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Giving nanowires a DNA-like twist

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a DNA-like twisted crystal structure created with germanium sulfide nanowires, resembling the organic DNA structure. The twist causes the wire to elongate and widen into a helical structure, with segments resembling helically stacked bricks.

Self-healing DNA nanostructures

DNA nanotubes designed by Yi Li and Rebecca Schulman can heal themselves in serum, extending lifetimes from 24 hours to over 96 hours. The researchers developed a self-repair process using smaller DNA tiles that repair damaged structures by replacing or joining to the nanotube ends.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 29, 2019

Using DNA templates to harness the sun's energy

A team of researchers at Arizona State University has made significant progress in optimizing artificial photosynthesis systems that mimic the first stage of photosynthesis. They have developed a way to use DNA to self-assemble structures that capture and transfer energy over long distances with high efficiency.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 25, 2019

The changing shape of DNA

New research from the University of East Anglia shows that DNA's shape can be manipulated using various triggers including copper, oxygen, and a substance similar to Vitamin C. This discovery has potential applications in nanotechnology and DNA-based computing.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 24, 2018

Disentangling chloroplast genetics

Japanese researchers isolated a protein essential for chloroplast nucleoid segregation, improving understanding of chloroplast DNA dynamics. The moc1 gene functions as a 'Holliday junction resolvase', untangling DNA structures crucial for cell health.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2017

Stem cells feel the force

Researchers found that stretch-induced mechanical forces downregulate thousands of genes while increasing a few in skin stem cells. This leads to changes in DNA packing within the nucleus, affecting transcriptional activity and differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 12, 2016

A nanotech fix for nicotine dependence

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a new DNA nanostructure-based vaccine to combat nicotine dependence. The approach uses precision control over the placement of antigenic components to stimulate an immune response and recruit antibodies capable of binding with nicotine, potentially improving efficacy and safety.

Innate immunity

A team of researchers has identified an enzyme called cGAS that detects cytosolic DNA, triggering the innate immune response. This discovery has significant clinical implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new therapies.

Visualizing biological networks in 4-D

Scientists at Caltech have developed a unique microscope that captures the motion of DNA structures in both space and time, allowing them to directly measure stiffness and map its variation. This breakthrough technique has far-reaching implications for understanding biological nanomaterials and their properties.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Secrets of a chiral gold nanocluster unveiled

A team of researchers has resolved the structural, electronic, and optical properties of a chiral gold nanocluster after ten years of mystery. The cluster, composed of 38 gold atoms and 24 organothiolate molecules, exhibits unique chiral properties that influence its response to circularly polarized light.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 27, 2010

Spelling B-Y-U with DNA

Researchers have created a new technology using DNA origami that can form tiny letters with multiple branching points, addressing the need for narrow features in nanoelectronics. The breakthrough could lead to the development of nanoscale devices with unprecedented capabilities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 16, 2009