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Unraveling the physics of DNA's double helix

Researchers at Duke University have made direct measurements of DNA's forces within single strands that wind around each other to form the double helix. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, reveals new insights into the stacking and pairing forces between base units.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 12, 2007

DNA ends: Common tool, different job

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a novel RPA-like complex that specifically targets the short single-stranded DNA tail end of yeast chromosomes. This complex helps maintain telomere integrity and prevent premature senescence or cancer development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 13, 2007

DuPont-led scientists unveil key nanotechnology discovery with use of DNA

Researchers developed a technique using single-stranded DNA to separate and sort metallic and semiconducting carbon nanotubes, enabling uniform conductivity and advancing nanoelectronic applications. The discovery in the journal Science has significant implications for developing sensitive medical diagnostic devices and mini-transistors.

SourceDuPont·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2003

Writing nanopatterns with DNA inks

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new tool to write nanopatterns with DNA inks, enabling the creation of miniaturized gene chips with an array of diagnostic tests. This technology can produce spots of DNA down to 50 nanometers in diameter, reducing cost and time.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2002

Sensor uses DNA to detect presence of lead, a dangerous contaminant

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a DNA-based sensor that can detect lead ions in real-time. The sensor uses catalytic DNA with high metal ion selectivity and sensitivity to fluorescence detection, making it an ideal candidate for environmental monitoring and clinical toxicology applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 2, 2000

Peering at a machine that pries DNA apart

Harvard researchers have created the first atomic-resolution image of a donut-shaped enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix for replication. The structure reveals how six individual polypeptide lobes arrange themselves to look like a ring of bread buns, providing new insights into the molecular motor's mechanism.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 1999

For DNA, it's all about fitting in

Scientists at the University of Rochester have discovered that shape plays a crucial role in copying DNA, contradicting previous theories that relied on hydrogen bonds. This finding has significant implications for cancer diagnosis and potential applications in artificial DNA creation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 1999

DNA Used To Create Self Assembling Conducting Wire: Breakthrough Will Lead To Next Leap In Emerging Nanoelectronics

Scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have successfully created a working electronic component using DNA to assemble a conducting wire. The wire, 100 nanometers wide, has potential properties that could be used to make computer memories, and its narrow size allows for potentially much faster computer chips.