Microsolvation of individual DNA bases

在这个由化学部实验物理化学计划资助的项目中，PI将在控制水分子数量的情况下，对单个核碱基、核苷和核苷酸的性质和行为进行研究。实验将通过激光解吸、喷射冷却的底座形成的水团簇的激光光谱来完成。分子动力学模拟和最先进的非经验化学从头计算将补充实验工作。研究生和本科生以及博士后助理将参与这项研究。此外，还针对少数民族学生和高中生开展了一项外展计划，并开发了一个基于网络的界面，以方便小学科学教师获取科学博物馆资源。

In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, the PI will conduct research on the properties and behaviors of individual nucleobases, nucleosides and nucleotides, with controlled numbers of water molecules. Experiments will be done by laser spectroscopy of water clusters, formed with laser desorbed, jet cooled bases. Molecular dynamics simulations and state-of-the-art nonempirical chemical ab initio calculations will complement the experimental work. Graduate and undergraduate students as well as postdoctoral associates will participate in the research. In addition, an outreach program is focused on minority students and high schools, and the development of a web based interface to facilitate access to science museum resources by grade school science teachers.