NOVA RNA Lab

Solve RNA puzzles and find out why RNA is central to the origin of life, evolution, and the cellular machinery that keeps us alive.

What is NOVA RNA Lab?

NOVA RNA Lab is a Chrome game extension that engages users in solving RNA folding puzzles to understand the molecule's significant role in life's origins, evolution, and functioning of cellular machinery. It serves as an educational platform, helping users learn about the complex RNA folding process and how molecular shape determines RNA function. The extension supports the NOVA commitment to STEM learning by aligning with key NGSS standards.

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Stats

By: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs

View on Chrome Web Store

Users: 10,000+ ▼ -10,000

Rating: 4.86 (21)

Version: 1.0.0.0 (Last updated: 2015-08-10)

Creation date: 2015-08-10

Risk impact: Very low risk impact

Risk likelihood: Low risk likelihood

Manifest version: 2

Size: 11.81K

URLs: Website

Stats date:

Chrome-Stats Rank

# 9040 ▼ 2426

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Not available on Firefox

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Summary

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Nature’s best kept secret is a wonder molecule called RNA. It is central to the origin of life, evolution, and the cellular machinery that keeps us alive. In this game, you’ll play the role of a molecular engineer by solving RNA folding puzzles. Then take your skills to Eterna, where you can design RNAs that could be at the heart of future life-saving therapies.

For Educators: The RNA Lab allows users to explore the science of RNA and learn how to design biomolecules online. Based on the existing game Eterna, the NOVA RNA Lab is built around a series of puzzles. By exploring and finding potential solutions to these puzzles, users learn about the complex process of RNA folding, while honing their problem-solving and iteration skills in an engaging, game-based environment. Users learn that molecular shape determines RNA function and allows RNA strands to carry out a wide variety of jobs essential for life. Below are standards from the NGSS that align to the content and skills of the RNA Lab:

High School: —HS-LS1-1--Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

—HS-LS4-1--Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

User reviews

I support pbs since 1998 Gr8 App Guys :) Im 26 and i love what they do how old are you?

Ian Carranza, 2015-10-02

This LAB is thoroughly engaging and designed in such a way as to keep the user interested and wanting to keep playing. And even if you think you know a lot about evolution, you will find that there is more to learn. Thank you NOVA for putting such stimulating resources in the hands of our students.