such experiments had been hampered for nearly two decades by the presence of severe surface contamination. [Our team] developed a new experimental approach that enabled a sufficiently clean surface for microscopic probes." To learn more about this work and the dream of achieving room-temperature superconductivity check out this piece from Caltech: https://lnkd.in/gqhCQ94V   Theodore Hodapp Catherine Mader Tess L. #MoorePhysics #sciencephilanthropy

In our latest Perspective, Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems Initiative lead Dusan Pejakovic takes a look at the future of quantum research.   ⚛ Over the past hundred years, we've learned to understand many types of quantum systems. What's next?    🔎As the field grows, Pejaković says there is the need for continued exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong financial backing for foundational research.   The next century may be full of more surprises, bewilderment and paradigm-shifting ideas. Stay tuned!   Read the full perspective on moore.org: https://lnkd.in/d4cXYBFP   #physics #moorephysics #sciencephilanthropy