Articles tagged with Self Assembly
Scientists at Dartmouth College created an artificial protein that organizes buckminster fullerene molecules into ordered superstructures. This breakthrough enables the precise organization of molecules by design, leading to potential applications in medicine and energy.
Researchers found that basketball teams can be considered self-organised systems, adapting and evolving throughout the game. The final minute of close games is particularly intense, where teams must collaborate and make strategic decisions to win.
Researchers have developed a method to observe nanocrystal self-assembly in real-time, shedding light on the complex structures' formation. The technique uses synchrotron X-ray scattering and imaging, allowing for the direct manipulation of superlattices.
Researchers found that participants who assembled their own robots experienced a higher sense of accomplishment and ownership. However, those who faced difficulties during assembly lowered their ratings. The study suggests that manufacturers should balance positive and negative aspects of self-assembly when designing robots.
Researchers at University of Groningen find self-replicating molecules that diversify into distinct sets, sparking debate on life's molecular roots. The study reveals a process similar to biological speciation, but occurring at the molecular level.
Researchers have developed a new system to track nanometer-sized viruses at sub-millisecond time scales, shedding light on the spontaneous self-assembly of viruses. This breakthrough could help design drugs that prevent viruses from forming in the first place.
Researchers have developed an open-source computational tool to calculate van der Waals forces between molecules and predict molecular organization. The software, Gecko Hamaker, enables the design and fabrication of new mesoscale systems with improved stability and functionality.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute create a method for getting nanoparticles to self-assemble, focusing on the medium in which they're suspended. This approach enables reversibly writing information and has potential applications in rewritable paper, water decontamination, and controlled drug delivery.
Actin filaments exhibit synchronized motion when motor proteins are added, with local curvatures incompatible with thermal fluctuations. Collective motion emerges at high densities through non-binary interactions among filaments.
Researchers at Saarland University have found that liquid films on fibers can slip faster than flow along the fiber, leading to faster droplet formation. The team's study has important implications for designing novel fiber coatings for water harvesting applications.
Researchers have demonstrated autonomous locomotion in large self-powered soft liquid metal vehicles. The vehicles can divide into smaller ones while maintaining their motion and reunite seamlessly when close to each other.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Milan proposes a novel scenario for the non-biological origins of nucleic acids. The research demonstrates that the spontaneous self-assembly of short DNA fragments can drive the formation of longer polymers, potentially providing a pre-RNA route to the RNA world.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new approach to joining modular 3D building units using shape complementarity, enabling practical nanomachines with moving parts. This breakthrough offers a toolkit for easy programming of self-assembly, paving the way for applications in DNA origami.
A new study by Berkeley Lab reveals how calcium ions trigger the folding and binding of S-layer protein nanosheets, enabling the self-assembly of complex two- and three-dimensional structures. The findings have potential applications in creating nanostructured arrays for various materials.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method for creating symmetry-breaking optical metamaterials by using a feedback mechanism to self-assemble colloidal nanorods in solution. This breakthrough solves the problem of achieving large-scale symmetric breaking, allowing for new properties and applications.
Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have designed the first large DNA crystals with precise depth and complex 3D features, enabling the creation of revolutionary nanodevices. The breakthrough uses a modular 'DNA-brick self-assembly' method to build complex structures with nanometer precision.
Researchers developed novel protein/polymer nanostructures, reminiscent of living cell fibers, for material fabrication. The modified GFP molecules formed long fibers that disassembled with sound waves and reassembled within days.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique to create non-equilibrium systems by injecting energy through oscillations, enabling the self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding the fundamentals of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have devised a technique to form highly ordered thin films over macroscopic distances in one minute. The technique uses supramolecules based on block copolymers to create nanocomposites that self-assemble into hierarchically-structured thin films.
Researchers have successfully scaled up molecular self-assembly from nanometers to millimeters using noncovalent interactions, enabling the creation of large-area nanostructures. This breakthrough paves the way for alternative patterning techniques in nanoelectronics and materials science.
Researchers develop method to control ordering of self-assembling structures, inducing reversible switching and transformation between arrangements. Nano-scale materials with specific properties are crucial for various applications in electronics, photovoltaics and biomimetic material synthesis.
Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä report a new method for building molecular cages that exploits intermolecular steric effects to control self-assembly. This allows for the creation of cages with vacant metal binding sites, enabling modifications to their properties.
Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have found that inhomogeneously charged particles can form gel-like or crystal-like structures depending on parameters. The study's results show different possible configurations, including simple hexagonal structures and less ordered gel-like structures with interconnected rings.
Researchers investigated four fundamental mechanisms: TRUS, CTOF, RR, and CT-SIG, which provide principles for designing intelligent SON systems. Bio-inspired algorithms, such as ACO and BeeHive, have shown capabilities in self-optimization and fault-tolerant operations, addressing networking and operational issues.
Research team develops co-assembly approach to create complex nanostructures with preprogrammed properties. The nanoparticles, resembling caterpillar larva, can be designed with specific functions and stimuli responsiveness.
A multi-institutional team of engineers has developed a new approach to fabricate nanostructures for the semiconductor and magnetic storage industries. They combine top-down advanced ink-jet printing technology with bottom-up self-assembling block copolymers, increasing resolution from approximately 200 nanometers to 15 nanometers.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a programmable DNA glue that directs tiny gel bricks to self-assemble into complex structures. The method could help solve tissue engineering challenges by creating injectable components that self-assemble into biocompatible scaffolds.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that can assemble and disassemble using temperature, improving drug delivery and anticancer treatment. The new system uses thermosensitive polymers to control nanoparticle interactions, enabling more precise structures and potentially increasing the efficacy of anticancer drugs.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich have successfully created 2D patterns using molecules, which could lead to novel physics and chemistry. The patterns, known as snub square tilings, were produced through self-assembly protocols and feature five-vertex connecting elements less than one nanometer across.
Scientists from Aalto University and Paris Tech have created a new model system for reversible switching between static and dynamic self-assembled structures. By using periodically oscillating magnetic fields, they demonstrated that droplet patterns can transform into more complex and dynamic ones.
Researchers have discovered a method to control and direct the self-assembly of two distinct colloids by utilizing DNA-coated particles. This breakthrough has potential applications in various technologies, such as smart drug-delivery patches and light-reacting paints.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have observed nanoparticle chains forming in situ for the first time, using a transmission electron microscope. The study demonstrates the potential of nanoparticles in energy-relevant technologies and could lead to new materials with unique properties.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way for small molecules to spontaneously grow into centimeter-long microtubes through self-assembly. The process involves the formation of vesicles that stick onto the surface of the tube, causing it to grow longer and wider.
Scientists have developed a way to create dynamic microtubes by synchronizing the movement of tiny Janus spheres. This process allows for the formation of intricate structures with potential applications in medicine and engineering.
Researchers study 'The Cheerios Effect' to understand colloidal self assembly and its applications in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and more. The team uses acrylic shapes and laser cutting to visualize particle motion related to meniscus dynamics.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant progress in fabricating advanced nanomaterials with improved properties. The controlled assembly of nanostructures enables the creation of self-assembled films with novel and unprecedented properties suitable for various electrical and electronic applications.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered that protein-folding funnels can also apply to self-assembly of multiple proteins. The findings provide important guidelines for future biomimicry efforts, particularly in device fabrication and nanoscale synthesis.
Researchers explore how membranes influence self-assembly and structure formation in cells, revealing that membranes promote self-assembly and reproduce structures similar to those found in nature.
A new model system explores how cells' functional structures assemble through self-organisation. The study reveals that actin filaments, held together by cross-linking proteins and molecular motors, can rapidly compact into highly ordered fibres.
Researchers developed a new approach to creating microchip structures using self-assembling polymers, producing arrays of wires with perfect square and rectangular patterns. This technique can create complex shapes, such as cylinders, spheres, and double cylinders, with a simple template.
Scientists have discovered that even slight stimuli can change the information flow in the brain by altering the temporal pattern of communication between brain areas. This reorganisation can be triggered at the right time, allowing for rapid changes in perception.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a technique for inducing nanorods to self-assemble into complex one-, two- and three-dimensional macroscopic structures. The technique uses block copolymers as a platform for guiding the self-assembly of nanorods, enabling more effective use in solar cells, magnetic storage devices and sensors.
Material chemists and engineers at Brown University developed algorithms to identify optimal 2-D planar nets for self-folding polyhedra. Experiments confirmed the design principles, allowing for the creation of complex 3-D structures with high yields.
Researchers can create new materials with distinct electrical, optical, and mechanical properties using self-assembly processes. These developments have the potential to tackle challenges in catalysis, medical sensing, and other fields.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization found that the brain's activity patterns are highly chaotic, with information lost at a rate of one bit per active neuron per second. This high deletion rate indicates that the cerebral cortex is tailored to process brief snapshots of sensory input.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab coaxed polymers to braid themselves into complex structures, mimicking biological materials' hierarchy and precision. The findings could lead to new applications in drug delivery, molecular sensing, and more.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that randomly dispersed microparticles can self-assemble into a highly organized structure as they flow through microscale channels. This phenomenon is driven by hydrodynamic interactions between particles, fluid, and the conduit they flow through.
Researchers have successfully self-assembled rod-shaped molecules into small rotors within a two-dimensional network, forming a hexagonal lattice. The rotors exhibit unique energy thresholds and can maintain their structure even when exposed to thermal energy, enabling potential applications in optical or electronic switching.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered the optimal length of DNA strands for self-assembly, overcoming historical challenges. This breakthrough enables the creation of biocompatible, biodegradable drug-delivery vehicles and molecular sensors with significant diagnostic applications.
Researchers at the National Institute for Nanotechnology developed a new method using microwave ovens to accelerate the self-assembly process for semi-conductors. This technique significantly reduces processing time, creating a viable alternative to conventional lithography methods.
The brain is highly flexible during growth, with neuronal connections restructured through self-organisational processes. The number of nerve cells remains unchanged, but non-neuronal cells increase, enabling the visual cortex to adapt to new experiences.
Researchers developed a new, ultra-simple method to create nanoscale gold coatings using liquid toluene and gold nanoparticles. The process produces monolayers of gold on various surfaces in just 10 minutes without post-synthesis cleaning.
Researchers have developed a way to use Rice University's light-activated nanoshells as building blocks for complex structures that can trap, store and bend light. These materials have unique optical properties, making them suitable for applications such as ultrasensitive biological and chemical sensors.
Physicists at NYU have created colloidal dispersions with programmable particle interactions, offering opportunities for engineering smart composite particles and new functional materials. The 'lock and key' mechanism allows specific particles to join together based on shape, marking a next step in understanding self-assembly processes.
Assoc Prof Lam has won a S$20,000 fellowship to support her research on self-assembling biomolecules for sensing applications. The award recognizes her contributions to the advancement of science and research in Singapore, building on her expertise in understanding and designing materials.
Scientists have successfully regulated the formation of G-quadruplexes by influencing the distance and solution conditions. This controlled self-assembly enables the creation of complex structures with unique characteristics.
Researchers at NIST create device to detect chirality in molecules, which could indicate presence of life. The technique may be used to search for extraterrestrial life by analyzing light reflected from planetary surfaces.
Scientists at Harvard University have discovered a way to synthesize and control the formation of nanobristles into helical clusters. The finding has potential use in energy, information storage, photonics, adhesion, capture and release systems, as well as particle mixing and transport.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute, led by Hao Yan and Yan Liu, have successfully created 3D DNA nanotubes using gold nanoparticles, which can be used to form flexible and resilient structures. These nanostructures have potential applications in photometry, photovoltaics, touch screens, flexible displays, and biomedical advancements.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute and Technical University discover that turbulent flows in pipes will inevitably become laminar, with the transition taking many years. This finding could help save energy in applications like oil pipelines.