E-Mail IMAGE: The Graz researchers are the first in the world to demonstrate "YeiN ", an enzyme that is a suitable biocatalyst for the production of C-nucleosides, the basic building blocks of RNA.... view more Credit: Lunghammer - TU Graz Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the associated intensive search for therapeutics and vaccines, the chemical substance class of nucleosides is experiencing an enormous increase in interest. Natural and synthetic nucleosides have an antiviral effect and can act as building blocks of ribonucleic acids (RNA). When incorporated into RNA, novel interactions within the macromolecule result with positive consequences for stability and biological effectiveness.